It’s official; we’ve reached the hottest temperatures this summer has seen and
everyone is flocking to the water to cool off. And while you’d be hard-pressed
to find a subpar swimming hole in beautiful Sydney, there’s a few that sparkle
a little brighter this time of year.
Grab a hat, chuck on your swimmers, and get yourself to these spots - stat!
Resolute Beach, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Image sourced from @gracecorby
If it’s off-the-beaten-track you’re looking for, then this beach delivers in spades.
With practically no one around, this swimming spot is flanked by bushland and
calm, brilliant blue water. From West Head lookout in the National Park, there’s
a 1-2km downhill bush trail that leads you all the way to the water, with captivating
views over the Barrenjoey Headland and Pittwater.
From the centre of Sydney, you’re looking at up to an hour’s drive to this magical
spot, but once you arrive, it’ll be crystal clear just how worthwhile it is. The only
company you’re likely to encounter are local boats docking just out from the
beach, mainly on weekends and holidays.
Wylies Baths, Coogee
Image sourced from @wyliesbaths
Despite being based in Coogee, this stunning spot has somehow flown under
the radar. Just a few hundred metres south of Coogee Beach, the ocean tidal
pool known as Wylies Baths has panoramic views of the ocean, and is one of
Sydney’s oldest and most precious pools.
Situated under the Coastal Walkway with stellar views, salty waves rolling
across the pools, and easy access from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Wylies
Baths are a local treasure to behold.
Milk Beach, Vaucluse
Image sourced from @milkbeachsydney
One of many spectacular swimming spots in Sydney Harbour is the isolated
Milk Beach. Sandwiched between the bustling Nielsen Park and Hermit Bay,
Milk Beach is a hop, skip and a jump from Vaucluse Rd, but it feels a lot further.
Accessed via Carrara Rd or along Hermitage Foreshore Walk, Milk Beach has
direct views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as both grass and sandy spots to
park yourself in for the day. The water is clear and the views are vast,
making this swimming spot one to remember.
Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook
Image sourced from @chiefdulia
Looking to escape the coast for the ultimate summer dip?
Then pack the car with snacks and sunscreen and head on up to the Blue
Mountains. Just 45 minutes from the city, you can park the car at Glenbrook
Visitor Information Centre and stroll downhill to a divine natural swimming hole.
Named for its jellybean-like shape, this pool is part of Glenbrook Creek,
where the waters are calm and the gumtree shade is a-plenty.
There’s also access to toilets and drinking water, and the shallow waters
and sandy banks make it safe for swimming.
There’s a small fee of $8/day if you want to drive into the National Park,
which also reduces the walking distance to the pool.
Wattamolla, Sutherland Shire
Image sourced from @sydney
Smack bang in the heart of the Royal National Park in Sydney’s south is the
grand Wattamolla watering hole. With a cove and a waterfall, a stretch of white
sandy beach and a lagoon skirted by bushland, Wattamolla has plenty on offer,
so even on busy days you can slip away from the crowds.
Entrance fee to the park is $12 per vehicle, per day, and you’ll want to get in
early to get the best parking spot. But once you’ve settled on your home base,
take the time to swim, explore, and marvel in the meeting place of land and sea.
There’s also picnic tables, barbeques, toilets, and camping areas.
From Sydney’s CBD, it’ll take around an hour to venture down south,
but this gem is definitely worth the drive.
Gordons Bay, Eastern Suburbs
Image sourced from @emmmcook
We’re back in the Eastern Suburbs, but this time slightly north of Coogee in
Gordons Bay. An icon in its own right, this delightful swimming spot is sans sand
for those who aren’t too fussed on bringing the beach home with you.
Protected by rock shelves and an offshore reef, the deep waters of Gordons Bay
are safe to swim in almost any condition. The calm, inviting water makes it
popular not only for cooling off, but for stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling,
and even scuba diving.
Stake your spot on the rock slabs around the water's edge and bask in a sunny
afternoon with your fellow swimmers.
With summer in full swing, there’s never been a better time to plan your
weekend water escapes. And don't forget to pack your favourite eco-friendly
sunscreen! Which treasured swimming spots are you flocking to?
