Uncover the 16 Best Swimming Holes in Victoria
If you’re looking to cool down in a spectacular natural waterhole, then Victoria has some of the best swimming holes in Australia.
The best swimming holes in Victoria range from natural rock pools to picturesque lakes. As well as enjoying a dip in pristine water, these swimming places offer you the chance to explore the natural area in a unique way.
So if you love swimming, nature and exploring the stunning scenery of Regional Victoria, this blog post will have something for you. Read this post if you’re looking for swimming holes in Melbourne.
Keep in mind that swimming in rivers and lakes is at your own risk, and it's always a good idea to take precautions such as checking for signs of water quality and safety before entering the water.
Find Great Waterholes Victoria
1. Croajingolong National Park
Croajingolong is a beautiful national park located on the remote far-east coast of Victoria. It is known for its ancient forests, giant sand dunes and clear, pristine waterways.
There are several spots within the park where you can go for a swim (or explore by canoe, kayak or boat) such as Tamboon, Mueller, Mallacoota and Wingan Inlet and Shipwreck Creek.
Towel off and set up camp overnight at Wingan Inlet, Shipwreck Creek or Mueller Inlet (and other campgrounds).
Being so remote and peaceful, the birdwatching here is phenomenal too.
Croajingolong National Park, Gale Hill Track, Wingan River
2. Blue Pool, Briagolong State Forest
The Blue Pool is a beautiful waterhole and gorge near Briagolong, about 30km north of Sale.
It’s a popular place for locals as a spot to cool off on a hot summer day or a place to take the kids for a swim.
The pools consist of a large waterhole that starts off shallow but quickly gets deep – so take your floaties!
While you’re in the area head up to The Bluff. It’s a steep five-minute climb that rewards you with some amazing views over the Blue Pool area.
If you want a longer walk (approximately one-hour return trip), head along the Peregrine Lookout Trail. If you visit between September to December, you may be lucky enough to see some of the Peregrine falcons that nest there.
Froam Picnic Area is about 600 metres from the pools and it has a BBQ and a campsite. Dogs are permitted on lead.
Blue Pool, Freestone Creek Road, Briagolong, Victoria, 3860
3. Venus Baths, Halls Gap
A scenic, family-friendly loop walking trail leads you on a tranquil walk to the Venus Baths rock pools. Along the easy 2.3-kilometre track you’ll walk past some majestic rock structures and stunning scenery.
At Venus Baths the creek flowers into a series of pools and even some natural waterslides over smooth rock formations!
4. Ladies Bath Falls, Mt Buffalo National Park
A short 400m walk off Mount Buffalo Road, takes you to the beautiful Ladies Bath Falls.
On a warm day, the pristine waterfalls collect into clear rock pools that are perfect for a dip. The refreshing (or even bracing) water is waist-deep in a part of the pool. Take care walking over the rocks as they can be very slippery.
Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon sunning yourself on the boulders next to the pools.
Ladies Bath Falls, Mount Buffalo Road Mount Buffalo 3740
5. Lake Catani, Mt Buffalo National Park
Lake Catani is an artificial lake inside Mount Buffalo National Park. There you’ll find crystal-clear (albeit cold) water and a spectacular alpine backdrop for swimming, canoeing or cycling around the lake.
It’s also a popular place to camp and has excellent facilities – toilets, hot showers, and tables.
Lake Catani, Mount Buffalo National Park
6. Gooram Falls, Gooram
Gooram Falls, within the Seven Creeks Wildlife Reserve, is a beautiful place to visit for a swim and picnic during summer. Alternatively, rug up in winter and enjoy the views of the rock pools and the water cascading over the rocks.
The series of cascading waterfalls are surrounded by a picnic area, so bring provisions.
Gooram Falls, 1981 Euroa-Mansfield Road, Gooram, Victoria, 3666
7. Lake Bellfield, Grampians
Lake Bellfield is located five kilometres from the main shops in Halls Gap. It is known to be a popular tourist spot with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and reflective waters.
The lake is used for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking.
Lake Bellfield, Grampians Road, Halls Gap, 3381, Australia
8. Blue Rock Lake, Baw Baw National Park
Blue Rock Lake is well-known for its fishing, but the lake has two designated swimming areas where boating and fishing are not permitted. There are shallow areas for beginners and deeper areas for experienced swimmers.
At the lake, you’ll find picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and a walking track.
Blue Rock Lake, Baw Baw National Park
9. St Georges Lake, Creswick
St Georges Lake is big but one section has a beach area that’s good for shallow water play and paddling (though watch out as the water drops off steeply).
There are lawn areas for those looking to relax between swims, with picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. Dogs are permitted on lead.
St Georges Lake, Creswick Regional Park
10. Vaughan Springs, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
Twenty minutes from Castlemaine you’ll reach the cool, mineral creek waters of Vaughan Springs.
This waterhole includes open grassy picnic areas, a giant slide that hits the Loddon River, toilets, picnic tables, a shelter and free electric barbecues.
Camping facilities are available at the Upper Terrace Campground. Dogs are not permitted.
Vaughan Springs, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
11. Jebbs Pool, Cumberland River
With a series of shallow pools, some deep water areas and plenty of room between the rocks, Jebbs Pool (no apostrophe!) at the Cumberland River is a great spot for swimming and relaxing in the sun.
There’s an easy 2km walk from behind the Cumberland River Caravan Park to access Jebbs Pool. The surrounding area is quite picturesque with bushland and rock ledges.
After visiting Jebbs Pool you can either return the same way or carry on to Cumberland Falls, which is roughly the same distance again but with a more challenging track.
Jebbs Pool, Cumberland River Holiday Park, Great Ocean Road
12. Lake Daylesford, Daylesford
Lake Daylesford is a man-made lake in the heart of Daylesford and a popular location for a picnic.
The swimming area is located near the lake shore but the depth is variable, so stay close to the shore.
In the area are toilets, picnic shelters with tables and barbecues, a kiosk and even paddle-boat hire and canoe hire.
Lake Daylesford, Daylesford
13. Bridgewater Swimming Hole, Loddon
This stunning natural infinity pool is located along the Loddon River and provides a tranquil setting for swimming and relaxing.
There's a timber deck with a ladder for entry/exit and a kayak ramp. The water is shallow and crystal clear, making it perfect for swimming in the summertime.
There are plenty of shady trees to provide relief from the sun and shaded barbecues and picnic tables so you can enjoy a meal in the open air. Toilets are also available.
Bridgewater Swimming Hole, 10-12 Brougham St, Bridgewater on Loddon
14. Centenary Park Ovens River Pool, Bright
The Ovens River is dammed at Bright around Christmas to Easter to create a river swimming spot. There’s even a diving board and water slide (fees apply) and a lifeguard is on duty in the afternoon most days during summer.
There is a great water play park where Morses Creek enters the Ovens River and that shallower area is best suited to kids. The rest of the Ovens River is deep.
Note that the Ovens River is also dammed to create the Porepunkah River Pool from around Christmas to Easter. As well as the river pool you’ll find a shaded toddler's paddling pool on the river banks nearby.
Centenary Park Ovens River Pool, Bright
15. Lake Meran, Leaghur State Park
Lake Meran is a picturesque freshwater lake on the northern end of Leaghur State Park. It’s fringed by shallow, white sandy beaches and the red gums provide welcome shade.
There is a designated swimming area and other facilities include a boat ramp, barbecues, picnic tables and toilets.
It’s a lovely spot to camp, swim, fish or relax with a picnic.
Lake Meran, Leaghur State Park
16. Loddon Falls, Glenlyon
Formed by volcanic eruptions around 2.5 million years ago, Loddon Falls is now a bush reserve. The waterhole beneath Loddon Falls is a beautiful spot for swimming, surrounded by dramatic rock faces. Take a lilo and lie back back to enjoy the tranquillity.
Loddon Falls, Glenlyon
Dip into the best swimming holes in Melbourne
Beat the heat at one of Melbourne's Best Outdoor Swimming Pools
Here are some of the Best Day Trips in Melbourne For Families To Enjoy
