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We all love a spot of wild swimming! These are the best spots to hit up with access to public transport.
One of the best things about Sydney? How easy it is to leave. When you’re craving peace and quiet, a quick train trip is all it takes to leave the hustle behind.
The Best NSW National ParksSure, you could battle Bondi’s crowded buses for a sliver of seaside bliss, but there’s something special – something wild and untouched – about the beautiful Aussie bush. And national parks, conservation areas and state forests to explore, getting (metaphorically) lost in it is almost effortless.
Whether you’re seeking solitude or just hate sand, these wild swimming spots are a refreshing alternative to the standard saltwater romp.
Karloo Pools, Royal National Park
Set against a backdrop of lush bush, the emerald ebb and flow of Karloo Pools is hard to resist. Crystal clear and rimmed by rock, this natural wonder invites you to linger – even if the water is a little chilly. To get there, head to Heathcote and set out on the Royal National Park’s Karloo Walking Track. A 10-kilometre, moderate-grade trail, it takes around three hours to complete. (Or just 40 minutes if the pools are your final destination.) Go early if you don’t like to share, but don’t be disappointed if someone beats you there – this local treasure is one of Sydney’s most popular wild swimming spots for a reason.
Public transport tip: Take the train to Heathcote Station and cross to the eastern side of the tracks. Walk two minutes to the trailhead on Wilson Road.
Kingfisher Pool, Heathcote National Park
While the Royal Nasho tends to get all the glory, nearby Heathcote National Park has its own hidden beauty: Kingfisher Pool. Surrounded by a network of established walking tracks, this secluded swimming hole is well sign-posted and easy to locate – no navigation skills necessary. You won’t be fighting for space as you would at Wattamolla, nor risking a run-in with the tide at the Insta-famous Figure Eight Pools. Instead, you’ll enjoy a private slice of paradise, complete with cascading falls and native tea trees. Sit back, soak up the sun and admire this ancient landscape, where rushing water has carved through rock for millennia. To get there, drive to the end of Warabin Street in Waterfall, then follow the Bullaw
Public transport tip: Take the train to Waterfall Station. Walk 10-15 minutes to the end of Warabin Street where the trail begins.
The Needles, Engadine
Built around 1841, The Needles is a historic causeway that crosses the Woronora River. With its rope swing and sandy banks, this scenic swimming spot is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Accessible via a short but steep walk, it’s easy to reach – especially with a car – making it a popular choice for families with small kids. Unlike some of Sydney’s wilder swimming holes, you won’t need to scramble over slippery rocks to get into the water. Just cross the causeway and wade in from one of the small stretches of sand along the riverbank.
Public transport tip: Take the train to Engadine Station, then jump on the 993 bus to Miranda via Woronora Heights. Tap off at the stop after Diosma Place, just a few minutes walk from the trailhead. Walking from the train station will set you back 40 minutes one way, but offers ample opportunities for a pre-hike coffee.
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The Engadine Lagoon, Engadine
Quieter than The Needles but just as beautiful, Engadine Lagoon is a favourite among those in the know. With its deep green water and abundant bush setting, this serene swimming spot feels impossibly close to Sydney’s bustling concrete playground. Hemmed in by towering gum trees, it’s private, pristine – and if you’re lucky – all yours. To get there, park on Mount Carmel Place Road in Engadine and follow the yellow signposts towards “Engadine Lagoon Trail”. Better yet, download a map ahead of time. At 2.4 kilometres return, the walk into this hidden oasis is relatively short, but do expect some rock-hopping as you descend into the gully.
Public transport tip: The walk to Engadine Lagoon and The Needles starts at the same place, so follow the instructions above to get to the trailhead. If you’ve got time, bush bash along the banks of the Woronora River between the two pools to enjoy a double dip.
Marrinawi Cove, Barangaroo
Not all magical swimming spots are surrounded by bush. Case in point: Marrinawi Cove. With the harbour as its backdrop, this sheltered city “beach” makes for a surreal swimming experience. Fringed by the vibrant Walumil Lawns and surrounded by yellow sandstone, Marrinawi Cove blends the best of local flora with Sydney’s iconic architecture. The result? A world-class place to take the plunge. If there were a competition for Australia’s most iconic swimming spot, Marrinawi Cove would wear the crown.
Public transport tip: Take the metro to Barangaroo station, then walk 5-10 minutes through the reserve to reach the cove.
When you’ve worked your way through Sydney’s wild waterholes, dip your toes into Sydney’s best harbour swimming spots. And don’t forget your SPF!
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