Sydney's secret swimming holes

There’s nothing nicer than a trip to the beach on a hot summer’s day… except when everyone else decides to come too!

If you’re looking for a refreshing dip somewhere less chaotic and overcrowded look no further than one of Sydney’s swimming holes! We’ve made sure this list is accessible by public transport so you can leave the car at home.

It might be a bit of a walk to get there but the serenity of these quiet swimming holes will reenergise you for the walk back!

Karloo Pools – Royal National Park


Heathcote Station

A short 5 minute walk from Heathcote Station will take you to the entrance of Karloo Pools Walking Track. It’s a 2.5km walk to the pools and is estimated to take about 37 minutes. You’ll definitely be ready for a swim once you get there!

The terrain is relatively hilly and rocky so previous bush walking experience is recommended.

For more information on Karloo Pools visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s website.


Manly Dam


B1 B-Line “City Wynyard to Mona Vale”

Ok so this one isn’t exactly a “pool” but Manly Dam is a lovely place to swim in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

From Wynyard Station you can catch the B1 B-Line “City Wynyard to Mona Vale” bus to Condamine St and then it’s a 20 min walk down King Street to Manly Dam.

If you are a keen runner then keep a look out on the Sydney Trail Series website as they regularly hold trail races around Manly Dam which finish with a refreshing swim.

For more information visit the Northern Beaches Council website.


Kingfisher Pool – Heathcote National Park

Waterfall Station

Get your walking shoes on because it’s a 34 minute bush walk from Waterfall Station to Kingfisher Pool. It’s a steep descent down (and a steep ascent back!) so you’ll really get a good workout before and after your swim!

However, the extra effort is absolutely worth it. Here are some footage and images of a time when one of our Talent Participant’s visited Kingfisher Pools. It was magical!


Do you have any amazing holiday places you’d like to share with us? Comment below with your tips and suggestions!


There’s nothing nicer than a trip to the beach on a hot summer’s day… except when everyone else decides to come too!

If you’re looking for a refreshing dip somewhere less chaotic and overcrowded look no further than one of Sydney’s swimming holes! We’ve made sure this list is accessible by public transport so you can leave the car at home.

It might be a bit of a walk to get there but the serenity of these quiet swimming holes will reenergise you for the walk back!

Karloo Pools – Royal National Park


Heathcote Station

A short 5 minute walk from Heathcote Station will take you to the entrance of Karloo Pools Walking Track. It’s a 2.5km walk to the pools and is estimated to take about 37 minutes. You’ll definitely be ready for a swim once you get there!

The terrain is relatively hilly and rocky so previous bush walking experience is recommended.

For more information on Karloo Pools visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s website.


Manly Dam


B1 B-Line “City Wynyard to Mona Vale”

Ok so this one isn’t exactly a “pool” but Manly Dam is a lovely place to swim in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

From Wynyard Station you can catch the B1 B-Line “City Wynyard to Mona Vale” bus to Condamine St and then it’s a 20 min walk down King Street to Manly Dam.

If you are a keen runner then keep a look out on the Sydney Trail Series website as they regularly hold trail races around Manly Dam which finish with a refreshing swim.

For more information visit the Northern Beaches Council website.


Kingfisher Pool – Heathcote National Park

Waterfall Station

Get your walking shoes on because it’s a 34 minute bush walk from Waterfall Station to Kingfisher Pool. It’s a steep descent down (and a steep ascent back!) so you’ll really get a good workout before and after your swim!

However, the extra effort is absolutely worth it. Here are some footage and images of a time when one of our Talent Participant’s visited Kingfisher Pools. It was magical!


Do you have any amazing holiday places you’d like to share with us? Comment below with your tips and suggestions!


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Page last updated: 01 Nov 2018, 10:52 AM