Perth's beaches rank among the world's most beautiful strands. For us, a day at the beach is easy because they are all so close. Even if they're not that close, they're easy to get to.
But sometimes, you just don't feel like dealing with all the sand, the crowds or those strong coastal winds. That doesn't mean you must forego the swim you crave. Swimming holes dot the landscape in and around Perth. Even better: they offer a nice change of scenery from the bright sands and pounding surf.
With such a wide-ranging selection, it was hard to limit our list to just 15 places to swim in Perth. Come with us as we discover the best falls, pools, lakes, and reserves Perth has to offer. Some of them are off the beaten path and often far less crowded than Cottesloe or Mullaloo beaches. Let us know what you think of our picks, won't you?
The Best Swimming Holes Perth
You don't always have to travel far to find the best swimming spots Perth. A few in this segment are just minutes away from Greater Perth, yet they offer outdoor pursuits of all types, including swimming.
Wungong Dam
You can't swim in the actual dam waters but if you head downstream from the dam wall, you'll find a lovely little lake. If you're a model boat enthusiast, you'll enjoy putting your craft to water there.
However, this recreational area has a warning. If you're a dog owner or an amateur drone photographer, you'll have to leave your furry friend(s) and flying equipment at home. They're not allowed.
Wungong Dam is only about 45 minutes from the Perth city centre. Outdoors enthusiasts make a day of it, having picnics in the park and enjoying the scenery. That might make things a bit crowded, especially during wildflower season.
Rocky Pool
Beware that Western Australia features two Rocky Pools. One lies far north, near Carnarvon. That's a nine-hour drive away but a cool dip in a freshwater pool is your reward. Perth's closer Rocky Pool lies only 30 minutes east of the city.
After that short drive, you may stretch your legs on the five-kilometre Circuit Walk, taking in all the wildlife and scenery. Then, it will be time to cool down in the small pool. The 'small' description is not a poetic licence. This body of water is not as large as other places to swim in Perth.
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Bicton Baths
These baths are Perth's closest swimming hole yet. The Bicton Baths Reserve lies roughly 25 minutes from the city centre, on the Swan River's banks. This location's nearness makes it a popular bathing spot for water enthusiasts and marine life explorers alike.
Right next to this high-traffic swimming hole, you'll find a heated hydrotherapy pool - hence, the 'baths' label. The pool is 30 metres deep and relies on geothermal activity for its agreeable temperatures. You can have a soak as you take in the scenery and perhaps even spot a dolphin pod.
Lake Leschenaultia
This lake used to be a railway dam servicing the Eastern Railway. It no longer serves in that capacity but why waste a contained body of water? In 1949, it became a recreation area. Today, you can hike its trails, hire canoes or loll around on the beach's white sands.
This lake is a bit further out than some of the other top swimming spots in Perth. To get there, you must travel along the route to Chidlow for about 50 minutes. And then, you can enjoy your favourite beverage or have a meal before exploring the area. This idyllic spot would be the envy of Sydney and Brisbane swimming enthusiasts if they knew about it!
Barrabup Pool
Lake Leschenaultia is man-made, meant to service the railroad. By contrast, this pool is a natural formation that attracts water sports enthusiasts of all types. You might snag some marron or bring your barbecue setup to enjoy your lunch under the old-growth native trees.
After a bit of a hike along one of this park's many trails, indulge in the reason you drove for nearly three hours. This delightful swimming hole isn't as crowded as some of the others on this list. You may even decide to make it a weekend event by renting a camping spot.
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Other Top Swimming Spots in Perth
If you enjoy relaxing in calm waters and natural beauty, these swimming holes in Perth are for you. The best part is that they're not that far from the city centre; they're perfect for a day's getaway.
Serpentine Falls
These Falls lie only 55 kilometres from south Perth, making them one of Perthlings' most popular day trips. Like many of the recreation areas on this list, Serpentine Falls Park features many hiking trails and lots of wildlife. And swimming, of course; is the best part of your day away from the city.
Like Serpentine Falls, Lodden Falls in Glenlyon is one of Melbourne's hottest swimming holes. Both feature waterfalls, obviously, and both give you plenty of walking trails to explore before your swim. Making that hike will be well worth your while, especially as you drift around the pool's calm, cool waters afterwards.
Lane Pool Reserve
Travelling north to Dwellingup, we discover Lane Pool. The Reserve covers 50,000 hectares along the Murray River, allowing lots of room for all manner of outdoor activity.
You can reward yourself for your 90-minute drive by hiking one of this recreation area's many trails or jumping into the water straight away. Mountain biking, canoeing and camping are also options.
Scarp Pool
Also along the Murray River, we find this Pool. It lies within the Lane Pool Reserve network. Though pets are permitted in some areas of this complex, you may not bring them to this pool. You may, however, bring your kayak or canoe, and a packed lunch. Just be sure to pack it out when you leave.
Black Diamond Lake
Standup paddleboarders rave about this lake, as do kayakers and canoers. Its startling blue hue is a nature photographer's dream. Should you make the two-hour drive to this recreation area, be sure to swim only with your head above water. This body of water is known to harbour harmful bacteria occasionally.
Honeymoon Pool
Like Black Diamond Lake, this Pool lies along the Collie River. It too is great for paddling - canoes or boards. Getting in and out of the water is easy thanks to the deck with a slip-proof stairway. However, the same warning applies here as at Black Diamond. You should check the Shire of Collie's website to make sure the water is safe.
Touring the area, it struck me how much Black Diamond Lake resembled the swimming scene in Sydney. Loads of happy selfie-takers, huge crowds and oh-so busy. By contrast, a cool dip in the Collie River is a refreshing change.
Minninup Pool
As long as we're exploring recreational sites along the Collie, we have to mention this Pool. It lies just south of Collie and attracts nature and wildlife photographers from across Western Australia. Kayakers and swimmers are welcome. Make it a whole-day affair by packing in your lunch; those picnic areas offer some of this Pool's best views.
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Check out These Places to Swim in Perth
We now travel much further out of the city. Each recreation lake in this segment treats visitors to wild vistas and excellent waters.
Logue Brook Dam
Dog-loving swimmers across Australia drool over this swimming hole. Not only is this spot dog-friendly, but it offers great canoeing and fishing adventures, too. After a day on the water, you and your pooch can enjoy a hike along one of the dam's trails.
Oakley Dam
A little less than an hour and a half south of Perth, you'll find this popular recreational spot alongside the Munda Biddi Trail. If you're a mountain biker, this is the swimming hole for you. You may first ride the trails and then cool off in these waters. Just watch out for the leeches that make their home there.
Long Pool
This pool is one of the quietest, most secluded places to swim in Perth. It too nestles along the Collie and offers standard amenities like picnic tables and easy access to the water. It's not far from Honeymoon Pool, so you might want to get there early to make sure you secure your place.
Injidup Spa
Injidup isn't so much a swimming hole in Perth as it is a whirlpool bath. The wave action comes from ocean waters crashing over the rocks. Located three hours south of Perth, Injidup is nevertheless a popular water recreation site. Unless you don't mind crowding, get there early to snag the best spots.
Note that Adelaide water enthusiasts have a comparable swimming hole called Dalhousie Springs. If you've been planning a trip to South Australia and enjoy these waters' healing powers, be sure to put Dalhousie on your to-see list.
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