#GetOutThere Guide: Natural Swimming Holes in Northern Rivers, Australia

MI OLA brand ambassador Ellen lives in one of the most beautiful regions in Australia, the Northern Rivers (home to the world famous surf break Byron Bay). Ellen’s loves being in the water. When she is not surfing or diving, she is exploring natural swimming holes near her home. Here’s her guide on her favorite “wild” swimming holes in Northern Rivers.

Wild Swimming in the Northern Rivers region of Australia

Hi there MI OLA mermaids, it’s Ellen here a.k.a. @artemis_eleven! The focus of today’s #GetOutThere guide is wild swimming in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Australia. Our area is famed for its white sandy beaches and world renowned surf breaks (think Byron Bay & Snapper Rocks). And as the name implies, it’s also rich in inland waterways – lakes, rivers, creeks and waterfalls; these make a refreshing, change from the busyness of the coast. Most out-of-towners are lured to the Northern Rivers by the promise of great surf (see my Surf Guide to Byron Bay). But the the region has so much more to offer. It’s well worth making time to explore the hinterland (or the inland) – you never know, you might just stumble upon a magical place!

 

How to get there:
The Northern Rivers is the most northeastern region of NSW, making the border with Queensland. There are three regional airports (Lismore, Grafton and Ballina) that service other towns in Australia, and our nearest international airports are the Gold Coast and Brisbane, both over the border in Queensland. To get to the wild swimming spots, you’ll need a car.

Where to stay:
Most of the towns in the Northern Rivers have great accommodation options. If you come here with surfing as your priority, stay in Byron Bay, Evans Head, or Yamba, and then venture out from there. If you’d prefer to stay closer to the Hinterland, try the bigger towns such as Murwillumbah or Lismore, or the smaller villages such as Nimbin or McLean. There are also plenty of unique options – why not check out Airbnb for some inspiration!

Where to eat:
All of that wild swimming is bound to work up an appetite! As most of the swimming holes are a fair way from the nearest town, I’d recommend taking a picnic with you. Stop at one of the regular farmers markets (Saturdays in Lismore & Kyogle, Thursdays in Byron Bay, Sundays in Ballina) or take advantage of the big monthly markets (2nd Sunday in The Channon, 4th Sunday in Bangalow) to stock up on local produce and create a feast fit for a king!

Wild swimming:
Below are some of my favorite spots for fresh water swimming in natural settings. This list is by no means exhaustive, and I’m sure there are plenty of other great spots out there if you’re willing to do a bit of searching! You can find a map with all these locations by clicking here.

Whian Whian Falls, Whian Whian Road, Dunoon
This spot is a favorite with the locals on a hot summer’s day, and has lots of options depending on what you’re looking for. The top of the falls has many smaller rock pools to lie in, and below the falls there are a number of terraces that extend for around 1 km downstream that you can swim or paddle in. The main pool is fed by the waterfall, and there’s plenty of room to either side of the pool to lay out a picnic rug and take in the scenery. The pool itself quite small, so while you can swim around in it you won’t be far from the edges. It’s deep enough to jump in from the surrounding rocks, but take care and ask the locals for advice – they’ll know where the hidden rocks are.

Parking: 3 stars
There is space on the side of the road for about 10 cars. Can be difficult to find a space in the height of summer

Access: 4 stars
You’ll need to either climb down the riverbank, or the rocks to the side of the waterfall. Neither route is particularly challenging, but take care.

Waterfall rating: 3 stars
The waterfall itself is quite small, but can be much more impressive after heavy rain.

Seclusion: 3 stars
You’re unlikely to ever get this swimming hole to yourselves, but there are lots of smaller pools in the terraces below, and you should be able to find some space away from the crowds.

Cannonball potential: 5 stars
The main pool is about 2.5 m deep (9 ft), and there are good jumping points about 1.5 m (5 ft) and 3 m (10 ft) up. Check the pool before you jump though, there are some hidden rocks near the edges so make sure you avoid them!

 

Lake Ainsworth, Pacific Parade, Lennox Head
Situated at the north end of town, just across from the beach, this tea tree stained fresh water lake is popular with tourists and locals. Don’t be put off by the red color of the water – it comes from the tannins and oils from the surrounding tea trees. As a result your skin and hair will feel amazing after a swim! The lake is huge, and fairly deep in the middle. It is used by open water swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers, as well as people just wanting to splash around. There are small, sandy beaches on the southern end, as well as grassy spots with BBQ facilities. Although the shallows are likely to be busy, if you’re prepared to swim/paddle out to the middle you’ll find all the peace and quiet you need!

Parking: 5 stars
There is plenty of parking on the south and eastern sides. It’s also only a short walk from the main town.

Access: 5 stars
No access issues here – walk straight in off the grass.

Waterfall rating: 0 stars
No waterfall I’m afraid – this lake is fed by groundwater.

Seclusion: 3 stars
The lake is often busy, but it’s so big that you’ll be able to find space to yourself.

Cannonball potential: 3 stars
There’s nowhere to jump off, so you’ll need to go in search of the rope swings that have been set up in the bigger trees by the locals. Be sure to time your release right though or you might end up in knee deep water!

 

Dalwood Falls, Dalwood Road, Dalwood

This waterfall is a pretty well kept secret. It can be tricky to find (look out for the concrete barrier near the ‘Dip’ sign) and you’ll have to walk past a number of warnings that swimming here isn’t safe. In reality, it’s not the swimming that’s the problem, it’s the accidents that have resulted from people jumping off the 12 m (40 ft) cliff face. The scramble down to the main pool isn’t easy, but once you’re down there you’ll be rewarded with one of the most picturesque scenes. The pool is large, deep and circular, and the waterfall itself is medium sized. This is a great waterfall to take an inflatable mattress to float around in the sunshine.

Parking: 3 stars
You’ll have to park on the side of the road, but it’s a country road so there’s plenty of space on the shoulders.

Access: 1 star
Of the swimming holes featured here, this is definitely the most difficult to access. Follow the path around the cliff face into the trees, and scramble down to the rocks below. Make sure you wear proper shoes (flip flops won’t cut it) and use the tree roots for foot holds.

Waterfall rating: 4 stars
The falls are impressive, and make the scene very picturesque.

Seclusion: 5 stars
I’ve been here a number of times when there’s been no-one else here. In the height of summer you may have to share it with another group of people, but it’s big enough to not be a problem.

Cannonball potential: 0 stars
DO NOT, I repeat, do not jump off the cliff! People have died doing it, it’s not cool. Just enjoy the beauty and the tranquility of the pool.

 

Blue & Green Pools, The Crescent, Angourie
These two pools are old stone quarries that flooded, and have been allowed to return to nature. They are so named because one has a definite green-ish tinge, the other a blue-y tinge. They both make great safe swimming options when the surf is firing at nearby Spookies. The pools are easy to find- they’re marked on most maps, and there are sign posts from the car park at the end of The Crescent.

Parking: 4 stars
A large car park, but as it also serves the nearby beaches it can get busy in summer.

Access: 4 stars
An easy walk from the car park brings you to the Blue Pool. You’ll have to do a bit of scampering across rocks for an easy entry point, or just jump in! The Green Pool is along the track to the right of the Blue Pool, and is easier to get in to.

Waterfall rating: 0 stars
No waterfalls here – these lakes are fed by groundwater

Seclusion: 3 stars
Can get busy in the summer, but the Blue Pool is quite large so you’ll be able to find a spot to yourself.

Cannonball potential: 5 stars
The top of the old quarry face is now about 4 m (13 ft) above the waterline of the Blue Pool and extends down to about 15 m (50 ft) deep. It makes a great place to cannonball! The Green Pool has a few low spots where you could get a great run up into a cannonball too.

 

Killen Falls, Killen Falls Drive, Tintenbar

Probably the most impressive waterfall on the list, Killen Falls was also the first one I discovered. The walk from the car park takes about 15 minutes, but if you’re not up for the full walk there’s a good viewing platform about 1/3 of the way along that looks out over the top of the falls. The walk itself can be challenging and slippery, so proper shoes are advised. You’ll need to ‘jump the barrier’ just before the viewing platform to continue down, but the path is obvious and well worn. The pool itself is large but shallow and presents easy, safe swimming. You can also scramble around behind the falls which is quite an experience.

Parking: 5 stars
There is a dedicated car park, and I’ve never seen it completely full.

Access: 3 stars
A moderate challenge, so not for the unfit, or for small children.

Waterfall rating: 5 stars
One of the most impressive waterfalls I’ve seen. The sheer volume of water that comes over is incredible!

Seclusion: 3 stars
You’re unlikely to be the only visitors to this waterfall – it’s popular amongst locals, tourists and photographers – but there’s something so awe-inspiring about these falls that give it a tranquil feel, even at busy times.

Cannonball potential: 0 stars
Unfortunately, the water is just too shallow for any kind of jumping. Float around, and take in the beauty.

 

Currumbin Rock Pools, Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley

Technically not in the Northern Rivers, but a mere 500 m over the border into Queensland so I’m still going to include them! There are a couple of great spots along Currumbin Creek for a swim, the first is to the left of the main road and is well signposted. This has picnic areas and plenty of space to lay a rug on the grass and set up for the day. This large pool is often busy, and I’d recommend continuing up Currumbin Creek Road to the National Park and checking out the pools there. This series of pools has something for everyone – there are the shallow pools towards the top, great for sitting and relaxing in. There’s the ‘waterslide’ in the middle section – a channel carved out in the rocks and smoothed out over the centuries that makes for an exhilarating ride. Finally, at the bottom, there’s the main waterfall and pool that makes for easy swimming. There’s also a beautiful walk up through the ancient forest, and a history lesson to be had if you walk as far as the old timber mill.

Parking: 3 stars
There are dedicated car parks but they fill up quickly in summer. Head there early!

Access: 4 stars
You may need to do some scrambling over smooth rocks to get to the water, but it’s fairly straightforward.

Waterfall rating: 4 stars
More cascades than waterfalls, but still very impressive!

Seclusion: 1 star
Likely to be busy in summer.

Cannonball potential: 2 stars
There are places you can jump from, but recently people have been caught out by hidden underwater rocks. Be careful, and check properly for rocks before you jump.