Wilsons Promontory Whisky Bay Dad and Kids running into water at beach

News Best Places to Swim

1 Dec 2024
Nature & Outdoor
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Whether you're a cautious toe-dipper or a fearless plunger, here's your guide to cooling off in the water.

Sure is hot out. Take a dip in our pristine beaches, or discover inland waterholes, breathless lakes, clear mountain streams and wide-flowing rivers with points for an invigorating plunge.

Cape Conran Family walking beach PVRESIZE 1

Beaches

You'll find 90 miles of golden coastline, ivory white sand that squeaks underfoot, pebbly beaches, secret coves and everything in between.
Lake Glenmaggie boats backing in and people carrying lilos and inflatables

Summer Swimming (That Isn't the Beach)

While the hordes flock to the coast, escape to our freshwater faves. This is a round up of the best places to cool off in nature’s very own swimming pools.

Freshwater Highlights

Blue Pool ladies sitting on edge of Freestone Gorge pebbles by lake

Blue Pool

This natural pool in the gorge on Freestone Creek is a tranquility-overachiever, and the perfect place to cool off on balmy summer days.
Blue Rock Lake Willow Grove panoramic view of people sitting at lakes edge hero

Blue Rock Lake

Get the lure ready at this lake at the foothills of the Baw Baw National Park.
Lake Glenmaggie aerial shot with small boat in the distance

Lake Glenmaggie

Laced with scenic picnic areas, the large expanse of water is a hotspot for recreational boating, water sports, swimming and fishing.
Lake Narracan still lake in Moe with gum tree silhouette over water

Lake Narracan

Be transported to your state of zen by the surrounding nature and calming water, ideal for picnicking, fishing, water skiing and walking.
Ramrod Swimming Hole Bruthen Tambo River 4x4 at picnic area

Ramrod Swimming Hole

Just north of Bruthen, the Tambo River widens into a scenic pool, Ramrod Swimming Hole is surrounded by hills lined with poplar and gum trees.
Aerial photo of the river at The Bluff Reserve near Buchan 1

The Bluff Reserve

Visit The Bluff Reserve for riverside bliss, where an impressive rock face towers above the Buchan River.

Summer-patrolled surf beaches

Norman Beach Wilsons Prom couple walking across the beach with sea behind them

Norman Beach

Wilsons Promontory’s king-sized beach is ideal for families and a game of beach cricket. Wilsons Promontory beaches are blessed with crystal-like…
Family walking onto beach at Sandy Point

Sandy Point

Set behind rolling sand dunes, this is a wind and kite surfing paradise, facing the stunning coastline of Waratah Bay.
Venus Bay couple walking on beach with dog at sunset

Venus Bay

Long stretches of golden sand with sheltered waters of the spit and five surfing beaches make this town a favourite for beach goers of all kinds.
Cape Paterson Beach family walking over rockpools with ocean in background

Cape Paterson

The small seaside town is a favourite for beach goers, surfers and divers, and a fishing hot spot.
Couple admiring driftwood teepee hut on Inverloch beach

Inverloch Surf Beach

Glorious sunsets take place over the golden sands, vast enough to accommodate crowds on even the busiest summer days. On a calm day the waves are the…
Seaspray Surf Lifesaving Club boat in surf on beach

Seaspray

The sleepy town of Seaspray is a favourite for beaching, fishing, boating types with access to Ninety Mile Beach and shimmering waters of Lake Reeve.
Woodside Beach family in waves behind tree

Woodside Beach

Away from crowds, this is the perfect beach to collect your thoughts over a walk or a spot of fishing. Woodside Beach is the ideal location for a…
Mallacoota view over inlet toward beaches turquoise waters

Mallacoota

Expect lazy days spent beachside in this relaxed and largely undeveloped coastal town, blessed by the fishing and boating gods.
Sodafish ladies dining on floating restaurant overlooking Gippsland Lakes in Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance

Stunning beaches, vibrant water sports, world-class fishing and family fun have made Lakes Entrance a top holiday destination.

Published on under: Nature & Outdoor

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