Summer in the Blue Mountains has a magic all its own. Warm days drift into cooler evenings, the cicadas hum, the eucalyptus scent deepens in the heat and the landscape takes on a shimmering quality that feels both energising and calming.

While the region is often celebrated for its misty mornings, lookouts and walking trails, it also hides another kind of treasure. Natural swimming holes, cascading creeks and deep, cool pools sit quietly among the valleys, waiting for the curious traveller to seek them out.

Wild swimming is one of the purest ways to immerse yourself in the mountains. The gentle shock of stepping into cold, flowing water, the sunlight bouncing off sandstone walls, the stillness of pockets of rainforest or the joyful echo of children playing upstream. These are moments that linger long after summer has passed.

Here is your guide to some of the most beautiful wild swimming spots in and around the Blue Mountains, each offering its own blend of adventure, tranquillity and natural charm.

Before You Go: A Few Gentle Reminders

The Blue Mountains are beautiful, but they are also wild and dynamic. To keep your experience safe and enjoyable, remember the following.

• Avoid swimming after heavy rain as conditions can change quickly.

• Rocks and edges can be slippery, so take your time near waterfalls and creeks.

• Check NSW National Parks updates for any track closures or safety notices.

• Bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes.

• Respect the local environment by staying on tracks and leaving no trace.

With a little care, these natural spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Jellybean Pool, Glenbrook

Jellybean Pool is often the first taste of the wild water magic that the Blue Mountains offers. With its sandy edges and warm, shallow areas, it is a favourite for families and anyone seeking a relaxed, easy swimming experience. The sandstone walls that cradle the pool glow in the morning light, making it especially beautiful at the start of the day.

On hot afternoons, you will find people floating lazily, dipping in and out of the water, or simply sitting on sun warmed rocks watching the world drift by. Jellybean Pool is one of the most accessible wild swimming spots in the region and perfect for easing into a day of exploring.

Blue Pool, Glenbrook

A short walk beyond Jellybean lies the deeper and more dramatic Blue Pool. Its cool, shadowed water offers a refreshing swim even on the hottest days. Surrounded by towering rock walls and thick bushland, it feels a little more rugged and adventurous than Jellybean, making it ideal for confident swimmers.

On a quiet weekday morning, you may hear nothing but birdsong, the rustle of trees above and the soft echo of water moving along the gorge. It is a perfect place to escape the heat and reconnect with the soothing rhythm of nature.

The Pool Below Wentworth Falls

Few places blend beauty and serenity quite like the small natural pool beneath Wentworth Falls. As you walk down through the lush green forest, the sound of cascading water grows louder until you reach a calm basin where the falls spill over the cliffs above. The pool is not large, but it has an undeniable presence.

Dip your feet in the cool water, take a short swim or simply sit on the smooth stones and breathe in the fresh, mist filled air. It is both grounding and uplifting, a reminder of how powerful and peaceful the natural world can be.

Minnehaha Falls, Katoomba

Minnehaha Falls is one of the most loved wild swimming spots in the upper mountains. The moderate walk to reach it winds through gullies and across creeks until you arrive at a spectacular clearing where the waterfall drops into a generous, deep swimming hole.

The water is crisp and invigorating, the cliffs rise dramatically around you and the light dances across the pool throughout the day. Bring a towel, a packed lunch and a sense of adventure. Many visitors stay far longer than they intended, drawn in by the peaceful rhythm of flowing water and sun warmed rock.

Birdwood Gully Pools, Springwood

For those who prefer a gentle, shaded retreat, Birdwood Gully is a beautiful choice. The track meanders through rainforest, past ferns and over small footbridges, with a series of tiny pools along the way that offer a refreshing place to paddle or cool your feet.

This is the perfect option for walkers, photographers, bird watchers and anyone who prefers tranquillity over crowds. In the dappled light of late afternoon, the gully feels almost enchanted.

Victoria Creek Cascades, Mount Victoria

Some swimming spots do not require a deep plunge. Sometimes the joy lies in simply wading through clear, flowing water while the sun warms the sandstone beneath your feet. Victoria Creek offers exactly this, along with quiet cascades, smooth rocks to rest on and a peaceful atmosphere that feels a world away from busy lookout points.

This is a perfect place to unwind with a book or enjoy a picnic while dipping in and out of the cool water.

The Megalong Valley

In the Megalong Valley, the land opens into a gentle sweep of rolling hills, farms and forest. The creeks here are not deep, but they offer beautiful places to sit, splash and reconnect with the landscape. Bring a picnic, settle in beside a bend in the creek and enjoy the slow pace of valley life.

For guests staying at Mountain Whispers, the Megalong Valley offers the perfect combination of nature, quiet and romance.

Hidden Gems for Curious Wanderers

The Blue Mountains still hold a few secret spots for those who enjoy wandering a little further.

Porters Pass in Blackheath

A small seasonal pool appears after rain, framed by ferns and shaded by tall trees. It is perfect for a quick cool down on a warm day.

Evans Lookout Creek Edges

Along sections of the creek near Evans Lookout, you will find shallow pools ideal for dipping your feet after a morning walk along the clifftop trails.

Always tread gently in these delicate environments and stay on established paths.

Prefer a Dip Without the Hike? Try These

Glenbrook Lagoon

A calm body of water with easy access and beautiful birdlife. Ideal for a relaxed swim, paddleboard session or gentle float.

Lake Lyell in the Hartley Valley

Just beyond the mountains, Lake Lyell offers a scenic countryside setting with wide, calm water that is perfect for swimming and picnicking.

What to Bring for a Beautiful Day Out

A little preparation makes wild swimming much more enjoyable. Pack

• water shoes or sturdy sandals

• sunscreen, hat and insect repellent

• plenty of drinking water

• a lightweight picnic rug

• microfibre towels

• a thermos of iced tea or homemade cordial

These small comforts help you settle in and truly enjoy the experience.

When to Visit: Timing Matters

Each time of day brings a different kind of beauty.

• Early morning is quiet, golden and peaceful.

• Late afternoon brings softer light and cooler air.

• Midday is perfect for those who prefer warmth and brightness.

After a day of exploring, slipping back into your Mountain Whispers property is a delight. Wrap yourself in a soft robe, brew a cup of tea or pour a glass of sparkling wine and savour the slow transition from sun soaked adventure to evening relaxation.

Wild Swimming and Your Mountain Whispers Stay

Where you choose to stay can shape your wild swimming itinerary.

• Leura Rose and Varenna are beautifully located for visiting Wentworth Falls and Minnehaha Falls.

• The Gatsby places you close to Katoomba and Blackheath swimming holes.

• Strawberry Patch is perfect for exploring the creek pools of Glenbrook and Springwood.

• Chatelaine offers a serene base for adventures around Mount Victoria and the upper mountain trails.

Each property is a luxurious sanctuary, offering a perfect balance of adventure and indulgence.

Immerse Yourself in Stillness and Beauty

Wild swimming is more than a refreshing dip. It is a return to something simpler and more elemental. A chance to move slowly, breathe deeply and feel the landscape in a new way. The Blue Mountains is filled with places that invite you to pause, immerse and reconnect.

If you are looking for a memorable gift this summer, Mountain Whispers gift vouchers are available in any denomination and offer the perfect invitation to stillness, beauty and adventure.

The water is waiting, the sunlight is dancing on the surface and your next unforgettable moment lies just beyond the trail.