Ask any Australian about the wildest swimming spots they can think of and they’ll readily give you a list of about a dozen they love. However, their absolute favourites will certainly be kept secret. That’s because these natural swimming spots are the ones you have all to yourself, even in the midst of the summer heat. Fortunately, in a big country like Australia, there’s plenty to go around.

Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tableland, Queensland, Australia
You may feel like you’re stepping onto the set of Fantasy Island, but the falls you’ll find here are among the most photographed in all of Australia. The lush rainforest, green fern trees, and big flowering plants encompass this sweet swimming spot. This is part of the popular Waterfall Circuit, so while you won’t have it to yourself, it will still take your breath away.

Turpin Falls, Victoria
This large and often cold Billabong is located near Kyneton and is bordered on three sides by a 20-meter rock wall. Following heavy rains, waterfalls will tumble into the natural pool, offering you a free deep-tissue massage. Be sure to bring your inflatable flamingo.

Greens Pool, William Bay National Park, Western Australia
If you are after an untouched natural shoreline, this place has got it. Nothing but calm, ultramarine waters, washing up onto pure white sands. The standout feature however, is the beautiful boulders that surround it all. Greens Pool is sheltered from the waves and the wind by beautiful sculpted rocks that will make for the most relaxing snorkelling, floating, and swimming experience of your life.

Gunlom Pool, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
You’ll take a steep hot scrub walk to reach this pool, but once there, you will be pleased by the relief of a cool plunge into this big swim spot. The seasonal waterfall fills it up each year and that’s certainly worth some photos, but the real view is underneath you. The pool looks over Kakadu’s stunning landscape spanning three habitats: riparian, woodland, and stone country.

Jellybean Pool, Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales
This wide and sandy river is surrounded by thick bush and rocky outcrops sprouting from the Blue Mountains National Park. Jellybean is a top choice for someone looking to cool off on a hot summer day. The tea-coloured water has shady corners to shield you from the burning sun, but bear in mind that this destination is only one hour away from Sydney and it can get crowded. Camp overnight to visit at sunrise or sunset and you can totally avoid the crowd.

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
As you walk down to the beach, make sure to stop by the Wineglass Bay Lookout so you can see it from above. The white sand curls delicately at the shore, fading into turquoise, azure, and deep blues against the granite mountain range. This one is best to visit in the summer due to the chilly climate.

Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, Northern Territory
The 90 minute drive through thick red dust from Alice Springs will lead you to Ormiston Gorge which sits in the West MacDonnel Ranges. This swim spot makes for an epic experience and the water is actually sacred to the Kwartatuma, the Western Arrente people.

Josephine Falls, Wooroonooran National Park, Queensland
This rainforest is listed in the World Heritage database and it features a gorgeous natural water slide over the smooth granite rock that plummets into an aqua green pool. Be sure to bring your reef shoes because the river bed is going to be slippy, and filled with cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and platypuses!

Karijini National Park, Western Australia
Sitting about 1000 kilometres north of Perth, the incredible geology to be found at Karijini National Park attracts countless swimmers and photographers every year. The rock layers are folded into multicoloured bands as though a beautiful evening’s sunset has been solidified into the natural walls. Multiple gorges fill up with clear water. Kermit’s Pool becomes deep blue. The rock walls of the photographer favourite Spa Pool change from white to crimson depending on your perspective. It’s a must-see.

Karijini National Park, Pilbara Region. Western Australia
The Woronora River runs undisturbed to this easy access swing spot. Lined by virgin bushland and a very odd rope swing, you’ll also get to experience Sydney’s signature sandstone-studded ridge lines. And, don’t worry, there’s an enormous number of swimming pools in the area in case this one doesn’t suit your fancy.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bikini or board shorts, look for a cheap flight at https://www.google.com/flights get y,our travel insurance sorted at https://insurance.airnewzealand.co.nz and count down the days until you’ll be relaxing next to a secret swimming spot in Australia.