Waterfall Way Swimming Holes: Where to Cool Off This Summer
When the coast is hot and humid and the kids are restless, the Waterfall Way has an answer: fresh water. Between Bellingen at the bottom of the escarpment and Armidale on the tablelands, rivers, creeks and waterfalls make some of the best natural swimming spots in northern New South Wales.
Here are four favourites, plus how to swim them safely in summer.
At a glance
Easiest: the Bellinger River in Bellingen, right in town
Most fun: Never Never Creek at the Promised Land, about 10 minutes from Bellingen
Most dramatic: the pool below Dangar Falls, just outside Dorrigo
Coolest air: the Blue Hole near Armidale, up on the tablelands
Golden rule: don't swim for a few days after heavy rain, and never jump in without checking the depth
1. The Bellinger River, Bellingen
You don't even need to leave town. Below Lavender Bridge, where the road from the coast crosses into Bellingen, grassy banks slope down to the Bellinger River. On summer afternoons locals picnic, sunbathe and wade in, and the main street's cafes are a few minutes' walk away.
Tip: keep your swimmers and a towel handy. It's the kind of place where a quick look turns into a swim.
2. Never Never Creek, the Promised Land
About 10 minutes' drive from Bellingen, in the valley locals call the Promised Land near Gleniffer, Never Never Creek runs clear over flat rocks into deep pools, some with rope swings. It's the classic Bellingen summer swim.
Parking is limited and there are no toilets, so go early or on a weekday, take everything home with you, and park only in signposted areas, as some of the surrounding land is private.
3. Dangar Falls, Dorrigo
Just outside Dorrigo, Dangar Falls pours into a rainforest pool that's popular on hot days. A path leads down from the viewing platform across a pebbly creek beach to the water. After rain the falls are powerful and the pool can be rough, so admire them from the platform on those days.
Combine it with the Skywalk and the Wonga walk in Dorrigo National Park, which stay shady even on the hottest days.
4. The Blue Hole, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
Up on the tablelands near Armidale, the Blue Hole picnic area in the Gara Gorge part of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is a popular local swimming spot, shaded by ribbon gums and river oaks. There are picnic tables and a sheltered barbecue, and the Threlfall walking track follows the gorge past the remains of a historic hydro-electric scheme.
Armidale sits at around 980 metres, so even in January the air up here is noticeably fresher than on the coast. Read more in our Oxley Wild Rivers National Park guide.
Swim safely
After rain: don't swim for a few days after heavy rain. Runoff can affect water quality, and rivers can rise fast.
Check the depth: never jump or dive in without checking the depth and looking for hidden rocks and logs.
Slippery rocks: wear water shoes and take care on wet rocks around waterfalls.
No lifeguards: none of these spots are patrolled. Watch children closely.
Fire danger: summer is bushfire season. Check NSW Rural Fire Service fire danger ratings and NSW National Parks alerts before you go, as parks can close.
Leave no trace: take all rubbish home and go easy on sunscreen right before swimming to keep the water clean.
Where to stay
Browse places to stay on Booking.com in Bellingen, Dorrigo and Armidale. Bellingen and Dorrigo are small and fill up over the summer school holidays, so book early.
This post includes affiliate links. If you book through them, Best Bits Travel may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
FAQs
Where can you swim near Bellingen?
In town, in the Bellinger River below Lavender Bridge, and about 10 minutes away at Never Never Creek in the Promised Land, which has rock pools and rope swings.
Can you swim at Dangar Falls?
Yes, many visitors swim in the pool below the falls on hot days. Avoid it after heavy rain, when the falls are powerful and the water can be rough.
Is the Blue Hole near Armidale good for swimming?
Yes. It's a popular swimming spot in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, with picnic tables, a barbecue shelter and the Threlfall walking track.
Are the Waterfall Way swimming holes safe?
They're unpatrolled natural swimming spots. Check the depth before getting in, never dive, avoid swimming after heavy rain and supervise children closely.
