Blue Mountains Swimming Guide – Best Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
Blue Mountains Swimming Guide – Waterfalls, Canyons & Secret Swimming Holes
Just 90 minutes west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer some of New South Wales' most spectacular swimming experiences. From the iconic turquoise waters of Jellybean Pool to the adventurous canyon swims at Dalpura and the hidden cascades along Bob Turners Track, the Blue Mountains combine dramatic scenery with refreshing mountain swimming.
This comprehensive guide covers the best swimming holes and waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, with everything you need to know about access, difficulty levels, seasonal conditions, and safety tips for exploring these mountain gems.
Why Swim in the Blue Mountains?
Close to Sydney: Most swimming spots are 1.5-2 hours from the CBD, perfect for day trips or weekend escapes
Cool mountain water: Refreshing even in summer, fed by pristine mountain streams
Dramatic scenery: Sandstone cliffs, eucalypt forest, and World Heritage wilderness
Adventure options: From easy family walks to challenging canyon scrambles
Year-round beauty: Each season offers different experiences, from summer swims to winter waterfall flows
Best Swimming Holes in the Blue Mountains
1. Jellybean Pool
Location: Glenbrook, Lower Blue Mountains
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – 1.5 km walk with some rock scrambling
Best for: Families, photography, iconic Blue Mountains swimming
Swimming season: Spring to Autumn (water can be very cold in winter)
Jellybean Pool is arguably the most famous swimming hole in the Blue Mountains. This stunning natural pool sits beneath a small waterfall, surrounded by smooth sandstone rocks and overhanging cliffs. The water glows an incredible turquoise-blue on sunny days, creating one of the most photogenic swimming spots in NSW.
What makes it special: The vivid blue-green water color, the perfect natural pool shape, and the relatively easy access make Jellybean Pool a must-visit. It's become an Instagram icon, but the beauty is real and worth the hype.
The walk: Start from the Glenbrook Causeway car park and follow Red Hands Cave Track. After viewing the Aboriginal hand stencils, continue to Jellybean Pool. The track involves some rock hopping and can be slippery when wet.
Swimming experience: The pool is deep enough for swimming but small, so it can feel crowded on busy weekends. The water is cold year-round but refreshing in summer. Best visited early morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Important notes: Park entry fees apply. No facilities at the pool – bring everything you need. The track can be challenging for young children due to rock scrambling.
Read the complete Jellybean Pool guide →
2. Dalpura Canyon
Location: Near Blackheath, Upper Blue Mountains
Difficulty: Challenging – requires canyoning experience and equipment
Best for: Experienced adventurers, canyoning enthusiasts, unique swimming experiences
Swimming season: Summer (requires wetsuits even in warm weather)
Dalpura Canyon is one of the Blue Mountains' most thrilling swimming adventures. This technical canyon involves swimming through narrow gorges, scrambling over boulders, and navigating waterfalls in a spectacular sandstone slot canyon.
What makes it special: The sense of adventure, the dramatic canyon walls towering overhead, and the unique experience of swimming through a wild mountain gorge. This is Blue Mountains swimming at its most adventurous.
The experience: Dalpura is a half-day canyon that requires abseiling skills, a wetsuit, and proper canyoning equipment. The canyon features several abseils, deep pools, and narrow sections where you'll swim through cold mountain water surrounded by towering sandstone walls.
Swimming conditions: Water is cold year-round (wetsuit essential). Flow varies with rainfall – avoid after heavy rain when water levels can be dangerous.
Important notes: This is NOT a beginner swimming spot. Only attempt Dalpura if you have canyoning experience or go with a qualified guide. Proper equipment including wetsuit, helmet, and abseiling gear is essential.
Read the complete Dalpura Canyon guide →
3. Bob Turners Track Swimming Holes
Location: Leura, Central Blue Mountains
Difficulty: Moderate – steep descent and ascent
Best for: Quieter swimming, multiple pools, bushwalking
Swimming season: Spring to Autumn
Bob Turners Track descends into the Jamison Valley, passing several beautiful swimming holes and cascades along Leura Creek. This track offers a more peaceful alternative to the crowded Jellybean Pool, with multiple swimming spots to choose from.
What makes it special: The variety of swimming holes along the creek, the lush rainforest setting, and the fact that it's less crowded than other Blue Mountains swimming spots. You can often have a pool to yourself, especially on weekdays.
The walk: The track starts from Leura and descends steeply into the valley. It's a challenging walk with significant elevation change, but the swimming holes make it worthwhile. Allow 3-4 hours for the return trip including swimming time.
Swimming experience: Multiple pools of varying sizes and depths. The water is cold and clear, fed by mountain streams. Some pools have small waterfalls, others are calm and reflective.
Important notes: The steep ascent back up can be challenging, especially in hot weather. Bring plenty of water and snacks. No facilities on the track.
Read the complete Bob Turners Track guide →
Planning Your Blue Mountains Swimming Adventure
Best Time to Visit
Summer (December-February): Warmest weather for swimming, but water is still cold (15-20°C). Most popular time – expect crowds at Jellybean Pool on weekends. Best for: All swimming spots, especially Jellybean Pool and Bob Turners Track.
Autumn (March-May): Cooler air temperatures but still swimmable. Beautiful autumn colors in the forest. Fewer crowds than summer. Best for: Experienced swimmers who don't mind cold water, photographers.
Winter (June-August): Very cold water (10-15°C), but waterfalls are flowing strongly after rain. Only for experienced cold-water swimmers. Best for: Waterfall viewing rather than swimming, Dalpura Canyon with proper wetsuit.
Spring (September-November): Water warming up, wildflowers blooming, waterfalls still flowing from winter rain. Great time to visit before summer crowds. Best for: All swimming spots, ideal conditions for Jellybean Pool.
Essential Information
Park entry fees: Blue Mountains National Park charges vehicle entry fees at some locations (e.g., Glenbrook for Jellybean Pool)
Water temperature: Cold year-round (10-20°C depending on season). Even in summer, the water is refreshing to cold
Facilities: Most swimming holes have no facilities. Bring everything you need and take all rubbish with you
Mobile coverage: Limited or no coverage in many areas. Download maps and tell someone your plans
Weather: Mountain weather can change quickly. Check forecasts and be prepared for cooler temperatures than Sydney
What to Bring
- Swimmers and towel
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip (tracks can be steep and slippery)
- Plenty of water (at least 2L per person)
- Snacks and lunch
- Sunscreen and hat
- Warm layers (mountain weather is cooler than Sydney)
- Waterproof bag for valuables
- First aid kit
- Reef shoes or water shoes for rocky pools
- Camera (these swimming holes are incredibly photogenic!)
For Dalpura Canyon specifically:
- Wetsuit (essential)
- Helmet
- Abseiling equipment
- Canyoning experience or qualified guide
Safety Tips
- Never swim alone
- Water is cold year-round – enter slowly and be aware of cold water shock
- Rocks can be extremely slippery – wear appropriate footwear
- No diving – water depth can change and hidden rocks are common
- Check weather before you go – avoid swimming after heavy rain when water can be fast-flowing and murky
- Tell someone your plans and expected return time
- Carry a first aid kit and know basic first aid
- Be prepared for steep, challenging walks – fitness required for most swimming holes
- Respect Aboriginal heritage sites (like Red Hands Cave near Jellybean Pool)
Blue Mountains Swimming Itineraries
Half-Day Trip: Jellybean Pool
Time: 3-4 hours total
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Perfect for: Families, first-time Blue Mountains visitors
Drive to Glenbrook (1.5 hours from Sydney), park at the causeway, walk to Red Hands Cave (15 mins), then continue to Jellybean Pool (30 mins). Swim, relax, and photograph the iconic pool. Return the same way. Stop in Glenbrook or Springwood for lunch on the way home.
Full-Day Adventure: Bob Turners Track
Time: 5-6 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Perfect for: Fit hikers, those seeking quieter swimming spots
Drive to Leura (2 hours from Sydney), start Bob Turners Track early morning. Descend to the valley, swim at multiple pools along Leura Creek, have lunch by the water. Return via the steep ascent. Reward yourself with afternoon tea at one of Leura's cafes.
Weekend Adventure: Dalpura Canyon
Time: Full day for canyon, plus travel
Difficulty: Challenging – canyoning experience required
Perfect for: Experienced adventurers
Stay overnight in Blackheath or Katoomba. Start Dalpura Canyon early morning with proper equipment and experienced group. Allow 4-6 hours for the canyon. Spend the afternoon recovering and exploring Blackheath. Return to Sydney the next day via scenic route.
Blue Mountains Swimming Circuit (Weekend)
Day 1: Arrive in Blue Mountains, swim at Jellybean Pool, explore Leura and Katoomba, stay overnight
Day 2: Bob Turners Track swimming holes, afternoon tea in Leura, return to Sydney
More Blue Mountains Swimming Spots
Beyond the main swimming holes in this guide, the Blue Mountains have many more spots worth exploring:
Upper Blue Mountains:
- Federal Falls swimming hole
- Empress Falls pools (viewing only, swimming not recommended)
- Various pools along Grand Canyon Track
Lower Blue Mountains:
- Glenbrook Gorge pools
- Nepean River swimming spots
Canyons (experienced only):
- Claustral Canyon
- Butterbox Canyon
- Serendipity Canyon
Beyond the Blue Mountains – More NSW Swimming Adventures
If you love Blue Mountains swimming, you'll also enjoy:
Royal National Park:
- Wattamolla – waterfall lagoon
- Curracurrang Falls – secret waterfall
- Winifred Falls – scenic bushwalk
Waterfall Way:
- Crystal Shower Falls – walk behind the waterfall
- Dangar Falls – spectacular cascade
Ocean Pools:
- Wylie's Baths – historic Coogee ocean pool
- The Bogey Hole – Newcastle's convict-built pool
Final Thoughts
The Blue Mountains offer some of the most spectacular and diverse swimming experiences in New South Wales. From the iconic turquoise waters of Jellybean Pool to the adventurous canyon swims at Dalpura and the peaceful cascades along Bob Turners Track, there's a Blue Mountains swimming spot for every type of adventurer.
While the water is cold year-round and the walks can be challenging, the reward is swimming in some of Australia's most beautiful natural pools, surrounded by World Heritage wilderness and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Whether you're planning a quick day trip from Sydney or a weekend exploring multiple swimming holes, the Blue Mountains deliver unforgettable mountain swimming experiences.
Remember to respect the environment, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for mountain conditions. These swimming holes are precious natural treasures that deserve our care and protection so future generations can enjoy them too.
For more incredible swimming locations across New South Wales – from ocean pools to secret waterfalls – explore our complete NSW swimming spots collection or grab a copy of Swim New South Wales, your essential guide to discovering the most beautiful places to swim across the state.
