Ladies Well – A Hidden Swimming Hole in Barrington Tops
Ladies Well – A Natural Pool in the Forest
Deep within the foothills of Barrington Tops National Park, Ladies Well is a beautiful swimming hole framed by smooth granite boulders and cascading water. The Allyn River tumbles down through the forest, forming tranquil pools perfect for cooling off after a hike or scenic drive. For more Barrington Tops swimming spots, explore Rocky Crossing or discover Danger Falls nearby.
It's a place that feels completely removed from the world — a mix of rainforest shade, crystal-clear water, and the sound of rushing falls echoing through the trees.
You'll find Ladies Well featured in Swim New South Wales, our guide to the state's most breathtaking natural swimming spots — from mountain rivers to ocean rock pools.
Swimming at Ladies Well
The main pool sits beneath a small waterfall, surrounded by large rounded rocks that make ideal sunbathing or picnic spots. The water depth changes throughout the year, depending on rainfall, but in summer it's usually calm and swimmable.
Locals and travellers alike love it for its clarity, peacefulness, and the way sunlight filters through the forest canopy, creating a green-gold shimmer on the surface.
-
Best season: Late spring to early autumn, when the water is clear and temperatures warm.
-
Safety note: Avoid after heavy rain — the Allyn River can rise quickly and currents can become strong.
-
Facilities: There are picnic tables and toilets nearby at the carpark.
How to Get There
Ladies Well is located near Allyn River Forest Park, about 25 km north of Dungog.
-
From Dungog: Follow Chichester Dam Road, then Allyn River Road into the Barrington Tops foothills.
-
The final section is unsealed but generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry weather.
-
From the carpark, it's just a short walk down to the river and the main pool.
📌 For current park alerts and road conditions, check the NSW National Parks website.
More Swimming Gems Nearby
If you love the serenity of Ladies Well, you'll also enjoy:
-
Rocky Crossing – a rainforest river walk in Barrington Tops.
-
Danger Falls – a dramatic waterfall in the Barrington Tops wilderness.
-
Wattamolla – a lagoon and beach combo in Royal National Park. Discover more NSW swimming spots in our complete guide.
Each of these locations captures a different side of wild swimming in NSW — from rainforest cascades to ocean inlets — and all are featured in Swim New South Wales.
Final Thoughts
Peaceful, secluded, and naturally stunning, Ladies Well is one of those rare places where the NSW wilderness feels untouched. Whether you're chasing waterfalls or looking for a cool dip in summer, this hidden swimming hole deserves a spot on your travel list.
For more incredible swimming locations like Ladies Well — from forest pools to ocean baths — grab a copy of Swim New South Wales. It's your ultimate guide to finding the most beautiful and lesser-known swimming spots across the state.
