Ladies Well – A Hidden Swimming Hole in Barrington Tops
Ladies Well: A Natural Pool in the Forest
In the foothills of the Barrington Tops, in Chichester State Forest, Ladies Well is a beautiful swimming hole framed by smooth boulders and cascading water. The Allyn River tumbles down through the forest here, forming emerald pools perfect for cooling off after a walk or a scenic drive. For more Barrington Tops swimming spots, see Rocky Crossing or Danger Falls.
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It's a place that feels completely removed from the world: rainforest shade, crystal-clear water, and the sound of rushing cascades echoing through the trees.
You'll find Ladies Well in Swim New South Wales, our guide to the state's best natural swimming spots, from mountain rivers to ocean rock pools.
Swimming at Ladies Well
The main pool sits beneath a small cascade, surrounded by large rounded rocks that make ideal sunbathing or picnic spots. The water depth changes through the year depending on rainfall, but in summer it's usually calm and swimmable.
Locals and travellers love it for its clarity, its peacefulness, and the way sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a green-gold shimmer on the surface.
- Best season: Late spring to early autumn, when the water is clear and the weather warm.
- Safety: Stay away after heavy rain. The Allyn River can rise quickly and currents become strong. Rocks are slippery, and depths change, so check before you get in and never dive.
- No glass: Glass isn't allowed at Ladies Well.
- Facilities: None. There's a small gravel car park but no toilets, bins or shops, so bring what you need and take all rubbish home.
How to Get to Ladies Well
Ladies Well is on the Allyn River in Chichester State Forest, in the Upper Allyn area of the Barrington Tops foothills.
- Getting there: Access is via Dungog or Gresford, about two hours' drive from Newcastle.
- The road: The approach is unsealed and can be rough after rain. The road crosses several causeways that can become impassable in heavy rain, so check conditions first.
- The walk: From the car park it's a short walk down to the river and the main pool. There's no formal track, so tread gently.
For current forest alerts and road conditions, check Forestry Corporation of NSW.
Ladies Well FAQs
Can you swim at Ladies Well?
Yes. It's a popular summer swimming hole on the Allyn River. Avoid it after heavy rain, when the river rises and currents get strong.
Is Ladies Well in Barrington Tops National Park?
No. It's in Chichester State Forest, in the Barrington Tops foothills, managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW.
Are there toilets at Ladies Well?
No. There's a small gravel car park but no toilets, bins or shops.
Can you bring glass to Ladies Well?
No, glass isn't allowed at Ladies Well.
More Swimming Spots Near Ladies Well
If you love the calm of Ladies Well, you'll also enjoy:
- Rocky Crossing: a rainforest river walk on the Williams River in Barrington Tops.
- Danger Falls: a dramatic, remote waterfall in the wild country around Barrington Tops.
- Macquarie Pass Cascades: more rainforest cascades and pools, in the Illawarra.
Final Thoughts
Peaceful, secluded and naturally stunning, Ladies Well is one of those rare places where the NSW bush feels untouched. Whether you're chasing waterfalls or looking for a cool summer dip, this swimming hole deserves a spot on your list.
For more swimming spots like Ladies Well, from forest pools to ocean baths, grab a copy of Swim New South Wales.
