Nellies Glen – Budderoo National Park
If you're looking for a swimming hole that feels like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale, Nellies Glen is it. Tucked away in the Southern Highlands near Robertson, it's a gentle contrast to the dramatic, thundering drop of nearby Carrington Falls.
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At Nellies Glen, the water cascades gently over a rock shelf into a deep, emerald-green pool surrounded by lush ferns and colourful orchids. It's one of the most beautiful and accessible wild swimming spots in New South Wales, and one of the swims in Swim New South Wales.
Nellies Glen Quick Stats
- Distance: 100m from the car park (extremely easy)
- Time: 5 minutes walking
- Grade: Easy (flat, well-maintained path)
- Best for: Families, picnic lovers, and anyone who wants a high-reward swim for low effort
How to Get to Nellies Glen (Carrington Falls)
Nellies Glen is in Budderoo National Park, a short drive from the village of Robertson.
- The drive: Take Jamberoo Mountain Road from Robertson or Jamberoo, then turn onto Cloonty Road at the Carrington Falls sign. The road is unsealed but fine for 2WD.
- The turnoff: Don't continue to the main Carrington Falls lookout car park. Instead, follow the signs and turn right into the Nellies Glen Picnic Area.
- Parking: The small gravel car park has picnic tables and non-flush toilets, but it fills early on weekends. There's extra parking, toilets and barbecues at the Carrington Falls picnic area.
The Grotto and the Waterfall
While the main pool is easy to find, the magic of Nellies Glen is in the details.
- The main pool: The water is deep enough for a proper swim, and the rock ledge behind the waterfall creates a natural grotto you can sit behind. Don't dive or jump: check the depth first and enter slowly.
- The rock formations: The area is known for its colourful sandstone. After rain, the moss-covered rocks turn a vibrant green that looks incredible in photos.
- Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for the superb lyrebird in the damp, misty gully around the falls.
Tips for Your Visit
- The two-for-one walk: After your swim, take the short walk over to the Carrington Falls lookout or Blue Pool. Blue Pool is just a few hundred metres away and offers a different, rockier swimming experience.
- Timing your visit: Because it's so accessible, Nellies Glen gets crowded on summer weekends. Arrive before 10am to get a park and a picnic table, and a peaceful swim.
- Water temperature: Being in the Highlands, the water is always fresh (read: cold!). It's the ultimate way to cool off during a NSW heatwave.
- Safety and etiquette: Wet rocks are slippery, and the creek can rise quickly after heavy rain, so skip the swim if it's flowing hard. Stay on the track and leave no trace. Check NSW National Parks alerts before you go.
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Nellies Glen FAQs
Can you swim at Nellies Glen?
Yes. The pool below the waterfall is deep enough for a proper swim, and the water is cold year-round. Don't dive or jump in.
How long is the walk to Nellies Glen?
About 100m on a flat, well-maintained path from the car park, roughly 5 minutes.
Are there toilets and parking at Nellies Glen?
Yes, there are non-flush toilets and a small gravel car park at the picnic area. It fills early on weekends; there's extra parking, toilets and barbecues at the Carrington Falls picnic area.
Do you need to pay a park fee at Nellies Glen?
No. In Budderoo National Park, park entry fees only apply in the Minnamurra Rainforest area.
More Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Nearby
- Gerringong Falls, Budderoo National Park
- Macquarie Pass Cascades, Illawarra
- Hell Hole Falls, near Nowra
