Paradise Pools – South West Sydney

When you think of South West Sydney, your mind might not jump straight to clear water and sunny rock shelves. But Paradise Pools, tucked away in Dharawal National Park near Appin, is here to change that. It's one of the swims in Swim New South Wales.

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Often described by locals as a mini escape from the suburbs, this bush swimming hole with its sandstone shelves offers a perfect reprieve from the western Sydney heat. If you want a wild swim without the two-hour drive to the Blue Mountains, this is your spot. In the same park you'll also find Minerva Pool and The Weir.

Paradise Pools at a Glance

• Where: Dharawal National Park, near Appin, South West Sydney
• Parking: Limited roadside parking near the fire trail gate
• Facilities: None, so bring water and take everything home with you
• Best for: Local afternoon dips and picnics on the rocks

Where Is Paradise Pools?

Paradise Pools is in Dharawal National Park near Appin, on Dharawal Country. Access is on foot from a fire trail gate, where there's only limited roadside parking. Park considerately, don't block the gate, and come early on hot weekends.

The walk in winds through dry eucalypt forest before dropping down towards the water, where the vegetation becomes much lusher. Before you go, check the NSW National Parks Dharawal page for alerts, fire danger and closures.

Swimming at Paradise Pools

What makes Paradise Pools special is the mix of clear water and wide sandstone shelves. Expect:

• The cascades: Depending on recent rainfall, you'll find small rock steps and cascades that create natural spa-like sections.
• The rock shelves: Plenty of room to lay out a towel or let the kids splash in the shallows.
• The deep sections: The main pool is deep enough for a proper swim, with overhanging trees for shade. Check depths before getting in, and don't jump or dive.

Safety and Local Tips

• Water quality: As with all bush creeks around Sydney, water quality drops after heavy rain. Avoid swimming for 3 days after a storm.
• Flash floods: Creek levels can rise quickly in heavy rain, and wet sandstone is slippery.
• Crowds: Because it's a local favourite, it can get busy on 30°C-plus weekends. Try a golden-hour visit on a weekday for the best photos and a quiet swim.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for lace monitors (goannas) and plenty of birdlife.
• Respect Country: This is Dharawal Country. Leave no trace and respect any cultural signage.

Paradise Pools FAQs

Where is Paradise Pools?

Paradise Pools is in Dharawal National Park near Appin, in Sydney's south west.

Are there toilets at Paradise Pools?

No. There are no facilities, so bring water and pack out all your rubbish.

Where do you park for Paradise Pools?

There's limited roadside parking near the fire trail gate. Arrive early on hot weekends and don't block the gate.

Is it safe to swim at Paradise Pools after rain?

Wait at least 3 days after heavy rain, when water quality drops and the creek can run high.

More Swimming Spots Near Appin

• Minerva Pool: a sacred Dharawal women's site in the same park, where only women and children swim.
• The Weir: another hidden swimming hole in Dharawal National Park.
• Mermaid Pools: a deep, waterfall-fed pool in the Bargo River gorge near Tahmoor.