The Shire’s Top 10 Swimming Spots to cool down at

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From hidden water holes to crystal clear bays

Aerial view of surfers catching waves in crystal-clear turquoise waters at Cronulla Beach, Sydney, with the coastline, sandy shores and coastal buildings in the background on a sunny day.

Cronulla Beach - Image by: Local & Yonder

Discover the ultimate swimming spots in The Shire with our guide to the best places to cool off when the sun's out and the weather's warm. Whether you're looking for secluded pools, crystal-clear bays, or dog-friendly beaches, here are 15 swimming destinations in The Shire worth a visit.

The Shire’s 10 Best swimming spots

Karloo Pools in the Royal National Park, Sydney, featuring a natural bush swimming hole surrounded by sandstone rocks and lush eucalyptus trees, with visitors swimming and relaxing by the water on a sunny day.

Karloo Pools

Karloo Pools is renowned for its 20 x 10 metre bush pool, which often makes its way onto the best of Sydney wild swimming lists. Despite its popularity, there is plenty of space to relax poolside with flat, sun-drenched rocks bordering the water. A one-hour hike from Heathcote Station along the Karloo Walking Track will get you there. Enjoy the silvery green surroundings along the way and be sure to pack plenty of water!

Image by: She Who Hikes

 
Aerial view of Darook Park in Cronulla, featuring a sandy beach, calm blue waters and a tree-lined shoreline in warm afternoon sunlight.

Darook Park

Darook Park serves up the goods on all fronts. We’re talking clear, calm water, white sand and a sandbar at low tide on which little ones can frolic. Being one of the only west-facing beaches in The Shire, it’s also a great place to settle in and watch the sun go down.

Image by: Fly Candy

 
Winifred Falls in the Royal National Park, Sydney, featuring gentle waterfalls cascading over layered sandstone rocks into a tranquil natural swimming pool, surrounded by native bushland and eucalyptus trees on a sunny day.

Winifred Falls

If a half an hour meander is more your cup of tea, Winifred Falls might be your perfect swimming hole. Park your car along the Winifred Falls Fire Trail entrance off Warumbul Road and stroll on down to the falls. Picnic on the surrounding rock platforms or head another 300m downstream for the deeper South West Arm Pool.

Image by: Robert Polmear

 
Aerial view of Oak Park in Cronulla, Sydney, featuring a popular ocean rock pool filled with swimmers, surrounded by turquoise waters, rocky coastline and a grassy beachfront park with palm trees on a sunny day.

Oak Park

Rain, hail or shine, you’ll find locals taking the plunge at Oak Park. A favourite among Cronulla’s year-round swimming crews, this rock pool has a loyal following of early risers who brave the water even in the depths of winter. Not quite that committed? Fair enough. The adjoining beach and grassy park make it just as inviting on a warm summer’s day, with barbecues, picnic spots and ocean views to boot. You'll find it off Ewos Parade, with street parking nearby.

Image by: Fly Candy

 
Aerial view of Jibbon Beach in Bundeena, Sydney, featuring a secluded crescent-shaped sandy beach, clear turquoise waters with sailboats and lush native bushland surrounding the peaceful coastal bay.

Jibbon Beach

A favourite for those out boating, Jibbon Beach boasts some of the clearest waters in The Shire. Relatively secluded, you can make a day of it with beach walks, snorkelling, sunbathing and picnicking. While you're there, don't miss the short walk to the Jibbon Aboriginal rock engravings, among the best-preserved Aboriginal rock engraving sites in Sydney. You can access Jibbon Beach by car, parking nearby at the intersection of Neil Street in Bundeena, or by ferry from Cronulla Wharf.

Image by: Fly Candy

 
Deer Pool in the Royal National Park, Sydney, featuring cascading waterfalls flowing over layered sandstone rocks into a clear, green natural swimming hole, surrounded by lush native bushland and eucalyptus trees.

Deer Pool

Deer Pool can be found along the Marley Track which begins on the northern side of Bundeena Drive. The track entrance can be a little tricky to find so keep your eyes peeled. This little swimming hole is best after rain and requires a moderately difficult one-hour hike. Think sandy shores, a cascading waterfall and a good chance you'll have the place all to yourself.

 
Wanda Beach in Cronulla, Sydney, at sunrise, featuring surfers carrying their boards along the golden sandy shoreline, gentle ocean waves and a vibrant pink, orange and yellow sky reflecting across the wet sand.

Wanda Beach

Prefer a little more breathing room between beach towels? Wanda Beach might be your summer go-to. Sitting at the northern end of Cronulla’s patrolled beaches, this long stretch of golden sand tends to draw a smaller crowd than its southern neighbours. Perfect for those who like their beach days with a little more space to spread out, soak up the sun and enjoy a dip between the flags.

 
Aerial view of Boat Harbour Beach in Kurnell, Sydney, featuring a long stretch of white sand lined with four-wheel drives and beach shelters, swimmers enjoying clear turquoise waters and gentle waves along the coastline on a sunny day.

Boat Harbour

For those who like to bring the whole setup, Boat Harbour is hard to beat. One of the most popular swimming destinations in The Shire, it offers 4WD access straight onto the beach. The water is clear, you can set up your awning directly from the car and your four-legged mate can come along too! But beware – Boat Harbour can get exceptionally busy on weekends, and vehicle entry fees apply. On Sundays and public holidays between October and February, access is subject to seasonal restrictions, with some days reserved for season pass holders or allocated through a ballot system. Be sure to check the latest access arrangements before heading in.

Image by: Fly Candy

 
Aerial view of Salmon Haul in Cronulla, Sydney, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters, swimmers enjoying the sheltered bay and sunbathers relaxing along the rocky shoreline, with lush greenery and coastal homes overlooking the water.

Salmon Haul

Salmon Haul is a swimmer's paradise as well as a Pinterest-perfect photo spot. Scramble over the rocks to claim a spot on the sand before diving into the turquoise waters. Don't forget your snorkel and mask either, there's plenty to explore beneath the surface. You’ll find toilet and picnic facilities nearby and can even wander along the Esplanade for a post-swim coffee.

Image by: Fly Candy

 
The Needles in Woronora, Sydney, featuring a peaceful natural swimming hole with calm, dark green water, large sandstone boulders along the riverbank and dense Australian bushland filled with eucalyptus trees.

The needles

A favourite dog-friendly swimming destination, The Needles is just a 20-minute stroll from nearby parking at the junction of Woronora Road and Mount Carmel Place. The walk begins at a locked gate, where you’ll need to take the right fork down the hill. Once you reach the water, you’ll feel a world away, surrounded by the iconic colours and sounds of the Australian bush.

 
Barden’s Creek in the Sutherland Shire, Sydney, featuring a secluded natural swimming hole surrounded by moss-covered sandstone rocks, lush ferns and dense Australian bushland with towering eucalyptus trees.

Barden’s Creek

If a secluded swimming hole is the vibe you’re after, you’ll love Barden’s Creek. The trail to this serene spot begins directly opposite ANSTO and Rutherford Avenue. Park up and make your way down to the fire trail, taking the first path to your left. We recommend making use of the app AllTrails to help you stay on track as this walk is not signposted. The trail will have you following Barden’s Creek until it emerges onto a divine blue swimming hole, nestled amongst a rocky amphitheatre. Take care getting down as the rocks are quite steep. If you’re not quite up to the descent, there is a gorgeous creek nearby that is plenty deep enough for a swim. Doggos welcome!

Image by: All Trails

 
Aerial view of Shelly Beach in Cronulla, featuring a turquoise ocean pool filled with swimmers, a sandy beach and a grassy coastal park lined with trees.

Shelly Beach

A dip in the ocean followed by a picnic on the grass? Shelly Beach is a bit of an all-rounder when it comes to summer days in the Shire. Located along Cronulla's Esplanade, you can cool off in the ocean pool before claiming a patch of grass at neighbouring Shelly Park, where you’ll find free barbecues, picnic shelters and a large fenced playground to keep the little ones entertained. Pack an esky, round up the crew and make an afternoon of it!

Image by: Fly Candy

 
Aerial view of Blackwoods Beach in Cronulla, featuring turquoise waters, golden sand, sandstone rocks and beachgoers enjoying a sunny day.

Blackwoods Beach

A little extra legwork for a lot more peace and quiet? We'll take it. Blackwoods Beach is one of Cronulla's lesser-known stretches of coastline, offering a welcome escape from the busier beaches nearby. The catch? Accessed via Arthur Avenue, getting there involves a steep walk down, so pack light and be prepared to work those legs a little. Your reward? A gorgeous spot to lay down your towel without the usual summer hustle and bustle.

Image by: Fly Candy

 
Lilli Pilli Baths in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, featuring a timber walkway and waterfront swimming enclosure overlooking the calm blue waters of Port Hacking River, with boats anchored in the distance and leafy trees providing shade on a sunny day.

Lilli Pilli Baths

Who needs the beach when you've got this little slice of paradise on the Port Hacking River? Tucked away in Lilli Pilli Point Reserve, these netted tidal baths are all about calm waters and pretty spectacular views across to the Royal National Park. Take a dip, kick back by the water or bring your fishing gear and try your luck off the jetty. Just a heads up, the baths aren't patrolled!

 
Aerial view of Gunnamatta Bay in Cronulla, Sydney, at sunset, featuring calm waters dotted with anchored boats, waterfront homes along the shoreline and a vibrant pink and orange sky reflecting across the bay.

Bay Lane

Blink and you might miss this one! Hidden between waterfront homes in Cronulla, Bay Lane is a narrow little laneway that leads to one of the Shire’s best-kept swimming secrets. Follow the path down to the water and you’ll find a tucked-away spot on Gunnamatta Bay, far from the crowds of Cronulla’s busier beaches. The kind of spot you almost don't want everyone knowing about!

Image by: Fly Candy

 
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