Although it is almost all uphill on the way back, it's never overly steep, and it's well worth the effort for the chance to experience this wonderful secluded spot. Make sure you park at the Blue Pool car park, not the one for Jellybean Pool, or youll have to walk along the road for a bit. The most important way to stay safe is to follow the correct trail. Once inside the gorge, all thats left to do is find your own little sandy beach and relax in the peace and serenity of this truly beautiful setting. Continue along the Great Western Highway and look for signs to Blue Mountains National Park. Youll see several manhole covers and pipes which are a little off putting - but its not an active sewer system. However, if you drive a little further, on Jellybean Road, you will end up at the designated Jellybean Pool car park, from where its only a few steps down to the pool. Plus, you can get, if you book your flight to Sydney between. This beautiful waterfall setting has multiple cascades and a swimming hole with a rope swing for diving! Warren Falls. any suggestions for a swimming pool. portalId: "5209426",
Whether its at the bottom of a waterfall, in a gorge, or sublime pools surrounded by bush land - youre spoilt for choice when it comes to where to take a dip. If youre a bit more adventurous and dont mind a bit of challenging bush walking, the Glenbrook Gorge Track might be for you. From the base of Bridal Veil, continue along the trail and youll almost immediately come to a little bridge. Double the rewards Minnehaha (or Minni-Ha-Ha) Falls in Katoomba. Float by one waterfall and hike to two others. Follow the Leura Cascades Track to the Amphitheatre Track, which will take you to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. A private country estate nestled amidst lush greenery, it even boasts of a sprawling garden perfect for alfresco picnics and peaceful afternoons. Kickaboom serves everything you secretly want to indulge in, from fried chicken at breakfast, to a corned kangaroo and kimchi sandwich, and healthier brunch bowls with an experimental twist! Its all on well maintained paths and its almost all downhill. Thats the way Id like to keep it. Before that, the Cherokee Indians revered itsmagical, healing carbonated waters. Whitewater Paddling magazine named Asheville, North Carolina, as a "Top 10 Whitewater Town." 9/20 Oklahoma's Blue Hole Park. Another fantastic natural swimming spot in the Blue Mountains, one that has become more popular in recent times, is the Paradise Pool in Linden. ABC's Good Morning America and National Geographic Adventurer named NC the "#1 Vacation with a Splash." We want to create something you want to use so let us know what you want and how we can help you explore and get in the water. Feast on pies, picnic hampers and tasting boards. WaterfallsMany of the Top 60 Waterfalls that we feature are NOT safe for swimming or even wading. Trains depart Sydney Central Station every half hour until 9am, then every hour afterwards. Offering a variety of accommodation options that can host from two to eleven people, its the perfect choice for families, couples, and friends! marketing solutions across multiple channels. If you follow our instructions, you will find it short and relatively straight-forward, without any precarious cliff edge climbs or nasty drops. Fly with Scoot today and save big. The walk is all downhill on the way and then youll have a bit of a climb on the way back up. Its incredibly photogenic, with a small swimming hole sitting on top of a huge waterfall thats surrounded by towering canyon walls. Enter to Win 2-Nights at Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, 75+ Outdoor Things to Do in Asheville & Western NC, 10 Ways to Beat the Heat in the Mountains. We used to have a holiday home on the western side of the Hwy, Rawson Pde at Leura in the fifties and sixties (small world Able). You can read our full guide to Minnehaha Falls here. You can read our full guide to the pool and walk to get there here. Cheers, Jodie. How To Get There:Park on the corner of Lone Pine Avenue and Olympian Parade in the Gordon Falls Reserve. The adjacent Tufts Memorial Park has a bath house and picnic tables. You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. We love to inform our readers aboutgreat places to eat and stay and other activities near swimming holes. A relatively easy 1.5 km bushwalk will get you to Paradise Pool, a rather large waterhole with a lovely waterfall on Bulls Creek. You can. Prepare for a steep 400m descent and an even longer (it feels) walk out from this swimming hole at Silver Cascades in Mount Victoria. Our thanks to our readers for their time, expertise and knowledge in the voting. Make sure you bring a good size water bottle and proper hiking shoes. Hi Andy, I wasnt aware of this issue and thanks for enlightening us! Yes it's another spot in Glenbrook, but what can we say? Thanks Mitch, this post has been updated now. Check the water depth before jumping. This serene swimming spot in Pisgah National Forest is near popular Rainbow Falls and the natural water slide Turtleback Falls. WEEPING ROCK, POOL OF SILOAM AND LYREBIRD FALLS. These spots are accessible but overlooked gems in a tucked-away corner of the Blue Mountains. After buying a one way ticket to Istanbul we spent a year making our way through Asia before arriving in Australia, where we have been living ever since. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe to our newsletter and receive Sydney and NSW related tips and ideas straight to your mailbox! The Silver Cascades is a stunning swimming hole in the upper Blue Mountains, close to Mt Victoria and the trek here is not for the faint of heart. Youve just been for a hike. The 400-metre descent into the valley is extremely steep. Im so glad you decided to keep at least one of these private for us locals. From an electric-blue waterfall in Costa Rica to a 100-foot-deep grotto pool on a volcanic island in Samoa, here are 20 of the most unique, secluded, and hard-to-reach swimming spots in . The National Parks and Wildlife Services NSW would prefer that you do not visit the infinity pool as it is off track and an unfenced cliff edge. There is also one scramble, and for that reason Id highly recommend wearing shoes with good grip. Blue Pool is located very close to Jellybean Pool, but usually doesnt attract the huge crowd numbers that Jellybean Pool does. Here are five of the best places to bathe in the bush. Home National Parks Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Swimming Holes. Indulge in lush greenery, fresh air and bask in the serenity this slice of paradise offers. The final 90m is off track but the path is easy to follow - providing you use the right one. Swim or float in a pool below the 12-foot waterfall in DuPont State Forest. Facilities Nearby:There is nothing but birdsong at the swimming hole itself although there is a small sandy beach along the edge of the water meaning it is great for kids and picnics or as a rest stop along a longer walk. From incredible rock formations to overhangs, every turn you take will surely fill you with wonder and amazement at the beauty of Mother Nature. Kids will definitely love this natural attraction! The rocks surrounding the pool can be slippery whether dry or wet, so you need to tread carefully. Indeed, Blue Mountains National Park is littered with hidden gems and theyre all yours to discover! Think timbers from an old jetty on the Parramatta River, rusted corrugated iron, doors and windows from the Queen Victoria Hospital, and more. instead. Im going to address the elephant in the room straight away and thats that this spot is right beside the old sewer pipes. When you catch it on a quiet day it really is idyllic. Heading back up to Leura Cascades is straight forward but it is fairly steep if you arent used to hiking. Hi! If anything, that makes it all the more beautiful. You can enjoy the scenic view of the boulders and cascading waterfall as you sunbathe on the huge rocks on the . Mount Victoria. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in the Blue Mountains. Sep 14, 2022 - Entire rental unit for $36. The mighty French Broad River starts as a small stream high in the North Carolina mountains and flows 200+ miles to Knoxville to help form the Tennessee River. Although the trail to get to the pool is not difficult, you are walking to an unfenced cliff edge with a giant drop and a slip here could be catastrophic. Crayfish Pool has the wow factor. After squeezing through the rail, youll see Weeping Rock behind you. It has a sandy bottom and its very easy to get into without having to walk over any rocks. Situated in a small dell at the bottom of a dip in the mainly clifftop track, this is a cool haven on a hot day which has an enchanted feel meaning it would hardly be surprising to see a water nymph pop up out of the water and say hi. But theres really a wealth of things to do and visit when youre in Blue Mountains National Park a day trip there barely scratches the surface of its magnificent landscapes, lookout points, as well as its flora and fauna. In this post, I am introducing one of these secrets - a spot as stunning as it is tranquil. Glenbrook Gorge, Glenbrook It's hard to believe this wild and wonderful gorge is less than an hour from Sydney city centre! Hi! This popular hiking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway has two waterfalls. The rugged beauty of this 1 million hectare, World Heritage-listed wilderness is legendary, its blue haze and golden light inspiring writers, artists and dreamers since Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson, led by accommodating Indigenous guides, hacked their way across the heavily forested range in 1813. The 2km walk to get down to the cascades is very steep (but the track is in excellent condition) which seems to keep crowds away and youll very likely get this spot to yourself. In the Gordon Falls Reserve there areelectric BBQs, toilets, dustbins, a kids play park and picnic tables. Time/General. The journey can be as short as an hour (Glenbrook) or as long as 2h 45min (Lithgow), depending on where you choose to alight. Start planning ASAP, because Scoot is having a promotion on its flights to Sydney, for a LIMITED TIME ONLY! Sign up to our mailing list to get our free mini guide! The most popular natural waterslide in North Carolina for generations is in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. The views are simply incomparable, so well let the photos do the talking. Other Activities: Following the track south out and up to the clifftops provides classic blue haze views and a great angle on the Three Sisters if you turn and look where you have been. The Studio in particular, even has an outdoor hot tub which is perfect for couples to have a splashing good time. It takes just a minute to reach the pool from the end of the rope scramble. Accessing the water is easy as you can walk straight off the sand without having to negotiate any rocks. This picturesque swimming hole gets its name from the beautiful dark blue colors of this mountain pool. Your email address will not be published. ), but I definitely wouldnt be putting my head under just in case! Read more about Ingar Campground, Wentworth Falls. It is already getting ruined by more and more people going there, Hi Rod, I think Ive kept it pretty general. Your email address will not be published. You will reach the scramble after 40m. I understand many people hold these views, and I have treaded with caution on this blog by blocking the content to subscribers only; however I will say that Minnehaha is one place that is actively promoted by the council anyway. Are you getting hyped up about visiting the Blue Mountains National Park yet? Lastly, I know it sounds really obvious, but dont go too close to the edge as getting swept off Leura Falls would not be a pleasant way to go! So, be very careful and be a good swimmer. Sorry to be the boring one. The track basically zigzags its way down into the valley until you arrive at a junction where you need to turn right to visit the cascades or turn left to visit Victoria Falls. Deep freeze in faulconbridge,its quite a walk from tamara rd.we used to camp down there 30 years ago!! The pool is tiny, but for me it was more about the general atmosphere of the place which was definitely special. The region is already home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in NSW, but Wentworth Falls wins us over with a cascading display of natural plunge pools, trickling down 100-metre sheer sandstone cliffs into the Jamison Valley. 1: Glenbrook Gorge2: Victoria Creek Cascades3: Paradise Pool4: Minnehaha Falls5: Jellybean Pool6: Pool of Siloam7: Blue Pool8: Victoria Falls9: Crayfish Pool10: Asmodeus Pool11: Erskine Creek via Jack Evans Track12: Shaws Creek. Victoria Falls is just 500m further along the trail from Victoria Creek Cascades, but you do have to descend one more hill! Isnt that just pure bliss? The trail to the pool does not actually go to Weeping Rock, it continues downstream just above it and along the very obvious dirt path. People will have to be pretty determined if they want to find it. In the below map, the blue line indicates the walk from the car park to the creek. Dont forget to bring along your bird watching binoculars. 2023 - Walk My World. We want everyone to be able to enjoy these swimming holes forever. Albeit a small waterfall, in this case. But the track becomes a lot more challenging once it has reached the creek, and isnt always easy to follow. Its downhill on the way and the path is well maintained. #sydney #waterhole #swimming #bluemountains #fyp #foryourpage #nationalpark #NSW #sydneywaterfalls #hiddengems @Sydney @New South Wales @nswnationalparks&wildlife". Its all flat and downhill on the way and then you have a bit of climbing to do on the way back. There are several steep metal staircases which make quick work of the descent. .kokhine pool is closed for us now. Discover and explore some absolutely gorgeous lakes near Asheville in the North Carolina mountains. The walk to get to the pool has some lovely views and is just 2.5km return. You can read our full guide to Glenbrook Gorge here. Steve is not one to follow well-trodden trails, he . Garnering a string of awards and rave reviews, the all-day brunch menu here is definitely worth a try. The track from the Pool of Siloam opens up a world of possibilities for more adventurous hikes as it joins onto several other routes covering a large area of the Blue Mountains. For adults this is obviously more of a plunge pool experience, but the setting is gorgeous and its great as long as you arent expecting a proper swim. guests of my studioaccommodationin the Blue Mountains, What to do when its raining in the Blue Mountains, Five stunning swimming holes in the Blue Mountains, Blue Mountains Sparadise, Japanese Bath House. With the. If youd like to extend your walk after visiting the pool, you can head to the base of the falls via the Amphitheatre Track, which we detail in this post. The Midnight Hole. The pool is really big so theres plenty of space to swim and relax. If you have a problem with people destroying these areas complain to your council to put in fences or tracks that people have to stick to so you can conserve some of these areas. All the best. The waterfall runs into the pool and youre surrounded by fern covered cliffs. Clickon link to buyyour copy of the new Wild Swimming Guide to Sydney at Booktopia. You dont need to be near the edge in any way (in or out of the water) to get good photos. Its 1.2km each way to get to the pool. The crystal blue waterways come together at the bottom to form a swimming hole that rivals the clearest of all Caribbean seas. We're Cat Smith and Joe Bird, two travel fanatics from the U.K. We both caught the travel bug on solo trips in 2003 and have been hopelessly addicted ever since. So if youre looking for something beyond the typical touristy visit to Blue Mountains National Park, youre in luck because weve compiled a list of lesser-known gems including lookout points, waterholes, bushwalks, cafes and more so you can get the most out of your trip! Photo-worthy landmarks abound all around too: check out the Grotto, Copper Tree Fountain, Cascade waterfall, the Stone Bridge and more. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. The 2.7km return walk to get there is along a very well maintained track until a short section at the end which requires a little boulder hopping. Its a lesser known swimming hole but one of the most beautiful due to its picture-perfect waterfall, sandy shore and photogenic rock ledges for jumping. Required fields are marked *. Extend your hike to a 5-mile loop for mountaintop views and another waterfall. Its such a beautiful spot with the canyon walls giving it a really dramatic feel. Some local secrets are best left untold . This tiny water hole And environs will not cope wth this level of activity and its uniqueness will Be destroyed. Owned by the Grandfather Home for Children. Enjoy riverside sunning and splashing at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Lastly, while safety warnings are boring Im obliged to remind readers that swimming in the Blue Mountains can be dangerous the water is cold and conditions can be unpredictable, especially after rain. If you live in Sydney and are also interested in wild swimming close to the city, check out this post. And because the pool is so big, there is plenty of opportunity to go for an actual swim. Its very pretty as youll be walking beside lots of cascades. Plus, you get incredibly scenic views along the way, such as Glenbrook Gorge, mountain ridges, majestic escarpments of Mount Solitary, and more. Imagine waking up every morning to spectacular views of Blue Mountains National Park. On misty days, you will be able to witness the splendid sight of Mount Solitary rising out from the the clouds in a picture-perfect setting. Dont forget to listen out for the call of the catbird or wompa pigeon and pack your binoculars along if youd like to birdwatch. Classic breakfasts like Eggs Benedict, banana bread with mascarpone, and poached pears on sourdough are on the breakfast menu at The Potager, helmed by head chef Alex Paterson and the brainchild of Joe Lee, who runs a cafe and hotel in the region too. Read more about Silver Cascades, Mount Victoria. From the parking lot walk straight along the gravel road, do not turn off. Most are very popular in summer, so be prepared to share your patch of poolside sand (or rock) with lots of other visitors and locals. Top Secret Swimming Holes Around the World. You can read more in our detailed guide to the Jack Evans Track. If youre interested, visit the. Regardless of what youre looking for, be it brilliant scenery, delectable meals or fresh, unique experiences away from the city, the Blue Mountains National Park ticks all your boxes. Where to Camp: Ingar Pool has a lovely, simple bush campsite. Be part of Asia's most authentic travel community. It's great for beginner kayakers, too. ** UPDATE: INGAR CAMPGROUND ISCURRENTLY CLOSED TO CARS. Not only is the pool large and deep, but there arent any submerged rocks for you to bump into, so a swim here is truly relaxing. Note that the toilets are shut at Leura Cascades, theres basically no facilities at all, but access to the walking track is permitted. Book your flight now and travel by 15th November 2018! Leura has everything you would expect from a small tourist town. It would be much better to visit with lower water levels in my opinion, the pool will be less churned up and look much prettier. This restored 1920s country house is also incredibly convenient, being a short stroll away from restaurants, the railway station, shops, Wentworth Falls Lake, and popular Blue Mountains walking trails. From here the Pool of Siloam track is signposted, starting at the lower end of the reserve. The best waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, The best picnic spots in the Blue Mountains, Long Reef Headland Coastal Walk and Lookout, Tambourine Bay Park to Warraroon Reserve Walk. Please share (or hint at the details) in the comments! And you know what? If our kids had their choice, this is where we would spend every weekend during the summer months. Rocky backdrop Silver Cascades in Mount Victoria. Pool of Siloam - Wild Swimming Australia Pool of Siloam Nr Leura, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia The Pool of Siloam is a darling little swimming hole underneath a delicate cascade which skirts the edge of a small cave before falling into the pool below. Upper Falls is on a four-mile loop trail in the mile-high meadow. Minnehaha Falls (or Minni-Ha-Ha Falls) in Katoomba provides the double reward of a spectacular lookout over the 20m waterfalls plus the bonus of being able to swim beneath the cascade. We're Cat Smith and Joe Bird, two travel fanatics from the U.K. We both caught the travel bug on solo trips in 2003 and have been hopelessly addicted ever since. As such, be mindful of hidden submerged rocks in the water, slippery surfaces, wildlife, and always let someone know where youre going. today! The section from the car park to the creek is on a well maintained path. 12 Truly Incredible Blue Mountains Wild Swimming Holes, How to find wild koalas on the Kennett River Koala Walk, The magic of Fairy Bower Falls, by day and by night, 11 Outstanding dog friendly walks in the Blue Mountains, 20 Spectacular Blue Mountains Waterfalls including secret spots, 28 Blue Mountains Lookouts including hidden gems, The 22 Best Blue Mountains Walks (easy - hard, by area), 12 Unmissable things to do in Bilpin for a weekend to remember, 50 things to do in the Blue Mountains that you won't find anywhere else, Blue Mountains fireflies: where and when to experience the magic, 12 fabulous things to do in Leura you might never have heard of, 14 Amazing things to do in Katoomba for your Blue Mountains bucket list, 13 Fun things to do in Wentworth Falls for outdoor lovers, 12 Spectacular Blue Mountains Sunset Spots, 11 Secret Spots to find Glow Worms in the Blue Mountains, Breenhold Gardens: our favourite photography spots and tips for your visit, 5 Spectacular Gardens in Mount Wilson for Autumn Colour, Where to stay in the Blue Mountains: a guide to the best areas and accommodation for all budgets, The Kindness of Strangers: 10 travel moments that restored my faith in humanity, What it's like to give it all up to travel in your 30's. Youll be in for a fun, friendly flight to Sydney thanks to an energetic team fuelled by Scootitude! Theres another short, easy walk in the rainforest to the nearby Leura Cascades. None of the swimming holes have rubbish bins beside them, please pack all your rubbish out with you and make sure we leave the pools pristine. Remember to purchase an Opal Card for your journey, which will cost around AUD$5 (~SGD$5.10) each way. The walk into the gorge is less than a kilometre each way, although you can walk a lot further if you choose. We're not experts, just people who love to explore and swim and what we're sharing is like a conversation round the campfire: we hope it will be interesting and give you some clues and inspiration, but you should check the details for yourself. In summer the water is really warm, so this is a great option for those who arent keen on the cold water found in some of the pools which dont receive much sun. So, be very careful and be a good swimmer. 4. There are a couple of misleading side trails, which are much more challenging (and possibly dangerous) than the correct route. Bathrooms and showers are open and lifeguards on duty during warmer months. Minnehaha Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in all the Blue Mountains. Behold, seven of the most beautiful swimming holes in the Southern Appalachians. Other places to Stay: There are plenty of places to stay in the area including many lovely holiday house rentals. They typically leave from Sydneys Circular Quay. If you can handle the the 11km stroll, or if you can hold on indefinitely for road access to reopen, otherrewards include shaded picnic tables nearby and a kid-friendly shallow area with a sandy base (no slipping over!). Theres a little sandy beach to relax on and the whole scene is just stunning. This helps towards the costs of running our website. You can read more about the trail in this guide. So what else are you waiting for? Remember, most swimming holes featured do not have lifeguards, concessions or an office. Below are some of my favourite swimming holesin the Blue Mountains. The more adventurous souls would be familiar with Sublime Point as it is a haven for rock climbing; the steep cliffs surrounding the lookout point require extensive preparation and experience. Fly via Scoot for a unique and fun flight experience that wont break the bank, brought to you by a dedicated and innovative team! The latte is deliciously milky and made with fresh Reuben Hills coffee beans for a nuanced flavour. The walk begins at Leura Cascades, I wont go into too much detail here because we have a whole blog post dedicated to the the walk right up until 90m before the pool. Want to learn more? Plus, you can get 15% OFF selected fares if you book your flight to Sydney between 26th April and 9th May 2018, just by using the promo code DONSW15! The secret infinity pool in the Blue Mountains became a social media sensation and it's easy to see why. , so you have plenty of dates to choose from! You can also read our detailed (but not comprehensive) article about safety considerations for outdoor swimming for some ideas of things to bear in mind. In Glenbrook, drive on Bruce Road until you see the entrance to the National Park where you will see the first car park. Swimand sun on a sandy beach in the mountains at Lake Lure, near Chimney Rock. Second Falls (in pic) is just 1/3-mile walk from the Parkway. Theres no better escape from work than having a rejuvenating time, reveling in lush greenery, dramatic landscapes, and spectacular views. They are very beautiful & a lot of fun for all. Brought to you by Scoot and Destination New South Wales (DNSW). For dessert, soft serve sundaes and assorted pastries really take the cake here. Theres no better escape from work than having a rejuvenating time, reveling in lush greenery, dramatic landscapes, and spectacular views. Thank you for subscribing! I adore this waterfall and swimming hole, not least because of its cute name. All Rights Reserved. It's far from the biggest, but the atmosphere is simply otherworldly. Press | Send us your Press Releases & Media Invites. You can find our full Terms and Conditions here. The track that leads to the pool had been closed for several years, so despite being asked where it is multiple times a day - even more than we were asked about Gerringong Falls and that Woy Woy Waterfall - we werent able to write about it Until now. Slide down a 60-ft.smooth rock waterfall into a pool of chilly water. for a vacation anytime before 15th November 2018, and youll be Scooting off to Sydney for a holiday like no other! Stop at the jump-off rock to rope dive! Please make sure you only swim within your own comfort zone. Be rewarded with sensational views of Jamison Valley as well as the chance to spot all sorts of avian friends such as cockatoos! There are a couple of steep staircases, but there are handrails so you dont need to worry about slipping. As such, we can only recommend this track if youre comfortable navigating the bush and being in a somewhat remote area. You can find the start of the walking trail next to the large information board. Kickaboom is the perfect place to eat good, hearty and Instagram-worthy food in a relaxed environment. One of the most famous lookouts in Australia, Govetts Leap offers mesmerising views of the Grose Wilderness and the breathtaking 180m Bridal Veil Falls (highest falls in the Blue Mountains) plunging down the cliffside into the valley below. Book your tickets now! DST Changes. It's a stunning deep green pool with crystal clear water (photos don't do it justice) and even a small waterfall. 5. Erskine Creek is a glorious place to go for a dip, with clear green water and a large sandy beach to relax on. I dont understand your motive for Publishing this info. All Rights Reserved. The Wild Swimming Sydney book is a great guide to wild swimming holes, lakes, lagoons, secret beaches, plunge pools and waterfalls around Sydney, Australia. To get to this beautiful waterfall on Yosemite Creek in Katoomba, you will need to complete a 1.5 km bushwalk through lovely scenery, with a few staircases to conquer at the end. Walk to the far end of the metal bridge and climb through the railing on the left side. Many can be reached via a short stroll, whilst a couple require a little more exertion. Tagged: Blue Mountains Planning, Waterfall BM. You can access your free e-book by clicking on this link. Jellybean Pool in Glenbrook is perhaps the most popular swimming hole in the Blue Mountains, and for good reason. Located just outside Bryson City, North Carolina, Deep Creek offers waterfalls, numerous wading areas, wonderful trails, and best of all, one of the best tubing spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take your pick from the The Straw Bale House, the Buttercup Barn, the Studio, The Workers Cottage, The Milking Shed, or the Moo Manor. The water is deep almost immediately and you can step straight in and start swimming without having to negotiate any rocks. This is easily one of the most beautiful swimming holes in the Blue Mountains, if not all of NSW. To all the people complaining about people ruining these places; well sorry but people want to explore and adventure these beautiful places! Tubing companies provide transportation. Just around the corner from Carrington falls, this bushland swimming hole is perfect for a idyllic swim on a hot day. Glenbrook Gorge is the only one where you need to be mindful of currents, but many of the other pools are deep with submerged rocks. Our favorite walks were in the Grose Valley where there are some fabulous places for a swim and great walks.