Cooling off: waterfalls, rock pools and lakes

Australian heat can be sticky, with air con not always at the ready. The antidote is flowing freely in waterfalls, rock pools, lakes and rivers that wait just beyond the city limits.

We’ve rounded up the best spots to splash, float and breathe again – all within two hours of home. Just remember to take a moment to consider safety before you dive in; natural waterways can change quickly and conditions may not always be as they appear.

Now, fill the esky, grab your swimmers and let nature do the cooling.

Sydney, NSW

Lower Gledhill Falls, Ku-ring-gai Chase

Sydney hides its best cool-downs in plain sight. At Lower Gledhill Falls

a ribbon of water drops into a deep jade pool walled by stone, boulders and shadow. The approach is a short, shaded wander through dry bushland, and the pool itself feels sheltered – ideal for a quiet float or dip of the toes.

Parking/Access: Duckholes Picnic Area (sealed road); ~1.3 km return track on formed but uneven path.

Facilities: Picnic area at start; no lifeguards.

Good to know: Tracks and rocks can be slick after rain; stay on signed trails and keep a safe distance from edges.

Curracurrang Falls & Wattamolla Lagoon, Royal National Park

The Royal National Park lures with two temptations: Curracurrang Falls

, hidden beyond a 4.2 km trail from Wattamolla car park, where palms lean over glassy water, and Wattamolla Lagoon, a family favourite of calm ripples, barbecue smoke and waterfalls in miniature. Together they offer Sydney’s best summer paradox – wild yet close and easy.

Parking/Access: Wattamolla car park ($12 fee)

Facilities: Toilets and picnic areas at Wattamolla; no lifeguards at the falls.

Good to know: Expect crowds on weekends/holidays. Stick to formed tracks; observe all safety signs around water.

Melbourne, Victoria

Jebbs Pool, Great Otway National Park

Point the car towards the Otways and, from the Cumberland River Holiday Park, a short riverside walk delivers fern gullies, rock-hopping and the soft white noise of a mini-cascade. Jebbs Pool

, a freshwater, fern-draped haven tucked with a mini waterfall and rock slides, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Parking/Access: Holiday Park parking; ~1 km trail following the river

Facilities: Basic facilities at the holiday park; none at the pool.

Good to know: Rocks are slippery – enter slowly and avoid fast-moving water after rain.

Loddon Falls, near Daylesford

Further inland you’ll discover a volcanic gorge where Loddon

Falls’

water cascades between hexagonal basalt cliffs. The descent from Sewells Road feels wild, still and cinematic.

Parking/Access: Sewells Road, Glenlyon (dry-weather access best).

Facilities: None at the falls; carry water and take your rubbish out.

Good to know: Keep clear of cliff edges and unstable ground; water flow is seasonal.

Brisbane

Enoggera Reservoir (Enoggera Dam), The Gap

Enoggera Dam

, tucked into D’Aguilar National Park at The Gap, offers a calm swimming area with sand entry and child-friendly roped zones. The dam’s waters, once heritage-listed in the 19th century, are a cool respite after a short city drive, and you can hire kayaks or paddleboards for extra fun.

Parking/Access: Sealed roads and nearby car parks; short signed walk to water.

Facilities: Roped swimming areas; equipment hire nearby; toilets in precinct.

Good to know: Summer weekends are busy, with weekdays or earlier starts quieter.

Tallebudgera Creek, Palm Beach

A classic Gold Coast cool-off, Tallebudgera Creek

delights with shallow, turquoise water and a rainforest-fringed beach. Along the trail to the water you can spot bush turkeys and water dragons. You can also discover trails along Burleigh Heads National Park and the Jellurgal Cultural Centre for added adventure and learning.

Parking/Access: Multiple parking areas on both sides of the creek; 300-metre leafy trail to the water.

Facilities: Toilets and picnic spots nearby

Good to know: Check tide times and choose signed, permitted areas; currents vary with tides.

Perth

Logue Brook Dam (Lake Brockman)

Jarrah forest, wide sky and a spread-out shoreline make Logue Brook Dam

easy to love. Its calm waters are ideal for swimming, canoeing, fishing or water skiing in designated areas. A stroll along walking trails through the forest adds another layer of adventure.

Parking/Access: Sealed access with ample parking.

Facilities: Picnic/BBQ areas; camping and cabins at Lake Brockman Tourist Park

Good to know: Observe all on-water signage and stay in signed areas for your activity.

Black Diamond Lake, near Collie

Shining bright under the sun, Black Diamond Lake

is a visual marvel and perfect for picnics and paddling. Its vibrant hue comes from the limestone base, which reflects sunlight and gives the water its unforgettable turquoise glow, ideal for a scenic visit or a quiet moment of reflection.

Parking/Access: 2WD parking on main side; walking access to other banks (check local advice).

Facilities: Limited; no camping permitted.

Good to know: Conditions and water quality can change, check local council or visitor centre updates before entering.

A note on safety

Always swim only where permitted and signed. Check park alerts and local conditions before you go; water levels, access and parking can change. Supervise children near water, avoid entering after heavy rain, be careful of slippery rocks and submerged hazards, and never jump from cliffs or trees. If in doubt, choose a patrolled or designated swimming area.

_Disclaimer
^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}