{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Cooling off near the city: waterfalls, rock pools and lakes","text":"Short drives to natural swims – Lower Gledhill Falls, Curracurrang Falls, Jebbs Pool, Loddon Falls and Black Diamond Lake – with parking, access and safety tips.","links":[{"name":"Cooling off: waterfalls, rock pools and lakes","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1763030309705/waterfall.jpeg","alt":"Cooling off: waterfalls, rock pools and lakes","width":3840,"height":2163},"date":"2025-11-17T12:30:00Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Travel Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/travel-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Cooling off: waterfalls, rock pools and lakes","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"Cooling off: waterfalls, rock pools and lakes","text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Montserrat;color: black;\"\u003EWhen the city sizzles, escape to nature’s swimming holes. From hidden waterfalls to sparkling rock pools and calm lakes, these destinations offer refreshing dips. Short drives and scenic surroundings make them ideal escapes for summer fun without leaving the state.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Montserrat;color: red;\"\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/_jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header.shellimg.jpeg/1763030295947/waterfall-header.jpeg","alt":"Cooling off: waterfalls, rock pools and lakes","width":3825,"height":957},"date":"2025-11-17T12:30:00Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/author","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on Nov 17, 2025"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/author.shellimg.png/1763029354849/shell-pecten.png","alt":"shell pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EAustralian 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EWe’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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ENow, fill the esky, grab your swimmers and let nature do the cooling.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003ESydney, NSW\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELower Gledhill Falls, Ku-ring-gai Chase\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ESydney hides its best cool-downs in plain sight. At \u003Ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/new-south-wales/lower-gledhill-falls-via-chiltern-trail\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELower Gledhill Falls\u003C/a\u003E 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EParking/Access: \u003C/b\u003EDuckholes Picnic Area (sealed road); ~1.3 km return track on formed but uneven path.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFacilities:\u003C/b\u003E Picnic area at start; no lifeguards.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGood to know:\u003C/b\u003E Tracks and rocks can be slick after rain; stay on signed trails and keep a safe distance from edges.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECurracurrang Falls & Wattamolla Lagoon, Royal National Park\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Royal National Park lures with two temptations: \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/immersive-stories/wattamolla-curracurrang-self-guided-audio-tour/visitor-info\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECurracurrang Falls\u003C/a\u003E, 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EParking/Access: \u003C/b\u003EWattamolla car park ($12 fee)\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFacilities:\u003C/b\u003E Toilets and picnic areas at Wattamolla; no lifeguards at the falls.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGood to know: \u003C/b\u003EExpect crowds on weekends/holidays. Stick to formed tracks; observe all safety signs around water.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMelbourne, Victoria\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EJebbs Pool, Great Otway National Park\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EPoint 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. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.melbourneplaygrounds.com.au/lorne-jebbs-pool\"\u003EJebbs Pool\u003C/a\u003E, a freshwater, fern-draped haven tucked with a mini waterfall and rock slides, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EParking/Access: \u003C/b\u003EHoliday Park parking; ~1 km trail following the river\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFacilities:\u003C/b\u003E Basic facilities at the holiday park; none at the pool.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGood to know: \u003C/b\u003ERocks are slippery – enter slowly and avoid fast-moving water after rain.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELoddon Falls, near Daylesford\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EFurther inland you’ll discover a volcanic gorge where \u003Ca href=\"https://daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/attractions/loddon-falls/\"\u003ELoddon\u003C/a\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://daylesfordmacedonlife.com.au/attractions/loddon-falls/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E Falls’\u003C/a\u003E water cascades between hexagonal basalt cliffs. The descent from Sewells Road feels wild, still and cinematic.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EParking/Access: \u003C/b\u003ESewells Road, Glenlyon (dry-weather access best).\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFacilities\u003C/b\u003E: None at the falls; carry water and take your rubbish out.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGood to know: \u003C/b\u003EKeep clear of cliff edges and unstable ground; water flow is seasonal.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBrisbane\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EEnoggera Reservoir (Enoggera Dam), The Gap\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://brisbanekids.com.au/enoggera_reservoir_the_gap/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EEnoggera Dam\u003C/a\u003E, 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EParking/Access: \u003C/b\u003ESealed roads and nearby car parks; short signed walk to water.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFacilities: \u003C/b\u003ERoped swimming areas; equipment hire nearby; toilets in precinct.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGood to know\u003C/b\u003E: Summer weekends are busy, with weekdays or earlier starts quieter.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETallebudgera Creek, Palm Beach\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EA classic Gold Coast cool-off, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/attractions/p-56fbabbec3da9d9a7b8b057d-tallebudgera-creek\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ETallebudgera Creek\u003C/a\u003E 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EParking/Access: \u003C/b\u003EMultiple parking areas on both sides of the creek; 300-metre leafy trail to the water.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFacilities:\u003C/b\u003E Toilets and picnic spots nearby\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGood to know:\u003C/b\u003E Check tide times and choose signed, permitted areas; currents vary with tides.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPerth\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELogue Brook Dam (Lake Brockman)\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EJarrah forest, wide sky and a spread-out shoreline make \u003Ca href=\"https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/logue-brook-dam\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ELogue Brook Dam\u003C/a\u003E 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EParking/Access:\u003C/b\u003E Sealed access with ample parking.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFacilities:\u003C/b\u003E Picnic/BBQ areas; camping and cabins at Lake Brockman Tourist Park\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGood to know:\u003C/b\u003E Observe all on-water signage and stay in signed areas for your activity.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBlack Diamond Lake, near Collie\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EShining bright under the sun, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.westernaustralia.com/au/attraction/black-diamond-lake/5c4fbfa6dfe8067c43916467\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EBlack Diamond Lake\u003C/a\u003E 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EParking/Access:\u003C/b\u003E 2WD parking on main side; walking access to other banks (check local advice).\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFacilities:\u003C/b\u003E Limited; no camping permitted.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGood to know: \u003C/b\u003EConditions and water quality can change, check local council or visitor centre updates before entering.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EA note on safety\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Travel Well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Ftravel-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/page_tags_copy"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csub\u003EDisclaimer\u003C/sub\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 9.75px; vertical-align: sub;\"\u003E\u003Csup\u003EViva 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.\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":4,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop/text","model":{"title":"You may also be interested 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lakes","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Cooling off: waterfalls, rock pools and lakes","text":"Short drives to natural swims – Lower Gledhill Falls, Curracurrang Falls, Jebbs Pool, Loddon Falls and Black Diamond Lake – with parking, access and safety tips.","date":"2025-11-17T12:30:00Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"Cooling off: waterfalls, rock pools and lakes | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/cooling-off-waterfalls-rock-pools-and-lakes"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a 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