Western Australian summers means spending time by the water. Whilst WA is known for its incredible beaches, there are a variety of swimming spots other than just beaches that make for a perfect spot to cool off.
Here is my roundup of my favourite unique swimming spots in Western Australia.
Swimming Spots in the South West WA
1. The Aquarium, Yallingup
The Aquarium is the perfect snorkelling spot with its sheltered lagoon and crystal clear water.
Located a short 10 minute walk through the bush from the car parking area off Canal Rocks Rd. This little spot can get popular during school and summer holidays, so head down earlier in the day if you want it to yourself.
Read all you need to know about visiting the natural aquarium in my detailed guide here.
2. Injidup Spa, Yallingup
The Injidup Natural Spa is another popular swimming spot in the South West of WA thanks to its rise on social media.
The natural spa is created by waves overflowing rocks into the pool.
3. Long Pool, Collie
This beautiful, tranquil pool is a great swimming spot in the Collie River.
The pool is located within Wellington National Park. With few facilities other than a picnic bench, bring everything you need with you and take rubbish away with you.
You can visit Long Pool as part of a day trip in the Ferguson Valley.
4. Black Diamond Lake, Collie
The vibrant turquoise water of Black Diamond Lake is a sight to behold.
Located outside Collie, about 2 hours south of Perth, the lake is a former open cut mine site and now a popular swimming spot.
There are minimal facilities at the lake, and camping is not allowed.
5. Barrabup Pool, Nannup
Barrabup Pool is about 10 minutes drive from the small town of Nannup in the South West.
Not as well known or popular as some of the other spots covered so far, you might find you have it to yourself. The natural pool and its green water is surrounded by forest on all sides, with a wooden platform and steps leading into the water.
Similar to Black Diamond Lake, this is a day spot only with camping available at the nearby Barrabup Campground.
Swimming Spots in North West WA
6. Gantheaume Point Rockpool, Broome
The tides in Broome can create secret swimming spots.
Gantheaume Point is one of my favourite places in Broome, and is home to a secret rockpool which you may have seen featured on my Instagram.
Visitors who come exploring at high tide might find a large rockpool can be found to the right of the path. Furthermore you’ll need tides of 8m or more for the rockpool to be full from my experience. It requires a bit of rock climbing and isn’t easily accessible.
Read more about my favourite rock pools in Broome. Coconut Well is another interesting coastal spot to visit, 20 minutes north of Broome.
Unique Swimming Spots in Perth
7. North Cottesloe Beach
You’ll find this spot just north of the popular Cottesloe Beach.
There is a reef that becomes very visible at low tide. In particular, you can also find some naturally formed swimming holes here. This dog beach gets very busy on weekends, but it’s worth it to jump into this little pool!
8. Yanchep Lagoon
Lastly, Yanchep Lagoon is located about 45 minutes north of Perth. It makes for a great day trip from Perth, combined with a visit to Yanchep National Park.
The Lagoon is a very sheltered swimming spot with a barrier created by the reef. The views from above are amazing, and you’ll want to bring your snorkel along.
Afterwards, for those who’ve worked up an appetite from snorkelling, there is a cafe above the beach.
As you can see from this list, Western Australia has no shortage of unique swimming spots waiting for you to discover. Happy adventuring!
Watching the sunset in a natural spa would be fantastic!
This makes me miss pools and beaches and the great big seas SO SO MUCH 😭😭😭
Pristine, beautiful. We are so sick of the grey German winter (bleh) that we have been talking about AU and NZ for 6 months. And you have some mad photography skills, Tess.
There is certainly no shortage of unique swimming spots, these places are stunning! This made me wait for the summer so much. I don’t think it will be possible to for me to travel to Australia, but at least I get to go to swim. Without ice.
I’ve only been to WA once and unfortunately didn’t go to the beach. Would love to see some of the rocky ones. I think they’re the prettiest!