The Best Swimming Spots in Western Australia
We’ve put together a road‑trip‑friendly guide to six of WA’s best swimming spots, followed by four honourable mentions. These locations offer everything from vibrant coral reefs and white sand to emerald pools and towering waterfalls.
Dive into Western Australia: 6 iconic swimming spots (plus 4 honourable mentions)
Let's dive into these iconic swimming spots this summer!
Turquoise Bay – Ningaloo Marine Park
Turquoise Bay sits inside the spectacular Cape Range National Park on the Coral Coast and lives up to its name. This white‑sand beach borders Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s most accessible fringing reefs.
The beach’s drift snorkelling area allows you to let the current carry you across colourful corals and schools of fish before gently returning to shore. The water is crystal clear and teeming with turtles, stingrays and reef sharks; you only need a mask, fins and respect for the marine life to experience it.
This spot is ideal for families and first‑time snorkellers, but it’s not without hazards. Strong currents at the southern end can quickly sweep swimmers toward the sandbar – heed the signs on the beach, stay within the designated drift area and avoid going too far out when the swell is up. Cape Range National Park charges a small entry fee and there are toilets and picnic tables but no shaded shelters.
Visit during the dry season (April–October) when conditions are calm and water visibility is best. Turquoise Bay is accessible by sealed road from Exmouth; 2WD vehicles are fine, but a high‑clearance 4WD gives you the freedom to explore other parts of the park.
Lucky Bay – Cape Le Grand National Park
This beach near Esperance claims to have the whitest sand in Australia, and it’s hard to argue when you see the blindingly white beach against turquoise water.
Lucky Bay stretches for five kilometres and the sheltered bay is ideal for swimming, long walks, fishing and even launching boats. You might even share the sand with the bay’s most famous residents: Western grey kangaroos often laze on the beach, happily photobombing visitors.
The high‑contrast colours and shallow gradient make Lucky Bay an excellent family swimming spot.
There’s a campground with toilets and solar‑powered showers on the dunes behind the beach, and day‑visitors can park right by the sand. Note that driving on the sand here can be treacherous; the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions recommends consulting rangers before taking vehicles onto the beach and warns that towing caravans across the soft sand is not advised.
The best time to visit is summer when the water warms up; however, high winds can whip up sea spray, so check the forecast. Cape Le Grand is 50 km east of Esperance via sealed roads and is accessible with a 2WD.
The Basin – Rottnest Island
A 30‑minute ferry ride from Fremantle drops you on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), famous for its quokkas and protected beaches. On the island’s north side, The Basin is a natural swimming pool carved into the limestone reef.
Shallow turquoise water and white sand make it a popular picnic and swimming spot; there are shady pine trees, a picnic area and toilets nearby. Because the reef protects the bay from swell, it’s ideal for families and beginner snorkellers. You can swim among small fish and coral without venturing far from shore.
It’s often called a “snorkelling playground” because of the abundance of marine life in such a compact area.
To reach The Basin, hop on the island’s shuttle bus or cycle about 10 minutes from the settlement. Arrive early during summer and school holidays to secure a spot on the sand.
Rottnest’s environment is fragile; please avoid standing on reef structures, take your rubbish home and respect the resident quokkas by not feeding them. Note that Rottnest Island Authority prohibits private vehicles such as cycling and public buses are the way to get around, which adds to the relaxed island vibe.
Tips for safe swimming in WA’s natural waterways
Check conditions and signage: Many beaches and waterholes are unpatrolled. Obey warning signs about currents, stingers, crocodiles or water quality. If there are no signs, ask locals or rangers.
Know your limits: Inland pools can be deceptively deep and cold. Only swim as far as you can comfortably return and avoid diving into unknown waters.
Leave no trace: Pack out all rubbish, take reusable drink bottles and avoid using soaps or detergents in natural pools. Respect cultural sites by following guidelines from traditional owners.
Be prepared for remote travel: Western Australia is vast. Carry extra fuel, water and a first‑aid kit; let someone know your itinerary; and consider a personal locator beacon (PLB) when exploring remote gorges.
Black Diamond Lake (Collie)
Once an open-cut mine, Black Diamond Lake has become one of WA’s most photogenic freshwater swim spots thanks to its vivid blue-green water. Just 5–10 minutes west of Collie, it’s perfect for a lazy float, stand-up paddle or kayak session. On calm, sunny days the water pops; after rain or long cloudy spells the colour can appear more muted, so plan for a bright morning or late-arvo dip if you’re chasing those electric hues.
Good to know: there’s limited natural shade, so bring a beach shelter, hats and plenty of water. Water quality in lakes can change with season and rainfall; keep an eye on local advisories and give the water a miss if signs indicate poor quality or algal bloom. Leave the inflatables at home on windy days (the lake funnels gusts and floaties can drift fast).
Access & facilities: sealed-road access suitable for 2WD; parking is roadside/day-use style. Please pack-in/pack-out and avoid glass.
No camping at the lake edge: use nearby campgrounds instead: Honeymoon Pool or Potters Gorge in Wellington National Park, plus Stockton Lake or Lake Kepwari (check current rules and bookings).
Respect private property around the shoreline and keep music low so everyone can enjoy the setting.
Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks – William Bay National Park
In the heart of the Great Southern near Denmark, William Bay National Park harbours two adjacent gems: Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks. Greens Pool is a sheltered bay flanked by huge granite boulders, with green‑turquoise water and a white sandy beach.
The boulders act as a natural breakwater, creating calm waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling and just floating the day away. A few hundred metres away, a short trail leads to Elephant Rocks, where rounded granite formations resemble a herd of elephants wading in the sea.
The sheltered cove here is also a great place for a swim, although strong currents sometimes run through the narrow channel.
The two spots share parking and facilities (toilets, boardwalks and lookouts), making it easy to visit both. Early morning or late afternoon visits are best for photography when the sun lights up the granite. The water here can be cold even in summer, so bring a wetsuit if you intend to snorkel for long periods. Access is via a sealed road from Denmark; 2WD vehicles are suitable.
As always, leave no trace: pack out all rubbish and stay on marked paths to preserve the fragile dunes and vegetation.
Emma Gorge – El Questro, Kimberley
For those willing to trade saltwater for a lush outback oasis, Emma Gorge in El Questro Wilderness Park delivers a swim you’ll never forget. After an hour‑long hike over rocky terrain, you’re rewarded with a cool oasis and a 65‑metre droplet waterfall surrounded by cliffs adorned with greenery.
The deep pool beneath the falls is bracingly cold, but a small thermal spring hidden amongst the rocks provides a warm spot to thaw out. The serene surroundings make this a tranquil place to swim and relax.
Access to Emma Gorge requires a 4WD vehicle; it’s located on the Gibb River Road, 83 km west of Kununurra. The final 2 km driveway is unsealed with a water crossing, and the walk shouldn’t be started after 2.30 pm to ensure you return before dark. There are no facilities at the gorge so make sure to pack sufficient water, snacks and a first‑aid kit.
The waterfall flows year‑round, but the dry season (May–October) offers cooler hiking conditions and less risk of flash flooding. Swim respectfully: the gorge is home to a small thermal spring and is culturally significant to the local traditional owners.
Honourable Mentions
While the six spots above headline our road‑trip wish list, Western Australia has many more places to make a splash. Here are four more swimming holes and beaches worth adding to your itinerary.
Fortescue Falls & Fern Pool – Karijini National Park
In the red‑rock heart of the Pilbara, Dales Gorge hides the only permanent waterfall in Karijini. Fortescue Falls cascades over terraced rock ledges into a fern‑lined pool fed by a spring. A short trail continues to Fern Pool, a lush oasis where water cascades from a cliff into a jade‑green pool lined with ancient ferns.Visitors can swim at both Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool, but the park advises reading safety information carefully and respecting cultural protocols. Bring sturdy shoes for the steep stair descent and avoid visiting during the intense heat of midday.
Mettam’s Pool – Marmion Marine Park, Perth
Closer to the city, Mettam’s Pool offers a sheltered lagoon perfect for a quick dip or snorkel. The lagoon is less than two metres deep and teems with marine plants and colourful fish. including wrasse, parrotfish and the occasional octopus. Because it’s protected by a fringing reef, conditions are usually calm, making it ideal for families and new snorkellers. Facilities include toilets, showers and a small car park, but arrive early in summer to secure a spot. Keep an eye on the surf – surge can be strong on the outer reef during large swells.
Python Pool – Millstream Chichester National Park
Hidden at the base of the Chichester Range, Python Pool is a deep swimming hole nestled beneath a seasonal waterfall. It’s surrounded by rugged rock formations and offers a refreshing swim after exploring the Pilbara’s dusty trail. Be aware that the pool can be dangerous after rain due to strong currents and debris, and algal blooms may occur in the dry season. A picnic area with barbecues and a short 200‑metre trail make it accessible, though the walk involves an uneven surface and may be slippery. Carry plenty of water and avoid swimming if signs warn of poor water quality.
Deep Reach Pool (Nhanggangunha) – Millstream Chichester National Park
Also within Millstream Chichester, Deep Reach Pool is a large permanent waterhole fed by an underground aquifer. It is culturally significant as the home of the Warlu serpent to the Yinjibarndi people. A 300‑metre return walk leads to a viewing deck and canoe launch; disabled access toilets, gas barbecues and shaded picnic tables are provided. Swimming and canoeing are allowed, but the water is very deep and children must be closely supervised. Please respect the cultural significance of the site by keeping noise levels down and taking all rubbish out.
That's it for this list.
From the world‑class coral of Ningaloo to the hidden waterfalls of the Kimberley and the granite‑guarded pools of the Great Southern, Western Australia offers swimming experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re hitting the highway with a rooftop tent or taking a weekend trip in your 4WD camper, these spots provide the perfect excuse to dive in. Remember to travel responsibly, respect local communities and environment, and leave each place better than you found it. Now get out there and make a splash.
Tips for safe swimming in WA’s natural waterways
Check conditions and signage
Many beaches and waterholes are unpatrolled. Obey warning signs about currents, stingers, crocodiles or water quality. If there are no signs, ask locals or rangers.
Know your limits
Inland pools can be deceptively deep and cold. Only swim as far as you can comfortably return and avoid diving into unknown waters.
Leave no trace
Pack out all rubbish, take reusable drink bottles and avoid using soaps or detergents in natural pools. Respect cultural sites by following guidelines from traditional owners.
Be prepared for remote travel
Western Australia is vast. Carry extra fuel, water and a first‑aid kit; let someone know your itinerary; and consider a personal locator beacon (PLB) when exploring remote gorges.
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