Summer has taken a while to get here this year, but now some warm weather has arrived, thoughts turn to cooling off with a refreshing dip.
Land-locked Canberra may lack a coastline, but there are still plenty of swimming spots scattered around the Territory that are perfect for a summer dip! Whether you enjoy a classic pool day or prefer a natural swimming hole, there’s something to suit every Canberran’s favourite way to beat the heat.
To take the guess work out of which swimming spots to hit up this summer – flood warnings and algae alerts permitting – Canberra Daily has compiled our favourite outdoor pools and natural swimming holes across the ACT for you to enjoy. Happy swimming!
Outdoor swimming pools or aqua parks
Manuka Pool
Officially opened in 1931, Canberra’s very first public swimming pool is a step back in time with its old-school, Art Deco style and heritage values. Manuka Pool is the perfect place to take the family on a hot summer’s day and treat them to a fun-filled swim and an ice-cream from the kiosk, or treat yourself to a barista-made coffee too.
Opening hours:
Weekdays from 6.30am to 7pm
Weekends from 8am to 7pm
Christmas hours vary
Location: New South Wales Crescent, Griffith ACT
Directions: google.com/maps
Dickson Aquatic Centre
With three epic pools to choose from, a splash park, and barbecue areas under shady trees, Dickson Aquatic Centre has it all! A great place to enjoy a gathering with friends and family, or host a hassle-free, summer birthday party for the kids.
Opening hours:
Weekdays from 6am to 7pm
Weekends from 8am to 7pm
Location: 152 Cowper Street, Dickson ACT
Directions: google.com/maps
Big Splash Waterpark
Try out the twister slide, speed coaster, inflatable track, splash island and more at Big Splash Waterpark in Macquarie! Don’t fret about the younger kids either; there’s a kiddies pool to keep them entertained while the older ones have a ball on all the awesome attractions.
Opening hours:
10am to 6pm
Location: 1 Catchpole Street, Macquarie
Directions: google.com/maps
Canberra Olympic Pool
Canberra Olympic Pool is full of community-based facilities and services fit for the whole family. With their 25m outdoor dive pool, heated indoor pool, picnic area, health club and kiosk, there’s an abundance of fun for everyone.
Opening hours:
Weekdays from 5.30am to 9pm
Saturday from 7am to 7pm
Sunday from 8am to 7pm
Location: 36 Constitution Avenue, Canberra
Directions: google.com/maps
Canberra Aqua Park
Reinflated for summer, the Canberra Aqua Park at Lake Burley Griffin is an awesome way to let the kids loose and burn off some holiday energy. Our own Canberra Daily intrepid journalist Abbey Halter gave it a go for herself and can vouch that it’s good fun for the adults too!
Opening hours:
10am to 8pm
Location: Garryowen Drive, Black Mountain Peninsula, Acton
Directions: google.com/maps
Natural swimming holes
Gibraltar Falls
A bit of walk upstream from Woods Reserve, Gibraltar Falls in Namadgi National Park (about 47km south-west of Canberra CBD) is a stunning natural wonder and definitely worth the hike. A 50m cascading waterfall from Gibraltar Creek, the flowing, fresh water is all you need after bushwalk on a hot day. It’s a true, hidden gem in the ACT.
Directions: google.com/maps
Yarralumla Bay
Sitting on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Yarralumla Bay is the perfect place for a swim, paddle, boat ride or leisurely stroll along the water’s edge. With its shaded picnic areas, sandy beach, and swimming and paddling enclosures, it’s a great place to spend a day by the water. The swimming beaches are monitored for blue green algae and bacteria. Whenever conditions are unsuitable for swimming the National Capital Authority gives public warnings.
Location: Off Alexandrina Drive (near Hopetoun Cct intersection), Yarralumla
Directions: google.com/maps
Casuarina Sands
At the beginning of the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track is where you’ll find the superb Casuarina Sands. With 360-degree views of the surrounding hills, the area is an ideal swimming spot with its shady riverside beaches. Bring your kayak or canoe for a paddle or utilise the barbecue facilities and spend the whole day in paradise.
Location: Off Cotter Road, Stromlo (between Camp Cottermouth and Cotter Campground)
Directions: google.com/maps
Cotter Bend
A little further along Cotter Road is another favourite swim, splash and fishing spot, Cotter Bend, which has sandy beaches where Paddys River meets Cotter River and a wide pool perfect for a summer dip. With fresh clean water, plenty of grassy areas and shade, barbecue and toilet facilities, it’s not hard to see why Cotter Bend is popular with locals.
Location: Cotter Road, Stromlo (between Cotter Campground and Paddys River Road)
Directions: google.com/maps
Kambah Pool
Part of the Murrumbidgee River, Kambah Pool has an abundance of wonderful swimming options, is great for fishing and offers toilet facilities at the carpark. Immerse yourself in a diverse habitat, take in the magnificent river views, and you may even run into one of the Kambah Pool wombats. Part of the northern section is a nude bathing spot, so do avoid if that’s not your scene.
Location: Kambah Pool Road, Kambah
Directions: google.com/maps
Pine Island
Just minutes from Tuggeranong, Pine Island Reserve is a little pocket of beautiful, untouched nature on the Murrumbidgee River at Greenway. You can take a dip in the river, go canoeing or fishing, or simply stretch out on the patches of grass and relax the day away. A popular place for children’s parties as it also has free electric barbecues and picnic tables.
Location: Pine Island Road, Greenway
Directions: google.com/maps
Make sure you check water quality levels before swimming in any of the natural swimming spots at cityservices.act.gov.au
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