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Skip the crowded beaches and see the best natural water pools near Perth
If you’re tired of the same old chlorinated swimming pools and want to dive into something more au naturel, Perth has a secret stash of aquatic gems waiting to be discovered.
You might find it hard to believe, but my lovely city is close to many natural water pools that have crystal-clear waters, sun-kissed rocks, and tranquil scenery.
As a self-proclaimed water enthusiast (and part-time mermaid), I scoured the outskirts of Perth to find these hidden oases. Here is a list detailing the results of my grand expedition!
Black Diamond Lake
Photo credit: perthisok
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com
Address: Ferguson Rd, Allanson
Contact details: +61 408 931 274
Distance from the Perth CBD: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Let’s start off with my personal favourite, Black Diamond Lake, which is located about 5 kilometres west of Collie.
Once an active coal mine operated by Amalgamated Collieries Pty Ltd, the mine pit was eventually decommissioned but left open.
Gradually, the abandoned pit was filled with groundwater and rain, creating the stunning natural pool we see today. What makes this pool so special, though, is its brilliant azure blue colour that’s especially noticeable when the sun is shining.
Thanks to its unique colour, Black Diamond Lake has become a popular swimming spot for both locals and tourists. Once you’re done taking a dip, rest your feet beside the pool and enjoy a relaxing picnic to end the day.
Pro tip: Pay close attention to any signage or warnings you might come across during your visit to the Black Diamond Lake. That’s because there are times when the water quality is bad due to high levels of bacteria.
Rocky Pool
Photo credit: thatinspiredguy2.0
Website: https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au
Address: Piesse Brook
Contact details: +61 8 9257 9999
Distance from the Perth CBD: 42 minutes
Rocky Pool, located in Kalamunda National Park, is among my must-visit pools thanks to its serene allure. A mere 40-minute drive from the Perth CBD, this natural water pool awaits those seeking a quick respite from urban life.
What made me fall in love with this place is its relatively isolated location, which makes the journey here quite a reward in itself. To get here, you’ll need to trek across a 5-kilometre trail called the Rocky Pool Walk.
Along the trail, you’ll encounter breathtaking valley views and wildflower-dotted landscapes. Once you’ve reached the pool itself, you can cool off in its crystal-clear waters and admire the granite boulders and bushlands that surround you.
Pro tip: The Rocky Pool Walk features long, winding tracks and uneven terrain. To help you navigate through it faster, here’s a map detailing all the routes you can use to get to the natural water pool.
Honeymoon Pool
Photo credit: inexology
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com
Address: Honeymoon Pool, River Road, Wellington Forest
Contact details: +61 8 9262 1700
Distance from the Perth CBD: 2 hours and 1 minute
Should you visit Black Diamond Lake, don’t forget to also stop by another amazing natural water pool called Honeymoon Pool. Located within Wellington National Park, this serene body of water is one of the most popular swimming spots in Australia.
A reason why I find this pool so amazing is its tranquil waters, which let even the most inexperienced swimmers have a fun time here. It’s also nestled on the lower part of the Collie River, so getting here won’t be a tiring endeavour.
And did I mention the beautiful scenery? The pool is surrounded by weeping peppermint trees that give the place a magical vibe you can’t experience back in the city.
Pro tip: You can actually spend the night here, as there’s a nearby medium-sized campground that can accommodate up to 20 campsites at a time. You only need to pay a camping fee of $20 for adults and $5 for children per night.
However, due to the extreme popularity of Honeymoon Pool, the campground tends to get fully booked, especially during school breaks and long weekends. Make sure to reserve your spot ASAP.
Lane Poole Reserve
Photo credit: trixiellerose
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/lane-poole-reserve
Address: Nanga Rd, Dwellingup
Contact details: +61 8 9538 1078
Distance from the Perth CBD: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Price:
Standard vehicle (less than 12 occupants) – $17 per vehicle
Large vehicle (more than 12 occupants) – $8 per person
Motorcycles – $10
Lane Poole Reserve is a sprawling natural wonder in Dwellingup spanning 50,000 hectares. Named after C. E. Lane Poole, the state’s first Conservator of Forests, this reserve boasts diverse vegetation, including jarrah forests and wandoo woodlands.
Its highlight is the undammed Murray River that meanders through the reserve. During my visit, I saw amazing natural features, including pristine rock pools and majestic waterfalls.
Here, you can kayak, swim, fish, and immerse yourself in nature. The thing I love most about this place, though, is that you can encounter some cute animals like quokkas, woylies, western ringtail possums, and Baudin’s black cockatoos.
Pro tip: Lane Poole Reserve is a dog-friendly park, so you’re free to bring your furry friend along to enjoy its amazing natural water pools.
However, the park’s management strictly advises visitors to keep their dogs on a leash, as they regularly bait the area with 1080 poison to maintain the wild animal population within reasonable numbers.
North Dandalup Dam
Photo credit: pinkeyperky42
Website: https://www.watercorporation.com.au
Address: Scarp Rd, Whittaker
Contact details: +61 131375
Operating hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Distance from the Perth CBD: 1 hour and 2 minutes
For the most scenic views, I go to North Dandalup Dam. Located in the Darling Scarp, this dam was constructed in 1994 to provide freshwater to Perth, Mandurah, Pinjarra, Harvey, and the Goldfields.
It’s actually one of the biggest contributors of potable water to the City of Light and accounts for 10% of Perth’s annual water supply. Sadly, swimming is prohibited in the reservoir or the streams flowing into it to keep the water safe for drinking.
Despite the ban on swimming, North Dandalup Dam remains highly popular among tourists thanks to its exquisite natural beauty, which makes this place an excellent location if you’re like me and want to sightsee or stroll while surrounded by nature.
Pro tip: The trails leading to the dam tend to have uneven ground and walking hazards. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear, like sneakers or hiking sandals, so your feet won’t get injured during your walk.
It’s also recommended that you apply sunscreen and wear some sunglasses, as the sunlight can get pretty intense here, especially during the summer.
Lake Leschenaultia
Website: https://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/leisure-recreation/lake-leschenaultia
Address: 2135 Rosedale Road, Chidlow
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6666
Distance from the Perth CBD: 47 minutes
Lake Leschenaultia, located in the Shire of Mundaring, is a captivating natural water pool with a rich history. Originally constructed in 1897 as a man-made reservoir for steam trains.
Interestingly, its name “Leschenaultia” is derived from the lake’s colour, which resembles the Blue Leschenaultia flower. It covers an impressive 520 million litres of water and is one of Western Australia’s most popular swimming and kayaking spots.
Aside from water activities, I also find Lake Leschenaultia to be an excellent place for picnicking, birdwatching, and bushwalking thanks to the wonderful scenery and winding walking trails that surround it.
Pro tip: Are you a fan of stargazing? Then make sure to visit Lake Leschenaultia from mid-autumn to mid-spring because it’s one of the best spots to watch the Milky Way rise over the eastern horizon!
For an unobstructed view of the sky, make sure to go to the western beach of the lake.
Serpentine Falls
Photo credit: perthhillsarmadale
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/serpentine-national-park
Address: Lot 1 Falls Rd, Serpentine
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6100
Operating hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)
Distance from the Perth CBD: 50 minutes
Price:
Standard vehicle (less than 12 occupants) – $17 per vehicle
Large vehicle (more than 12 occupants) – $8 per person
Motorcycles – $10
Another natural water pool you can visit in the Darling Scarp is Serpentine Falls, located just 55 kilometres southeast of Perth. A part of Serpentine National Park, this waterfall is my preferred spot for my much-needed relaxation time away from work.
What I love about Serpentine Falls is the picturesque scene it provides as water cascades down 15-metre granite outcrops. This phenomenon has created a rock-lined pool that is quite popular as a swimming and picnicking spot.
Aside from the falls themselves, the rest of Serpentine National Park also offers stunning scenery that’s rich with native flora and fauna. In particular, I saw wildflowers like spider orchids, dryandras, and grevilleas during my visit.
Pro tip: The true depth of the pool below Serpentine Falls remains undiscovered to this day.
Don’t attempt to climb or jump off from the top of the waterfall into the pool below, as there may be hidden dangers underneath the water’s surface, like rocks that may severely injure you.
Some people have already died doing this, so please take this warning seriously.
Barrabup Pool
Photo credit: australias_southwest
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/barrabup-pool
Address: Barrabup
Contact details: +61 8 9219 9000
Distance from the Perth CBD: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Our next entry, Barrabup Pool, is a hidden gem you’ll find 270 kilometres south of Perth. This naturally formed pool, located on the gently flowing St. Johns Brook, offers a tranquil spot for those looking to enjoy a refreshing dip on hot summer days.
The best thing I love about this pool is that it has some of the calmest waters you’ll find on the list. However, I should warn you that most parts of the pool are deep, so make sure you have a life jacket on if you’re not good at swimming!
Aside from the pool itself, I also find the nature that surrounds it to be quite a sight to behold. Towering jarrah, marri, and river banksia trees line the banks, creating a picturesque backdrop that’s best observed from the pool’s viewing deck.
Pro tip: Since this place is a bit far from Perth, you might want to spend the night here and camp instead of going home immediately. The nearby campground, Barrabup Campground, charges only $11 for adults and $3 for children per night.
However, it should be mentioned that the campground has only basic amenities like tables, fire rings, and sealed vault pit toilets. Make sure to prepare your camping kit accordingly, so you won’t be inconvenienced during your stay.
