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Splash Quest: The Best Wild Swimming Spots in Perth
Perth, Australia’s sunniest city and the capital of Western Australia, is not only filled with amazing people but also tonnes of exquisite natural wonders that are waiting to be discovered.
Some of those wonders include the breathtaking natural bodies of water. Here, you can enjoy swimming in the wild, a liberating experience that allows you to embrace the outdoors while enjoying the refreshing embrace of water.
I’ve compiled the best spots in and near Perth for you to do just that!
Mettams Pool
Photo credit: dylan_alcock
Website: https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/leisure-and-culture/venue-and-facility-hire/beaches/mettams-pool
Address: 276 W Coast Dr, North Beach WA 6020, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9205 8555
Our first destination, Mettams Pool, is a wild swimming spot in North Beach with a captivating history behind it. It was formed in the 1930s when World War I veteran Frank Mettam removed the rugged and dangerous limestone reef in the area.
Once the reef was removed, the open area slowly transformed into a natural beach pool. Today, Mettams Pool is well-loved by both tourists and locals for its naturally formed lagoon, anemones, and abundant marine life.
What’s really awesome about this place, though, is its lack of strong currents and natural hazards that may pose a threat to swimmers. That’s why I consider this place a must-visit, especially if you’re a beginner swimmer.
Pro tip: Mettams Pool is one of the most popular wild swimming spots in Perth. Make sure to arrive here early (at least before 7:00 AM) if you want to secure a good parking spot that’s near the pool!
Yanchep Lagoon
Photo credit: darcy_uniquephotography
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/attraction/yanchep-lagoon/5e6b40c87a82947726760112
Address: 5 Brazier Rd, Yanchep WA 6035, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9262 1700
Yanchep Lagoon, located about 60 kilometres north of Perth’s CBD, is a majestic body of water that beckons with its serene beauty. This natural attraction is best known for its 300-metre reef that extends from the shore.
Thanks to this reef, the area produces gentle waves that create an ideal and relaxing environment for snorkelling and swimming. There is also an abundance of marine life living in the area, including octopus, herring, and whiting.
And that’s not all! That’s because east of Yanchep Lagoon is where you’ll find the serene Yanchep National Park.
This place is filled to the brim with exotic wildlife and natural beauty, so make sure to stop by here after your wild swimming session.
Pro tip: If you’re interested in catching some fish, Yanchep Lagoon has several fishing spots available. Just make sure to avoid any area that has red and yellow flags, as those areas are off-limits to any fishing activities.
You can cook any fish you catch at the nearby barbeque spot located at Fisherman’s Hollow.
Rocky Pool
Photo credit: perthisok
Address: Piesse Brook WA 6076, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9257 9999
For those looking to enjoy a freshwater wild swimming experience, check out Rocky Pool. Located in Piesse Brook, east of Gooseberry Hill, this hidden gem was formed by the large boulders that surround the area.
Part of Rocky Pool’s charm is its seclusion from the outside world. Getting here is a bit tricky (but not too difficult), as you’ll have to trek across a 5-kilometre trail that’s filled with various wildflowers, shrubs, and native animals.
Thankfully, you’ll be rewarded with the amazing scenery of the valley once you reach the natural pool itself. Once you’re beside the pool, make sure to be extra careful when walking, as the smooth boulders that surround it tend to be slippy when wet.
Pro tip: The scenery and conditions of Rocky Pool greatly vary depending on the season. For the best experience, visit it from September to October, as that’s the time when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Meanwhile, I find the summer season to be the worst time to visit this place, as the pool tends to be dry during this season.
Omeo Wreck
Photo credit: perthisok
Address: Socrates Parade, Western Australia, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9411 3444
Another wild swimming spot with a cool history is the Omeo Wreck, located off the coast of North Coogee. Originally adrift from Fremantle port in 1905, it now stands as a partially submerged relic in the middle of the sea.
Today, only the sternpost and a fragment of the bow triangle peek above the water. However, the ship itself is still sturdy enough, and swimmers are free to swim around it without any worries.
Aside from the shipwreck itself, there are also a couple of landmarks here that are worth checking out, like the reef pyramids and replica cannons scattered across the place. There’s even a selfie porthole if you want to capture a photo of your visit here.
Pro tip: Please remember that the Omeo Wreck is several decades old and most of its parts have become brittle due to weathering. Visitors aren’t allowed to climb, stand, or rest on the shipwreck at any time.
It’s also illegal to remove any pieces of the shipwreck and take them home as souvenirs.
Chidley Point Reserve
Photo credit: kirstyb107
Website: https://www.mosmanpark.wa.gov.au/play/places-2/places/
Address: 4 Caporn St, Mosman Park WA 6012, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9384 1633
If you’re looking to go wild swimming in the Swan River, a good place to do that would be in Chidley Point Reserve, located in Mosman Park. This tranquil space isn’t hard to visit, as it’s only a few kilometres away from the Perth CBD.
As one of the river’s calmer spots, you’ll always have a great time swimming here, even if you’re a total beginner. There’s also an abundance of marine life here (including harmless jellyfish) that’ll certainly wow any first-time visitors.
Once you’re done swimming, you may choose to bond with your friends on the sandy beach where there’s enough space to host a picnic with your friends and family. The park even has barbecue spots if you need to cook something on the spot.
Pro tips: Don’t swim too far from the shore, as the centre of the Swan River tends to get busy at times with boats and ferries. It’s also important to remember that pets aren’t allowed in Chidley Point Reserve at all times.
Roley Pool Reserve
Photo credit: watsondesigns
Website: https://roleybushcare.com.au/bush-topics/9-roley-pool-reserve
Address: Collins Rd, Roleystone WA 6111, Australia
Another hidden gem that you can visit within Perth’s city limits is Roley Pool Reserve, located in Roleystone northeast of Armadale. Since the early 1900s, this natural pool has served as a swimming hole for many of Roleystone’s residents.
It gained a bit of attraction in the 1920s when a local named Bert Collins offered swimming and lifesaving lessons to young people here. Nowadays, its calm waters and shallow depth still make it a great spot to learn how to swim.
Aside from being an excellent wild swimming spot, Roley Pool Reserve also boasts a picturesque view of its surrounding greenery. You might also come across the wild animals that inhabit the area, like brushtail possums and western grey kangaroos.
Pro tip: Most parts of Roley Pool Reserve remain undeveloped to preserve the natural beauty of the area. That’s why I strongly suggest you carry a hat, sunscreen, and an insect repellant with you during your visit here.
It’s also a smart idea to bring a water bottle with you, as you’ll need to make a quick trek to reach the natural pool.
Point Peron
Photo credit: emdv_photog
Website: https://visitrockingham.com.au/attractions/point-peron/
Address: Point Peron Rd, Peron WA 6168, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9219 9000
Another amazing wild swimming spot you should definitely try is Point Peron, a long stretch of land at the southern end of Cockburn Sound. Known for its safe swimming beaches, this place can serve as a great relaxation spot for you and your family.
One of the best things about this spot is the highly diverse marine life that inhabits the area. Here, you’ll come across magnificent creatures like sea lions, dolphins, stingrays, and massive schools of fish.
Furthermore, Point Peron boasts an impressive view of the sea and the nearby Garden Island and Penguin Island. Once dusk arrives, the place also transforms into a prime spot for sunset gazing.
Pro tip: Aside from being a great wild swimming spot, Point Peron is also a good place to do snorkelling, especially if you’re a beginner.
In particular, the limestone reefs in the shallow waters are the perfect places to explore if this is your first time visiting here.
Near Perth
Lake Leschenaultia
Website: https://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/leisure-recreation/lake-leschenaultia
Address: 2135 Rosedale Road, Chidlow, WA, Australia
Contact details: +61 8 9290 6666
Distance from the Perth CBD: 50 minutes
Lake Leschenaultia is an excellent getaway spot for those looking to explore outside of the city. Located in Chidlow, this lake was once used as a water reservoir for Western Australia’s extensive railway system back in the 1890s.
After 1949, it was transformed into a recreational lake where many Perthites learned how to swim, as swimming pools weren’t common back then. Decades later, it still remains one of the most popular wild swimming spots today.
A key reason why this lake remains popular is its exhilarating natural beauty. Not only does it have crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, but Lake Leschenaultia also boasts an amazing view of surrounding greenery and trails.
Pro tip: Lake Leschenaultia has campsites where you can spend the night. Some of them have enough space to accommodate campervans and towed camping vehicles.
You can learn more about their campsites and camping fees by visiting this website.
Penguin Island
Photo credit: helloperth
Website: https://www.penguinisland.com.au/
Contact details: +61 8 9591 1333
Distance from the Perth CBD: 46 minutes
An obvious choice for wild swimming enthusiasts, Penguin Island is a cosy little island located 660 metres from the coast of Shoalwater. As its name suggests, it’s a conservation park for the little penguins that are native to the island.
The island is currently home to more than 300 little penguins, which is a bit saddening as it once boasted a peak population of 1,600 penguins in 2019. Aside from these cute animals, Penguin Island is also home to more than 500 pelicans.
Other things you should look out for during your visit here are the island’s impressive geological formations like sea caves, natural bridges, and sea cliffs. There’s also a designated picnic area if you want to spend a bit more time here.
Pro tip: Didn’t bring a packed lunch with you? Don’t worry because you can enjoy a relaxing lunch in Penguin Island’s own Pengos Cafe, located beside the Penguin Island Visitor Centre.
Here, you can enjoy a rich selection of dishes like gourmet burgers, avocado salads, fish tacos, and Belgian waffles.
Serpentine Falls
Photo credit: perth.local
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/serpentine-national-park
Address: Lot 1 Falls Rd, Serpentine WA 6125, Australia
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
Serpentine Falls, located in the Serpentine National Park, is a captivating natural gem that’s only an hour’s drive from the Perth CBD. An enigmatic body of water, its true depth has remained unknown up to this day.
To get to the actual falls, you’ll need to make a quick trek across the national park. During your trek, you might come across the park’s ancient landforms, woodlands, and jaw-dropping valley gorge.
Once you reach Serpentine Falls, you’ll be treated to a majestic sight as water cascades down the 15-metre granite outcrops into a rock-lined pool below. This wild swimming spot is pretty popular, so be sure to arrive as early as you can!
Pro tip: As mentioned earlier, the true depth of Serpentine Falls remains undetermined.
The Serpentine National Park management strictly forbids visitors from jumping from the top of the waterfalls to the pool below, as there may be dangerous rock formations hidden underneath the water.
Lane Poole Reserve
Photo credit: _emilyburney
Website: https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/lane-poole-reserve
Address: Nanga Rd, Dwellingup WA 6213, Australia
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, located 100 kilometres southeast of the Perth CBD, is a massive conservation area with a rich history and captivating features. It was actually named after C.E. Lane Poole, the first conservator of forests in Western Australia.
Here, you’ll come across a diverse range of places to see and explore. With a land area of approximately 55,000 hectares, it boasts plenty of natural features like rock-rimmed pools, rapids, waterfalls, and steeply forested valley slopes.
Meandering through the reserve is the majestic Murray River, which has created several swimming spots along the way. Personally, I find the Island Pool and the Baden-Powell water spout to be the best spots to do some wild swimming here.
Pro tip: Some parts of the Murray River have natural hazards like extreme water currents and submerged rocks. Please make sure to practice safe swimming and always supervise your children when they’re in or near the water.
