8 Stunning Freshwater Pools to Explore Near Perth

A short-but-sweet 1 hour drive inland from Perth is the ever-popular Serpentine Falls located in the Serpentine National Park. This is a beautiful spot to spend the day, be it picnicking, kangaroo watching, bushwalking, or (of course) swimming. This freshwater hole opens from 8.30am to 5pm daily and costs $15 to enter. Immerse your whole body in the refreshing water at this swimming hole while watching as the water cascades down the 15-metre granite rock face.

It’s one of WA’s most instagrammable destinations and a rare jewel in Australia’s South West. Just 5 km west of Collie, Diamond Lake is a former open-cut mine that has been given a new lease on life in the form of an oh-so-satisfying blue lake. While it’s a bit of a drive, this irresistible swimming spot is worth it and may be the bluest water you’ve ever seen. We recommend making tracks for this waterhole on a sunny day when the water sparkles at its brightest!

Whether you’re in the mood for a swim or just want to relax by the water, Rocky Pool in Kalamunda offers a peaceful oasis away from the city hustle. The best part about this pool is it’s only a 45 minute drive from Perth, but feels so much further removed. The right time to visit Rocky Pool is after a fresh downpour when the water is flowing at its best with plenty of pockets to swim in. If you’re feeling active, there’s also the 5km Rocky Pool Walk Trail to enjoy, starting at the end of Spring Road in Kalamunda.

A fantastic swimming spot year-round in the Shire of Mundaring is Lake leschenaultia. With a beautiful white sand beach, plenty of shade, stunning bushland and a pontoon accessible via a short swim, this is a great spot for groups of friends, families, couples and solo visitors. Bring the kayak or paddle board to explore more of the lake, or just settle for bringing your bathers. This is an unmissable freshwater swimming hole to visit while in Perth.

Swimming, paddling, camping – you name it and Honeymoon Pool has it. Sitting pretty along the tranquil Collie River, Honeymoon Pool is a popular freshwater swimming hole with plenty of shade thanks to the tall peppermint trees that overhang the river. There’s also a variety of walk and cycle trails nearby in Wellington National Park. If you’re considering staying a little longer, the Honeymoon Pool Campground costs just $10 a day and offers direct access to the pool.

Just a 10 minute drive from Harvey is the dog-friendly and absolutely fun-filled Logue Brook Dam. It’s a peaceful spot for all kinds of water activities – swimming, paddling, canoeing, boating, fishing and more. There’s even a designated water-skiing area! We highly rate this stunning freshwater swimming hole with plenty of camping spots located along the bank. If you’re keen for a walk while in the area, the dam has a range of surrounding nature trails including part of the famous Bibbulmun Track that weaves through surrounding bushland.

A river pool deep in the forest inland from Margaret River, Canebrake Pool is a peaceful and quiet place for camping, swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. This stunning oasis is surrounded by the jarrah and marri forest of Rapids Conservation Park and has plenty of space to relax with picnic benches and fire rings. There’s even a small campground with 9 individual campsites – But make sure you get there early as it’s first come, first serve!

Yes, we know this is a long drive. But how could we not add Pemberton Pool to our list? This historic swimming pool was built in the late 1920s for the families of timber workers and has since remained an iconic swimming destination for both locals and tourists. We consider this to be one of the absolute best swimming holes in WA, so get moving so you can make it back in time for dinner, or book accommodation in Pemberton.