Three Spectacular Outdoor Swims around Melbourne

Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

Swimming in the outdoors in Melbourne can be spectacular if you know the right places to go - here are my top three, which have been chosen for their spectacular views, spectacular warmth or their ferocious flow of water.

Within the Melbourne metropolitan area, Pound Bend in Warrandyte has a swimming spot at the outlet of a long tunnel that was cut through several hundred metres of rock to dredge the Yarra River for gold. The rush of water through the tunnel, out into the downstream rock pool is, dare I say it, spectacular. You can read more here about Pound Bend for swimmers including access to water quality warnings so that you can choose a day to swim safely. Above: Ferocious water at Pound Bend Tunnel, Warrandyte (Order this image)

If you would like to swim at a waterfall within a spectacular rock wall cathedral, Turpins Falls near Kyneton is your kind of swimming hole.

It is well outside of the metropolitan area at a little over an hour from the Melbourne city centre, but it has a wow factor that makes up for the trip. You can read more here about Turpins Falls for swimmers, including what not to do if you want to enjoy a swim there. Above: The pool and rock walls at Turpins Falls, Kyneton (Order this image)

If you are looking for a swim that is spectacularly warm, why not try Peninsula Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula. It is more of a bathing option than a swimming option, with the pools only large enough to fit in one or two strokes at a time. If you still want to get into the water when Melbourne turns chilly, it is one of the best defrosting options available to swimmers. You can read more here about Peninsula Hot Springs for swimmers. Above: The warm waters of one of the pools at Peninsula Hot Springs (Order this image)

You can find out more here about other swimming holes in Melbourne, or further afield across Victoria in the Guide to Freshwater Swimming Holes in Victoria.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information.

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