Fancy swapping the beach for a freshwater adventure? Perth and the South West have some beautiful lakes, river pools and forest-fringed swimming spots where you can pack a picnic, spread out under the trees and enjoy a family day outdoors.
When you’re visiting with kids, there’s more to choosing a swimming hole than gorgeous water. Sandy entry points, nearby toilets, picnic facilities and somewhere to play between dips can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up swimming spots for family day trips, along with a couple worth adding to your next South West holiday.
Natural waterways aren’t the same as supervised swimming pools. Water quality, depth, currents and access can change, so always check current alerts and signs before getting in. Keep young children within arm’s reach, actively supervise older kids and never dive or jump into unfamiliar water.
Swimming Holes to Visit in Perth, WA
Lake Leschenaultia, Chidlow
For a family swimming day out in the Perth Hills, Lake Leschenaultia is hard to beat. White sandy beaches, shady trees and grassy picnic areas make it easy to settle in with the kids and an esky full of snacks.
A designated swimming-only area keeps watercraft separate from swimmers, while the train-themed nature Playground gives little adventurers something to do when they need a break from the water. There are also walking trails, mountain bike tracks and pump tracks, making this a handy choice for families with children of different ages.
Bring a picnic and make use of the electric barbecues, or check the kiosk’s current trading hours before relying on takeaway food. Canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding are other ways to explore the lake, with hire availability worth checking before your visit.
Entry is free, but there are no lifeguards. The Shire recommends keeping your head above water and avoiding jumping or diving. Dogs and other pets aren’t permitted, apart from eligible assistance dogs, and bushfire conditions can affect access.
Address: 2135 Rosedale Road, Chidlow.
Opening hours: Gates open at 8.30am Monday to Friday and 8am on weekends, closing half an hour after sunset, subject to closures.
Website: Shire of Mundaring – Lake Leschenaultia.
Rocky Pool, Kalamunda
Rocky Pool is one to consider for families with older children who enjoy a bushwalk, rather than an easy swimming outing with toddlers.
The five-kilometre loop from the end of Spring Road has steep sections and loose terrain. It isn’t a pram-friendly stroll, and good footwear, drinking water and suitable weather are essential. Shorter access is described from the end of Schipp Road, but the approach to the water still involves uneven ground and rocks.
This is also a seasonal destination. Water levels depend on rainfall, and the pool can dry out during warmer months. Think of it as a bushwalking adventure where you might find suitable conditions for a dip, rather than a guaranteed summer swimming hole.
Avoid planning a demanding walk on a very hot day, and don’t enter the water after heavy rain if it is flowing strongly.
Location: Kalamunda National Park, with the loop trail starting at the end of Spring Road, Kalamunda.
Visitor information: Nature Play WA’s Play in WA – Rocky Pool.
Serpentine Falls, Serpentine
A waterfall, bushland picnic and a chance to spot wildlife make Serpentine Falls an appealing family day trip. Within Serpentine National Park, the falls tumble over granite into a rock-lined pool, with their flow changing through the seasons.
The picnic area has barbecues, tables and toilets, making it easy to combine a short walk with lunch outdoors. Arrive early on warm weekends and during school holidays, as the falls area can reach capacity and close to new visitors.
For swimming, this is a better consideration for confident swimmers than toddlers wanting a sandy splash spot. The water is deep, access can be slippery and conditions need to be assessed on the day. Never climb the falls or jump from the rocks.
Serpentine Falls and Serpentine Dam are different destinations, so make sure you navigate to the national park entrance on Falls Road.
Address: Access via Falls Road, Serpentine.
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30am to 5pm, with no vehicle entry after 4.15pm, subject to closures and capacity.
Entry: National park entry fees apply.
Website: Explore Parks WA – Serpentine National Park.
Moore River Rope Swing, near Guilderton
For families who enjoy a back-to-nature outing, this riverside spot combines picnicking, paddling and water play. There’s an open area near the boat launch for setting up your picnic rug, while families with kayaks or stand-up paddleboards can explore the Moore River from the water.
The rope swing is the drawcard for adventurous visitors, but this is an informal spot rather than a managed swimming attraction. Don’t assume the rope is maintained or the water below is safe for jumping. Conditions and depths can change, so assess the area carefully and keep children closely supervised. You can still enjoy a riverside picnic without using the swing.
Pack drinking water, snacks, sun protection and towels, and make a toilet stop before arriving, as there are no toilets at this particular spot. The natural riverbank and informal access track are also worth considering if visiting with little ones.
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Location: Moore River, near Guilderton.
Drakesbrook Weir, Waroona
Drakesbrook Weir, also known as Lake Moyanup, is a lovely option for families wanting to combine a freshwater swim with an easygoing picnic.
The shaded picnic tables and electric barbecues are useful when you’re feeding hungry kids, while the floating pontoon gives confident swimmers something to enjoy beyond the shoreline. Canoeing is another popular activity, so this could be a good outing for families bringing their own paddling gear.
Pack your lunch, towels and plenty of drinking water, then leave time to enjoy the surroundings rather than rushing straight home after a swim. As with any freshwater swimming spot, check current health advisories before travelling and assess the water when you arrive.
Location: Drakesbrook Weir, Waroona.
Website: Visit Waroona – Swimming.
Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup
If your family loves being outdoors, Lane Poole Reserve has plenty of ingredients for a memorable day out. The Murray River winds through the forest, with opportunities for swimming, canoeing, bushwalking and camping.
Rather than arriving without a plan, choose a specific river access point before you leave home. Scarp Pool is one option for a picnic and swim, with rock-lined river scenery and canoe-launching opportunities.
This is a more adventurous outing than a visit to a swimming pool. River conditions vary between locations, and calm-looking water can conceal currents, submerged branches and sudden changes in depth. Choose your spot to suit your children’s swimming abilities and avoid fast-flowing water.
Camping can turn a day trip into a forest getaway, with time to explore Dwellingup as well. Check the facilities, booking requirements and access arrangements for your chosen campground separately.
Location: Lane Poole Reserve, near Dwellingup.
Visitor information: Visit Waroona – Swimming in Lane Poole Reserve.
Logue Brook Dam, near Harvey
Also known as Lake Brockman, Logue Brook Dam is a scenic option for families who enjoy swimming and paddling with a bushland backdrop.
There’s room to build an outing around the water, whether that means bringing a kayak, enjoying a picnic or planning a longer camping escape. It’s also a dog-friendly destination, although you’ll need to check the rules for the particular recreation or camping area you’re visiting.
An important consideration for parents is that this is a shared recreation lake, with boating and water-skiing activities as well as swimming. Choose your swimming location carefully, follow local zoning signs and keep children away from boat-launching areas.
Bring the family’s essentials rather than assuming supplies will be available beside the water, and check current water levels and access information before setting off.
Location: Logue Brook Dam/Lake Brockman, near Harvey.
Website: Harvey Region – Swimming and Snorkelling.
Honeymoon Pool, Wellington National Park
With peppermint trees leaning over the Collie River, Honeymoon Pool is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy a family outing in the forest.
The shady setting is a big part of its appeal, and the decked access area provides a place to approach the water. Picnic tables, barbecues and toilets help make a day beside the river more manageable with kids.
Don’t be surprised if the water feels chilly, even when the weather is warm. This is still a natural river swimming spot, so check water-quality advice and conditions before entering, and supervise children closely around both the riverbank and access platforms.
If you’re tempted to stay longer, camping is available in the Honeymoon Pool area. Book ahead and check the individual campground’s facilities and rules, including drinking-water arrangements. Dogs aren’t permitted in Wellington National Park.
Location: Honeymoon Pool, Wellington National Park, near Collie.
Visitor information: Collie River Valley – Swimming Holes.
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Pemberton Pool, Pemberton
Surrounded by towering karri trees, Pemberton Pool is a picturesque addition to a Southern Forests family getaway. Created by damming Lefroy Brook, this historic swimming spot has been part of local life for generations.
The forest setting makes it feel quite different from a suburban pool, with opportunities to combine your visit with nearby walking and mountain biking. Bring a picnic and enjoy some time out among the trees.
Despite its name, this is a freshwater swimming place rather than a conventional aquatic centre. Don’t assume it has the consistent depths or supervision of a public swimming pool. Check conditions and any local notices, enter carefully and keep children close.
Location: Pemberton Pool, Pemberton.
Visitor information: Southern Forests & Valleys – Pemberton Nature Adventures.
Big Brook Dam, near Pemberton
Heading to Pemberton for a family holiday? Add Big Brook Dam to your itinerary. The sandy beach area and forest surroundings make it a lovely place to spend a warm afternoon.
There are toilets, picnic tables and shade shelters, so you can bring lunch and enjoy more than a quick dip. The sealed walking trail around the dam is approximately four kilometres long and accommodates prams and wheelchairs, giving non-swimmers another way to enjoy the setting.
It’s a useful option for families who like combining activities. Start with a walk or bike ride, have a picnic, then assess conditions for a swim at the beach area. Accessible paths around the dam don’t necessarily mean accessible entry into the water, so check arrangements for your family’s needs.
Dogs are allowed on a lead in permitted areas, but not on the beach or in the water. Camping isn’t permitted at the dam itself.
Location: Big Brook Dam, near Pemberton.
Website: Explore Parks WA – Big Brook Dam.
Fonty’s Pool, Manjimup
Heading to the Southern Forests for a family getaway? Fonty’s Pool near Manjimup is a lovely spot for a freshwater dip, with grassy surrounds for picnics and a poolside barbecue. Pack the bathers and inflatable pool toys for some splashing fun, keeping little swimmers within arm’s reach.
Day visitors are welcome, with entry currently listed at $4 per person for both swimmers and non-swimmers. For a longer stay, the adjoining caravan park offers camping, cabins and chalets, plus a Playground. Pets aren’t permitted inside the fenced pool grounds.
Address: 699 Seven Day Road, Manjimup.
Opening hours: 9am–5pm daily, September to June. Closed July and August.
Website: Fonty’s Pool.
Other Popular Swimming Holes: What Families Should Know
Some much-photographed swimming spots require more caution than their pictures suggest. These are worth researching carefully rather than treating as first-choice swimming destinations for young children.
Black Diamond Lake, Allanson
Black Diamond Lake’s striking turquoise colour makes it a popular sightseeing stop near Collie. However, it is a former mine site, with deep water and water-quality considerations that parents should take seriously.
Local visitor information warns about low-pH water and advises people with sensitive skin to limit exposure. Facilities are limited, with no toilets listed by the visitor centre. For families with little ones, we’d favour a destination with more practical amenities and enjoy Black Diamond’s scenery from shore.
Location: Black Diamond Lake, Allanson, near Collie.
Visitor information: Collie River Valley – Black Diamond Lake.
Stockton Lake, Collie
Stockton Lake is another former mining site known for its blue water, camping and water sports. However, it has sudden changes in depth, cold water, submerged hazards and mildly acidic water that can irritate sensitive skin.
Boating and water-skiing activities add another consideration when choosing where children might swim. It wouldn’t be our first recommendation for a relaxed splash with toddlers or inexperienced swimmers. If you’re planning to camp, check current booking arrangements rather than assuming sites are first come, first served.
Location: Off the Collie–Darkan Road, east of Collie.
Visitor information: Visit Bunbury Geographe – Stockton Lake.
Oakley Dam, near Pinjarra
Oakley Dam has bushland scenery, picnic tables and walking opportunities, but access on foot, limited facilities and steep edges make it a less straightforward choice with young children.
Leeches are also regularly noted in visitor information. Families seeking a simple swimming-and-picnic day may prefer one of the better-equipped destinations above, rather than making this their main swimming stop.
Location: Near Pinjarra, with walking access described from the end of Scarp Road.
Visitor information: RAC – Swimming Holes near Perth.
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Planning Your Family Swimming Adventure
For a straightforward day out, Lake Leschenaultia is a strong starting point thanks to its swimming-only area, Playground and picnic facilities. Drakesbrook Weir is another option to consider for a swim-and-barbecue outing, while Big Brook Dam makes a lovely addition to a Pemberton holiday.
Whichever spot you choose, pack drinking water, sun protection, snacks, spare clothes and shoes suitable for uneven ground. Check DBCA park alerts, local water-quality advice and the weather before leaving home, then read the signs when you arrive. A beautiful swimming hole is only a good family choice when the conditions suit your children that day.
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