Tucked away in the heart of the Southern Forests region, Fonty’s Pool is a much‑loved family destination just outside Manjimup, around a three‑hour drive south of Perth. Set within the leafy grounds of Fonty’s Pool Caravan Park and Chalets, this historic spring‑fed pool has been welcoming swimmers since 1925 and still feels like a magical, old‑fashioned holiday spot where kids can roam, splash and explore.
The star attraction is, of course, the enormous natural pool. Fed by fresh spring water, it’s wonderfully refreshing on a warm day and has varying depths to suit different ages and abilities. The shallower edges are around 0.4m deep, making them ideal for babies, toddlers and less confident swimmers to have a gentle paddle. Towards the centre, the water deepens to around 2m, giving older kids, teens and adults plenty of space for a proper swim. There are no lifeguards on duty, so close adult supervision is essential, but the entire pool area is fenced and gated from the caravan park, which adds a reassuring extra layer of safety for families.
Kids will love the fun extras dotted around the water. Several huge inflatable tractor tubes bob on the surface, perfect for climbing, lounging and drifting about.
More adventurous swimmers can take the plunge from a jumping platform into the deeper section of the pool – a big hit with older children and teens. On a sunny day the whole scene feels like a classic Aussie summer postcard, with kids splashing, parents relaxing on the grass and the towering trees of the Southern Forests as a backdrop.
Around the pool, expansive grassy banks provide plenty of room to spread out. Families can throw down a picnic rug under the shade of mature trees or nab one of the picnic tables. Free barbecues make it easy to cook up lunch, and there’s a small on‑site kiosk selling snacks, drinks and treats, so you can grab a coffee or an ice cream without leaving the pool precinct. Toilets and changing facilities are conveniently located nearby, making it simple to manage nappy changes and wet swimmers with little ones in tow.
Just outside the fenced pool area, near the car park, you’ll find an inviting nature Playground. It’s a great spot for kids to climb, balance and burn off any remaining energy once they’re finished in the water, or for siblings who don’t feel like a swim. Having both the pool and Playground side by side means you can easily make a full morning or afternoon of your visit without needing to drive anywhere else.
Fonty’s Pool sits within a charming caravan park, so you can choose to visit for a few hours as a day guest or stay longer in your own caravan, tent or one of the onsite chalets. Day visitors pay a small entry fee at the kiosk, (at the time of writing this is $4) while guests staying in the park can access the pool at no extra charge. Prices and opening times can change, and Fonty’s Pool is usually closed for a winter break during July and August, so it’s a good idea to check current details and book accommodation via the official Fonty’s Pool website before you travel.
With its cool, clear water, family‑friendly layout and beautiful forest setting, Fonty’s Pool is a fantastic base for exploring the Southern Forests or simply unwinding for a day. Pack your swimmers, towels and a picnic, and enjoy a classic country WA experience that kids and adults will remember long after the towels have dried.
Find out more by visiting www.fontyspool.com.au
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
