Summer feels like it’s here and it’s time to get out the dusty cossies and get ready for the wonderful chaos that is taking the family for a cool dip at a waterhole or lake.
But before you empty all the packet food out of your pantry and hunt for all the old towels in the house, have a look at this list, pick your swim spot, pop it into Google maps and make sure it’s definitely far enough away from home to make it at least a half day school holiday activity.
If it’s not; pick two – one for the morning and afternoon, then pack your medium size SUV and hit the road!
This list is by no means comprehensive, but a good place to start your fresh water swimming and water sports adventures with kiddos in the Central West. Check out 10 of the best:
This freshwater beach complete with seagulls is a winner for everyone. There is a short walk around the lake, BBQ facilities, a cafe, a playground and lots of shade. Good for kiddos big and small. Lake Canobolas is a short 15 mins drive from downtown Orange.
For more info and directions: click here
Only 20 minutes from Bathurst and just outside of O’Connell, Flat Rock is a great spot for camping, fishing and of course swimming. The water can be fast flowing so supervising little ones is a must. The river banks are awesome to explore with the kids and plenty of shade for picnics and playing out of the sun.
For more info and directions: click here
Situated midway between Orange and Dubbo, Lake Burrendong is a great spot for an all day adventure with the family. In the dam you can swim, fish, boat, kayak and more and when you are waterlogged check out the Botanic Gardens and Arboretum.
For more info and directions: click here
Located only 20 mins from Orange, Cascades waterfall is a great 900 metre single track to a waterfall with a swimming hole at the base. There are plenty of spots along the creek to splash and play and look for critters for little kids. And the swimming hole is deep enough for big kids and adults. This is a real winner for a fun day out in nature near Orange. (See images featured).*
*Update* Swimming is not recommended here by local rangers as recently smashed, broken glass has been found here; in water and around water.
For more info and directions: click here
Located just off Bell’s Line Road, Clarence Dam is east of Lithgow and is a great spot for swimming with tweens or older kids. There are cliffs and the pool is deep so not great for little ones, but an excellent spot for older kids to cool off and experience and an awesome freshwater swimming hole.
For more info and directions: click here
Our most westerly location for swimming holes in this list, Lake Cargelligo is 2 hours south west of Parkes in the township of Cargelligo. With red dirt roads this spot is great for a real west bound adventure. The natural lake is located at the end of the main street in Cargelligo and has great fishing, kayaking, swimming and birdwatching.
For more info and directions: click here
This secluded campsite is managed by National Parks NSW and is a free campground with 4WD access only. A short walk from the campground is a swimming hole perfect to cool off in summer. There are BBQ and bathroom facilities but no drinking water so make sure you have more than enough for your time there. Bookings are necessary as there are only five campsites available.
For more info and directions: click here
Located 30 kilometres out of Mudgee towards Bathurst, Windamere Dam is a great spot for a day trip or weekend trip of swimming, fishing, camping and watersports. With flat water and boat and watersports access via the Cudgegong Water Park this is a great spot for families with big and little kids looking to cool off in summer.
For more info and directions: click here and here
Located just outside of Sofala, Wallaby Rocks is a great rocky creek area to have a dip with kids. Camping and fishing is permitted as well. There are no facilities so you will need to bring everything and take everything out with you but plenty of shade and river banks to explore when you are ready to get out of the water.
For more info and directions: click here
Lake Lyall like Burrendong and Windermere Dam is set-up for water sports and swimming as a recreation reserve. The lake has BBQ and bathroom facilities, and water sports are easily accessed via boat ramp access. Lots of spots to swim and for kids to explore.
For more info and directions: click here
