Swimming in the Southern Highlands and surrounds

Swimming is arguably the best way to cool down in summer. Here’s my pick of local and super-close swimming spots to splash about, as well as keep the kid’s entertained.

Don’t forget your sunblock and remember, many outdoor swimming holes aren’t patrolled, so practice care at all times.

Moss Vale Aquatic Centre

This indoor, air-conditioned facility operates as a gym as well as a fantastic swimming centre. It’s best for those who wish to work out, or to take the kids when they’re hot and bothered.

There are dedicated lanes for laps in the 25 metre pool, as well as a leisure pool for families. There is also a warm water program pool for swimming lessons and a splash pool with water features.

The Learn to Swim classes focus on water confidence and all the basic skills. All the instructors are professionally qualified and have been selected based on their knowledge, coaching skills and communication abilities. Classes start from infants to pre-school to toddler and beyond!

There’s also a fantastic kiosk to grab a coffee and a snack, as well as a host of swimming accessories.

Bundanoon Swimming Centre

This fab spot features outdoor pools with well-shaded areas. There is a 25 metre lap pool, as well as a smaller family and toddler wading pool. You’ll also love the kiosk, offering coffee, drinks and snacks.

Mittagong Swimming Centre

This facility could keep your whole family cool and happy all holidays! There’s an outdoor 50 metre pool, 25 metre lap lane pool and toddler wading area with water toys. The fully equipped kiosk sells aqua accessories, and there is a great shaded area for picnics. There are even BBQ facilities (although please do always check on fire restrictions before you plan to grill).

Bowral Swimming Centre

This aquatic centre is conveniently located near the start of the Cherry Tree Walk. It boasts two outdoor pools (one 50m and another 25m), as well as a covered toddler and wading pool. The fully equipped kiosk serves all you need for your picnic in the shaded grassy area.

**Enjoy a coffee and a paddle in Bowral**

Carrington Falls Pools

Carrington Falls Blue Pool Swimming Hole is based in Budderoo National park, just 20kms west of Kiama. It remains one of the prettiest natural swimming spots in the Highlands. There are several wide, shallow pools, slightly upstream of a beautiful waterfall. You’ll find a deeper pool beneath the waterfall, which is just a magical place to swim.

Wingecarribie River at the Bong Bong Track

Grab the kids and your bikes and make a day of it. This gorgeous walking and cycling track starts tat the end of Railway Parade in Burradoo and runs all the way to Moss Vale. Depending on your cycling ability, it should only take you an hour or so to reach the Moss Vale end and come back again.

Then, cool off in the river on your return! There’s a fabulous jetty for fishing and you can even launch a kayak from the river bank and go for a paddle.

Jervis Bay

Jervis bay is literally only about an hour from the Southern Highlands by car. It boasts several white sand beaches with stunning turquoise waters that are lauded as being some of the best in the world.

Check out Hyams Beach, renowned for have the world’s whitest sand, Vincentia, Huskisson Beach, Honeymoon Bay, Green Patch Beach and St Georges Basin, to name just a few!