Western Australia is home to amazing, sprawling desert landscapes, some of the best wildflower spectacles in the world, and incredible, rugged coastlines. But for your next trip, check out these jaw-dropping, beautiful swimming holes in WA, surrounded by landscapes that’ll blow your mind.
Dive in, swim, or lie back and take in those huge blue skies while ensconced by nature.
1. Mettam’s Pool: a natural lagoon teeming with life in Perth
Marmion Marine Park is only a 20-minute drive from Perth, on a stunning strip of coastline. Here you’ll find lovely Mettam’s Pool, which is a naturally formed lagoon that’s a firm favourite with snorkelers of all ages. Shallow and protected, with a maximum depth of around two metres, it offers a safe and scenic window into WA’s underwater world.
The southern end of the pool is rich with marine life hiding in rocky crevices and sandy hollows. Keep an eye out for Redlip Morwong, banded sweep, bullseyes, wrasse, tarwhine, blowfish, and big schools of buffalo bream and sea mullet. In the clearer, open waters you might spot sand whiting and herring gliding by.
Delicate sea anemones sway gently with the tide, while cushion stars, abalone and other shellfish nestle in the reef top. The snorkelling here is generally easy, but be mindful of the surge near the outer edge of the reef.
Your furry friend will have to stay home for this one, as dogs are not allowed in the marine park.
2. Relax and picnic at Hamersley Pool, also close to Perth
Another beauty in our list of swimming holes in WA that’s less than half an hour from Perth is Hamersley Pool, on the corner of Hamersley Street and West Coast Drive, 1.6km from Trigg Beach. This popular pool is a reef-enclosed, tidal swimming spot that attracts snorkelers and swimmers in their droves, and it’s a super popular spot for families wanting to set up a picnic and relax for the day.
You might even see a beach wedding when you visit, as it’s a sweeping area with amazing views, giving brides and grooms a perfectly beachy WA backdrop.
3. Hamersley Gorge is a natural masterpiece in the heart of the Pilbara
Tucked away in the far reaches of world-famous Karijini National Park, and not to be confused with our city slicker friend above, Hamersley Gorge is well worth the detour and is one of Australia’s most Insta-worthy swimming holes.
Around an hour’s drive from the main cluster of gorges, it’s a great spot to visit on your way in or out of the park — and once you arrive, you’ll see why it’s one of the park’s most iconic destinations. Descending into the gorge feels like stepping into another world. Flame-red rock walls tower above cool blue waters, and when sunlight hits the stone walls, the ancient banded iron formations light up in a dazzling display of geological colour and texture – millions of years in the making.
The pièce de résistance here is the Spa Pool – a naturally formed, turquoise-coloured plunge pool fed by a gently bubbling waterfall. It feels too perfect to be real. On the opposite end, the gorge stretches endlessly, carved and sculpted by nature over eons.
4. Injidup Natural Spa – where the power of the ocean meets rejuvenation
One of the most photogenic places in the Margaret River region, Injidup Natural Spa has become a social media sensation, and it’s easy to see why. Set against a backdrop of dramatic granite rocks and turquoise waters, this natural rockpool is famous for the waves that crash over its sides, sending whitewater cascading into the spa-like pools below.
The contrast of raw ocean power with the feeling of rejuvenation while soaking in a natural pool makes this spot a must-visit for anyone exploring the area. Whether you’re here for a refreshing dip, the scenery, or to snap that perfect shot, Injidup ticks all the boxes.
Located about 40 minutes southwest of Busselton, Injidup is easy to reach but requires some care. The rocks can get slippery, and the swells vary, especially before, during and after rain, so enter with caution.
There are some great stays nearby, from boutique beach houses to charming farm stays — and plenty of things to see and do in the wider Yallingup and Margaret River region.
5. Greens Pool – white sands, granite wonders and tranquillity
Locals and visitors love this spot on the edge of William Bay National Park on Western Australia’s stunning south coast.
Greens Pool is a natural wonder where giant granite boulders rise from turquoise waters, sheltering the beach from the wild swells of the Southern Ocean and creating a calm, protected paradise for swimmers and snorkelers.
This pristine spot is especially popular in the summer months when the sun lights up the bright white sand and crystal-clear shallows. The calm conditions make it perfect for families – little ones can splash safely while older kids and adults can explore the surrounding rocks and underwater world.
Keep your eyes peeled when in the water, as the pool is home to zebra fish, silver drummer, six-spined leatherjackets and vibrant mosaic sea stars.
A short walk will have you at another jaw-dropping coastal site called Elephant Rocks – where smooth, rounded boulders rise from the sea like a herd of bathing giants. It’s another perfect spot for a relaxing swim or a photo op.
If you’re heading to Greens Pool during school holidays or long weekends, plan ahead, as parking is limited due to it usually getting quite busy. And a heads-up: it’s perfect for a day trip, but camping isn’t allowed in William Bay National Park.
6. Little Lagoon – paradise in the heart of Shark Bay
Five kilometres from Denham in WA’s stunning Shark Bay region, Little Lagoon is a serene, shallow stretch of water that’s made for lazy days in the sun surrounded by stunning desert landscapes. With calm, clear waters and soft sandy shores, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, paddling or simply relaxing with the family.
Kids will love splashing in the shallows while grown-ups kick back and soak up the scenery. Keep an eye out for the local birdlife that call the area home, or bring a boat or kayak and head out for a peaceful paddle or a bit of fishing.
While you’re in the region, don’t miss a visit to the iconic Monkey Mia – renowned for its friendly wild dolphins who regularly swim into the shallows to interact with visitors. You might also see dugongs, sharks, rays and turtles, and also meet pelicans and emus on shore.
7. The pool at Wave Rock resort near Hyden (famous for Wave Rock)
We’ve saved one of the most magical and therapeutic swimming holes in WA ’til last.
In the heart of WA’s wheatbelt, a few hours’ drive from Perth, you’ll find one of Australia’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders – and it’s nowhere near the ocean. Rising 15 metres and stretching 110 metres in length, Wave Rock looks like a colossal surf break frozen in time, curling above the red and orange outback plains.
This ancient granite formation has been more than 2.7 billion years in the making, and today it’s one of the country’s most photographed landmarks. In spring, the surrounding bushland bursts into colour with wildflowers, turning the landscape into a living canvas.
There are plenty of places to stay in this remarkable region, but when it comes to swimming, look no further than the premium self-contained cottages at Wave Rock Resort. The property is home to fourteen waterfront villas sitting right on the edge of Lake Magic (yes, it’s as good as it sounds!) where you bask in a sunset while enjoying the privacy of your own courtyard.
Dive in and float in the property’s unbelievably photogenic salt pond, where apparently, the therapeutic properties are greater than those of the Dead Sea.
If you enjoyed this feature on swimming holes in WA, check out our story on great surf spots in Western Australia.
To visit some of these swimming holes in WA for yourself, book a flight with Rex and check out the route map below for more details!
