Where to cool off: The best swimming spots around Melbourne
From Morning Peninsula and the Grampians to lounging by Coburg Pools.
If you’re the founder and designer of a swimwear label, there’s a fair chance you like to swim. Thankfully, Sophia Argyropoulos, the brains behind Raq Apparel, has plenty of hidden swim spots in her mental Rolodex.
Growing up in Melbourne’s southeast along the bay, Sophia often spent her weekends at the beach with her family. Many beach days meant many bikinis, but as her body changed, she grew frustrated at the lack of swimwear options for people with bigger busts. She created Raq in response, with the label growing to cater to 66 different bra sizes, all designed to provide a comfortable and supportive alternative.
For more content like this, tap through to our Life section.
Now based in Melbourne’s inner north, Sophia continues to seek out the freshest (and occasionally chlorinated) swimming spots in and around the city.
“This area is lively from morning to night, with strong communities developing among the vibrant live music scene, local Greek coffee shops, greek supermarket and of course, the new spot everyone is talking about – the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre,” she says. Find Sophia’s full list of the best swimming spots across Melbourne below and bookmark it for your summer holidays.
Beaches
Diamond Bay, Sorrento
View this post on Instagram
As the name suggests, this ocean beach is one of the most majestic spots down on the Mornington Peninsula. A quiet sandy beach, it’s surrounded by sandstone cliffs that protect it from the wind. If you’re in the mood for a walk, there are some clifftop trails you take with lots of beautiful lookout spots. Just note that you can only access it via a steep staircase.
Diamond Bay Road, Sorrento VIC 3943
Number 16 Beach, Rye
Number 16 beach is an absolutely stunning spot on the ocean coast. It’s a tucked-away, locals-only secret, so let’s keep this suggestion between us, shall we?
It’s an expansive beach to explore with incredible rock pools in an extremely meditative place. I’m a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to swimming in rough waters, so I prefer to come here at low tide when it’s more tranquil and the rock pools are exposed. At high tide, this can be quite a rough beach and I don’t recommend swimming then unless you’re very experienced.
Rye VIC 3941
Southey Street Beach, Sandringham
I grew up in southeast Melbourne close to the Bay, so it would be remiss of me not to mention mine and my friend’s secret go-to spot. It isn’t marked on Google Maps, we simply refer to it as ‘Southey Street beach’.
All you need to do is park on South Street, walk towards the beach and find the steps down to the beach. It sits between popular landmarks like Sandringham Beach and Half Moon Bay. Unlike those spots (which can get quite touristy), here you’ll find the locals, soft sand, and big red cliffs. Tick.
Sandringham, VIC 3191
Freshwater
Laughing Waters, Eltham
Laughing Waters is lush, green and only 45 minutes from CBD. It’s a little bit harder to get to than other swimming spots on the Warrandyte side of the river, so there’s a greater chance of privacy in this relatively secluded spot.
Eltham, VIC 3095
Sinclairs Swimming Hole, near Bright
View this post on Instagram
A few years ago, my friends and I spent a weekend in Bright, where we discovered Sinclair’s Watering Hole. Though it’s a little further out (about three and a half hours drive from Melbourne), it’s well worth it. Swinging into the water via the Tarzan rope was a highlight.
The location features a gushing stream with small waterfalls and ledges at various heights from which people can jump. The water is refreshing, but the currents can be strong, so it’s important to be a decent swimmer. I’d also suggest heading here on a weekday as weekends can get fairly busy.
Needles Beach, Werribee Gorge
This one is approximately 60 to 90 minutes out from the CBD. It has a deep swimming hole with a sandy beach along the Werribee River, in the Werribee Gorge.
The easiest way to access it is via Needles Beach from the Meikles Point Picnic Area at the end of Myers Road, where it’s a relatively easy 2.3km (one-way) walk along the Werribee River.
Pentland Hills, VIC 3341
Venus Baths, The Grampians
Venus Baths is about three hours from Melbourne. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for a short walk and a swim. During the warmer months, rockpools are naturally formed and filled with freshwater.
Venus Baths, Halls Gap VIC 3381
Pools
Coburg Pool
The Coburg pool is one of my go-to local spots in summer. It’s big and spacious, with lots of different areas to hang out. Being there feels like a blast back to the past – it gives serious ’70s vibes.
Bell Streer, Coburg VIC 3058
Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Northcote
View this post on Instagram
I live in Thornbury, so I’m blessed to have the new state-of-the-art recreation centre just a few blocks away. In winter I made good use of the sauna facilities and this summer I’ve enjoyed doing laps in the outdoor 100m pool, as well as spending afternoons with my friends and their kids on the grass.
180 Victoria Road, Northcote VIC 3070
The perfect day
Dareabin Creek
Park at the end of Clarendon Street in Thornbury and follow whichever path you’re feeling.
It’s such a quiet spot – I feel so disconnected from the city as soon as I arrive here. It’s lush and untamed, with lots of small paths off the main track that you can explore. Some lead down the creek where you can sit on the rocks. There are so many spots for a picnic or snooze in the sun.
Thornbury VIC 3071
Keep up with RAQ Apparel here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
