These are the must-visit swimming spots around Perth

Enveloped in an oasis of native bushland and only five kilometres west of Collie in the southwest region of WA, Black Diamond Lake is a vibrant turquoise-watered paradise. Perfect for a picnic, it’s a beautiful day trip location or road trip pit stop. A quick Instagram search will be all it takes to convince you to pack the car, grab your favourite floaty toys and hit the road. As the lake is an abandoned mine site that filled with water after it was de-commissioned, while swimming is permitted, it’s recommended that recreationists keep their heads above the water, as there is a risk of contaminants.

What was once a secret swimming spot in WA’s southwest is now a bucket list location for families, photographers and Instagrammers alike. The natural rock formation is just a short drive south of Yallingup, at the north end of Injidup Beach and is a favourite hidden rock pool for many. Protected from the winds, it’s a coastal “spa” experience and a scenic spot to perch with a book and watch the world go by. A word to the wise: aim to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to dodge the crowds, as it can get pretty busy during summer and holiday periods.

Perched within the jarrah, marri and yarri trees of Wellington National Park in the southwest of Perth and enveloped by overhanging peppermint trees, Honeymoon Pool is best known as a picturesque camping and swimming spot. It’s an adventure destination on the Collie River, with plenty of bushwalking and mountain biking trails to explore. Honeymoon Pool was a base camp for army training and is thought to have been named by World War II soldiers, as it was the honeymoon destination of many. Explorers can camp for $15 per adult, but be sure to book ahead as there are only 20 spots and it gets very busy on weekends and holidays.

Merely a stone’s throw from the divine cafes lining West Coast Drive, as the name suggests, Mettam’s Pool is known for its “pool like” conditions and abundant marine life. The 1.5-metre-deep reef is a family favourite, popular for snorkelling. It is best to pop down in the morning, to avoid the crowds. Keep an eye out for starfish!

Home to about 500 species of native flora and boasting canoeing, bushwalking and mountain biking opportunities, the Lane Poole Reserve covers more than 55,000 hectares along the Murray River. It was named after the state’s first conservator of forests, who was focused on ensuring sustainable management and conservation of WA forests. The Lane Poole Reserve offers a multitude of tranquil swimming spots, including the campsite areas at Island Pool, Yarragil, Chuditch and the recreational area at Dwaarlindjirraap. With excellent visitor facilities, including picnic tables, gas barbecues, steps down to the water’s edge to launch canoes, and great river access, Dwaarlindjirraap is one of the most popular sites in Lane Poole Reserve. The tranquil waters of the Murray River are popular for paddlers in spring and summer, while the white water and currents of winter are more challenging and are only suitable for the experienced. Canoes can be launched from Island Pool, Yarragil, Dwaarlindjirraap and Stringers. The Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail both meander through the park, perfect for amateur and experienced hikers alike to get some steps in.

Whether you’re journeying across the opal Indian Ocean for a day of island hopping or you’re staying for a week, Wadjemup has an abundance of spectacular spots to swim. Located just over 23 kilometres from Fremantle, with endless sparkling sapphire bays, Rotto is the ideal location for a summer snorkel. Pack up a picnic and discover the waters of the Basin, Little Salmon Bay or Pinkies. It’s a good idea to hire a bike or bring your own over, to better explore the island’s secret coves, inland lakes and hilly landscape.

With its white sand, vibrant sapphire sea and highly snorkel-worthy coastline, Coogee is one of Perth’s best beaches. The Coogee Maritime Trail is centred around Omeo Wreck, which came adrift from Fremantle port in 1905, and after becoming bogged in the sand, has been gradually falling apart ever since. Only 25 metres from the shore, Omeo is the most accessible shipwreck snorkel site in Perth. The trail is alive with sea life, including 45 species of fish, sea stars, cuttlefish and corals. It also features an underwater art gallery, where you’ll find an old railway wheel and anchor, which were recovered during the development of Elizabeth Quay, a replica Dutch cannon and an artificial reef. The trail is also suitable for beginner snorkellers because much of the trail is between 2.5 and five metres deep. Be sure to check the wind before you go – an easterly is always best, and don’t forget your snorkel gear! Remember to look but don’t touch. Fishing and power boating are also prohibited in the area.

Located in the Kalamunda National Park, 23 kilometres east of Perth, the Rocky Pool Walk is a five-kilometre loop enveloped by seasonal wildflowers, wildlife and valley views. The walk involves a section of the Bibbulmun Track and features some difficult, steep and loose descents. The pool isn’t massive, but it is a gorgeous treat after working up a sweat.  

Perched among a sanctuary of flora and fauna, Serpentine National Park is best known for the waterfall that cascades over a sheer granite rock face. Pack a picnic, and you might even be joined by western grey kangaroos. Keep an eye out for echidnas, brushtail possums, western-brush wallabies and if you’re lucky, a quokka or two. It isn’t uncommon for the falls to fill to capacity. When this happens, they are closed to new visitors, so it’s best to arrive before 10am.

It’s a hidden paradise, situated between the iconic Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks. The Aquarium is a small, crystal-clear lagoon, a slice of heaven for snorkellers and beach hoppers. With rock pools galore, there’s space for the adventurous and the lie-in-the-sun-all-day or sit-on-a-towel-with-a-book types to live their very best lives.