Six Stunning Swimming Spots In and Around Melbourne to Cool Off In This Summer

Achingly blue waters and soft, pale sands. The old-world charm of wooden bathing sheds and jetties lapped by gentle waves. It’s hard to believe the delightful Point King Beach, only a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne CBD, is still such a well-kept secret. This hidden paradise is part of the Sorrento Portsea Artists’ Trail, right below the famed Millionaire’s Walk. Taste the lifestyles of the rich and famous as you wade in turquoise shallows on a sunny day, then retire to your towel for a leisurely picnic and watch pleasure craft drift by. Hang around till sunset for a stellar view across Port Phillip towards the Bellarine Peninsula that’s worth, well, a million bucks.

Image: Essiewingrove, Wikimedia Commons

A 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne CBD and a short descent along a bushwalking trail in Glenlyon lies your new wild swimming spot. Here, Loddon River drops to the gorge below in a cascading waterfall, creating what may be the most beautiful swimming hole ever. Take it all in as you float, from the gentle rush of the falls to the scrub clinging to the high basalt columns around the sheltered gorge. Formed by volcanic eruptions 2.5 million years ago, Loddon Falls is now a reserve of tranquility, perfect for relaxing and spotting native fauna — wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas are known to make appearances. This is the true treasure of Goldfields country.

People seeking thalassotherapy — swimming in saltwater for health and wellness — have been bathing in the enclosed sea waters of Brighton Baths since 1881. A day pass to the Brighton Baths Health Club gives you access to the only private beach and boardwalk in Victoria. Do some laps, float around in a complimentary inflatable tube, and maybe rent a paddleboard or kayak. Then, wander along the enclosed boardwalk to dry off and admire the sea views from every angle. If you’ve fallen in love with this spot (we don’t blame you), consider becoming a member, which gives you year-round access to the indoor and outdoor gyms, steam room, classes and SUP/kayak hire, too.

If the term ‘aquatic centre’ conjures memories of chlorine-soaked indoor humidity and school swimming lessons, don’t panic. Located in Princes Gardens, Prahran Aquatic Centre’s openair pool is surrounded by green lawns, towering palms and the South Melbourne skyline. The pool maintains a pleasant 26 degrees, a godsend in Melbourne’s changeable weather. Lap-swimmers and recreational water-lovers alike are welcome to take a dip. When you’re done, grab something from the cafe and relax on the lawn or deck. Or, satisfy your post-swim appetite by hitting the nearby eateries in Prahran.

Images: City of Stonnington

Laughing Waters feels like it’s a world away, but it’s really just a 45-minute drive from the CBD. It’s still the Yarra River, but unlike you’ve ever seen it. This peaceful spot has native bushland surrounds — the kind of landscape that has drawn artists to Eltham for more than a century. It’s refreshingly cool all through summer and very rarely crowded, so it’s a perfect place for you and your crew to unwind and reconnect with nature. Bring your picnic lunch and blanket, but also be prepared to take your rubbish with you as there aren’t any usual park amenities. That’s a small price to pay for splendid, idyllic isolation.

Any holiday feels good right now, even if you’re only going as far as Box Hill. But The Chen is a hotel with a difference: it’s one of the Art Series hotels, dedicated to Australian contemporary artists. In this case, it’s inspired by abstract artist Zhong Chen, and your stay includes an in-room art library and a dedicated art channel. It’s no surprise the rooftop pool is an aesthetic masterpiece of minimalist design. A sweeping skyline view of Melbourne is presented for your appreciation as you stroke lazily through the heated pool. As the sun goes down and the lights go on, you can enjoy the luxury of leaving the city and letting your cares wash away.

Image: Lucas Allen