Caroline Clements And Dillon Seitchik-reardon

A beautiful hidden rock pool with the right amount of seclusion to keep the crowds away.

A legendary cliff-jump down into surreal blue water.

A bottomless blue lagoon in the middle of a paddock.

The authors of a book on Sydney swimming spots reveal this magical destination – but with some reluctance. Made up of two micro beaches, it’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling or unfurling a towel to catch rays.

Places We Swim share their ideal itinerary for a leisurely drive from Santa Barbara to Monterey, including rock pool dips, wine tastings, sleepy village stops, waterfalls and forest cabins.

With a cliff-jump and fun rope swings into the deep, cool water.

Pack supplies and get here early to claim the prized (but ambitiously named) rock this harbour beach gets its name from.

Perhaps what elevates this place is its unique combination of great elements: a warm lagoon, a dog beach, a sheltered corner, reliable surf, an ocean pool, and no tourists. It’s the perfect Sydney beach.

This dramatic natural pool is surrounded by a large rocky amphitheatre and attracts festival-like summer crowds.

Private tidal rock pools hidden amid a surreal volcanic landscape, just under two hours' drive from Melbourne.

This thermal pool in western New South Wales sits at a steamy 40 degrees, like a giant outdoor bathtub.