Hole-in-one!
Emerald Pool
Located in Popran National Park, the Emerald Pool is a real gem (pardon the pun). You’ll have to take a little walk along the Hominy Creek walking track to get there, but it’s worth it for the crystal clear waters, surrounding wildflowers, and peaceful picnic spots. The Emerald Pool gets its name from the small ferns that the line the rocky bottom and make the pool appear – wait for it – emerald. Whoever named this must have been super creative.
Kariong Brook Falls
Tucked away in Brisbane Water National Park, Kariong Brook Falls are best enjoyed after a good rainstorm. The falls will be cascading, and the stunning pool will be crystal clear – and they’ll practically calling for someone to dive into them. We recommend making a day of visiting these falls, and heading to the nearby Staples Lookout. We guarantee you we’re not Kari-wrong about this swimming hole!
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Marramarra Creek
Just beside Marramarra campground in Ku-ring-gai National Park is the stunning, calm water of Marramarra Creek. Be prepared to share the water with yabbies and fish – and maybe even a few friendly birds diving down for a bath. The creek is quite secluded, so you can just lay back in the water and forget about the stresses of daily life – work, the mortgage, and that annoying flat pack table you brought from IKEA that you tried to assemble three times.
Boarding House Dam
Located in the Watagans, the boarding house dam and the creek it connects to are picturesque places to have a paddle. Hidden under a canopy of rainforest, you can let the cool shade and the sounds of nature relax you as you slip into the water. Every worry in the world will slip away…well, not every worry – you’ll have a few worries about leaving this place at the end of the day.
SEE ALSO: The ultimate Central Coast roadtrip
SEE ALSO: Top 5 hidden gems on the Central Coast
Words by Kate Stevens
Images via Unsplash and Instagram
