While one of 100 ocean-fed lap pools across the state, The Blue Pool is considered one of the most eye-catching swimming spots along the New South Wales coastline. Nestled into a rugged shoreline, the Sapphire Coast resident was built in 1937 and remains a haven of both swimming and snorkelling.

After a day exploring Kosciuszko National Park, soothe your tired muscles with a swim in the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool. Fed by a natural spring, the pool is permanently heated to 27 degrees and overflows into a wading pool if you have kids in tow.

A similar salt water escape can be found nudging Newcastle. A local favourite, The Bogey Hole, is fast becoming an Instagrammers dream but it’s long been a local favourite – in fact it was actually hand-cut out of coastline for convicts by Major James Morisset back in 1819.

There is no shortage of lesser-known coves and beaches to explore near Sydney itself. Just off Palm Beach is where you’ll find Great Mackerel Beach – sitting on the western foreshore of Pittwater it’s accessible only by ferry, and offers a wave-free sandy stretch for easy swimming and picnics.

Splash beside one of Byron’s most beautiful falls. Residing deep in the Hinterland, Killen Falls is an idyllic oasis in the middle of Big Scrub rainforest that’s worth a look at the very least. While it’s swimmable, be warned that the water here is quite shallow so don’t expect to dive in.

A former rock quarry is now one of the best hidden swimming spots in New South Wales. The Blue Pools is in Yamba, a freshwater basin big enough to host a gaggle of groups and complete with a rock ledge for testing your jumping skills. If the algae is in bloom (which it is from time to time) there’s a saltwater rock pool next door.

Serene is an understatement when it comes to the Never Never River near Bellingen on the mid-north coast. Found within the aptly titled Promised Land, crystal clear waters wind their way through luscious national park to a main water hole ripe for swimming (and complete with rope swings).

It’s not just the coastline where you’ll find places to enjoy a swim, but the mountains. While tucked into Blue Mountains National Park, Jellybean Pool is within easy access to the entrance – take a stroll down the hill from the Glenbrook Entrance and you’ll find it shaded by sandstone cliffs and spotted gums.

Closer to the capital is Clarence Dam, a duo of artificially created swimming holes fringed by scrubby bushland. Jagged ironstone surrounds the dam, making for some rather adrenaline-inducing places to catapult yourself into the typically cool waters below.