Central Coast Bushwalk

Somersby Falls Lower Swimming Hole 3km return

A 3km return walk to one of the best natural swimming spots on the Central Coast, surrounded by rainforest.

At a glance

Distance: 3km return
Ascent: 40m
Dogs: No
Toilets: Yes
Parking: Yes

The Somersby Falls lower pool is one of the best natural swimming spots on the Central Coast. Tucked away at the bottom of the Somersby Falls walking track, this peaceful swimming hole is surrounded by rainforest and sandstone rock. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot day.

The water is fresh, the area is shady, and it's usually quieter than the upper falls. The lower swimming hole feels like a hidden spot, perfect if you want a swim without the crowds. The small waterfall that feeds into the pool runs best after rain, but the area is worth visiting year round.

You can sit on the flat rocks, dip your feet in, or take a full swim if the water levels are up. Many locals say this is one of the best bushwalks with a swim on the Central Coast.

This is a beautiful walk with many waterfalls, rocky outcrops and lovely wildflowers. It starts at a picnic area, so its a great place to have lunch as well. They have just upgraded the picnic area and its pretty impressive.

Walk directions

Start at Somersby Falls Picnic Area: Google Maps Link
Head down to the falls, there are two, an upper and a lower falls, here is the lower falls location: Google Maps Link
Here is the swim location, follow the path that is mainly on the right of the creek going down, occasionally rock hopping on the river, cross the river when you are very close to the swimming spot, here is the location: -33.404177, 151.263332 Google Maps Link

Waterfall cascading into the tea coloured swimming hole at Somersby Falls

Rainforest path leading down to a cascading waterfall over sandstone

Waterfall trickling over a mossy sandstone ledge into the creek

Swimmers cooling off in a shaded rock overhang pool at Somersby Falls

Panoramic view of the cave like swimming pool with people wading in

Swimmer floating beneath the sandstone overhang at the lower pool

Dark rock overhang above a still, tannin stained creek pool

Cave like sandstone overhang framing the quiet swimming hole

Trickling water streaming over dark rock inside a small cave

Multiple waterfall strands spilling down a mossy rock ledge

Hiker approaching the falls as other visitors swim below

Waterfall stepping down sandstone into a calm reflective pool

Moss covered boulders lining the creek bed through the rainforest

Native bird sheltering among mossy sandstone boulders on the trail

Swimmers wading and floating beneath the rock overhang at Somersby Falls

There are also many other stunning falls further downstream like the falls below:

Similar Bushwalks

Strickland Arboretum (1.8km)Kariong Brook Falls (4km)Wildflower Guide

The book

9 walks with a swim in the book

A Cornucopia of Central Coast Walks has a swimming section with 9 walks, including Emerald Pool, Woy Woy Baths, Boardinghouse Dam and the swimming hole below Somersby Falls. Each one has a map and numbered directions, alongside over 100 other walks on the Coast.

See the book

A picture book

A picture book for the walk to the swimming hole

In The Bush Wee, a little explorer hops across a creek and splashes through a waterfall before realising there is no toilet for miles. It is my read aloud picture book for children aged 2 to 7, inspired by walks here on the Central Coast.

See the picture book

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4.5 out of 5 from 17 Google reviews

This walk is on Darkinung country. Good Architect acknowledges the Darkinung people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and we pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. Darkinjung Land Council.