We think there’s no better way to cool down and escape the heat. Whether you prefer bathing in a river or floating in the sea, here’s a list of our top 10 Shoalhaven swimming spots that are guaranteed to refresh your body and soul.

1. Shallow Crossing
Combine a weekend of camping with a bit of swimming down by the Clyde River. Shallow Crossing campground, located near Bawley Point, is the perfect location for an escape into nature. The area is secluded and the waters are calm, great for families with young children.
2. Bawley Beach
The gentle waves at Bawley Beach are great for playing and the historic gantry provides lots of fun activities. Those who are brave enough can jump off the jetty while others can go for a snorkel to catch views of the friendly stingrays.
3. Green Patch Beach
Venture into Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay and take a stroll towards Green Patch Beach. This area is famous for having some of the whitest sand in Australia, which makes the water crystal clear. At Green Patch, the waves are usually small and gentle, making it a perfect Shoalhaven swimming spot.
4. Moona Moona Creek
The entrance of Moona Moona Creek, which leads out into the ocean, is a popular summer watering hole. Tucked away just south of Huskisson, this beach is a tranquil place to laze on the sand. Play in the shallows or paddle further down the creek for somewhere deeper to frolic.
5. Abrahams Bosom Reserve
Abrahams Bosom Reserve is packed with plenty of swimming spots. They aren’t, however, accessible by car so you’ll have to leave your vehicle in the carpark and venture along the Wreck Walk. The secluded location means that the crowds are usually kept at bay and you might even be lucky enough to have the entire beach to yourself.
6. Lake Conjola Entrance
Keep an eye out for some local kangaroos while swimming in the entrance to Lake Conjola! There is so much to explore around this area – have a go on a rope swing, jump on a paddleboard, or swim all the way across to the National Park.
7. Honeymoon Bay
Honeymoon Bay is a beautiful hidden swimming spot found on Beecroft Peninsula. This stunning bay is pristine and protected from the elements due to its round shape. You might even be lucky enough to see a kangaroo pop over for a dip!
8. Bangalee Reserve
There are wonderful views of the majestic Shoalhaven River from this bushland retreat and the area is the perfect spot for a picnic by the water. Pack your swimmers and a picnic blanket and settle in for the day or choose between three different trails and venture upon an invigorating walk!
9. The Berrara Mermaid Pool
Head on a peaceful beach walk in Conjola National Park and head to the Berrara Mermaid Pool. There are no houses or roads nearby so you can really immerse yourself in nature here. This location is home to one of the deepest rock pools in the Shoalhaven!
Cool down from the heat at any one of these fantastic Shoalhaven swimming spots. There are so many wonderful places to take a dip, why not tick all of these off one by one? See you soon in the water!