Kambah Pool

Kambah Pool is a beloved natural swimming hole on the Murrumbidgee River, just a 20-minute drive from Canberra’s city centre. This wide, sandy riverbank is flanked by gentle eucalypt woodlands, offering a serene escape from the capital. It’s a favourite spot for locals to cool off in summer, with clear, flowing water that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon float. The area is also a gateway to the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, a ribbon of protected bushland ideal for walking, birdwatching, and spotting kangaroos at dusk.

Highlights & What to See

• Swimming & Floating: The main pool is deep and wide, with a gentle current – bring a floatie and drift downstream. There are also smaller rock pools upstream for a quieter dip.
• Riverside Walks: The Murrumbidgee Discovery Track runs past the pool, offering easy to moderate walks along the river. The stretch from Kambah Pool to Point Hut Crossing (about 6 km one way) is particularly scenic, with river views and birdlife.
• Picnicking & Barbecues: Shady picnic tables and electric barbecues are scattered along the grassy banks – arrive early on hot weekends to snag a spot.
• Wildlife Spotting: Eastern grey kangaroos often graze in the nearby paddocks at dawn and dusk, and you may spot water dragons basking on rocks by the river.
• Cliff Jumping (with caution): There are a few low cliffs (around 3–5 metres) popular with adventurous swimmers – always check depth and submerged obstacles first.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day (3–4 hours) swimming, picnicking, and doing a short riverside walk. If you want to tackle a longer section of the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track, set aside a full day – pack lunch and plenty of water. The pool is best visited in summer (December–February) when the water is warmest; spring and autumn are lovely for walking but the water can be chilly.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Australia’s capital is just 20 minutes away, with world-class museums, galleries, and dining. Combine a morning at Kambah Pool with an afternoon at the National Museum of Australia or the Australian War Memorial.
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – A 30-minute drive south, this reserve offers wildlife viewing (koalas, platypuses, wallabies) and scenic bushwalks through eucalypt forest and wetlands.
• Namadgi National Park – About 45 minutes southwest, this rugged park protects the northern end of the Australian Alps. Hike to Yankee Hat for Aboriginal rock art or climb Mount Ginini for panoramic views.
• Murrumbidgee River Corridor – The river itself is dotted with other swimming holes and walking tracks; try Point Hut Crossing or Pine Island for a change of scene.

Please check official sources for current details.