Smoggin Holes
Smoggin Holes is a secluded swimming spot on the Central Coast of New South Wales, tucked away in a pocket of bushland near Bouddi National Park. This natural waterhole, formed by a series of rock pools along a creek, offers a refreshing escape from the coastal crowds. The clear, cool water and surrounding sandstone ledges create a tranquil setting for a swim or a picnic. It's a local favourite, so arrive early to snag a good spot.
Highlights & What to See
- Natural Rock Pools: Swim in the deep, clear pools carved into the sandstone, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
- Bushwalking: The short walk to the holes passes through lovely eucalypt forest; keep an eye out for lyrebirds and wallabies.
- Sunbathing on the Rocks: The flat sandstone ledges around the pools are ideal for sunbaking or enjoying a picnic.
- Nearby Bouddi National Park: Combine your visit with walks in the park, such as the Bouddi Coastal Walk, which offers stunning ocean views.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for a half-day visit, allowing about 2–3 hours for the walk, swimming, and relaxing. If you want to explore Bouddi National Park as well, set aside a full day. The walk from the car park is short (about 20 minutes), so you can easily fit this in as a morning or afternoon activity.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Bouddi National Park: Extend your day with coastal walks, lookouts, and sandy beaches like Maitland Bay.
- Killcare Beach: A quiet beach with a café and surf, just a short drive from the walk trailhead.
- Hardys Bay: A charming waterfront village with a general store and café, perfect for a post-swim bite.
- Gosford: The main hub of the Central Coast, offering restaurants, shops, and the Australian Reptile Park.
- Avoca Beach: A popular surf beach with a lively café scene and a cinema.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Killcare Beach — PD
- Hardys Bay — PD
- Maitland Bay — Mattinbgn / CC BY-SA 3.0