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Killen Falls in Ballina, NSW - A short drive from Ballina and Byron Bay, Killen Falls is a sacred swimming hole surrounded by charming rain forest. You can even sneak into the cave behind the waterfall and watch the water cascade.

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Millaa Millaa Falls - Not too far from Cairns and Innisfail, Millaa Millaa Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and colourful flowers. A little escape from reality.

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Millaa Millaa, QLD - It is the first waterfall of three on a walking track of the Millaa Millaa area. And if you're lucky, you might see a platypus or two!

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Florence Falls - Litchfield National Park is home to some of Australia's most beautiful natural formations. Florence Falls is one of them.

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Litchfield National Park, NT - Take a refreshing dip under this double waterfall, just a short walk from the car park. At the top of the falls, there is also a beautiful lookout point.

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Figure 8 Pools - The fascinating result of two sinkholes merging, the Figure 8 Pools at Sydney Royal National Park is a sight to behold. 

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Sydney Royal National Park, NSW - But it's not easy to get to! If you plan on visiting the pools you need adequate walking shoes for a 2.5km walk, and check conditions because it can only be reached safely at low tide.

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Gunlom Falls - A part of Waterfall Creek in Kakadu National Park, Gunlom Falls is a natural infinity pool that overlooks its magnificent surroundings.

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Kakadu National Park, NT - The lowest tier is most popular and can get crowded, but a 15-minute climb will reveal secluded waterholes at the top of the falls.

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Babinda Boulders - South of Cairns, Babinda Boulders is a gem like no other. It has cold water all year round so it is the perfect place to cool down from the North Queensland heat.

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Babinda, QLD - The area also holds deep significance to local Aboriginal Australians. One restricted area called the Devils Pool is believed to be cursed. Enter at your own risk.

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Wattamolla - Another secret swimming spot in Sydney Royal National Park is Wattamolla. Along one side there is a quiet secluded salt-water beach, and on the other is a large freshwater lagoon.

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Sydney Royal National Park, NSW - Its the ideal place for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing, with a cliff perfect for jumping. The national park has an $11 entry fee, but easy access to the cove from a car park close by.

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Josephine Falls - Wooroonooran National Park in QLD has its own natural water park at Josephine Falls. It has slippery granite rocks used as fun water-slides. It's not too far of a drive from Babinda Boulders.

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Wooroonooran National Park, QLD - The water trickles all the way from the top of Mount Bartle Frere. Pristine swimming spots are surrounded by rain forest walks and hikes to fantastic lookouts around the national park.

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South Bruny National Park - Bruny Island is a Tassie must-see, but most people only visit the north part of the island, leaving the south-end quiet. Perfect for those wanting to be far away from the crowd.

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Bruny Island, TAS - South Bruny National Park is home to The Neck where fairy penguins parade at dusk, and the stunning Cloudy Bay lagoon.

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Boat Harbour Beach, TAS - A ten-minute drive from Wynyard, Boat Harbour Beach boasts white sand, clear-blue water and rock pools to explore. 

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Maria Island, TAS - With no cars and no shops, Maria Island is a no stress paradise. It is a wonderful place to enjoy walking, cycling, snorkelling and wildlife spotting.

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Painted Cliffs - The Painted Cliffs are astonishing. The patterned sandstone rock formations were created by the movement of mineral-rich waters creating the natural wonder. 

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Ormiston Gorge - West MacDonnell National Park near Alice Springs, Ormiston Gorge is a local treasure. With cool waterholes, it's best to bring a tube with you to float on.

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West MacDonnell National Park, NT - West MacDonnell National Park's gorges are known for their magnificent rock formations in colours of red, brown, orange and white, and the chilly waters to cool off from the NT heat.

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Piccaninnie Ponds National Park, SA - Piccaninnie Ponds in SA are a picturesque deep-water diver heaven. It is 32km south-east of Mount Gambier.

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The Cathedral - There is a whole new world under the water, including a cavern called The Cathedral for those who dare to explore the depths (and are equipped to do so!).

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Whalers Way, SA - Whalers Way is a bit of a trek but the secret swimming hole, only accessible by a short climb, is definitely worth it. You must go past Port Lincoln Visitor Centre to get access instructions first though.

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Bushrangers Bay in Cape Schanck, VIC - Bushrangers Bay in Cape Schanck, VIC is a hidden trove of rock pools in the middle of a hiking track between Cape Schanck Lighthouse and Boneo Road. Blink and you'll miss it!

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Gellibrand River Mouth in Princetown, VIC - Along the Great Ocean Road is the Gellibrand River Mouth in Princetown, VIC. Although the beach portion is rocky and un-swimmable, the river part is safe and has large sandbanks giving off a secret beach vibe.

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Childers Cove - A local secret, Childers Cove is a small inlet that boasts the character of the Great Ocean Road on which it's situated - towering limestone cliffs and native greenery.

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Warrnambool, VIC -

Just outside of Warrnambool in VIC, the 100m long beach is hidden along Childers Cove Road. Find it to reveal clear shallow waters and ultimate isolation.

See also: The world's most stunning archipelagos

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