Swim Where the Locals Go, But Few Others Know

There’s something magical about stumbling upon a hidden swimming hole, where the water glistens undisturbed, the breeze carries nothing but birdsong, and your only company might be a dolphin, a dragonfly, or your own reflection. These places aren’t on the main road or tagged on Instagram. They’re found through locals’ whispers, childhood memories, or wandering off track, exactly the kind of coastal calm that inspires every piece we create at Tama.

In this first volume of our Coastal Secrets Series, we’re sharing some of our favourite secret swim spots along the east and south coasts of Australia. These are not just locations, they’re experiences, and part of a conscious way of being with the ocean.

East Coast Escapes

Figure Eight Pools, Royal National Park (NSW)

• Naturally formed pools carved into coastal rock

• Best visited at low tide (check the tide chart!)

• A 6km return hike with epic coastal views

Red Rock Creek, Yuraygir National Park (NSW North Coast)

• Tea-tree stained waters with a natural, earthy scent

• Calm and ideal for floating, kayaking, or paddleboarding

• Surrounded by paperbarks and total stillness

South Coast Sanctuaries

Mystics Beach Lagoon, Minnamurra (NSW South Coast)

• Where the river meets the sea—perfect for gentle dips

• Sheltered swimming for calm mornings

• Secluded feel, even in summer

Meroo Head Lagoon, Meroo National Park

• Wild, untouched, often empty

• Shaded by gums, framed by dunes

• Great for a peaceful post-surf float

Off-the-Grid Waterfalls & Freshwater Holes

Macquarie Pass Cascades (NSW Southern Highlands)

• Series of lush, fern-lined waterfalls

• Easy walk and shady all day

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, leave no trace

Little Blue Lake, South Australia

• Vivid turquoise water, spring-fed

• Best on a clear day to see the colour pop

• Slightly off the beaten path, worth every turn

How to Swim Like a Local (and Leave It Better)

1. Pack light: bring only what you’ll take back out
2. Wear eco-conscious swimwear that moves with you (like our Harlow One Piece or Alex Triangle Bikini Top)
3. Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid harsh soaps
4. Respect the quiet: nature’s music is enough
5. Share the spot mindfully, some secrets are best kept sacred

Stay Tuned for Vol. 2: Coastal Campsites & Oceanfront Hikes

This is the beginning of our Coastal Secrets Series, a love letter to Australia’s wild places and a reminder to tread lightly. Next, we’ll share the best slow travel camping spots and hikes to pair with your swims.