Canberra Beaches and Swimming Spots: Where to Swim Near the Capital

Canberra is an inland city, so it has no surf beach of its own. What it does have is a string of excellent river swimming spots, a couple of lakes, and the nearest ocean beaches only a couple of hours away on the South Coast. This guide covers where Canberrans actually go to cool off in summer.

The Murrumbidgee River corridor

The river running along the city''s western edge is the heart of Canberra swimming. The best-known spots are Casuarina Sands, Kambah Pool, Pine Island and Point Hut Crossing, all with grassy banks, sandy edges and deep pools that draw big crowds on hot weekends. They are part of the Murrumbidgee River Corridor reserve, with picnic areas, toilets and walking tracks.

The Cotter and Uriarra

The Cotter Reserve, where the Cotter River meets the Murrumbidgee, is a long-standing family spot with shallow areas for children, barbecues and camping nearby. Uriarra Crossing, a little further out, is another popular river beach with broad sandy banks.

The lakes

Lake Burley Griffin is the city''s centrepiece, but it is generally not used for swimming because of water quality, and it is better enjoyed from a kayak, a paddle board or the foreshore path. Lake Tuggeranong and Lake Ginninderra are suburban lakes ringed with paths, parks and cafes, and are popular for walking, cycling and non-contact water sports rather than swimming.

The nearest ocean beaches

When Canberrans say they are going to the beach, they usually mean the South Coast. Batemans Bay is the closest at roughly two hours, with family-friendly beaches at Broulee and the Tomakin and Mossy Point area nearby. A little further south, Mollymook and Narooma are popular weekend destinations. In summer the coast road is busy, so leave early.

Safety in the rivers

• River spots are not patrolled. Check the depth and current before you jump in, and never dive into unknown water.
• Conditions change after rain, when rivers run higher, faster and colder.
• Keep a close eye on children, and bring everything you need, as many spots have limited facilities.
• Take your rubbish home and be fire-aware in summer, especially in the reserves.