Top Kid-Friendly Swimming Spot Near Sydney: Upper Colo River, Hawkesbury
/Discovering One of the Best Family Swimming Spots in the Hawkesbury: Upper Colo River Bridge
One of our favourite things to do on a weekend, is discovering family-friendly spots in the Hawkesbury that we can share with our Guests. Recently, we found one of the best kept secrets along the Colo River.
It was one of those recent scorching hot Summer days in January and with adventure on the cards, we decided to pack a picnic and my new paddle board before heading out for a swim. Expecting crowds, we were shocked to find it surprisingly quiet.
A Pristine River Setting Surrounded by Nature
Nestled on the edge of Wollemi National Park, this stretch of the Colo River is known for its crystal-clear, freshwater and sandy riverbanks. The water here is incredibly fresh, shallow in many areas, and so clear you can see straight to the bottom, making it perfect for the very little ones.
It’s easily one of the cleanest and most beautiful waterways in New South Wales, and in our opinion, a million times better than Yarramundi Reserve when it comes to clean water, safety and family-friendliness.
Why Families Love Upper Colo Bridge
This spot truly ticks all the boxes for a hot day out with kids:
✔️ Shallow, Calm Water: making it ideal for toddlers and young children
✔️ Easy Access & Facilities: there is parking just after the bridge plus toilet facilities
✔️ Plenty of Space: there are loads of sandy and shady spots by the river where you can lay down beach towels, set up a picnic and settle in for the day without feeling crowded
✔️ Fun Extra: there is even a rope swing for the adventurous
A True Multi-Age Family Favourite
One of the things we loved most was seeing children of all ages enjoying the water together from toddlers having their first river splash to older kids confidently swimming and paddling. Many of the kids were enjoying floating downstream on their bodyboards, while the adults did the same on inflatable donuts and lilos.
If you’re lucky, I’ve been told that you might even spot native wildlife such as platypus, which are sometimes seen in this area. We brought along our paddle board (a Christmas gift that has now officially been claimed by our son 😄), and it was perfect for gliding across the calm sections of the river.
Upper Colo Bridge vs Upper Colo River Reserve
While exploring, we also checked out the nearby Upper Colo River Reserve and camping area. While it was another great swimming spot, I personally wouldn’t recommend driving down to the reserve for families.
The access road was narrow, rough, and difficult to navigate. There were fallen trees and powerline remnants across parts of the track, making two-way traffic tricky. For us, it simply wasn’t worth the effort especially when the bridge area is far more accessible and better suited to kids. So, our recommendation would be to stick to the Upper Colo River Bridge spot for the easiest, safest, and most enjoyable family experience.
How Close Is It to Dido’s Place?
The Upper Colo River Bridge is a 30 minute drive from Dido’s Place. There are two routes you can take. I would recommend for an easy drive, take Putty Road. If you like a bit of off road 4 wheel driving, the scenic mountainous route is via Comleroy Road. Click for directions.
Our Verdict: A Must-Visit Family Swim Spot!
It’s peaceful, beautiful, family-friendly, and one of the best swimming locations we’ve discovered so far. And as always, we’re constantly exploring new places to help our Guests make the most of their visit to the Hawkesbury, so stay tuned to our blog for more local gems, hidden swimming holes, and local adventures!
Planning your next family getaway?
We’d love to welcome you to Dido’s Place and help you experience the very best of the region. To find out more about our current rates and availability, click the book now button below. Happy adventures!
