Canberra swimming holes: Best spots to chill out this summer

Thankfully, the city is full of - and surrounded by - great spots of nature, meaning there are plenty of river beaches and secret swimming holes to explore during the summer.

If you're an avid swimmer, a keen kayker, you're more interested in simply floating peacefully, or you just want to sit by a body of water and read your book, there are so many options all within a stone's throw of the city centre.

Some spots can get murky or unsuitable for swimming after heavy rains so please check with the ACT government website before you try out any of these swimming spots.

A shady spot on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Casuarina Sands is host to a number of river beaches and also makes the perfect spot for a picnic on a warm day.

The river flows a little faster here so don't float aimlessly too far out, but the water is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing or river swimming.

The spot has barbecues, toilet facilities and a playground.

It connects to the 27-kilometre Murrumbidgee Discovery Track, linking it up to a couple of other swimming spots on this list.

Casuarina Sands is just off Cotter Road, about a 20-minute drive from the city centre.

A secluded watering hole at the edge of Gibraltar Creek Pine Forest, Gibraltar Falls is a little harder to access but worth it for the breathtaking view of the falls and the tranquil swimming spots.

Like a natural infinity pool, bathers safely relax as the water falls off spectacularly behind them into the untouched beauty of the forest.

A nearby car park hosts barbecue facilities, a picnic shelter and a toilet block, although it's a short "rock hop" between there and the swimming hole.

Gibraltar Falls is just off Corin Road on the edge of the Brindabellas, about 40 minutes from the city centre.

The closest thing to a beach you can get without driving to the ocean, Pine Island features a 40-metre stretch of sand that extends far back from the water, leaving plenty of room for swimmers and picnickers to set themselves up.

Named for the small island in the middle of the Murrumbidgee River, the water is warmer and the flow slightly slower than at other parts of the river.

This makes it perfect for kids to splash around and explore.

There are no facilities on the beach itself but a short walk away at the car park you'll find a lawn with picnic facilities, a toilet block and a playground.

Pine Island is just off Pine Island Road, on the western edge of Tuggeranong about 20 minutes from Canberra's city centre.

At the meeting point of the Cotter River and Paddys River, Cotter Bend has it all - a wide stretch of water with deep and shallow points, a picturesque beach and plenty of shade cover from the pine trees hanging overhead.

As it's tucked underneath the flood plain, Cotter Bend feels especially secluded and is the perfect place to relax on the shores or float away in the water.

Just over the crest of the hill from the swimming spot you'll find barbecues, toilets and a picnicking area.

It's a short walk to the Cotter Dam Lookout and the Cotter campground.

Cotter Bend is on Cotter Road, a 20-minute drive west of the city centre.

Protected from the Murrumbidgee's currents by a rough barrier of rocks, the beach at Uriarra East Picnic Area is the calmest of the three swimming spots around Uriarra Crossing.

A wide stretch of river and water, it's a relaxing view and the perfect place to doze off in the sun while the kids climb the rocky outcrops and splash around in the shallows.

A short walk down the Uriarra Loop Walking Track takes you to the junction of the Molonglo River via a scenic walk among the large oak trees of the area.

All three spots have toilets, picnic tables and a wood barbecue.

Uriarra Crossing is just off Uriarra Road, about 25 minutes north-west of the city centre.

A natural fjord in the Murrumbidgee, the swimming spot underneath Tharwa Bridge is well-shaded by the man-made structure above.

The water is shallow enough in parts that you can walk right between the shores, but has a slightly deeper section behind a small rock wall to immerse oneself in.

From the car park to the bridge is a nice grassy knoll wide enough to play ball sports with picnic tables, toilet facilities and barbecues.

Tharwa Bridge is on Tharwa Drive half-an-hour south of the city centre.

With a 500-metre stretch of tranquil water, Kambah Pool is the perfect spot for swimmers and canoers alike.

There's a nice wide sandy beach for relaxing, and the area is heavily vegetated and very bushy.

On the northern end of the pool (heavily signposted) is a well-protected nudist bathing area where you can often find naturalists bathing or meditating in peace.

It's a steep walk back up to the car park where you'll find a toilet block.

Kambah Pool is just off Kambah Pool Road, about 20 minutes south-west of the city centre.