The unexpected swim guide

The season is heating up, but that doesn’t mean you have to.

The Northern Rivers has no shortage of famous beaches, but some of the region’s best places to get wet are nowhere near the coast. Hidden behind country pubs, tucked beside the Rail Trail and loved by generations of locals, these are the swimming spots that often fly under the radar. Whether you’re exploring the Rail Trail or chasing a classic Northern Rivers summer day, these five unexpected swimming spots are well worth a visit. 

 

Hosanna Farmstay 

Where else can you start the day feeding alpacas and end it flying down a waterslide? Set across 100 acres in Stokers Siding, Hosanna Farmstay combines swimming dams, creek adventures and a giant waterslide with farm animals, wide-open space and plenty of opportunities to get muddy, wet and wonderfully distracted. Wander the paddocks, meet the resident animals, tackle a treasure hunt or simply claim a spot by the water and settle in for the afternoon. Whether you’re visiting for the day or turning it into a weekend escape, Hosanna has a knack for making a few hours feel like a whole holiday.

Hosanna Farmstay Where else can you start the day feeding alpacas and end it flying down a waterslide? Set across 100 acres in Stokers Siding, Hosanna Farmstay combines swimming dams, creek adventures and a giant waterslide with farm animals, wide-open space and plenty of opportunities to get muddy, wet and wonderfully distracted. Wander the paddocks, meet the resident animals, tackle a treasure hunt or simply claim a spot by the water and settle in for the afternoon. Whether you're visiting for the day or turning it into a weekend escape, Hosanna has a knack for making a few hours feel like a whole holiday. People enjoy water activities on a calm freshwater lake surrounded by dense forest. In the foreground, one person paddles a kayak across the water while another sits nearby on a floating platform. In the background, several visitors stand, sit and paddle on connected floating docks and paddleboards. The still water reflects the surrounding trees and platforms, creating a peaceful natural setting framed by lush green vegetation.

 

Victory Hotel, Mooball 

A country pub with its own swimming pool? Now that’s something we can get behind. Located in Mooball, the Victory Hotel takes the classic country pub formula and adds one very welcome extra. Spend the afternoon poolside, dry off for a pub meal, then wander back for another swim if the mood strikes. Equal parts local watering hole and summer hangout, it is the sort of place that makes you wonder why every pub didn’t think of this first. 

Outdoor seating area at a country pub featuring rows of wooden picnic tables on a paved courtyard beside a swimming pool. Large navy blue umbrellas provide shade over the tables and display white promotional text. The pool edge is visible to the left, while mature trees and lush greenery form a leafy backdrop. A building sits to the right of the seating area, creating a relaxed outdoor dining space that overlooks the pool. Swimming pool at the Victory Hotel in Mooball, with calm water reflecting the surrounding buildings and trees. A fenced pool area sits beside the pub's outdoor beer garden, which features rows of wooden picnic tables shaded by large blue umbrellas. Rural hills, trees and a quiet country streetscape form the backdrop, highlighting the unique combination of a country pub and pool in a relaxed regional setting.

 

Murwillumbah Waterslide 

Stepping through the gates feels a bit like travelling back to the golden era of summer holidays. Long afternoons, prune-like fingers, hot concrete underfoot and the unwavering belief that one more turn down the slide was always a good idea. Hidden behind the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre and just moments from the Murwillumbah trailhead, this local institution feels wonderfully stuck in time. Back when summer lasted forever, your friends were waiting at the bottom of the slide and the closest thing to social media was yelling, “Watch this.” 

Child rides down a large white waterslide, creating a small splash of water while seated inside the curved slide channel. The child is wearing a long-sleeved rash vest and blue swim shorts. The waterslide curves gently around the frame, with water flowing beneath. Grass and landscaped grounds are visible at the top edge of the image, suggesting an outdoor recreational setting. Person rides down a long outdoor waterslide that winds through a grassy landscape bordered by palm trees and lush greenery. The pale blue slide curves gently across the image, with the rider creating a small splash while travelling through the water-filled channel. A black fence runs alongside the slide, and tropical vegetation, open lawns and scattered buildings in the background create a relaxed farmstay setting.

 

Heritage Park, Lismore 

Not every great swimming spot needs deep water. Heritage Park’s splash play area has become a rite of passage for local kids, with fountains, sprays and water features designed for hours of running, dodging and getting absolutely soaked. Set among the shady lawns of Heritage Park, it is the perfect antidote to a warm Northern Rivers day, especially for younger adventurers who are more interested in splashing than swimming laps. Just be warned: packing spare clothes is not optional. 

Children play beneath an interactive water feature at a splash park. Two children crouch underneath a large dome-shaped sheet of water cascading from a central green pole, creating a sheltered space beneath the flowing water. Another child stands nearby with an outstretched arm reaching toward the water. The splash pad surface is wet and reflective, surrounded by open grassy areas, trees and parkland. Warm sunlight filters through the scene, highlighting the droplets of water and the playful outdoor setting. Child runs through an interactive splash park water feature made up of curved green and yellow arches spraying water onto the ground below. Water droplets splash around the child's feet as they move through the arches. Other children and adults are visible throughout the park in the background, along with mature shade trees, grassy areas and playground equipment. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a bright outdoor setting with plenty of space for play and recreation.

 

Lismore Memorial Baths 

Some places never go out of style. Lismore Memorial Baths is one of them. With its classic outdoor pools, towering diving board energy and generations of locals who’ve spent entire summers here, it feels like the sort of place every Australian town wishes it had. Whether you’re swimming laps, making a beeline for the splash pool or stretching out on the grass with an ice cream from the kiosk, there is something reassuringly timeless about it all. Just minutes from the Lismore trailhead, it’s an easy addition to any Rail Trail adventure and proof that sometimes the old favourites earned their reputation for a reason.

Person floating on their back in a clear outdoor swimming pool, partially submerged beneath the water's surface. Rippling sunlight creates shimmering patterns across the pale blue water, distorting the person's dark swimwear and reflection. The image is cropped tightly, focusing on the flowing light, movement and abstract shapes created by the water rather than the surrounding pool environment. Historic entrance building to Lismore Memorial Baths featuring cream-coloured walls with blue trim and decorative architectural details. A central arched entryway leads into the aquatic complex, with the words "MEMORIAL BATHS" displayed above the archway. A memorial crest sits atop the building's façade, while paved open space stretches across the foreground. The heritage-style entrance stands against a clear sky, highlighting the long-standing community landmark. Provide your feedback on BizChat

One of the best things about the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is that the adventure does not stop when the trail ends. Whether it’s a waterslide in Murwillumbah, a swimming dam at at Stokers Siding or a pub pool in Mooball, there are plenty of ways to swap dusty shoes for wet swimmers. Consider it the perfect reward for a day well spent on the trail.

Back to Trail Tales blog

Back to news

Subscribe

Receive Northern Rivers Rail Trail trip and travel inspiration, upcoming events, trail activities and more...

#northernriversrailtrail