It doesn’t really matter how hot the weather gets when you’ve got a place to cool off. Washpools waterhole is a deep, natural rock formation in Middle Brook, 500m upstream from the Washpools picnic area and viewing platform. It’s good for a dip when it’s hot and the water is running. Middle Brook also provides gentle riffles and shallow pools good for lying in and letting the water run over you.

Take a dip following a challenging hike or after a barbecue. You could even spread a picnic blanket out beside Washpools waterhole and enjoy lunch right there. If you’re camping at Washpools campground, then it’s a great location for a daily swim.

The bushland surrounding this tranquil spot is river oak forest and box woodland. As you soak in the fresh water, try and count how many distinct birdcalls you hear. Woodland birds you might listen for include the grey fantail, brown-headed honeyeater and the endangered speckled warbler. Though if the kookaburras or cockatoos are going off, then you might as well splash around until they’ve finished because nothing else can compete with their mighty calls.