The sound reaches you before you see it. A steady rush of water over volcanic rock, filtering through rainforest canopy and echoing off the valley walls. At Selah Valley Estate, a year-round creek threads through 430 acres of private property, creating swimming holes, rock pools, and waterfall cascades that guests have entirely to themselves.
This isn't a public swimming hole where you queue for space on weekends. It's a private creek system fed by springs originating high on the flanks of Mt Warning - the same ancient volcanic geology that created the Tweed Valley caldera 23 million years ago. These springs ensure the creek flows year-round, even during dry spells when public waterways elsewhere reduce to trickles.
At Selah Valley, the creek is perhaps our most loved feature. Here's everything you need to know about swimming, exploring, and experiencing it.
Why Selah Valley's Creek Never Runs Dry
Most creeks in the Tweed Valley are rainfall-dependent - they swell after storms and shrink during dry periods. Selah Valley's creek is different. Fed by natural springs emerging from the volcanic basalt of the Border Ranges, it maintains consistent flow regardless of recent rainfall.
What makes this creek special:
- Spring-fed: Volcanic aquifer supplies water independent of surface rainfall
- Year-round flow: Swimming available in every season
- Private access: Exclusively for Selah Valley guests - no public access
- Multiple swimming holes: Different spots suit different moods and group sizes
- Clean water: Spring-fed source means consistently clear, unpolluted water
- Natural temperature: Cool in summer (refreshing after hiking), milder in winter
Water temperature: Expect 18-22°C in summer (December-February), 14-18°C in winter (June-August). Cool enough to be genuinely refreshing, warm enough to swim comfortably on most days. The initial plunge always takes your breath away - and guests come back for it every time.
"Very peaceful weekend away with the pooch!" — Jessica, Australia (April 2025)
The Swimming Holes: Where to Swim
Selah Valley's creek creates several distinct swimming areas, each with its own character. Staff can direct you to current best spots based on water levels and season.
The Main Pool
What it is: The largest and most accessible swimming hole, formed where the creek widens over a natural rock shelf.
Best for: First-time visitors, families with children, relaxed afternoon swimming
Features:
- Flat rock shelves for sunbathing and sitting
- Gradual entry from shallow edges to deeper centre
- Depth varies by season: typically 1-1.5m in the deepest section
- Shaded by overhanging trees in the afternoon
- Easy access from main property paths
Why guests love it: Accessibility. You can walk from most accommodations in 5-10 minutes, swim for 20 minutes, and be back on your deck with a towel and book. It becomes a daily ritual for many guests.
The Upper Pools
What it is: Series of smaller rock pools higher up the creek, reached by a 15-minute walk along the creek bed.
Best for: Couples seeking privacy, adventure-minded guests, photographers
Features:
- Multiple small pools connected by cascading water
- Some pools deep enough for full immersion
- More secluded - rarely encounter other guests even during full occupancy
- Volcanic rock formations create natural seats and ledges
- Creek sounds amplified in the narrower valley
Why guests love it: Solitude. The short walk filters out casual visitors, and the pools feel genuinely wild. Sitting in a rock pool with nothing but rainforest canopy above and the sound of cascading water is the kind of experience people describe as transformative.
The Cascades
What it is: Where the creek drops over a series of small waterfalls (1-3m each), creating pools at each level.
Best for: Photography, nature immersion, experienced swimmers comfortable with rocky terrain
Features:
- Multiple waterfall drops over volcanic rock
- Pools form at the base of each cascade
- Most dramatic after heavy rain (increased flow)
- Surrounding rainforest creates cathedral-like atmosphere
- Natural rock slides in some sections (staff can advise which are safe)
Access note: The cascades require moderate fitness and comfort walking on wet rock. Not recommended for very young children without close supervision. Ask our team for current conditions before heading out.
Creek Walks and Waterfall Hikes
Beyond swimming, the creek corridor provides excellent walking through diverse ecosystems.
The Creek Walk (Easy)
Distance: 1.5km one way along the creek Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some rock hopping) Time: 45 minutes one way at a relaxed pace Best for: All fitness levels, families, morning exploration
Follow the creek from lower property to upper reaches, passing through changing vegetation. Lowland pasture gives way to riparian forest, then subtropical rainforest. The sound and character of the creek changes as you walk - wide and gentle below, narrow and energetic above.
What you'll see:
- Water dragons basking on rocks (harmless lizards up to 80cm)
- Azure kingfishers hunting from overhanging branches
- Freshwater crayfish in clear pools (look carefully - they're well camouflaged)
- Tree ferns, strangler figs, and native orchids along the banks
- Platypus at dawn and dusk in deeper, quieter sections (patience required)
The Waterfall Circuit (Moderate)
Distance: 3km loop Difficulty: Moderate (creek crossings, some steep sections) Time: 1.5-2 hours Best for: Active guests, nature photographers, couples seeking adventure
A longer walk that follows the creek upstream, loops through rainforest on the ridge above, and returns via a different path. Passes the main cascades and several smaller waterfalls visible only from this trail.
Highlights:
- The main cascades viewed from multiple angles
- Ridge section with valley views through canopy gaps
- Mature rainforest with buttress roots and epiphytes
- Bird life concentrated along creek corridor
- Seasonal wildflowers on ridge sections (spring)
Important: This walk involves creek crossings. After heavy rain, crossings may be difficult or inadvisable. Always check with our team before attempting in wet conditions.
Seasonal Guide to Creek Swimming
Summer (December-February)
Conditions: Warm air (28-35°C), water around 20-22°C, afternoon thunderstorms common Best time to swim: Morning (before heat peaks) or late afternoon (after storm clears) What to expect: Creek at moderate to high flow, all swimming holes full, lush green surrounds. Afternoon thunderstorms can cause rapid creek rise - exit water if you hear thunder or see sudden colour change (turbidity). Perfect for: Daily swimming routine, cooling off between activities, evening swims in long daylight
Autumn (March-May)
Conditions: Mild air (20-28°C), water around 18-20°C, stable weather Best time to swim: Midday when sun warms the rock shelves What to expect: Our favourite swimming season. Comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, reliable creek flow from summer rains, fewer insects, golden light filtering through canopy. Water still warm enough for extended swimming. Perfect for: Long, relaxed swims. Combining swimming with creek walks. Photography in autumn light.
Winter (June-August)
Conditions: Cool air (15-22°C), water around 14-17°C, clear skies Best time to swim: Midday sun on exposed rock pools What to expect: Bracing but invigorating. Winter swimmers at Selah Valley are a dedicated group. Water temperature is genuinely cold but manageable for short swims. The reward: crystal-clear water, no insects, absolute peace. Perfect for: Quick dips after hiking, cold water therapy enthusiasts, creek walks without swimming
Spring (September-November)
Conditions: Warming air (22-30°C), water around 17-20°C, some rain Best time to swim: Mid-morning to early afternoon What to expect: Creek coming alive after winter - increased flow, wildflowers on banks, frog chorus starting at dusk, bird breeding activity. Water warming toward swimable comfort. Spring rain keeps pools full. Perfect for: Families, nature observation, transitioning from winter walks to summer swimming
Safety and Practical Information
Swimming Safety
General rules:
- Never swim alone - always have someone within calling distance
- Check with staff about current conditions before your first swim
- Enter unfamiliar pools feet-first (never dive - hidden rocks)
- Exit if creek colour changes suddenly (upstream rainfall causing rise)
- Supervise children at all times near water
- Wear reef shoes or old sneakers for rock hopping (volcanic rock can be sharp)
After rain: Creek levels can rise significantly within hours of heavy rainfall. If it's been raining heavily, ask staff before swimming. The main pool is generally safest as it has gentle banks for easy exit.
Wildlife: Water dragons are harmless and will generally move away. Freshwater crayfish won't bother you. Snakes are occasionally seen near water (red-bellied black snakes are the most common - non-aggressive if given space). Platypus are shy and harmless.
What to Bring
- Towel (we provide these, but bring a dedicated creek towel for convenience)
- Reef shoes or old sneakers (highly recommended for rock walking)
- Swimwear (obviously)
- Waterproof phone case (for photos in the water)
- Sunscreen (even under canopy, reflected UV from water)
- Water bottle (swimming is surprisingly dehydrating)
- Small backpack (for carrying gear to upper pools)
Access from Each Accommodation
- Creekside Lodge: 3 minutes walk - closest to the main pool, ideal for families
- Premium Camping: 5 minutes walk - creek is the camping experience's centrepiece
- Hillside Cabins: 10 minutes walk downhill - easy access, uphill return is moderate
- The Homestead: 8 minutes walk - direct path to upper pools
Real Guest Creek Experiences
The Reynolds Family - Daily Ritual
Stay type: 5-night family holiday, Creekside Lodge Ages: Parents (40s), children (8 and 11)
"By day two, we had a routine: morning egg collection, breakfast, then creek swimming until lunch. The kids found their favourite rock pool and declared it 'their' swimming hole. They caught crayfish (and released them), spotted a platypus at dusk, and spent more time in the creek than anywhere else on the property. We barely used our phones the entire trip."
What made it special: The creek became the family's gathering place. No screens, no schedules, just water and rock and rainforest. The children still talk about 'their creek' months later.
Sarah & James - Anniversary Adventure
Stay type: 3-night couples retreat, Hillside Cabin
"We discovered the upper pools on our first afternoon and went back every day. Having an entire creek system to ourselves was surreal. On our anniversary morning, we walked up to the cascades, swam in the pool below the waterfall, then dried off on warm rocks. No one else around. Just us, water, and mountains."
What made it special: Privacy. The upper pools felt genuinely remote despite being a short walk from their cabin. Swimming under a waterfall on your anniversary - that's not something you forget.
Creek Swimming in the Broader Selah Experience
The creek complements everything else at Selah Valley. Combine it with:
- Morning: Highland cattle visit, egg collection
- Mid-morning: Creek swimming and rock pool exploration
- Afternoon: Polaris wilderness tour or property hiking
- Late afternoon: Return to creek for sunset swim, mountain views from rock shelves
- Evening: Deck time at your accommodation, listening to the creek from above
The creek is also perfect recovery after Mt Warning hiking - cold water on tired legs after a morning on the trails.
Discover Selah Valley's year-round creek. Swimming holes, waterfall hikes, rock pools, and 430 acres of private nature await your visit.
Explore Polaris wilderness tours, discover Tweed Valley day trips, and plan your accommodation.
Contact Selah Valley:
- Phone: +61 439 405 177
- Email: info@selahvalleyestate.au
- Address: 110 Youngs Road, Limpinwood, NSW 2484
