With the weather heating up, there's nothing better than stripping down to your togs, baring your skin to the glaring summer rays and cannon-balling into a swimming hole. The trick is finding the ones without the gaggles of sunburnt tourists. Luckily, we've done the research. Grab your inflatables and get ready to practice the art of floating. Here are our picks of the ten most unusual swimming spots around Melbourne – be they waterfall, beach haven or billabong.

Something to note: this year's bushfire season is particularly dangerous. Before you head on an out-of-town adventure, check Emergency Victoria and Parks Victoria websites and heed any alerts and warnings.

KITTY MILLER BAY, PHILLIP ISLAND

The salty-waters at this horseshoe-shaped beach at Phillip Island provide good luck and good times to all who enter. Find solace in the gentle waves, hit the surf further out, or have a snorkel among the rocky reefs with sponge, starfish and other aquatic creatures happily going about their day. For an interesting history lesson check out the chunk of old ship, the Speke Shipwreck, on the shore.

CROAJINGOLONG, GIPPSLAND

They say that good things come to those who wait. And while six hours may seem like a long time, it's well worth the road-trip for the swimming spot of your dreams. Grab a few mates, a tent and get ready to hit the beach. Spread across hundreds of kilometres in Gippsland, this national park is beautifully wild with a eucalypt forest and long white sandy beaches. It's a secluded paradise of clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Get ready to Instagram like crazy (#nofilter) or disconnect and make sandcastles on the beach instead.

BLUE POOL, EAST GIPPSLAND

This splashing ground is a refreshing gem in the Briagolong State Forest. Once you're happily submerged within the waters of the oval-shaped pool, take a moment to take in the beautiful surrounds. You may just see a kangaroo dashing by or a colourful parrot flying overhead. There is also a camping spot near the pool if you feel like staying and cracking open the marshmallows.

TURPINS FALLS, KYNETON

Where waterfall meets billabong bliss. Located in the brisk area of the Macedon Ranges, a chilly but refreshing plunge into this watering hole will require some bravery. Enclosed by high rock walls (not for jumping off, mind you), it's a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic or a sneaky drink along the rocks. You can also treat yourself to a high-pressure natural shower under the waterfall. It can be a bit hard to find, so follow these directions.

HALF MOON BAY, BLACK ROCK

Throw down your towel and get ready to frolic along the lunar-shaped beach and its luxurious sandy shores. Half Moon Bay is more for floating and bobbing then for surfing or getting dumped by waves. For the rest of you, take a jaunt around the surrounding cliffs or grab some tucker from a nearby fish and chip shop. Is there anything better than sinking your toes into the sand while feasting on greasies?

POUND BEND, WARRANDYTE

This former prospecting country with its sediment-rich river banks is now the perfect spot for lazy Sunday tube-floating and water shenanigans. The main attraction is the ugly-looking tunnel, which was hacked in 1870 by miners. Although no riches were ever found, it's now a delightful natural whirlpool and is pure gold for massaging aching bones. There is also an excellent canoe/tube launching pad to help you get your float on.

POLLY MCQUINNS, STRATHBOGIE

According to legend, Polly McQuinns was a baby-faced settler who could not grow a beard and drowned in the waters after one too many sherries. Despite the gnarly history, this deep swimming hole in Ned Kelly country offers a welcome respite from the heat. With man-made waterfalls, rapids and a purpose-build diving board for plunging and belly-flops, it's a day-trip for those looking for something a little different and with a bit of character. Do it for Polly.

FAIRY COVE, WILSONS PROM

Sadly no fairies (that we know of) reside in the stunning blue waters here, but the magical seclusion away from the crowds at Wilsons Prom is well-worth heading off the beaten track. To find this white sandy beach and heavenly pool, park at Darby Saddle and have a hard, sweaty slog through steep terrain. Your reward of an isolated beach, cooling water and blissful serenity awaits you.

LAUGHING WATERS, ELTHAM

Only 30 minutes out of the city, hidden by rambling native bushland, this section of the Yarra River is perfect for lilo-drifting – where one lies on an inflatable and lets the gentle current move you along the deep river banks. The small rapids and rock pools are also worth exploring – just watch out for the yabbies! There are no facilities at Laughing Waters (including loos), so make sure you bring everything you need: food, water and the faithful shovel.

Published on December 20, 2018 by Shannon McKeogh