Dumbéa Gorge

The Dumbéa river runs down from the central range through a gorge of smooth granite outside the town of the same name, and the stretch above the water intake has a sequence of pools, chutes and slabs that people swim, slide down and jump from. It is the main freshwater swimming place for the Nouméa area. Trails follow the river upstream into the forest, and the water is cold and clear except after rain.

What you actually see

• The rock pools - the sequence of basins in smooth granite along the river.
• The natural slides - the chutes worn into the rock between pools.
• The river trail - the path following the water upstream into the forest.
• The clear water - cold clean flow off the central range.

When to go

April to November is the drier season with lower, safer water. Rain raises the river fast and dangerously. Weekends are crowded.

Honest expectations

The river rises quickly after rain in the hills and people have drowned here. Weekends bring crowds and litter. The upper trail is unmarked in places.

Nearby

Mont Koghi is east, and Nouméa is southeast.