Pros & cons
PROS
- Quieter, more secluded swim than nearby Jellybean Pool
- Short walk to a fern‑fringed natural pool with blue, clear water
CONS
- Steep stairs and uneven, rocky sections on the approach
- No on‑site facilities (toilets or drinking water)
Overview
Tucked in the Glenbrook area, Blue Pool is a tranquil, bush‑fringed swimming hole on Glenbrook Creek. A short, moderately steep walk drops you into a cool, blue pool bordered by ferns and occasional sandy banks—perfect for a dip and a low‑key picnic.
What You'll See
- Striking blue water (the color comes from fine clay particles in suspension).
- Classic Blue Mountains bushland, with bottlebrush and flowering tea trees in warmer months.
- A peaceful creek setting that feels far from the city without a long hike.
The Walk
- Distance: about 0.5 km return; allow 15–30 minutes.
- Grade: Moderate (many steps and some uneven/rocky sections).
- Well signposted from the Glenbrook area carpark; parking is at the top and access is on foot only.
Swimming & Safety
- The pool is unpatrolled and can feel cold outside summer. Enter and exit via the rockier edge where footing is better.
- Tracks can be slippery after rain.
- Water quality can be poor for several days after heavy rain—avoid swimming until it clears.
- There’s little shade at midday; plan your swim accordingly.
Wildlife
Listen for currawongs and rainbow lorikeets overhead; patient visitors sometimes spot turtles surfacing in the calmer water.
Facilities & Rules
- No facilities at the pool—no toilets, no drinking water, no picnic tables.
- Vehicle entry fees apply at the Glenbrook entrance.
- No pets (assistance animals excepted); no smoking or firewood collection.
- If you like to be thorough, lodge a trip intention and consider a personal locator beacon when exploring bush tracks.
Nearby
Jellybean Pool is the livelier neighbor with a sandy beach; Mount Portal lookout is close by if you want a big‑view add‑on after your swim.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer and warm days are prime for swimming; arrive early or late afternoon for softer light, cooler temps, and fewer people.
- Weekends and hot days draw more visitors, though Blue Pool typically stays quieter than Jellybean Pool.
Where it is
-33.7751, 150.6182Blue Pool
Tips for Blue Pool
- 01Arrive early or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people
- 02Wear sturdy shoes; there are many steps and some rocky footing
- 03Avoid swimming for several days after heavy rain due to bacteria
- 04There are no facilities at the pool—bring plenty of water and pack out rubbish
- 05Follow the rock wall to find the easiest spot to enter the water
Amenities
Near Blue Pool
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayBlue Pool walking trackQuick stair-step to a ferny swimming hole on Glenbrook CreekEasy · 1 mi · 1 hr
0.3 mi awayJellybean Walking TrackShort, kid-friendly descent to a sandy swimming hole in a gorgeEasy · 0.6 mi · 30 min
0.3 mi awayNPWS Visitors Centre GlenbrookGateway hub for maps, advice, and nearby swims and walksVisitor Center · Store
0.3 mi awayGlenbrook Gorge Walking TrackShort, rugged gorge scramble with swims near Sydney’s edgeChallenging · 2 mi · 1.5 hr
0.4 mi awayJellybean PoolShady sandstone swimming hole with a sandy beach near GlenbrookTrailhead · Parking
0.6 mi awayGlenbrook GorgeRugged creek gorge with wild swims and fewer crowdsTrailhead · Parking
0.8 mi awayGlenbrook Visitor Information CentreEastern gateway hub for maps, tips, and local-made giftsRestroom · Parking
1.7 mi awayCamp Fire Creek trackShady creek walk to rock art, with ferns, dragons, and quiet cornersModerate · 4.4 mi · 3 hr
