Blue Pool

Blue Pool is a natural swimming hole on Glenbrook Creek in the Glenbrook area of Blue Mountains National Park. Its sandy edge and fern-fringed bush make it feel more secluded than nearby Jellybean Pool. It suits a simple creek swim and picnic without a long walk.

From the Glenbrook entrance area, the signed track is 0.5 km return and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. It is formed and Grade 3, but has many steps and some obstacles, so the short distance can fool you. Reach the entrance via Ross Street and Bruce Road from the Great Western Highway; parking is by the entrance, a short walk from the track.

Bring a picnic; this is a good place to combine a swim with lunch by the water. Toilets and drinking water are available at Glenbrook Information Centre near the entrance car park, so use them before heading down. Pets are prohibited except certified assistance animals.

Swimming can be dangerous after heavy rain, and submerged obstacles may be present. Mobile reception is limited, so do not rely on getting a signal at the pool.

In warmer months, bottlebrush and tea tree flower along the track. Wait quietly and you may see a shy turtle surface for air; currawongs and rainbow lorikeets chatter in the trees. For a photo, frame the pool across the sandy edge with its sandstone boulders and ferny bank to show how tucked into the bush it is.