Blue Pool walking track

Pros & cons

PROS

Sandy creekside beach perfect for picnics after a dip
Chance to spot turtles if you wait quietly by the water
Quick nature fix just inside the park entrance

CONS

Steep stair climb on the return
Creek can be dangerous for swimming after rain
Busy on hot weekends

PARKING

Blue Pool car park near the Glenbrook entrance off Bruce Road; signed access to the staircase down to the pool.

CAUTION

After rain, strong currents and rising creek levels make swimming hazardous; many steps can be slippery when wet.

Overview

This short return walk drops from the Glenbrook entrance down to Blue Pool on Glenbrook Creek. Expect a formed path with lots of steps and a brief but honest climb back to the car. The walk is about 1.6 km total (return), typically taking around 1 hour with time to linger by the water.

What You’ll See

You descend through classic Aussie bush—eucalypt forest with bottlebrush and flowering tea tree in the warmer months—before the track spits you out at a fern-fringed pool with sandy banks and sandstone walls. Birdlife is lively here; listen for pied currawongs and rainbow lorikeets chattering overhead. If you sit quietly, you may spot turtles surfacing in the stiller edges of the pool. The water’s blue-green hue shifts with light and recent weather.

Trail Feel and Crowd Factor

The route is short and straightforward, but the staircase means your heart rate spikes on the return. On warm weekends and hot summer afternoons it’s popular for a quick swim; go early or late for a quieter soak. If you’re comparing local dips, Jellybean is a separate, nearby track and pool—don’t mix up the signage.

Best Time to Hike

Spring and summer are the sweet spot: wildflowers pop, and the water is most inviting. Autumn brings cooler air and calmer banks. Winter is pleasant for a stroll, but the water is brisk. For photos, mid-morning or late afternoon softens the light on the sandstone and cuts glare on the pool.

Logistics and Facilities

Park at the Blue Pool car park near the Glenbrook entrance off Bruce Road and follow the signed staircase down. Toilets, drinking water, and a public phone are available at the Glenbrook Information Centre nearby. A vehicle entry fee applies at the Glenbrook entrance. No pets.

Tips and Safety

The creek can become fast and hazardous after rain—skip swimming if flows are high or water looks murky and moving.
Steps can be slippery when wet; wear shoes with decent grip.
Pack water and sun protection; the sandy bank is a good spot for a picnic rug.

Is It Worth It?

Yes—if you want a quick nature fix with a real payoff. It’s not a big hike, and the climb back up is a short, sweaty sting, but the pool and bush setting deliver a classic Blue Mountains micro-adventure. If you want broader views instead of a swim, pair this with a quick drive to Mount Portal lookout for canyon scenery.