Kangaroo Pool

Kangaroo Pool is a natural swimming hole in Royal National Park, where a small waterfall drops into a green basin enclosed by layered rock shelves and bush. It’s a striking place for a swim or a rest beside the water, provided you can confirm a permitted approach. It isn’t a signed roadside stop.

A route described from Waterfall Station is about 5 km round trip over unmarked, overgrown creek-side paths. It includes rock-hopping and a steep final descent over loose soil and a rock slab, and it isn’t a maintained walking track. NPWS has closed an unauthorised trail beside the rail corridor between East Heathcote and Waterfall; the relationship between that closure and this approach isn’t clear. Confirm a permitted route with NPWS before going, and do not enter the closed trail.

The falls, green water and enclosing rock walls make the pool’s appeal easy to understand. The edge is shallow before the water deepens quickly, so take care around the drop-off. Water color changes with level and recent rain, and heavy rain can leave the creek route waterlogged or the pools discoloured. When you have a permitted way in, frame the falls with both rock walls; the pool can fall into shade by afternoon, so earlier light may show its green colour more vividly.