Karloo Pool

The pool is a popular place to swim and sit on the surrounding rock ledges. Much of the water is deep, so expect a proper swim rather than a shallow wade. On a warm day, the clear, cool water is the reward, though the pool can feel busy on sunny weekends.

For a photo, shoot across the water toward the wooded slopes, keeping the pale rock shelves in the foreground. A slanted-rock stretch on the approach also opens to valley views.

Start near Heathcote train station, follow Wilson Parade to the signed track, then descend through bushland on a formed path with many steps and rough, rocky patches. The last approach includes a creek crossing. The steep climb back is the part that catches people out, and the track can be boggy after rain.

The direct out-and-back to the pool is about 2.7 km each way. The full Karloo walking track continues to Uloola Falls and is 10 km return, usually a three-to-five-hour outing; that longer route is not needed just to reach the pool.

Carry food and drinking water; there is no service at the pool. Toilets and parking are available at Heathcote train station before the walk, and Heathcote is also a train access point. Summer suits a walk here if a swim is part of the plan; check the track conditions after rain. If you're visiting on a sunny weekend, an early start gives you a better chance of a quieter pool.