There’s nothing quite like going hunting for a place armed only with an old sketch map from the early 1900’s. We’d been to Royal National Park more times than I can count, yet we had never heard of the blue pools until we came across them by chance on one of Myles Dunphy’s legendary sketch maps!
Although some of the paths on the map were a little too overgrown to comfortably use today, we did find an easy route to the pools and they did not disappoint! Just remember to visit after some rainfall, or at least not during a long dry spell or the falls will have a very low flow..
Here’s how to find the Blue Pools and what to expect when you do.
The Blue Pools Walk
The stats
Distance: 13.3km return (via the long but easy route, shorter route is possible)
Elevation gain: 190m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Trailhead: Waterfall Train Station
Summary: Using the route we describe below - rather than the route from the old sketch map - almost all of the walk is on a well maintained fire trail. It’s flat for the majority of the way with just a few ups and downs and nothing overly steep.
As you near Uloola Falls, there is a short rocky section of track and then the route to the pools is a little scrubby depending on how far you go.
The path to the first pool is easy to follow, but becomes more indistinct to the second pool. Overall it’s generally pretty easy, despite the fact it is off track at the end.
Starting the trail: along the fire trail
From the car park beside Waterfall Train Station, the walk heads down the steps and onto the bush track signposted as Uloola Falls.
You’ll begin on a flat narrow path through the bush before it opens up at the 350m mark. You’ll now cross the open field and reach the locked gate in front of the fire trail 100m later.
I won’t sugar coat it: the next 5.5km are all on fire trail. It isn’t the most exciting walk in Royal National Park, but it is quiet and as you get further along it becomes much more beautiful, with Gymea lilies lining both sides of the track.
The trail is predominantly flat, but there are a couple of undulations and then a more noticeable descent begins at the 4.7km mark.
You’ll reach a long drop toilet just under 5.9km from the parking area and you’re now just 115m from Uloola Campsite.
A worthwhile detour: the bottom of Uloola Falls
The last 115m down to the campsite and the top of Uloola Falls is rocky, but not slippery. You can walk right over the top of Uloola Falls here and there’s a great view out over the bush.
Assuming you’re not visiting during a very dry spell and there’s a decent flow of water over the falls, it’s very much worth making the short 150m (each way) detour to the bottom of Uloola Falls.
To get there, follow the path just before the campsite, which heads right into the bush if coming from the Uloola Track or left if coming from the top of the falls, it’s signposted ‘Audley’.
Between the signpost, to the path leading down to the falls, is just under 100m. The trail to the bottom of the falls is not signposted, but you will see a rocky track leading downhill on the left.
It’s not really a scramble, but it does involve climbing down large rocks. It’s not at all slippery when dry, but be cautious if the rock is damp.
Once you reach the rocky descent it’s only 50m to the bottom of the falls. It’s rocky the whole way and steep in places, but as it’s climbing down large rocks, not small loose stones, it’s pretty easy.
Once you’re at the bottom there is loads of space to sit and relax and the waterfall is gorgeous. It’s also fully shaded which is bliss on a hot day.
Few people come down to the bottom, so while you may occasionally see someone cross the top of the falls above, you’re unlikely to see anyone at the base. We both felt so peaceful there that we struggled to leave!
Continuing to the Blue Pools
To find the Blue Pools head back up to the main track and the signposted junction (150m away).
Turning right here takes you to the campsite and the top of the falls, carrying on straight (heading west) takes you to the Blue Pools. The path - though not signposted - is well worn and easy to follow, and the first pool is just 100m away.
It’s mainly flat and can get a little muddy after a lot of rain, but it’s otherwise very straightforward.
After 100m you’ll hear the waterfall and see a path branching off to the right. In just a few metres you’ll be standing in front of the first of the stunning blue pools, otherwise known as Upper Uloola Falls.
Upper Uloola Falls
Upper Uloola Falls looks like something from a fairytale, with the multi tiered waterfall cascading into a spectacular aquamarine pool.
The water colour is unlike any other pool we’ve seen in Royal National Park and though I wouldn’t quite call it blue, it’s pretty close! A truly idyllic spot.
When it comes to swimming, you can’t really as the pool is full of large rocks and also shallow for the most part. You can however, laze around in the water and take a shower under the falls.
In summer the water is quite warm, but just cool enough to still be refreshing.
Continuing on to blue pool number two
The second blue pool is 350m from Upper Uloola Falls. The path gets more overgrown partway through, but it’s not too bad overall.
On route to the second pool you can visit the top of Upper Uloola Falls and look down on the falls and pool from above.
After leaving Upper Uloola Falls, head a few metres back up the path and then look for the track that continues upstream.
Follow the track as it goes uphill for just under 100m and then look for the path leading off to the right - it’s easy to spot. You’re then just a few metres from the top of the falls.
After checking out the top of the falls head back to the path and this is where it becomes more indistinct. You need to go uphill and the dirt track almost immediately gives way to a short rocky section.
It is more overgrown, but if you look carefully you can still find it. It does get a bit scratchy at arm and face level, so take care. The terrain underfoot is pretty good though.
Roughly 250m from the top of the falls you’ll see a worn path leading right. You’re now just a metre away from the second blue pool.
Blue Pool number two
The second pool is quite small, but the water is deep enough for a proper swim.
Accessing the water is easy as you can step straight off the riverbank and into shallow water, with no slippery rocks to worry about.
It’s another beautiful spot with the same crystal clear water as Upper Uloola Falls and two small cascades which add to the serenity.
It’s a delightful place for a dip, with the only downside being there’s not much space around the pool to sit and relax and the grass is a bit scrubby.
We did continue for a couple of hundred metres beyond this pool, but it got much scratchier and more overgrown, so we turned around.
There may be more to see, but that’s an adventure for another time.
Keep them wild
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.
Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the national park, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.
To return the same way or head to Heathcote
Once you are ready to leave the pools you can retrace your steps back to the junction beside the campsite. From here you can either go back the same way you came, or head to Heathcote Train Station (continuing over the top of the falls and onto the Karloo Track). Continuing on, rather than retracing your steps, saves about a kilometre.
If you have a car shuffle or have come by public transport, then it’s a no brainer as the Karloo Track is much prettier than the Uloola Track and Karloo Pool is sensational.
The downside if you haven’t come by train, is that you’ll have to get the train from Heathcote to Waterfall Station to get back to your car.
The walk via Karloo Pool is also much rockier and rougher underfoot. We normally head onto Heathcote, but on this occasion we took the easier path back to the Waterfall Train Station car park.
Getting to the Uloola Falls Trailhead
The trail begins at Waterfall Train Station where there is plenty of free parking if you haven’t come by train. If you decide to do the circuit route rather than the return route, you can catch the train from Heathcote back to Sydney, or back to Waterfall Station car park.
Waterfall Station is around a 50 minute drive from Syney CBD.
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