Emerald Pool is a gorgeous and secluded wild swimming spot in Popran National Park on the Central Coast. It’s small but perfectly formed, with clear fresh water that is deep enough for a proper swim. It’s a quiet spot and you’ll probably have to share it only with the resident yabbies!
The walk to get there is fairly lengthy, but it’s very easy. The distance is probably what keeps this spot blissfully quiet.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Emerald Pool.
What to expect on the trail to the Emerald Pool
The stats
Distance: 9.6km (8.1km if you have a 4WD)
Elevation: 260m
Difficulty: Easy
Where to start the trail
The trail technically begins at the Ironbark picnic area, but unless you have a 4WD you won’t make it all the way there. All cars should be able to make it to within 750m though.
Getting to the start of the trail requires driving a short distance down an unmaintained dirt road, but it isn’t in bad condition. The issue with making it all the way is the steep hill with a big dip in the middle.
We chose to leave our car just before the hill, which added on an extra 1.5km to the total walk length.
Apart from the short hill, the rest of the road is flat and pleasant enough to walk along.
To circuit or not to circuit?
You can walk this trail as a loop using the Mount Olive and 248 trails, or choose to walk it as a return. We opted for the loop because we wanted to check out both trails.
The prettier part of the walk is actually the 248 section, so you could always walk that as a return trail instead. Whether you choose to walk the circuit or just the 248 track, the distance and difficulty is basically the same.
The 248 Trail
The Mt Olive Fire Trail
The walk to the Emerald Pool
Starting the trail from Ironbark picnic area
The trail begins just past the gate at the picnic area. Whichever track you plan to use the first 750m are shared before you come to a junction.
We chose to walk the circuit, starting with the Mount Olive Track. This part of the walk is not going to blow you away.
It’s pleasant enough but it feels more like a fire trail than a hiking track. The path is wide and although the surface is uneven, it’s easy to walk on.
The side track to Mount Olive
Just beyond the junction you’ll see a signpost on your left which says that Mount Olive is just a 400m detour.
We thought that was one way, but it’s actually the return distance. It’s not a must do by any means because the view from the top is somewhat obscured by trees, but it is a very quick side trip.
The path takes you uphill and it’s rockier than the main trail but not difficult. You can see across the forest to the ridelines in the distance. It’s pretty, but not a viewpoint as such.
Continuing to the Hominy Creek Track
Back on the main trail and the path continues much as it did before. There are the odd small undulations, but it’s mainly flat. It does feel quite samey, and if it weren’t for the pool I wouldn’t recommend this walk.
Although there’s nothing wrong with it, it just doesn’t compare to other trails in the area. You do get the odd view out to distant hills but it’s mainly bushland.
After 2.2km you’ll arrive at a junction with the Hominy Creek Track. After 500m you’ll reach a signpost telling you to tether horses here, it would actually be a lovely ride because you could cover the ground so much quicker!
From this point it’s a proper walking track and you’ll head down a narrow path through the bush. Grab a stick to wave away the webs along this stretch, unless it’s an unusually busy day!
After 400m you cross the creek and then you are just 100m from the pool. You’ll be heading downhill and there is the odd rocky patch, but it’s generally a really good path.
Arriving at Emerald Pool
You’ll emerge from the bush onto a rocky area surrounding the picturesque little pool. It does live up to its name, with beautiful emerald water. When you get closer you’ll notice it’s actually very clear.
It’s an idyllic spot - the surrounding rocks, ferns and bushland give it a very secluded feel and it’s like arriving in a little oasis.
It’s incredibly serene and peaceful and the rocky platform makes for the perfect place to sit and have a picnic, or laze around in the sunshine.
It has such a nice feel to it, it’s hard to put your finger on why that is exactly, but the whole setting feels very relaxing.
Getting into the pool is easy at both ends, although I preferred entering on the left, which has the small waterfall trickling into it, as the rocks on the other side did move when you trod on them.
The water is quite chilly even in summer, but it’s definitely invigorating and you get used to it quickly!
Continuing on the Hominy Creek Track
After leaving the pool you’ll come to a junction 20m later. Head left to continue the part of the Hominy Track that you haven’t done before.
The trail is much prettier than the Mount Olive Track in my opinion. There are a few new stairs to climb up, but it’s not long before the path flattens again.
The narrow track through the tall eucalyptus trees is a lovely change after lots of fire trail on the walk to the pool.
After roughly 1.5km you’ll reach a junction with the 248 trail and follow the sign for the car park.
The 248 Track
You’ll walk past a long rocky platform which looks like it should have Aboriginal engravings on it, but it’s very weathered and we couldn’t make any out. You’ll then enter my favourite part of the whole walk: Donovans Forest.
This is a really lovely stretch of track with lots of ferns, Gymea lilies and tall trees providing lots of shade. You’ll head gently downhill before having a little more climbing to do.
Sadly you do leave the forest and head back onto fire trail towards the end of the walk, but it was fantastic while it lasted.
After just over 1.5km on the 248 trail, you’ll reach a junction and take a left, following the way out sign. You’re then just a short stroll from the picnic area and then it’s roughly 750m back to your car (unless you have a 4WD).
Getting to Emerald Pool
Emerald Pool is located in Popran National Park, around a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Sydney. It’s just over one hour from Gosford.
The first part of the unsealed road is in good condition, before it begins deteriorating around 2km before the picnic area. Only the last 700m or so, before the steep hill, require a 4WD.
Facilities at Emerald Pool
There is a toilet at the Ironbark picnic area but nothing along the trail or near the pool. Please carry out all your rubbish.
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