Goburra Pool is a fantastic wild swimming hole in Heathcote National Park. Even after living in Sydney for years now, I still get taken aback by just how many incredible places you can reach within a 45 minute drive of the CBD. Goburra is definitely one of those places.
The walk to get there is very short and generally fairly easy, although not flat. There are additional water holes both up and downstream of the pool if you want to make a whole day of it.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Goburra Pool.
The walk to Goburra Pool
The stats
Distance: 580m each way
Elevation gained: 110m
Difficulty: Easy but not flat
Starting the trail: into the bush
The quickest route to the pool begins on the western end of Oliver Street in Heathcote, where you’ll see the Goburra track signposted.
From here walk around the gate and over the little wooden bridge on the left. You’ll follow the grassy path for 50m until you veer left onto the narrow bush track.
It’s well maintained and easy to follow. It starts to get nice and bushy and on a hot summer’s day, was full of the sound of cicadas.
After roughly 100m in the bush you’ll reach some uneven stone steps.
This is where you begin descending and it starts to feel a little more wild. After 150m you’ll emerge from the bush and cross the metal bridge over the pipeline.
Descending to the pool
Once you’ve walked down the metal stairs, turn right. You will now be on a wide fire trail and though you are still heading downhill, it’s much more gentle and almost feels flat.
After 230m you’ll see a red valve (it might not actually be a valve, but you’ll know it when you see it!) and there are also some concrete blocks. It is just beyond this spot that you will need to make a left turn, which is not signposted.
Keep an eye out and you will notice some stairs leading back into the bush on the opposite side of the track to the pipeline. You’re now approximately 90m from the pool.
This section is relatively steep, but it’s all on stairs. Although some of them are not in the best state, it’s still easy, and there aren’t any rough or slippery bits (at least not in dry weather).
You’ll then arrive at the edge of the pool which has plenty of wide rocky areas to relax on.
Swimming at Goburra Pool
Accessing the water is easy at Goburra Pool. There are lots of spots where the rock shelf dips straight down to the water’s edge and you can just slide in. When it is dry the rocks are all very grippy.
The only slippery rocks were under the water, but it’s quite easy to lower yourself onto them or just swim straight off. It’s shallow enough for adults to stand up in initially, but then quickly deepens.
Whilst there are some shallow rocks around the edges of the pool, when it comes to the middle, it’s all smooth sailing. You can swim lengths like you would in a swimming pool, but out in the beautiful bushland.
You’re surrounded by picturesque rocky ledges, gum trees and plenty of little lizards. At one point I even shared the water with a water dragon who definitely put my swimming to shame!
You can swim right the way around the corner of the pool, but there are some rocks as you round the corner and the water quickly becomes more shallow.
The main part of the pool is definitely my favourite and was also full of gorgeous lily pads on one side.
In terms of water temperature, the pool is fully exposed to the sun, so it was actually really warm in summer. Only Jellybean Pool in Glenbrook has been warmer on my swimming adventures so far.
If you like a really cool refreshing swim it might actually be too warm for you, but if you usually wince at cold water, you are going to love it!
Outside of the pool there wasn’t a huge amount of shade, there were a few spots but they could easily be taken on a weekend, so it’s something to bear in mind on really hot days.
Other nearby swimming spots
There are a number of other water holes really close to Goburra Pool, which you can see on this map. We visited Banya Pool which was also lovely, but a very different swimming experience.
To get there, head back up to the main trail again and continue following it downhill. After just over 200m you’ll see a turning on the left which is signposted as Elbow Pool.
There are a few rocky steps to walk down and then after 100m you’ll be standing on the edge of Banya Pool. It’s another stunning spot, with a small cascade and a more enclosed feel than Goburra.
Whilst I loved the setting, it’s not quite as good for swimming as the water is really shallow. It does get deeper the further you swim but I could always stand up.
The bottom is also leafy, which I don’t find as pleasant. It’s still a nice place to cool off, but it’s not as good for proper swimming or sitting for a long time in the water.
Elbow Pool should be another 700m further along the creek, but as we were visiting on a 40C day it wasn’t the time for a longer walk! It’s one I’d like to come back to check out another day though.
The best time to visit Goburra Pool
Goburra Pool is a really short walk from a residential area and we did see one other couple there when we visited on a weekday. One couple is hardly a crowd and the pool is huge, but for comparison, we rarely see anyone when visiting other pools midweek.
I would guess therefore that the pool can be quite busy on weekends. It’s huge, so that’s not a problem as such, but if you love a very quiet swim, then on a weekend I would try and visit early or late in the day.
Facilities at Goburra Pool
There are no facilities whatsoever at the pool. Please take all rubbish with you and note there are no toilets anywhere along the trail.
Let’s keep these amazing places wild and beautiful for future generations to enjoy.
Getting to the trailhead
The quickest route to the pool is from Oliver Street in Heathcote, just under 40km from the CBD. If you want to take the train, the walk from Heathcote station adds on roughly 1km each way.
If coming by car remember this is a residential street, so please park respectfully.
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