Discover the best waterholes in the Blue Mountains, perfect for a peaceful swim surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
There’s nothing quite like taking a dip in a serene Blue Mountains waterhole, especially when it’s complemented by a cascading waterfall. But these wild swimming spots offer more than just a refreshing swim, as the bushwalking trails leading to them are equally rewarding and full of adventure.
The seven natural waterholes listed below are arranged from east to west, starting with three locations in the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains.
Keep in mind that swimming in natural settings carries risks. Be cautious of slippery surfaces, hidden rocks beneath the water, and local wildlife.
1. Jellybean Pool

Jellybean Pool in Glenbrook is arguably the most popular swimming hole in the Blue Mountains, and for good reason.
This picturesque waterhole on Glenbrook Creek is not only large and spacious but also features a small beach area, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. It’s conveniently located within an easy drive from Sydney and offers two large car parks.
The downside, however, is that Jellybean Pool can become crowded on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays, particularly on warm, sunny days. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or on a weekday.
How to get there
In Glenbrook, drive along Bruce Road until you reach the entrance to the National Park, where you’ll find the first car park. From there, a straightforward 15-minute walking trail leads to the pool.
Alternatively, you can drive a bit further along Jellybean Road to the dedicated Jellybean Pool car park, which provides easy access with just a short walk down to the pool.
Please note that parking in this area of the Blue Mountains requires payment of the National Park parking fee, which can be made at one of the ticket machines.
Find the trailhead to Jellybean Pool on Google Maps.
2. Blue Pool

Blue Pool is located close to Jellybean Pool but typically doesn’t draw the same large crowds.
While it lacks a sandy area, there’s ample space on the surrounding rocky sections to settle in and enjoy the day. The pool itself is quite large, offering plenty of room for a proper swim.
The walk to Blue Pool from the car park is short but slightly more challenging than the stroll to Jellybean Pool, with some mild rock scrambling required. Once you arrive, you’ll see why it’s called Blue Pool, as the water has a striking blue hue that’s truly unique.
How to get there
Blue Pool is not far from Jellybean Pool. After entering the National Park from Bruce Road in Glenbrook, continue driving along The Oaks Trail until you reach the designated car park for Blue Pool.
There is usually plenty of parking available on either side of the road. Once you’ve parked, look for the signposted walking trail leading to the pool.
Find the trailhead to Blue Pool on Google Maps.
3. Glenbrook Gorge

If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind a challenging bushwalk, the Glenbrook Gorge Track might be just what you’re looking for. This track begins with a steep descent to Glenbrook Creek, then continues along the creek, offering a few natural swimming holes to explore along the way.
The path from the car park to the creek is well-maintained, but once you reach the creek, the track becomes more demanding and can be difficult to follow. For this reason, we recommend this track only if you’re comfortable navigating bushland and spending time in a relatively remote area.
If you’re bringing children, Jellybean Pool and Blue Pool are more accessible and safer options.
How to get there
The Glenbrook Gorge Track starts from the same car park as the (longer) walking trail to Jellybean Pool.
On the map below, the blue line marks the path from the car park to the creek. From there, follow the creek until you find a good swimming hole. To help you plan, we’ve marked two recommended pools with an X to indicate their approximate locations.
Find the trailhead to Glenbrook Gorge on Google Maps.
4. Paradise Pool

Paradise Pool in Linden is another fantastic natural swimming spot in the Blue Mountains that has grown in popularity in recent years.
A relatively easy 1.5 km bushwalk leads to this pool, a generously sized waterhole with a charming waterfall. However, due to its increasing popularity, it can get quite busy on weekends and during holidays.
How to get there
To access the walking trail to Paradise Pool, park your car on Railway Parade in Linden, just off Tollgate Drive.
On the map below, the car park is marked with the letter P. After parking, follow the signs along the path to make your way to the stunning natural swimming hole that is Paradise Pool.
Find the trailhead to Paradise Pool on Google Maps.
5. Pool of Siloam

The Pool of Siloam, located in the Leura area of the Blue Mountains, is a stunning natural waterhole directly beneath a small waterfall.
This charming waterhole and waterfall are part of Gordon Creek, which eventually flows into Jamison Valley via Gordon Falls, a little further downstream.
While the Pool of Siloam isn’t the best spot for swimming due to its size and depth, it’s a lovely place for young children to enjoy a splash in the water.
How to get there
There are several ways to reach the Pool of Siloam, but the easiest and quickest route starts at Gordon Falls Reserve on Lone Pine Avenue, where you’ll find a well-sized car park.
From the car park, look for the Pool of Siloam walking trail. The walk takes less than 20 minutes to reach this scenic spot, though the path is fairly steep. It’s manageable for children but may require a little extra care.
Find the trailhead to Pool of Siloam on Google Maps.
6. Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Blue Mountains and features one of the finest natural swimming holes in the region.
While the pool itself is relatively small, the stunning waterfall and scenic surroundings make it an exceptional spot for a refreshing swim on a warm day.
To reach this beautiful waterfall on Yosemite Creek in Katoomba, you’ll need to complete a 1.5 km bushwalk. The trail winds through charming scenery and includes a few staircases near the end.
How to get there
The car park for Minnehaha Falls Reserve is located at the end of Minni Ha Ha Road in North Katoomba. While the car park is small, there is ample street parking available nearby if it’s busy.
The walking trail begins next to the information board and follows Yosemite Creek all the way to the waterfall.
Find the trailhead to Minnehaha Falls on Google Maps.
7. Victoria Falls

The walking track down to Victoria Creek is only 4 km return, but it’s a steep and challenging descent. The track zigzags down into the valley, leading to a junction where you can turn left to reach Victoria Falls.
This stunning waterfall features a beautiful waterhole at its base, perfect for taking in the natural beauty of the area.
If you turn right at the junction instead, you’ll arrive at Victoria Creek Cascades. This unique water feature also has a small natural swimming hole, ideal for a quick dip.
How to get there
To access the start of the walking track, turn onto Victoria Falls Road from the Great Western Highway. Follow this unsealed road for approximately 5 km until you reach a small car park with a few picnic tables.
As noted, the track to Victoria Falls and Cascades is very steep, so be prepared. Bring plenty of water and wear proper hiking shoes to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Find the trailhead to Victoria Falls on Google Maps.
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