Jellybean Pool in Glenbrook is a popular natural swimming spot on Glenbrook Creek, offering easy access and plenty of space to swim or relax for the day.
While this picturesque waterhole is undeniably appealing, it tends to get a bit crowded on warm, sunny weekends and during school holidays.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to get there, parking options, and alternative pools to explore in this part of the Blue Mountains.
Getting There
Jellybean Pool is in the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains and is easily accessible by both car and train.
If you’re driving, take the Ross Street exit from the Great Western Highway, then follow Euroka Road to reach Bruce Road.
Bruce Road leads directly to the Blue Mountains National Park entrance, which is often mistakenly called Glenbrook National Park.
Once you access the National Park area, you have two options to park:
- P1: Blue Mountains car park (see location on map)
- P2: Jellybean car park (see location on map)
The first option (P1) is to park your car at the car park just past the access gate. From there, you will need to complete an easy but steep 15-minute walking trail to get to the pool.
The second option (P2), which most people do as a first choice, is to park at the designated Jellybean car park, located further up on Jellybean Road.
To park your car anywhere in this area of the Blue Mountains, you will need to pay a day use fee, or use your National Parks annual pass if you have that.
In the map below, those two parking areas are marked as P1 and P2, with the walking trail being the blue line.
About Jellybean Pool
Depending on where you’ve decided to park, you can reach the Jellybean Pool via the Jellybean Track or from the designated Jellybean car park.
Jellybean Track
If you’re starting from the main car park (either by choice or because the Jellybean car park is full), the walking track begins at the southern end of the car park.
Though the trail is a little steep, it’s a short, easy, family-friendly walk that is well-signposted and well-maintained.
Once the trail arrives at the designated Jellybean car park, follow the steps down a short but steep path to reach the pool.
Unfortunately, due to the steps, Jellybean Pool is not suitable for wheel-friendly access.
The Pool
As you descend the steps and catch a view of the pool from above, you can see how this waterhole got its name.
With a bit of imagination, the pool does resemble a jellybean; though only just.
Jellybean Pool is quite large, so take some time to explore the scenic surroundings and find a comfortable spot to settle in.
If the water level allows, the sandy beach area is often the best spot to lay down a towel, providing easy access to the pool.
Keep in mind that swimming in natural waterholes comes with risks that don’t apply to supervised swimming pools.
Avoid jumping into the water, as there may be submerged rocks, and always supervise children closely when swimming.
When to Visit
Jellybean Pool has, in recent years, become a bit of a victim of its own success.
Its easy accessibility (being in the Lower Blue Mountains with two large car parks, an easy walking track, and nearby toilet facilities) combined with its natural beauty, makes it no surprise that this spot is such a popular destination.
On warm summer days, especially weekends and school holidays, the pool can get quite crowded.
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the day, on a weekday outside of holiday periods, or during the cooler months if you don’t mind the lower water temperatures.
Nearby attraction:
Drive to the end of Mount Portal Trail via The Oaks Trail and visit Portal Lookout, which offers great views of the Nepean River and beyond.
Blue Pool
If Jellybean Pool is overcrowded or you’re keen to explore more of the Glenbrook area, we recommend visiting Blue Pool nearby.
Blue Pool is another natural waterhole similar to Jellybean Pool, but it typically doesn’t attract as many visitors.
To reach it, continue driving past the main car park where Bruce Road becomes The Oaks Trail. After a few hundred metres, you’ll find a designated parking area for Blue Pool.
While it lacks a sandy beach, there’s plenty of space on the rocky areas to lay down a towel and enjoy a swim.
The walking trail to Blue Pool is short but slightly more challenging than the trail to Jellybean Pool, though still very manageable.
More swimming:
Check out our guide on the best Blue Mountains swimming holes for even more picturesque spots to take a dip.
