Minerva Pool is a stunning natural waterhole in Dharawal National Park, accessible via a short and relatively easy bushwalking track.
Toward the end of the trail, a fenced lookout platform provides scenic views of the pool and its surrounding landscape.
| Minerva Pool Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (rough surface) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Getting There
The walking track to Minerva Pool is in Wedderburn, in the north-western section of Dharawal National Park, about 60 km south of Sydney.
To reach the track, follow Victoria Road in Wedderburn until you arrive at the entrance gate to the national park, where Victoria Road transitions into a management trail.
A free, reasonably sized car park is situated right at the entrance, with an information board displaying maps and details about the area.
Track Notes
The walking track to Minerva Pool is relatively easy, suitable for all fitness levels.
However, with a few steep sections and areas where the path can be uneven and rough, we recommend wearing hiking shoes.
Below is a map of the walk starting from the car park.
Start of the Walk
The track begins on a dirt road, transitioning to a bushland path that eventually leads to the lookout and pool. The official starting point is a few hundred metres from the car park and is signposted.
At the signpost (see above), turn right and follow the fire trail until you reach an intersection marked by a Minerva Pool sign. At this intersection, turn left to head into the bush.
From here, the track evolves into a more scenic bushwalk. While the surface can be a bit challenging in places, the path is easy to follow overall.
Towards the end of the walk, you’ll come across an intersection with a short detour leading to the Minerva Pool Lookout.
Lookout
This lookout is a purpose-built, fenced viewing platform that provides superb views of the entire pool below.
In the middle of the pool, you’ll spot a uniquely shaped stone island that, while somewhat out of place, adds a distinct character to the scenery.
After taking in the views from the lookout, retrace your steps to the main track for the final stretch to Minerva Pool.
Minerva Pool
A bit of rock scrambling is required to get closer to the pool, but it’s quite manageable. The path eventually leads to a spot right above the small waterfall that cascades into the pool.
The rocky areas around the pool are perfect for a picnic or simply soaking up the sun in this beautiful natural setting.
While there’s plenty to explore around the pool, the official walking track does not extend beyond this point.
To Swim or Not to Swim?
On a warm, sunny day, it can be tempting to take a dip here, but there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Minerva Pool holds cultural significance for the Dharawal traditional owners, and as such, only women and children are permitted to enter the water.
While visitors are welcome to explore this beautiful spot in Dharawal National Park, respecting its cultural importance is essential.
If you do decide to go for a swim in Minerva Pool, please keep the following in mind:
- It’s deep:
The middle of the pool is quite deep, so if you’re not a good swimmer, it’s best not to go in. - It’s slippery:
It can be very slippery on the rocks surrounding the pool, so please be cautious at all times. - Jumping in:
There aren’t any spots where you can walk into the water, so jumping is the only option. Please try to find a spot where you don’t have to jump from a high point, and watch out for any large underwater rocks. - Don’t leave rubbish:
As always, please don’t leave rubbish behind in the bush.
More Exploring Nearby
The track to Minerva Pool is relatively short, so you may want to check out some more walks and lookouts nearby to make a day of it.
The Jingga Track is similar to the walking track to Minerva Pool and also leads to a beautiful natural water hole. This slightly more challenging walk starts at the Victoria Road fire trail, where the car park is. This walk is quite steep, but it’s worth the effort, because the pool is beautiful.
Starting from the same car park is the walk to the scenic O’Hares Creek Lookout. This is a family-friendly 2.5 km return walk through bushland, leading to a large viewing platform that offers spectacular views over O’Hares Creek and its surroundings.
Read our guide on things to do in Dharawal National Park for a complete overview of walks and lookouts in this unique area south of Sydney.
