The Paradise Pool in Linden in the Blue Mountains is a stunning natural waterhole on Bulls Creek, accessible via a short, moderately challenging bushwalking trail.
A small yet picturesque waterfall cascades into the pool, which has become an increasingly popular swimming spot in recent years.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting this idyllic spot in the Blue Mountains.
| Paradise Pool Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) |
| Time: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (steep sections, uneven path) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
Linden, a small town in the Lower Blue Mountains, isn’t typically a primary destination for hiking or sightseeing. However, Paradise Pool stands out as a fantastic spot, and the walking trail leading to this waterhole and waterfall offers an enjoyable experience.
Although there are multiple ways to reach the pool, the shortest and easiest route begins at Railway Parade, near Linden train station. To get there from the Great Western Highway, take the Tollgate Drive exit and turn onto Railway Parade.
After a few hundred metres, you’ll arrive at a well-sized, designated car park, constructed in 2021 (see location on map).
Read our guide on the prettiest natural waterholes in the Blue Mountains for more of these unique spots.
Track Notes
The walking trail from Railway Parade to Paradise Pool is approximately 3 km return, winding mostly through bushland. While it’s a relatively easy walk, there are some steep sections and a bit of rock scrambling involved.
Wearing good hiking shoes is recommended to navigate the more challenging parts of the trail. Is it suitable for kids? Yes, absolutely!
Below is a map of the walk, starting from the car park.
1. Cox’s Road
Once you’ve parked your car, you’ll find the start of the walking trail at the northern end of the car park.
The first section of the track to Paradise Pool follows a fire trail that runs behind residential properties. While this stretch might not seem particularly exciting, it holds historical significance as part of Cox’s Road.
This road was built in 1815 by William Cox at the request of Governor Lachlan Macquarie.
Spanning 160 km from Emu Plains to Bathurst, the road was constructed through challenging terrain by a team of labourers and soldiers in just six months; an extraordinary feat for the time.
Today, this section of the walk is part of Dawes Park Reserve and is managed by the Blue Mountains City Council.
After approximately 500 metres on the historic Cox’s Road, the trail veers left into the bush at the Dawes Park Reserve sign.
2. Into the Bush
From this point, it’s another 900 metres to the pool. However, since this section has a few challenges, it might take a little longer than expected.
The trail begins with a short stroll through the bush before descending steeply over a rocky surface. While this section isn’t overly difficult, it’s important to watch your step.
Next, the path transitions to staircases, followed by a flat, narrow trail winding through scenic bushland, with a couple of small footbridges to cross.
Here, the trail roughly follows Bull Creek, surrounded by ferns and low trees that create a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
As you near the pool, the trail reaches a junction with a track leading to Bulls Camp Reserve and Woodford.
Take a right turn at this junction, and the trail soon brings you to a cliff top overlooking Paradise Pool.
3. Paradise Pool
When you arrive at Paradise Pool, it’s easy to see how this natural swimming spot earned its name and why it has grown so popular in recent years.
With its small waterfall, beautifully secluded surroundings, sandy pool floor, and inviting water depth, Paradise Pool is a fantastic destination for an outdoor adventure.
From the rocky area near the top of the waterfall, you can reach the other side of the pool by following the path down.
On the far side, there’s a small sandy area that provides the easiest access to the water. The pool is quite deep, and the cool water offers a refreshing escape on a warm day.
Paradise Pool and its surrounding area are relatively small, so it can often feel a bit crowded on warm weekends and public holidays.
If a weekday visit isn’t possible, it’s best to arrive early on a weekend to enjoy some quiet time. Keep your visit brief, and as always, when exploring the bush, be sure to take all your rubbish with you.
Once you’re ready to leave, simply retrace your steps along the same walking trail to return to the car park.
Nearby adventures:
Foot bridge is down looks to have been from recent weather event. Access is difficult but doable.
Thanks for the update, Teremoana, very helpful.
Hopefully the bridge will get fixed soon.
What’s your reason for publishing this? The location of this pool is best shared by word of mouth. Please help keep the crowds down.
Hi Tom,
Paradise Pool is not a “secret” spot at all. It’s well-signposted, and there is even a purpose-built car park for the walking trail.