Last updated: May 2, 2021
The scenic Pool of Siloam and Lyrebird Dell circuit walk in Leura takes in two small waterfalls and two natural swimming holes.
This quiet and unpretentious walking trail is located in Leura, close to the Gordon Falls lookout and picnic area. It’s a great way to enjoy a bit of unspoiled natural scenery in the Blue Mountains, with various lookouts nearby to explore.
Quick Navigation:
| Pool of Siloam and Lyrebird Dell Circuit Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.8 km (circuit) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (steep sections) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
How to Get There
The walk starts at the Gordon Falls Reserve on Lone Pine Avenue in Leura. To get there, turn into Leura Mall from the Great Western Highway, and turn left into Olympian Parade.
The parking area at Gordon Falls Reserve and picnic area is located at the end of that road (see map for exact location).
This is not the only way to get to the Pool of Siloam waterfall though. An alternative access point is from Gladstone Road (or The Links Road), located on the other side of the valley (see map for exact location).
The benefit of going to Pool of Siloam via this access point is that it passes the Golf Link Lookout, which is a pretty cool lookout point facing the Jamison Valley.
Pool of Siloam and Lyrebird Dell Track Notes
The below map gives you a bit of an idea where this track is located, with the Pool of Siloam (1) and Lyrebird Dell (2) marked as the highlights.
It’s a circuit trail, so you can go clockwise or anti-clockwise, which doesn’t really matter all that much. However, of you’re only interested in visiting the Pool of Siloam, it’s best to go anti-clockwise, starting at the picnic area.
The start of the circuit walk can be found towards the eastern end of the picnic area.
Simply keep an eye out for the Pool of Siloam Track signpost, from where the track heads straight into the bush.
The track starts nice and easy, but soon turns into a rather steep descent into the valley. This section of the track is well maintained though, and there is no rock scrambling involved.
At some point, the track arrives at an intersection. This is where you need to keep going straight on the main path to get to the pool.
Pool of Siloam
As the track gets closer to the pool, the beautiful sound of streaming water also becomes louder.
The Pool of Siloam is a natural waterhole and waterfall on Gordon Creek, a creek that eventually drops into Jamison Valley via Gordon Falls a bit further away.
The small waterfall is at its best after a period of rainfall when there is more water falling down, which also makes the water in the pool cleaner.
The views of the waterfall are most enjoyable from the sandstone steps in front of the pool, which forms part of the actual walking track.
From the waterfall, you have the option to continue the track past the sandstone steps climbing up to the Golf Link Lookout.
It’s a rather steep climb, but the views from that lookout are fantastic.
Otherwise, leave that lookout for a different day, and focus on the next highlight along the circuit walk; Lyrebird Dell.
Lyrebird Dell
From the Pool of Siloam, retrace your steps back to the intersection, and make a right turn to follow the path towards Lyrebird Dell.
A small signpost will help you identify this intersection.
Lyrebird Dell refers to a valley-like area with a large sandstone cave and a small waterfall with pool. The cave is of Aboriginal significance, and is now home to a couple of picnic tables.
This waterfall is smaller than the Pool of Siloam waterfall, but it is still a pretty sight. If there is enough water in the pool, feel free to go in and get your feet wet.
From the waterfall, keep following the track, which from that point onward slowly climbs out of the valley, until it meets the road.
At this point, you have the option to return to the car park via the road, or you can can return via a short bushwalk that reconnects with the Pool of Siloam Track.
More Exploring Nearby
There are various lookout points nearby that are very much worth a visit.
Three of these lookouts are very close to one another, and are all accessible from Olympian Parade.
Gordon Falls Lookout
The Gordon Falls Lookout is the most obvious one to visit, as it is clearly signposted from the car park.
To get there, simply follow the short walking trail starting at the information board heading into the bush. Note though that there are some steep stairs to conquer in order to get to the lookout.
The views from the Gordon Falls Lookout of the Jamison Valley are amazing, with various landmarks to be seen, such as the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, Ruined Castle, and the Narrow Neck Plateau.
The actual waterfall, Gordon Falls, is also visible, although during longer periods of dry weather there is hardly any water dropping into the valley.
More Lookouts
Once you’ve finished admiring the views, go ahead and check out the Elysian Rock Lookout (map) and the Olympian Rock Lookout (map) nearby.
Both of these lookouts are on the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and, as mentioned, are also accessible from Olympian Parade.
>> Our list of the most scenic waterfalls in the Blue Mountains.
