A quiet, refreshing swim in a rock pool isn’t that hard to reach from Sydney, but with a busy schedule you might need to do some exploring at night to squeeze it in. Come for a swim in Karloo Pools with Holly and Damo.

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Dharawal people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Accessible by train (only 45 mins by train from Central Station)
  • Explore a lesser known section of Dharawal country, in the Royal National Park
  • Walk the Karloo Track; an easy to follow trail at any time of the day (or night, thanks to my Black Diamond headlamp)
  • Swim in Karloo Pool, a big natural rock pool!

 

Dusk Swimming at Karloo Pools, Damon Tually, Royal National Park, Sydney, NSW, wild swimming, headlamp, dusk, dark, sunset

Post-work winter adventures often begin at sunset

I wish I was as spontaneous as my 16-year-old self. I’d make a plan and within five minutes the plan became an adventure. Sadly, this isn’t the case anymore. If it’s not in my GCal at least four weeks before then there’s not much chance it’ll get done.

After a week of lockdown, and a bad run in with Covid, I felt the spontaneity again. I just needed to get out of the house! It was late in the afternoon, I knew I’d be out until dark, but I didn’t care, I had to go. My friend Holly and I weren’t too worried about the walk back at night. We had the Black Diamond Storm 500-R headlamp, which is insanely bright.

 

Dusk Swimming at Karloo Pools, Damon Tually, Royal National Park, Sydney, NSW, wild swimming, headlamp, dusk, dark

‘This is gonna be lit’

 

Karloo Pools is a wild swimming hole found in Dharawal country, in the Royal National Park. The 10 metre wide, 20 metre long natural rock pool is surprisingly deep! The trailhead starts at Heathcote Train Station so there’s no need for a car, and if you’ve driven in Sydney before you’ll be cheering about that!

 

Dusk Swimming at Karloo Pools, Damon Tually, Royal National Park, Sydney, NSW, wild swimming, headlamp, dusk, dark, sign

Felt intrepid, might delete later

 

Once you get to the trailhead, the track runs behind a couple of houses before sliding onto a nice ridgeline. The track can get pretty muddy after some rain so I recommend some sturdy sandals or boots. Roughly 2km along, the track will steeply decline to the bottom of the valley where you’ll reach Karloo Pools.

Karloo Pools is a pretty epic swimming hole that’s surrounded by plenty of flat rocks. I highly recommend throwing a towel down and spending a bit of time down here (especially in summer). Unfortunately being winter, and quite late in the afternoon, our dip lasted a mere five seconds. It was freezing! But, as they say, you never regret a swim.

Something something carpe diem

Shadows enveloped the walls of the valley as the sky turned a murky orange. Holly and I looked up to watch a plane skim by the moon. We’re truly lucky to have such wild places less than an hour from Sydney’s CBD.

 

Dusk Swimming at Karloo Pools, Damon Tually, Royal National Park, Sydney, NSW, wild swimming, headlamp, dusk, light

Don’t worry, Holly’s retinas made a full recovery

 

We started to freeze without the sun’s warmth so we slipped on the Black Diamond headlamp and ventured back to the train station. I highly recommend walking after dusk with a head torch. It keeps your hands free and you notice different things. Our Storm 500-R headlamp had such a wide and bright light that colours kept popping in alongside the trail.

MVP: Storm 500-R headlamp

Patches of purple flowers caught our attention, followed by native yellows from scattered Banksias. I love how a familiar track can change so much simply by changing the time you walk it and the lighting. We were on the train within 10 minutes and both Holly and I sat satisfied with our quick but perfect little microadventure.

Read more: How To Stay Safe Around Swimming Holes And Waterfalls

 

Dusk Swimming at Karloo Pools, Damon Tually, Royal National Park, Sydney, NSW, wild swimming, headlamp, dusk, dark, sunset

Essential Gear

Read more: How to Purify Water in the Bush

 

How To Get There

Karloo Pools is located just south of Sydney in the Royal National Park. It’s roughly 45 minutes by train from Central Station. If you’re going by train then head to Heathcote Train Station. Once you’re there go to Wilson Parade (or south-east) and then look for the NSW Rural Fire Service. Just on the right is the Karloo track trailhead.

If you’re going by car then I suggest parking at Heathcote Train Station too and following the same directions.

 

Skill Level

Beginner

The track is easy to follow, even at night time. Although it’s beginner level, the hike is a steep and rocky trail back so watch your step. There are sections of bare rock that can become quite slippery after rain so always stick to the track.

 

Distance Covered / Elevation Gain / Duration

Distance covered: 5km return (2.5km one way)

Elevation Gain: 125 metres

Duration: Give yourself 1.5 hours to walk in and out, however, this place could easily turn into a whole day adventure. There are plenty of places to find some space and lay out like a lizard for the day. My recommendation would be to bring a book, cards, some food and take the day to enjoy beautiful Dharawal country.