Bullawarring Track to Kingfisher Pool – An Overnight Hike Less than an Hour from Sydney by Train

Link the Bullawarring and Pipeline trails in Heathcote National Park to make the perfect 10km overnight hike to Kingfisher Pool. It’s even accessible by train, no excuses!

We Are Explorers acknowledges 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.

Bullawarring Track to Kingfisher Pool Quick Overview & Facts

The Bullawarring track takes you down from Waterfall train station to the tranquil freshwater hole of Kingfisher Pool, which is an official NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service campground complete with toilets and picnic tables. Continue along the Bullawarring track into the Pipeline Track to check out Mirang Pool for a swim, then hike out to Heathcote to finish at a different train station.

Distance: 10.5km
Duration: 2 half days, 1 night. 3 hours and 45 minutes of walking
Stay: Kingfisher Pool Campground (bookings essential)
Elevation Gain: 284m
Nearest Towns: Heathcote & Waterfall

Where’s Heathcote National Park?

Have you heard of Heathcote National Park? Sound familiar?

Have you been? Didn’t think so. 

Two weekends in a row I visited Heathcote National Park and was shocked at how few people were around. On 30 degree days. In Sydney. 

You’ll find it on the western side of the Princes Highway near Waterfall, so like, across the road from the Royal National Park, but without the hordes of people who bathe at Wattamolla. Parking’s a cinch and there are no entry fees to cough up.

Granted, there aren’t any beaches either, but there are multiple tranquil freshwater swimming holes that you might just get all to yourself. 

This simple and super accessible overnight hike links up a few different tracks, has two different campground options, both right by gorgeous natural swimming pools, and can be easily accessed by train!

My mates and I started the hike in Waterfall and camped at Kingfisher Pool campground, but it’s just as easy to start at the Heathcote end and camp at Mirang Pool campground. Both campgrounds are only about 1.5km from the trailhead, so no need to rush in!

In fact, the later in the day you start the better! Hopefully by late arvo the handful of day trippers will have cleared out and you’ll be able to enjoy your swim, undisturbed!

How To Get to Bullawarring Walking Track

Via Public Transport

Catch the train to Heathcote or Waterfall train stations. The trailheads are only a ten minute walk from either station.

Via Car

If you’re starting from the Waterfall end, take the Princes Highway and exit at Waterfall. Head to Warabin St and park wherever you can. The track starts at the end of the cul-de-sac.

If you’re starting from the Heathcote end, take the Princes Highway to Heathcote and turn onto Oliver St. Drive to Boundary Rd and then turn onto Freeman Rd. Park on the grassy vacant blocks on the left hand side of the street. The trailhead can be found behind the old Scout hall.

Essential Gear

• Camping setup 
• Hiking boots, preferably with ankle support
• Swimmers and towel 
• Something to make coffee! 
• Head torch
• Insect repellent
• Swimmers!
• 3L of water or a way to treat it
• First Aid Kit
• PLB or Satellite Messenger

Skill Level

Intermediate

Although the hike’s relatively straightforward and not that long, the trail can be quite overgrown and unstable, with lots of rocks and tree roots to navigate, which can be tricky with weight on your back. 

Day 1 – Waterfall Station to Kingfisher Pool Campground

Distance: 2.3km
Time: 45 minutes

We didn’t even start this hike until 4:30pm on a Saturday arvo and still made great time. How good’s daylight savings?

If you’re utilising the train, rock up at Waterfall Station and cross the bridge over the highway. You’ll wander through suburban streets for about ten minutes, before reaching the trailhead at the end of Warabin St. 

Follow the Bullawarring track into the rainforest, with its giant Gymea lilies and Red-tinged gums twisting their limbs about. 

Watch your balance down the oversized sandstone steps as you descend towards the waterline. There was water across the track in one spot, but nothing drastic enough to send you off course.

After around 30 minutes of wandering, you’ll hear the splashing of the waterfall. Just before the lookout over Kingfisher Pool, you’ll find a clearing on the right with a single toilet cubicle. This is Kingfisher Pool campground (remember to book!)

Walk to the edge of the rocky outcrop and look out over your own private swimming pool and waterfall. You bloody beauty! 

If you timed it right, there should just be enough time to cool off, set up camp, and cook dinner before the sun says goodnight.

Read more: 10 Tips on How To Leave No Trace in Our Wild Places

Day 2 – Kingfisher Pool to Heathcote Station

Distance: 8.1km
Time: 3 hours

There’s no need to rush off in the morning. Wake to the trickle of the river right by your tent and start the day with a coupla laps. Soak up the surroundings, enjoy a hearty breakfast and a cuppa or two, before packing up just in time to greet the first day hikers on the trail. 

The hike begins with the climb through the forest and up out of the valley. The path is relatively obvious, but can be very rocky and rooty, with some big steps up sandstone rocks, so watch your footing.

After a kilometre or two, the path flattens out for a while and you can catch some glimpses of the valley below. 

There are a few intersections along the way, so be sure to follow all signs leading to Battery Causeway and then onto Heathcote Station. Battery Causeway is a great place for a break and bite to eat. 

The causeway is where Bullawarring track meets the Pipeline Trail. It won’t take long to figure out how this trail got its name. From here, you’re walking along a fire trail most of the way, which isn’t the most immersive kind of hike, but it soon brings you to Mirang Pool, which is the best kept secret in Heathcote National Park. 

Don’t you dare walk past the Mirang Pool sign without descending the stairs to take a dip. Cross the first waterway and follow the trail through the scrub until you reach a clearing and fire pit. This is Mirang Pool picnic area.

The best place to enter the pool is just by the fallen tree. A little further along the bush track you’ll pop out at some small tumbling waterfalls and lots of big sunny rocks to bake yourself on. 

Once you’re sufficiently refreshed, head back up the stairs and continue along the fire trail. It’s only about another 850m until you turn right onto the Friendly Track. Clamber up the sandstone staircase for the last jaunt through the rainforest before you pop out on a suburban street in Heathcote ten minutes later. 

From here it’s just a 15 minute stroll to Heathcote Station along Boundary Road and then Oliver Street. We caught the train back to Waterfall Station and walked to our car parked by the Bullawarring trail head. We were home in time for a late lunch! 

Bullawarring Track to Kingfisher Pool FAQs

How long is the Bullawarring Track overnight hike?

The entire hike covers a total distance of 10.5km over two days, requiring about 3 hours and 45 minutes of walking time. Day one takes 45 minutes over 2.3km, while day two covers the remaining 8.1km in about 3 hours.

Can you access the Bullawarring Track by train?

Yes, you can easily access the trail without a car by taking the train to either Waterfall or Heathcote stations. The respective trailheads are only a ten minute walk from either station!

Where can you camp along the trail?

You can camp at Kingfisher Pool campground, which is 2.3km from the trailhead at Waterfall and sits overlooking a tranquil freshwater swimming spot.

What skill level is required for the Bullawarring Track to Kingfisher Pool?

The hike is rated as intermediate. While the distance is relatively short and straightforward, the trail can be overgrown, rocky, and uneven with tree roots, which can be tricky to navigate with a loaded backpack. If it feels like a challenge, walking back out the way you came to Waterfall, or creating a small loop via the Mooray Track, cuts it down to 4-5km of total hiking.

Are there swimming spots along the Bullawarring Track?

Yes, the hike features two tranquil, natural freshwater swimming holes known as Kingfisher Pool and Mirang Pool.