Wattamolla & the Figure Eight Pools may be the biggest attraction of Sydney’s Royal National Park for adventurers & tourists alike, however the South West Arm Pool holds it own as an explorer’s paradise. 

Highlights

  • Giant swimming hole (relatively private compared to others in the RNP)
  • Jumping off high cliffs into deep green water
  • A bush walk that goes off the beaten track.

Once you enter the Royal National Park hang a left onto Warumbul Road & park up at the beginning of the Winifred Fire Trail. Take this trail by foot for about half an hour downhill until you reach the Winifred Falls. A pretty little waterfall with a pool to splash in — however, this is not why you’re here.

A Mermaid’s Fantasy // South West Arm Pool (NSW) Tiffany Hulm wild swimming rock jump

From here your path gets a little tricky, walk toward the left, past the viewpoint of the falls, scale down a path and walk alongside the river. There’s barely a beaten track, but trust your instincts whilst walking over uneven rocks and dodging trees. Your patience will be rewarded when you reach a clearing and here you will grab your first glimpse of the South West Arm Pool. A giant bottle green lagoon with high cliffs on both sides, which are perfect for leaping off into the deep water and there’s even a rope swing!

The pool is connected by the South West Arm Creek out to the ocean, so the water is slightly salty. You could spend a good amount of time here splashing and sunbaking on one of the many rock faces, or head back up the trail & discover another one of the RNP’s wonderful swimming spots.

Essential Gear

  • Water
  • Running shoes
  • Camera
  • Picnic
  • Sunblock
  • Hat
  • Insect repellent

How To Get There

Try this.

Activities

  • Swimming
  • Cliff jumping
  • Photography
  • Hiking

Skill Level

Beginner

Distance Covered / Elevation Gain

3km return via same track / -118m down to the pool

 

Royally good adventures…

The Coast Track // Royal National Park (NSW)

Trek to Eagle Rock // Royal National Park (NSW)

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