Step into Explorer Francesca’s wonderful blue world, and let her guide you to some of the most seriously epic swimming holes in the Blue Mountains of NSW that every beginner adventurer can enjoy. 

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Swimming in the Blue Mountains

Walking is an ideal way to reconnect with yourself and the landscapes we exist within. Cold plunges also have their own host of benefits, and are a great way to cool off mid-hike. Getting out in nature and pushing personal boundaries are such an important aspect of life.

Walking has always been a huge part of my world. Throughout childhood I spent a lot of time in the forests of England, regardless of the weather. When I moved to Australia some years back, I was itching to explore the national parks here too. But convincing others to walk up and down mountains turned out to be a struggle.

It took me multiple years – and a lot of confidence-building-coastal-walks! – to take on the Blue Mountains as a solo woman with no hiking experience. I hope to inspire more women to get out in nature, even if that means going scared in the beginning. Being a solo woman in the bush can be daunting, but – I promise you – it’s worth pushing yourself out of your comfort zone!

The Blue Mountains are full of great tracks and swimming holes for beginners. From my nervous jelly legs to yours, these are my top picks.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

 

Minnehaha Falls

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Staying Safe Around Waterfalls

Waterfalls and the pools they fill are great places to cool down and relax, but they can also be very dangerous. Slippery rocks, deceptively shallow and/or deep water, and wildlife can all transform an otherwise tranquil oasis into a disaster zone.

Always trust your gut when approaching waterfalls and swimming holes. Don’t take unnecessary risks. A selfie for Instagram at the edge of an infinity pool? Unnecessary risk. A dodgy-looking rope? Unnecessary risk.

Make sure you always take a first aid kit, and ask yourself these questions:

  • Does this track feel safe?
  • Have I checked that swimming is allowed?
  • Do I know how deep this water is?
  • Is the track open?
  • Am I wearing appropriate footwear?
  • How will I contact someone if something does go wrong?
  • Should I have a PLB?

We want you to stay safe around swimming holes and waterfalls, and this includes everything from ensuring you’re prepared for hiking in hot weather to what to do if you encounter a leech or snake.

Stay sensible, keep your Mum happy, and have a good time knowing you’ve put safety first.

 

Linden Paradise Pool

Top 7 Swimming Holes in The Blue Mountains For Beginners

1. Jellybean Pool

Address: Glenbrook, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW
Distance: 1km (Jellybean Track only) or, 3km (from Glenbrook railway station)
Time: 45 minutes 

The Jellybean Pool Track is the easiest trail to follow for a quick dip in a gorge, surrounded by sandstone and subtropical vegetation. There are a few stairs down but it’s the easiest swimming hole to access in the Blue Mountains, so it’s likely to be busy. Get here early to snag a good towel spot. 

How To Get to Jellybean Pool

Taking Burfitt Parade from Glenbrook Station, the road becomes Bruce Road until The Oaks Trail, where you’ll find the car park. From the top car park, follow the Jellybean Track all the way to the bottom where you’ll find the pool.

 

Happy little jellybeans in Jellybean Pool

2. Pool of Siloam

Address: Leura, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW
Distance: 1.6km return (track only), or 2km (from Leura train station)
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes

The Pool of Siloam is a beautiful spot for a cold water plunge mid-hike. Surrounded by deep, lush vegetation, the pool is located at the bottom of the Pool of Siloam Walking Track. It feels like something out of a fairytale if you get there when the area is flooded with sunlight. 

The Pool of Siloam is best for swimming after large rain dumps, when it’s nice and full. You can return along the same track and do an out-and-back walk if you just want to dip-and-leave, or you can continue along the Lyrebird Dell Loop Track.

Read more:  7 Tips for Rainy Day Hiking

How To Get to the Pool of Siloam

Follow Leura Mall into Olympian Parade where you’ll meet Gordan Falls Reserve and the start of the Pool of Siloam Track. 

 

Pool of Siloam

3. Minnehaha Falls

Where: Katoomba, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW
Distance: 3.1km (Minnehaha Falls Track only), or 5km (from Katoomba train station)
Time: 1 hour 

Minnehaha Falls is one of the most impressive drop-falls I’ve found to swim in. The track to get there is secluded. You might see other people (rarely) but if you do, it definitely won’t be a crowd. The track has views of the falls as you descend to the pool and the space truly feels like another world.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by bird life, well-trodden natural stairs, and rock overhangs. As an added bonus, like a few other trails in the Blue Mountains, the walk to Minnehaha Falls is dog-friendly! Yew! 

How To Get to Minnehaha Falls

Follow Station Street into Barton Street, until Minnihaha Road. From here, you’ll follow the Minnehaha Falls track to the bottom.

Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls track

4. Linden Paradise Pools

Where: Linden, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW
Distance: 2.8km return (Linden Paradise Track only), or 5km (From Linden Station)
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Linden Paradise Pool absolutely got its name for a reason. These stunning falls, surrounded by wildflowers and sandstone walls, are like a little beach in the mountains. Plus, it’s an easy spot to find and access.

If you want to really soak this place up, consider bringing a picnic to eat and enjoy. It’s a steep descent down the Linden Paradise Falls Track, but it does flatten out before meeting the falls. 

How To Get to Linden Paradise Pools

From Caley Road, you can access the track between house one and two. The track to Linden Paradise Pools is behind the houses.

 

Linden Paradise Falls

5. Asmodeus Pool

Where: Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW
Distance: 3.3km loop (Nature Trail Loop only), or 5km (From Wentworth Falls Station)
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

My favourite swimming hole has to be the Asmodeus Pool. This one is a gem. I typically follow the Valley of the Waters Track until I see signs for the Nature Trail Loop. You’ll pass a picnic table before heading up some stairs. Eventually you’ll reach a small river crossing, and the opening to Empress Canyon. 

Keep going up until you come to another river crossing with square stepping stones. Looking left you’ll see a large boulder. It’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure as to how you climb through here. It’s not too steep but it can be slippery, so take care. You’ll find yourself inside a small slot canyon, with small falls feeding into Asmodeus Pool.

For a magical dip, it doesn’t get much better than this! You can follow the Nature Trail loop back to the car park or do an out-and-back the way you came in. 

How To Get to Asmodeus Pool

Walk from Station Street until it intercepts the Great Western Highway. Take a left onto Falls Road, and a right onto Fletcher Street. Follow this until you arrive at the Valley of the Waters car park.

Pathway to Asmodeus Pool

Asmodeus Pool

6. Centennial Glen Grotto

Where: Blackheath, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW
Distance: 1.2km return (Walls Edge Loop Track only), or 5km (From Blackheath Station)
Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes 

Last, but not least, is the pool at Centennial Glen Canyon. This is a chute of ice-cold water in a small canyon grotto that kind of feels like a mystical wishing well. There are a few different ways to get there, but the safest and easiest, after two separate attempts to find it, is to follow The Walls Ledge Loop Track.

If you want to complete the full loop it’ll take you 1.8km round trip, but if you just want to reach the grotto and head back the way you came, it’s 1.2km return. It’s a beautiful walk and has some stunning views before you reach the falls. 

How To Get to the Centennial Glen Grotto

Follow Station Street South, turning right onto Shipley Road. This will turn into Old Shipley Road until you hit Centennial Glen Road, where you’ll find the car park. To access the Centennial Glen Grotto, there’s a canyon opening that does require a bit of a scramble to access, and is quite slippery in places. Take it slow and be careful. 

 

Centennial Glen Grotto

FAQs Blue Mountains Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

What is the easiest swimming hole to get to in the Blue Mountains?

The easiest swimming hole to get to in the Blue Mountains is Jellybean Pool. It’s the first one on our list above.

Is it safe to swim in the Blue Mountains?

The water quality in the Blue Mountains swimming holes is generally good, however the waterways can be affected by contaminants and/or pollution (particularly after heavy rain). It’s best to check water quality before you go and you can do this on the NSW Government BeachWatch website. Yeah, yeah, the Blue Mountains doesn’t have beaches – despite the name, the website reports on all water quality across NSW.

Where is Leura Infinity Pool?

The Leura Infinity Pool is located at the top of a waterfall at Leura Cascades. To access it requires hiking off track, scaling down sheer rock walls, and effectively putting yourself in a very dangerous situation. Despite plenty of bloggers advising how to access this one, it falls firmly into the category of unnecessary risk. Don’t risk it being the last swimming hole you visit.

Are these swimming holes in the Blue Mountains deep enough to dive in?

These swimming holes in the Blue Mountains are all quite shallow. Don’t dive into swimming holes without first wading in to thoroughly check water depth. Diving or jumping into these swimming holes isn’t recommended.

How do I check if a trail is open?

Before you head out on any of these trails to swimming holes in the Blue Mountains, you should check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website. It provides up to date information about trail closures and safety warnings that you need to be aware of.

Yes! Definitely Chase These Waterfalls

We’ve shared these recommendations because we genuinely rate them and want you to enjoy them too. Our writers use a mix of personal experience and research to compile these lists, and they’re also encouraged to be honest when things aren’t up to scratch. For more information on our approach, check out our Editorial Standards.