The Royal National Park has no shortage of swimming spots but Karloo Pool and Olympic Pool are in a different category. Both sit in the sandstone creek country of the park's interior, reached on foot from Heathcote Station — away from the coast, away from the crowds, and well worth the walk.

Getting There

Both pools are accessed from Heathcote Station on the Illawarra line. From the station, follow the track down into the national park — the walk to Karloo Pool takes around 40–50 minutes depending on pace. Olympic Pool is further along the creek from Karloo, adding another 30–40 minutes.

No car required, no park entry fee for this section — just a train ticket and reasonable shoes.

Karloo Pool

Karloo Pool sits on Kangaroo Creek, a freshwater pool with the kind of clarity and emerald green colouring that makes you want to get in immediately. The entry is gentle — gently sloping rock ledges lead into deeper water — and the pool is sheltered by bush on both sides.

The walk down is mostly gradual. The return is mostly uphill, which is worth knowing before you decide how long to stay.

Visit after rain if possible — the creek flows better and the water is cleaner. A sunny day brings out the best in the colour.

Watch for goannas on the rocks. They are accustomed to visitors and will investigate your lunch if given the opportunity.

Olympic Pool

Continuing along Kangaroo Creek past Karloo brings you to Olympic Pool — larger, longer, and considerably less visited. The name comes from its length, which rivals a 50-metre swimming pool. If you're a swimmer, bring goggles.

The extra distance is what keeps the crowds away. Many walkers turn back at Karloo. Push on to Olympic and you may well have the pool entirely to yourself — an unusual situation for a swimming hole this good within an hour of Sydney.

The green water and the reflection of the surrounding bush and shrubs make it a particularly pretty place to stop for lunch.

What to Know Before You Go

Both pools are best visited after recent rain when the creek is flowing well. In dry periods the water can become stagnant. Summer and early autumn are the most popular times but the walk is pleasant year-round.

The full return walk from Heathcote to Olympic Pool and back takes around 3.5–4 hours. Karloo only is around 2 hours return. Take water, sunscreen and something to eat.

Visiting with Sydney Nimble Tours

Karloo Pool is one of the swimming stops on our Royal National Park private tour from Sydney. We can combine it with the coastal walk to Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls for a full day in the park, or focus the day on the creek country depending on your preference.

Karloo Pool and Olympic Pool — Royal National Park Freshwater Swimming Guide