Bob Turners Track – Colo River
Bob Turners Track: The Ultimate Sandy Beach Swim on the Colo River
If you're looking for a slice of the Wollemi Wilderness without a multi-day trek, Bob Turners Track is the gold standard. While most of the Blue Mountains features narrow canyons and rocky creeks, the Colo River at the end of this track is famous for something else: massive, white sandbanks and deep, glassy water. For more Blue Mountains swimming spots, explore Jellybean Pool or discover Dalpura Canyon.
How to Get to the Bob Turners Track Head
The trailhead is located at Colo Heights, about 15–20 minutes north of the Colo River Bridge on the Putty Road. For more NSW road trip ideas, check out our Ultimate Guide to Driving in New South Wales.
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The Turnoff: Look for the small NPWS sign for "Bob Turners Track" just past the service station at Colo Heights.
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The Road: You'll drive roughly 3km down a dirt fire trail.
The Hike: Descending into the Colo Gorge
The Bob Turners Track trail is remarkably well-graded. Originally built as a pack-horse track, it doesn't rely on endless stairs like many Blue Mountains walks. Instead, it uses long, sweeping zig-zags that take you through changing vegetation—from dry Eucalypt forest to lush fern gullies filled with Smooth-barked Apple trees.
Swimming at the Colo River "Beach"
When you reach the bottom, the forest opens up to a huge sandbank on the bend of the river.
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The Sand: Unlike the rocky pools of the Grose Valley, the Colo River at Bob Turners has fine, soft sand on either side. It's perfect for pitching a day tent or just laying out a towel.
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The Swim: The water here is crystal clear and generally deep enough for a proper swim. It's a popular spot for lilos—many people bring a small inflatable to float downstream before trekking back up.
Important Safety & Conservation Tips
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Water Quality: The Colo is a "Wild River," but we recommend treating the water if you plan to drink it.
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Flash Floods: The Colo can rise rapidly. Check the weather forecast for the Putty Road area before heading out..
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Pack it Out: This is a pristine wilderness area. Please take all rubbish back to the car. Discover more NSW swimming spots in our complete guide.
