Karloo Pools – Royal National Park
If you're after the quintessential Sydney wild swim, Karloo Pools is it. Tucked away in the Royal National Park, this deep, emerald-green pool on Kangaroo Creek is surrounded by sun-drenched sandstone ledges. It's one of the swims in Swim New South Wales.
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What makes Karloo Pools special is how easy it is to reach. It's one of the few top-quality swimming holes in Sydney you can get to entirely by public transport, which makes it a favourite with locals and travellers alike. For more Royal National Park swimming spots, see Wattamolla, Curracurrang Falls or Figure 8 Pools.
Karloo Pools Quick Stats
- Distance: About 4 km return from Heathcote Station
- Time: Around 2 hours walking, plus swim time
- Grade: Moderate (the track is rocky, with some steep sections)
- Best for: Public transport users, social swims and afternoon picnics
How to Get to Karloo Pools from Heathcote Station
The beauty of the Karloo walking track is that it starts almost exactly where the suburb of Heathcote ends.
- By train: Take the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line to Heathcote Station. Cross the highway via the pedestrian bridge and walk to the end of Wilson Parade.
- By car: Park on Wilson Parade. Be warned: on sunny weekends, spots fill up by 9am.
- The trailhead: Look for the large Royal National Park signage at the end of the street.
The Karloo Track: What to Expect
The Karloo Track is a classic Sydney bushwalk, with terrain typical of the Royal National Park: exposed sandstone, banksia scrub and eucalypt forest.
- The terrain: The track is rocky and uneven, and it can get boggy after rain. It's not a hard hike, but wear sturdy sneakers rather than thongs.
- The descent: Most of the walk out to the pools is downhill, which means the walk back is an uphill climb.
Swimming at Karloo Pools
Once you arrive, you'll see why this spot is famous. Kangaroo Creek widens into a big, deep pool that stays refreshing even in the peak of a Sydney summer.
- The ledges: There are plenty of sandstone ledges for lounging and easy entry points into the water. Don't jump or dive: depths vary and logs can shift after rain.
- Continue to Uloola Falls: If Karloo Pools is too crowded, you can continue roughly another 3 km along the Karloo walking track to Uloola Falls, which has a smaller but equally beautiful pool for dipping.
Tips for a Better Visit
- Beat the crowds: Because of the train access, Karloo Pools gets very busy on weekends. Aim to be at the trailhead by 8:30am or visit on a weekday to have the water to yourself.
- Water quality: After heavy rain, wait 2 to 3 days before swimming in Kangaroo Creek so the water is clear and safe.
- Leave no trace: There are no bins at the pools. Stay on the track and carry out everything you carry in.
Check the NSW National Parks Karloo walking track page for current alerts before you go.
Karloo Pools FAQs
How long is the walk to Karloo Pools?
It's about 2 km each way (4 km return) from Heathcote Station on the Karloo walking track. Allow around 2 hours of walking.
Can you get to Karloo Pools by train?
Yes. Take the T4 line to Heathcote Station and walk to the end of Wilson Parade, where the track starts. No car needed.
Can you swim at Karloo Pools?
Yes. It's a deep freshwater pool on Kangaroo Creek. Don't jump or dive, and wait a few days after heavy rain before swimming.
Are there bins at Karloo Pools?
No. There are no bins at the pools, so carry out all your rubbish.
More Royal National Park Swimming Spots
- South West Arm Pool: a secluded swim in the Royal National Park.
- Winifred Falls: a scenic waterfall walk in the Royal.
- Wattamolla: waterfall, lagoon and beach in one.
- Royal National Park Swimming Guide: the park's best waterfalls, lagoons and swimming holes.
