Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 15 mins

2.5 km Return

175 m

Hard track

This enjoyable walk leads to the beautiful feature that is Blue Pool. This natural pool can appear an amazing colour, and can be quite popular with swimmers. If Blue Pool is too crowded for your liking, there is an optional sidetrip which heads further up the creek to Glenbrook sandbar. The sandbar offers a sandy beach at a nice stretch of creek, also a pleasant spot for a dip.

(0km) Blue Pool car park → Int. Blue Pool and Glenbrook Gorge trks

200 m

5 mins

-31m Hard track

From the car park, the walk heads away from the road, following the direction of the 'Blue Pool' sign down the bush track. The track winds down the hill and over a small footbridge, to an un-signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill, via many bush steps. The walk then continues, with the creek to the left of the track, to an un-signposted intersection (where another track continues along the base of the cliffs).

(0km) Int. Blue Pool and Glenbrook Gorge trks → Blue Pool

70 m

1 mins

-2m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk keeps the water to the left as the track meanders below the cliffs for a very short time, to the bank of Blue Pool. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Blue Pool

Blue Pool, Blue Mountains National Park, is named after the blue colour of the water. This appearance is caused by clay particles suspended in the water, which refract the light . This part of Glenbrook Creek is a popular swimming hole, but it is not patrolled.

(0km) Int. Blue Pool and Glenbrook Gorge trks → Glenbrook Creek Beach

1 km

26 mins

72m

-68m Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads down towards the creek, away from the cliffs. The track heads over the rocks and boulders, then crosses the creek and turns right, to keep Blue Pool on the right as the track winds above the bank. Winding and undulating near the bank of Blue Pool for some time, the track then passes a rock overhang and continues on to a large section of rock platforms. The track winds through this area, crossing the creek and continuing to the sharp right-hand bend in the creek's shoreline.

Glenbrook Creek Sandbar

The sandbar is an unofficially-named beach on the banks of Glenbrook Creek. The beach has a fantastic white colour and some height above the water - a great spot for to camp or enjoy lunch.

Maps for the Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Penrith	1:25 000 Map Series	90303N PENRITH	NSW-90303N
Penrith	1:100 000 Map Series	9030 PENRITH	9030

Cross sectional view of the Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar

Altitude analysis for Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.5 km
		Time	1 hr 15 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 1.2km of this walk is very steep, whilst the remaining 50m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 1km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely, whilst the remaining 200m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 1km of this walk has minimal directional signs, whilst the remaining 200m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 1.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged), whilst the remaining 50m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar walk.

Blue Pool Track

522 m Return, 20 mins

This short, pleasant walk, starts close to the Glenbrook entrance of the Blue Mountains National Park. The walk follows a staircase and track down to Blue Pool. The blue colouring of the water can vary in intensity, depending on water and weather conditions. A popular swimming hole, this creek is

Total climbing: 39m

Hard track

Glenbrook and Euroka Circuit

16.6 km Circuit, 2 Days

This two day circuit, returning to Glenbrook Station, is a scenic walk which passes many of the tourist attractions within the park. The walk winds through some wonderful valleys, and various natural and historic features, sleeping the night high on the ridge at Darug camping area. A great way to sp

Total climbing: 790m

Experienced only

Glenbrook to Lapstone via Euroka

18.8 km One way, 2 Days

This two day walk covers large sections of the Glenbrook Gorge between the two train stations. As well as winding through the gorge, the walk travels up onto the ridges to pass Red Hands Cave and camp the night at Darug camping area. The gorge section from the causeway to the Nepean River presents m

Total climbing: 1136m

Very experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar walk.

Glenbrook Gorge Track

1.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk starts from the Glenbrook information centre, just inside the national park and follows a well defined track down to the Glenbrook Creek and the gorge. The walk is popular with locals looking for a place to swim. The gorge is particularly dangerous after rain, so appropriate care should

Total climbing: 122m

Hard track

Jellybean Track

1 km Return, 45 mins

This walk visits the Jellybean Pools, a popular swimming hole and lovely area in Glenbrook Gorge. Starting at the Glenbrook entrance to the Blue Mountains National Park, the walk follows a well maintained track down the hill, crossing a road a couple of times to come to the Jellybean Pool. The riv

Total climbing: 91m

Moderate track

Glenbrook to Red Hands Cave (via Jellybean Pool)

4.4 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk takes you across Glenbrook Gorge and up Campfire Creek to Red Hands Cave. The walk is quite serene and you can enjoy some peace as you wander along the trail to the art in Red Hands Cave. The side trip to the grinding grooves is worthwhile to complement the cave art.

Total climbing: 259m

Hard track

Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek

8.3 km Circuit, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk takes the lovely track up through Red Hands Gully to the amazing hand painting of Red Hands Caves. This historic and cultural feature is complemented by the Grinding Grooves along Campfire Creek. An excellent walk through some beautiful bush. There is a picnic area halfway - a great spot t

Total climbing: 397m

Hard track

Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek

8.4 km Circuit, 3 hrs 45 mins

This is a scenic and rather cultural walk, with two significant Indigenous sites along the way. The walk sets out from Campfire Creek car park following the creek of similar name to the amazing Red Hands Caves. The second site is the grinding grooves, which are passed on the return to the car park a

Total climbing: 396m

Experienced only

Jellybean Pool

218 m Return, 20 mins

This short, pleasant walk takes you down to a naturally formed water hole, somewhat in the shape of a jelly bean. The picturesque swimming hole near Glenbrook is popular among locals. The track is well-defined and has staircases in steeper sections. The area can be particularly dangerous after ra

Total climbing: 20m

Moderate track

Tunnel View Lookout

512 m Return, 30 mins

Tunnel View Lookout walk is a short walk along a well-maintained management trail. At the end of the wide trail is a short narrow track leading to a large mostly flat rock platform with great views. On the far side of the gorge you can just see where train tunnel goes through the hill, you can't see

Total climbing: 9m

Hard track

Mount Portal Lookout

74 m Return, 10 mins

This is a short walk to a spectacular view. The walks starts with a pleasant drive along the dirt roads through the lower Blue Mountains. From the car park, the walk follows a short footpath to the fenced raised timber viewing platform. The views from the lookout are stunning and include Glenbrook G

Total climbing: 13m

Very easy

Lapstone Lookout

756 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk to Lapstone Lookout is easily accessed from Lapstone train station. So next time you miss your train, take the short walk down to the lookout and view the Nepean River and surrounding lands. Lapstone Lookout is a great place to pass some time while enjoying a view.

Total climbing: 43m

Hard track

Lapstone to end of Glenbrook Gorge

3.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk offers a great way to see the Nepean River and marvel at the mouth of Glenbrook Gorge. Starting from Lapstone Station, the walk travels alongside the Nepean River to the junction with Glenbrook Creek. The area is filled with large boulders, pools and many neat spots to explore before retur

Total climbing: 172m

Hard track

Red Hands Cave

1 km Return, 30 mins

Red Hands Cave is a small sandstone overhang cave that showcases a number of very clear hand stencillings. The site is protected with an obtrusive cage to keep would-be vandals out. There are a number of signs explaining the history and some artifacts found in the area. The walk is enjoyable and

Total climbing: 51m

Moderate track

Red Hands Cave and Axe Grinding Tour

4.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This is a cultural walk with two significant sites being visited along the way. The walk leaves the quiet Red Hands Cave picnic area and winds down the valley to the Axe Grinding Grooves, once used by Indigenous Australians. The track then follows Campfire Creek up to Red Hands Caves and visits the

Total climbing: 211m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar walk starts and ends at the Blue Pool car park (gps: -33.777186, 150.61851)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.

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