As a city of swimming enthusiasts, Sydney is home to pristine swimming pools for an urban dip, but if you’re over chlorine and want to get aquatic in nature, there are some truly magical bushland swimming holes within easy reach of the city. With possibly the cutest name around, Jellybean Pool is one of our favourites – a dreamy freshwater swimming hole just an hour’s drive from Sydney’s CBD.
Where is Jellybean pool?
Shaded by a towering sandstone cliffface and gum trees that stretch theatrically up into the sky, Jellybean Pool feels divinely remote (especially on less-crowded days), but it’s one of the most easily-accessible freshwater swimming holes in the Sydney area. Close to the charming historic town of Glenbrook on the eastern edge of the Blue Mountains National Park, the pool is a one hour drive from the city (and just over an hour on public transport, plus a relatively manageable 36-minute walk).
How to get to Jellybean Pool
If you’re travelling from Sydney by car, drive west towards the Glenbrook entrance of the Blue Mountains National Park and you’ll arrive at the Jellybean Pool car park in just over an hour. If you’re travelling from central Sydney, it’s actually just as efficient to travel by train, with the train to Glenbrook from Central taking an hour and one minute, and the walk from Glenbrook Station to Jellybean Pool taking around 36 minutes. From the carpark, a short walking track takes you down a steep set of around 40 steps to the pool. If the pool itself is too busy, a walk along the creek will take you to other, less-crowded swimming spots (the swimming spot pictured above is around a ten minute walk along the creek).
Is Jellybean Pool free?
The pool itself is free to access, but if you’re driving, you’ll need to pay a fee to park in the national park – $8 per vehicle per day.
Is there a café at Jellybean Pool?
Nearby Glenbrook is home to some adorable cafés, but we’d suggest stocking up on picnic supplies at Glenbrook Village Bakehouse and eating lunch down by the pool.
Is Jellybean pool safe to swim in?
There are always risks involved with swimming, especially at unpatrolled places. Always take care to check things such as depth and currents before swimming or jumping into water, and confirm that others you’re swimming with are confident in the water before entering any swimming spot. If you're not a confident, experienced swimmer, avoid unpatrolled swimming spots altogether.
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