04/05/2024 - Karloo Pool Walk, Heathcote, NSW
(5.3km Round Trip - Grade 3 Hike)
I along with two of my friends went on a rainy day of Autumn from Leppington, NSW. For us it took us around 40 mins to reach the site in car (Opposite to Heathcote rail station, next to NSW Rural Fire Service). If you plan take public transport this trail is very easy to get to with public transport as it next to Train station and ample parking is available.
Karloo Pools track is around 5.3 km round trip from Heathcote station. It was our first day of such kind of adventure and as it was raining, we took nearly 1.5 hours (and we took food break too) to reach the majestic Karloo Pools. On our way down, we met a group of 30 school kids with their guides who camped the night before near Kangaroo Creek (which is far from Karloo Pools) and on their way back home. Kids looked pretty devasted with their camping gears on after almost Four and half hours of uphill hike. Me and my friends got bit scared looking at their dilemma and were thinking of retreating homeward. Afterwards, the guides assured us it should be ok for us, and we started our journey again.
Around 20 mins after that meet with the group we reached Karloo Pools. Water was crystal clear, refreshing and chilling cold. Karloo Pool, the central attraction, spans approximately 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width, boasting a quaint waterfall cascading gently into its depths. There's room to swim or float around in the crystal-clear water but due to rocky surface its suggested not to dive into it. We didn’t swim as the water was cold and we were running out of time. Look for resident yabbies or small crabs (we didn’t find any). We stayed there around 1 hour, took stunning photos, selfies and enjoyed the panorama.
We started our uphill walk, and it was not very hard as we guessed at the beginning. Our friend Shameem started cracking jokes one after another which made the walk even more pleasant. At this point, rain started getting a bit more pace and the rocky surfaces were bit slippery, appropriate hiking boots is a must, good if you can carry a trekking pole.
Distance – 5.3km (round trip),
Things to carry – Hiking boots, water, rain jacket and rain cover for backpack (if rain is forecasted), dry-fit apparel, spare clothes and towel (if you plan to swim), hat and food.
Difficulty Level (Grade 3)- Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS), this is walk is rated as Grade 3, meaning its suitable for most ages and fitness levels and Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps.
Water - There are no places to refill water along the Karloo Pools Track. Take as much water as you need, at least 1 liter each, more on hot days.
Toilets – No toilets, once you have start walking down the trail. However, can use the toilets of Heathcote station before and after the walk.
Ticket/ Fees - This trail starts from outside the National Park, so the park entry fee does not apply as you enter on foot.
Things to consider
# Sunscreen washes off in water even it says ‘waterproof'. Please don't wear sunscreen in Karloo Pools as it may harm this delicate ecosystem.
# Take you rubbish with you and use the bins at Heathcote Train Station
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