Little River Cascades and Aqua Pool are some of the best wild swimming spots in the Southern Highlands - and as they’re at the very start of the highlands, they’re also an easy day trip from Sydney. You can opt to swim in the shimmering blue waters of Aqua Pool, or at various secluded spots under the shade of the eucalypt covered rock walls. Wherever you choose to take a dip, the water is clear and inviting.
The walk to reach the pools is relatively short, though you do have a bit of a hill to climb on the way back out.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Little River Cascades and Aqua Pool.
The Little River Cascades Walk
The stats
Distance: 2.8km return to Aqua Pool (4.3km return to the furthest pool)
Elevation gain: 100m
Difficulty: Easy, but not flat
Summary: The walk to any of the swimming spots does require a short steep downhill climb. The path is rough in places, but not slippery.
Once you’re down at the river the path is flat and you can visit all the swimming holes with ease. There are no signposts, but the track is easy to follow, though we have included full trail notes below.
Starting the trail
From the parking area (details below) the walk heads along the fire trail which runs beside a house - you walk around the side of the gate that blocks the fire trail to vehicles. The first 400m are a flat leisurely stroll on a smooth path through the bush.
The trees were full of birdlife, including the many beautiful Eastern rosellas and King parrots.
After this the track will begin to descend. The first 100m are gentle and then it gets steeper and rougher. It’s still a fire trail, so it’s not overly steep, but it’s rocky underfoot. The trail is interspersed with some sections where you are walking down a few rock slabs, but they are grippy when dry and footing is easy.
At the 620m mark the path will curve left and the descent continues. This isn’t the most picturesque part of the walk, but it’s not long to wait before it becomes much more scenic.
Reaching the river
Roughly 900m into the walk you’ll reach another gate. The path continues to the right of the gate and you’ll spot it easily. Just 100m later you’ll arrive at the creek.
Directly ahead you’ll see the first pool. We didn’t actually swim at this one, though it looked very pretty.
We crossed over the creek (the water channel is narrow and can be hopped over with ease) and took the sandy path leading gently uphill to the right.
The river will now be on your right. The path flattens and it’s clear and straightforward to follow.
It will take you alongside the river, with some sections that are deep enough to swim in (though much of it is shallow).
The water is clear and a gorgeous shade of green, which combined with the rock wall makes for a lovely serene place for a dip, or even to walk through the water if it’s a hot day.
Just 300m after you crossed the creek you’ll come to a large rock platform and after walking along it for 80m you’ll come to Aqua Pool.
Swimming at Aqua Pool
Aqua Pool is beautiful, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit on a bright sunny day. The water looks great from above, but it’s once you’re inside the pool and close to the small waterfall that you’ll see it really does have a blue shimmer (the photos really don’t pick it up!).
Accessing the pool is easy, as some grippy (when dry) rocks take you right up to the water’s edge. However, once you are inside the water, the rock becomes slippery, so at this point I chose to slide in, which was a breeze. It’s then immediately deep enough to swim straight off.
Alternatively, you could get into the pool a little further downstream via the rock platform, where you can enter directly into shallow water which has a sandy bottom. It’s then shallow for quite a few steps before it becomes deep enough to swim off.
In summer the water was really warm and it made for a glorious place for a dip. The only thing which is ever so slightly a shame is the power lines above, but honestly, you barely notice them and they certainly don’t dominate the scene.
Continuing on to more pools
Most people will probably be content having swum at these initial pools, but you can carry on to some more secluded spots and the walk is easy. After Aqua Pool, continue straight, along the obvious trail downstream, it’s flat and the path is good.
After approximately 320m, you’ll see a narrow, somewhat overgrown path leading right, through the bush towards the river.
Follow this path and you will almost immediately come to the water’s edge and the scenery feels completely different here.
The large rock wall and shallow water have a more hidden away feel and all you can hear are the relaxing sounds of the bush.
Head left alongside the water and after 200m easy walking you’ll come to a small cascade and pool. Granted much of this pool is shallow and therefore not as good for swimming as the earlier spots, but it’s still very pretty and a good place to head if the main pool is busy.
However, continuing a little further will bring you to an even better spot.
Reaching the most secluded pool of them all
Just 150m from the small cascade pool you’ll come to some boulders and another small cascade.
Climb over these boulders for 100m (easy and grippy when dry) and you’ll come to a small emerald/blue pool which is fully surrounded by a tall cliff wall and giant boulders.
You won’t even see the pool until you’re standing above it, which makes it feel tucked away from the rest of the world. Yes it’s got rocks inside it and yes it’s small, but it’s the most fabulous place to laze around in the water or bask on the rocks with butterflies and dragonflies as your only companions.
The fact you can’t really swim (more than a stroke or two) means it won’t be for everyone, but I loved it - though most definitely swim at Aqua Pool too.
Accessing the water is easy as you can climb down the rocks and into a shallow part of the pool. Just watch out for all the boulders inside the water (though they make for great seating options!).
Though it looked like you could continue further down river, the going looked a lot tougher and we preferred to turn back at this point. When you’re ready you retrace your steps back to the car park. You will have a 600m stretch which is quite steeply uphill and exposed to the sun, but it’s worth it!
Keep them wild
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.
Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the area, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.
Note there are no facilities whatsoever around Little River Cascades so please prepare accordingly.
Where to park for Little River Cascades
The parking area for the Little River Cascades and Aqua Pool Trail can be found here on Google maps. There is no car park as such, but room for a number of cars to pull fully off the road - always remember to keep the fire trails clear.
It’s just beside a residential area so please park respectfully. The trailhead is 110km (1.5 hours) from Sydney, 33km (30 mins) from Bowral.
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