Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features
Jellybean Pool is one of the most accessible and picturesque natural swimming holes in New South Wales‘ Blue Mountains, located in the Glenbrook area on the eastern edge of the National Park. Formed along Glenbrook Creek, the pool is named for its somewhat distinctive shape and is framed by tall sandstone cliffs and a small sandy beach. While it has no significant historical structures, its importance lies in its role as a beloved local swimming spot and gateway to the larger Glenbrook Gorge.
Visitors can expect a short, steep downhill walk to reach the water, where they can relax on the sand, swim in the calm, clear creek water, or picnic in the shade of the gum trees. Due to its close proximity to Sydney (approximately one hour’s drive), it is an extremely popular destination, especially during summer weekends and school holidays. The area is part of the Blue Mountains National Park, meaning an entry fee is required for vehicles.
Jellybean Pool operating times and visitor notes
Jellybean Pool is situated within the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains National Park, and access is governed by the park gates’ opening hours.
- Summer hours (First Sunday in Oct to First Sunday in Apr): The park gates are open daily from 8:30am to 7:00pm.
- Winter hours (Rest of the year): The park gates are open daily from 8:30am to 6:00pm.
- Suggested time: To avoid crowds, visitors are advised to arrive early in the morning or visit on a weekday outside of school holidays.
- Current status: The track is generally open, but visitors should always check the NSW National Parks website for current alerts, particularly for fire bans or flood warnings after heavy rain.
Jellybean Pool access and parking fees
The pool is accessed via the Glenbrook entrance of the Blue Mountains National Park. Vehicle entry into this area requires a National Park fee.
| Fee type | Price (Checked December 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entry Fee (Per vehicle per day) | AUD $8.00 | Required for driving past the entry gate on Bruce Road. |
| Annual Pass (Multi Parks Pass) | AUD $65.00 | Valid for one year for all NSW National Parks except Kosciuszko. |
| Walk-in/Public Transport | Free | No entry fee required if you arrive on foot from outside the gates. |
Parking options: There are two main car parks. The Jellybean Car Park is closer and provides the shortest walk (approx. 100-200 metres) to the pool. The Glenbrook Information Centre car park is further away, requiring a longer but signposted walk (approx. 1 km return) via the Jellybean Track.
The walk and physical accessibility
While the walk is short, it does involve a descent that can be steep in sections.
- Walk distance (Shortest route): Approximately 200 metres return from the Jellybean Car Park.
- Terrain: The track is well-maintained but descends via a series of steps and steep sections to the creek level.
- Accessibility: The walk is generally not wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the number of steps and steep gradient.
- Facilities: There are no facilities (toilets, water) at the pool itself. Toilets and drinking water taps are available at the Glenbrook Information Centre car park.
Safety and swimming conditions
Swimming in natural waterholes carries inherent risks, and visitors should exercise caution.
- Water safety: The pool is unpatrolled. Avoid jumping or diving into the water as submerged rocks may be present.
- Post-rain warning: Swimming in Glenbrook Creek, including Jellybean Pool, can be dangerous after heavy rainfall due to fast currents and potentially higher bacteria levels. It is advisable to check with the National Parks Information Centre staff before swimming.
- Glass/Litter: Visitors must pack out all rubbish, including food scraps and picnic waste, to protect the natural environment. Glass bottles are discouraged in the area.
Nearby attractions to Jellybean Pool
Jellybean Pool is a popular starting point for exploring other parts of the Glenbrook Gorge:
- Blue Pool: Located further along Glenbrook Creek, this is another popular, larger swimming hole with a short walking track (approx. 500m return) and is often less crowded than Jellybean Pool.
- Glenbrook Gorge Track: A more challenging route for experienced walkers that follows the creek bed, offering rock-hopping and the chance to see the historic 1911 railway tunnel.
- Glenbrook Information Centre: Located near the park entrance, this is a hub for current park information, alerts, and facilities like toilets and water.
- The Oaks Trail: A famous route for mountain biking and walking that runs through the Glenbrook area.
- Euroka Campground: Also within the Glenbrook section of the park, this basic campground is a great place for spotting kangaroos.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Jellybean Pool suitable for small children? | Yes, it is considered family-friendly due to the calm waters and small sandy areas, but the walk down is steep and children must be closely supervised in the water as it is unpatrolled. |
| Are dogs allowed at Jellybean Pool? | No. As the pool is located inside the Blue Mountains National Park, dogs and domestic pets are strictly not permitted. |
| Is there a café or kiosk at the pool? | No, there are no commercial facilities at the pool itself. Bring all necessary water and picnic supplies with you. |
| Can I pay the entry fee with cash? | Park entry fees (AUD $8.00) are typically paid by card at the machine at the gate or via the Park’nPay app. Don’t rely on being able to pay with cash. |
| How long does the walk take? | From the closest car park, the walk down takes about 5–10 minutes. The return walk is uphill and may take slightly longer. |
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How to visit Fitzroy Falls in the Southern Highlands.
- What to expect at the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary on the Central Coast.
- First time visitors’ guide to Symbio Wildlife Park near Wollongong.
- What first time visitors can expect at the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
- Why the Eden Killer Whale Museum is worth visiting.
