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Heathcote Creek Crossing
Heathcote National Park, New South Wales

Through the marvels of accidental engineering, this shallow pool is possibly the only one along Heathcote Creek that has a tiny beach. The coarse sand accumulates behind the concrete ford for vehicle access along the Pipeline Trail, with the pipes for conveying water through the ford set well above the water level for the pool. Swimming at Heathcote Creek Crossing Above: The pool at Heathcote Creek Crossing (Order this image)

It is not as deep as the other well known pools along Heathcote Creek, so it is probably better suited to less experienced swimmers.
It is also a convenient stop for those looking to cool down mid-way along the Pipeline Trail in a pool where they can see and feel the bottom. A sand walkway extends out at least five metres into the water. Swimming at Heathcote Creek Crossing Above: The beach at Heathcote Creek Crossing (Order this image)

The pool is located on the Pipeline Trail, right next to the junction with the Bullawarring Track. In addition to the little beach, you can pop your gear up on the ford to keep it dry, or the rock shelves that line both sides of the pool.
On the other side of the ford, if you follow the cutting through the rock there are two pools downstream as well, but these are very shallow and not suitable for swimming, and are only suitable for splashing about.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Accessible from the Pipeline Trail, Heathcote National Park, near Heathcote, 38 km (approx. 1 hr drive to the start of the walk) south-west of Sydney.
Latitude:-34.095857 Longitude:150.979466
Getting there: There are several access points for the Pipeline Trail. I started from the Goburra Track, at the end of Oliver Street in Heathcote, where you can park your car on the side of the road. This track takes you over the hill and down natural sandstone steps to the Pipeline Trail. Follow the Pipeline Trail for approximately 3 km. About 1.2 km past Mirang Pool you will see this spot where the Pipeline Trail crosses the creek. The best pool is immediately upstream of the crossing. Walking is very easy along the Pipeline Trail, but moderately steep down the Goburra Track. You can also catch the train to Heathcote, and then it's a 1 km walk across the Princes Hwy and down Oliver Street to the start of the walking track.
Facilities: None
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild

Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Sand entry with occasional large sandstone rocks in the deeper water
Maximum water depth: 1-2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners (under supervision)
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No pets other than certified assistance animals, no smoking, no campfires, no solid fuel burners, no gathering firewood, no generators, no amplified music.
Sun shade: Limited to no shade available in or out of the water.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: None
Managing authority: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Nearby attractions: Mirang Pool, 1.2 km back towards Heathcote along the Pipeline Trail and Lake Eckersley, 800 metres further along the Pipeline Trail.
Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the creek crossing. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
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