Have you been here?
Tucked away in Popran National Park under a shroud of trees is a beautiful natural swimming hole nestled among the rocks known as the Emerald Pool.
Haven’t heard of it? Well, you’re not alone.
Amidst all of the beautiful waterfalls, great hiking tracks, and over 50km of stunning beaches on the Central Coast, the Emerald Pool is often left of radars of not only tourists, but many locals as well.
Beyond its unknown status amongst many residents, the swimming hole is tucked away from all civilisation, making it a quiet attraction. Plus, the pool can only be reached by 3km hike (6km return) that begins at the end of a bumpy dirt road tucked away amongst the farms in Mangrove Mountain.
The 6km loop to get there can be quite challenging, as the return journey is almost exclusively uphill, but the trek is definitely worth it.
The natural pool is a stunning emerald colour, which many often assume is caused by moss or swampy water. However, the water is actually crystal clear and the stunning green hue comes from the hundreds of small ferns that line the rocky bottom of the pool. When the sun hits these ferns, the light caries the green colour throughout the pool, resulting in a breathtaking colour.
The water is sheltered by a collection of trees that line part of the perimeter of the swimming hole, and there are plenty of flat rocks for picnicking, sunbathing, and relaxing after a swim in the pool.
Thinking about visiting? The Emerald Pool can be accessed from the carpark at the end of Ironbark Road in Mangrove Mountain.
The carpark can be difficult to access in a 2WD due to the large dirt hills, however there are areas on the side of the road where you are able to park and walk to the carpark. Depending on where you park, this can add an extra 500m – 1km to your hike.
SEE ALSO: Where to find a stunning suspension bridge on the Central Coast
Written by Kate Stevens
Header Image: Instagram/@Ingridb22
Images: Instagram
