Karloo walking track - Royal Natl Park (NSW)

5 /5 William Tapia: The crystal-clear waters at the end of this trail are worth the effort. However, be aware that the hike can take longer than expected, especially on the return uphill climb. Allow ample time, especially if you have young children. The trail is rocky and can be challenging, so its best suited for older kids.

5 /5 Charlie B: This walking track has a few options. Most people do the short 2.5km from Heathcote (start of track 2min from train station). The track starts flat and then descends steeply into the pool, easy for a moderately fit person, very young kids and older folks might find the climb back a bit tiring. The swimming hole is a stunning place to swim, lovely fresh water and big enough for the crowds that arrive earlier in the day. We then continued to Uloola Falls (steep uphill) and connected to the Uloola Track which is a fairly flat trail until you join up with Engadine Track. The ridge line provides great views north before taking you down to Kangaroo Creek via metal stairs. Then its a beautiful climb past red gums up to Bottle Forest fire trail which is a wide flat trail that you take to the end before descending steeply back down to the creek. Stay on this side of the creek, its about a 30min sandy trail to get back to Karloo Pool. Most junctions have a map or sign post to keep you on track, however suggest taking a picture of the trail map at the start. It was approx 17km / 5.5hrs.

5 /5 Rebecca White: I went on this walk with my class when I was fourteen and I have to say I quite enjoyed it. It’s a lot of fun hiking through the bush and enjoying the beauty of nature. If you need to do a quick squat behind a tree, feel free. In fact I did exactly that at one point; I was absolutely busting! But hey! Let the pee be free! Human urine is great fertiliser.

4 /5 Sunshyne Onaghise: There are a lot of stairs. The main swimming hole water is super cold even on a hot day but the waterfall and scenery are stunning. Definitely worth a visit.

5 /5 Kevin Guo: A nice, slightly challenging hike. The trail is rocky, with lots of puddles if it has rained recently. Parking is very convenient, and not very busy on weekdays. I’ve swam in the pool on two different occasions, both sunny days and once it was quite clean and very clear (could see probably 6m down to the very bottom), 2nd time it was a bit dirty and no visibility. There is a river flowing into the pools and it’s quite nice. Hike was about 1 hour each way. Parking is free and very close by.