Where

Dharawal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

2.4km return

Time suggested

1 - 2hrs

Grade

Grade 3

What to
bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing

Please note

Minerva Pool is a sacred women’s place for the Aboriginal Dharawal People. The Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council asks that visitors respect the cultural importance of this site. Only women and children may enter the waters of Minerva Pool.

For a short, relaxing bushwalk, set aside some time to explore Minerva Pool walking track in Dharawal National Park. This picturesque walk leads you through bushland towards a lookout with views of Minerva Pool.

As you wander, keep an eye out for Sydney golden wattle and mountain devil shrub, which the Dharawal People use for bush food and medicine. If you're lucky, you may spot the swamp wallabies or yellow-tailed black cockatoos that call this park home.

At the end of the trail you'll arrive at Minerva Pool, a pristine waterhole with sandstone features and a small stone island. Unpack a picnic lunch and spend some time enjoying the view as you watch the waterfall cascade into the rockpool below.

This is a sacred site for the Dharawal People and an important part of Aboriginal culture, so please remember to tread carefully and with respect during your visit. The Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council asks that only women and children enter the waters of Minerva Pool.

Take a virtual tour of Minerva Pool walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info