It’s been called the “secret infinity pool in the Blue Mountains”, but the informally named Leura Infinity Pool along Leura Falls Creek has become very well-known – and is anything but secret. Even on a weekday, you’re likely encounter a few people, and weekends are best avoided. (Although also increasingly well-known, the Fortress Creek Falls are more picturesque and less busy, being harder to reach.)
The popularity of the Leura Infinity Pool is from its location on the edge of the cliff in a canyon-like setting, with the tall cliffs on both sides of the creek framing a view out over the Jamison Valley.
For many decades, sewage was pumped down Leura Cascades and over the cliffs where the Leura Infinity Pool is located to the Sewage Treatment Works near the bottom of the valley. You can still see the remains of the pipes along the creek.
These streams are the receiving waters for South Katoomba sewage treatment plant. The
Proposed regional sewerage scheme for the Upper Blue Mountains Environmental Impact Statement
treatment works receives influent from parts of Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls via a carrier which follows Leura Falls Creek. In the past leakage from this sewer carrier has resulted in elevated bacterial, organic and nutrient loads in Leura Falls Creek above the sewage treatment plant. Although the main carrier was repaired in 1988, tributary sewers in bad repair still leak sewage into Leura Falls Creek.
The Leura Sewage Treatment Plant was dismantled in the late 1980s when Sydney Water took control of 11 sewerage treatment plants from the Council, building a 39-kilometre tunnel to divert sewage from the Blue Mountains to the Winmalee treatment plant. However, Leura Falls Creek has a highly urbanised catchment including residential, commercial and light industrial areas. Water quality has been rated as Poor to Fair in recent Blue Mountains Waterways Health Snapshot reports, so it’s best to avoid swimming after rain.
Getting to the Leura Infinity Pool
As well as its spectacular location, the relatively easy access to the Leura Infinity Pool also contributes to its popularity. It’s reached in less then half an hour from Cliff Drive in Katoomba (park near the old Solitary Restaurant at -33°43’17.1″S 150°19’10.2″E; the quickest way is via the Prince Henry Cliff Walk which passes Kiah Lookout as it heads towards Leura Cascades. After about 0.5km, turn onto the Amphitheatre Track which descends fairly steeply to the base of Bridal Veil Falls.
Continue a short distance along the track, then hop under/over the railing (just after the end of the bridge over Leura Creek) and follow the creek downstream. A warning sign ironically confirms you’re going the right way…
Continue along the right-hand side of the creek, along a rough track (some sections are paved, back from when this was used to access the sewerage infrastructure).
The only slightly tricky section is just above the Leura Infinity Pool, where floods have eroded the track. A fixed rope assists with the two metre drop.
You can return the same way, or continue along the Amphitheatre Track past a number of waterfalls, to make a very picturesque loop.
Leura Infinity Pool Safety Warning
This pool is no more dangerous than any unfenced cliff, but its popularity attracts people who may not be used to exposed terrain. The rocks around the pool are slippery, and a fall could be fatal – at least one accident resulted in someone being airlifted out with serious injuries after falling onto rocks five metres below the pool (Mountain Mishaps – Leura Infinity Pool claims a victim – Not Worth it for A Selfie). Avoid during or after heavy rain and take care at all times near the edge.
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