It’s not surprising that Paradise Pool in Linden has become an increasingly popular swimming hole – it’s one of the most picturesque (and easily accessible) waterholes in the Blue Mountains.
A waterfall (formerly known as Waratah Falls) is formed by Bulls Creek plunging into the pool; it’s deep enough to jump from the rocks to the left of the falls.
As a swimming hole it’s about as good as it gets: (fairly) clean and deep water, with cliffs towering overhead and a sandy beach from which to enter the pool. The downside is the crowds: visit during the week if you can, as it can get crowded on weekends. Bulls Creek rises on the northern side of Woodford Railway station and flows into Woodford Lake: the waterway health quality was “Good” in 2018 when first tested, but it’s best to avoid swimming after heavy rain.
Although officially signposted as “Paradise Pool” since 2017, it’s technically called just “Paradise” – but it has no name officially recorded with the Geographic Names Board. Bulls Creek, which forms the pool, was named after Captain John Bull, a military officer and public servant who was appointed assistant engineer and superintendent of road-gangs on the Western Road from Emu Plains to Bathurst. He established his headquarters first at the convict camp near Woodford, and later at Blackheath
Getting to Paradise Pool
It’s a fairly short and easy walk to the pool, although there is a steep-ish descent about half-way. Due to the increasing popularity of the swimming hole, there is now an official parking area with signage along Railway Parade. Walk past the locked gate and along the firetrail through Daws Park, which continues behind a row of properties. This is the route of the original Coxs Road route across the Blue Mountains: there are some remnants of the original hand cut gutters and kerb lines at -33.719733, 150.493150.
After about 500m along the firetrail, a signposted bush track to Paradise Pool heads down the ridge. Steps have been constructed down some of the steeper sections.
The track meets Bulls Creek at the bottom of the valley, and follows the creek towards Paradise Pool. Just before the top of the waterfall is a very nice section of Bulls Creek next to a long overhang, although the creek here is very shallow.
From the top of the falls – which offers a nice view over Paradise Pool – there’s an easy scramble down to the water.
It’s about a 2.6km return walk from the carpark to the pool. (You can also access Paradise Pool from Woodford, which is a longer walk.)
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