The infinity pool at the top of Fortress Creek Falls provides stunning views of the Grose Valley and its impressive surrounding cliffs.
Although this spot has gained popularity on social media, the 9-kilometre return hike to reach it is challenging and best suited to experienced bushwalkers.
The unmarked trail to Fortress Creek begins at the end of the Fortress Ridge Trail, a beautiful 7.5-kilometre return walk.
| Fortress Creek Infinity Pool | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 9 km (return) |
| Time: | 4 hours |
| Grade: | Hard |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
| Maps: |  PDF map |
Getting There
To reach the infinity pool, you’ll first need to complete the Fortress Ridge Trail. This trail starts at a designated car park located about 9 kilometres into Mount Hay Road (see location on map).
Mount Hay Road can be accessed from the Great Western Highway near the Leura Mall exit. While the last 6 kilometres of the road are unsealed, a 4WD or SUV is generally not required in dry conditions.
Map
Below is a map of the walk with the car park, the main trail, and the pool marked.
- Car Park
- Fortress Ridge Trail
- Infinity Pool
Track Notes
The main trail leading to Fortress Ridge Lookout is well-maintained and easy to follow, but its length makes it a somewhat challenging hike.
However, the descent from the main trail to the creek and the top of the waterfall is very hard. It’s only recommended for experienced and confident bushwalkers or those accompanied by a professional guide.
This section is very steep and involves significant rock scrambling. Additionally, the pool area is small, slippery, and perched near a steep drop-off into the valley. If you choose to visit, ensure you bring plenty of water, some food, a first-aid kit, and let someone know your plans beforehand.
Fortress Ridge Trail
The Fortress Ridge Trail is a relatively straightforward walk of moderate difficulty. The hike begins by passing through the gate at the car park.
The first section follows a fire trail that is somewhat uninspiring, but it soon transitions into a narrow, undulating path with scenic district views on both sides.
At the end of the trail, a short final stretch leads to a lookout platform offering some of the best views of the Grose Valley.
You can choose to visit this lookout either before or after heading to the infinity pool. Since the turn-off to Fortress Creek is located so close to the end of the Fortress Ridge Trail, you may as well go there first.
For more detailed information about this hike, including plenty of photos, check out our guide to the Fortress Ridge Trail (see link at the top of the article).
Descent to Fortress Creek
The track to the waterfall and its infinity pool is only about 750 metres long, but it’s a very steep and challenging path.
To locate the start of this side trail, look for a fork in the main path, as shown in the photo below. This fork is approximately 200 metres before the end of the Fortress Ridge Trail, or 3.6 kilometres into the hike.
At the fork, take the path that veers to the right. Shortly after, you’ll encounter a second fork where you need to keep to the right once again.
Not long after that, you’ll come across a prominent warning sign, as pictured below. Seeing this sign confirms that you’re on the correct path.
The first section of the trail is fairly easy, running alongside a cliff wall and leading to a vantage point where you can take in great views of Lockleys Pylon.
The path then gradually descends, transitioning into a more challenging bush trail with overgrown sections and a rockier surface.
As you continue, the track becomes steeper and less defined, requiring more focus to stay on the right path.
At this stage, you’ll need to rely on instinct and a keen eye to navigate, as strange as that might sound.
Once you reach the canyon and hear the sound of the creek flowing, you’ll need to scramble over a series of boulders to reach the top of the waterfall.
There’s no clear route here, so take your time to study the landscape and choose the most logical way to the infinity pool.
Toward the end, you’ll come across a series of small pools just before the creek cascades over the cliff into the Grose Valley. After the challenging descent, it’s a stunning and rewarding sight.
If the weather allows, take a refreshing dip in one of the pools, but be sure to stay well back from the cliff edge, as the surface can be extremely slippery.
As this spot has gained so much popularity due to social media exposure, you’ll most likely have to share it with others, depending on the weather and time of day. If you want the place for yourself, it’s best to go early in the day.
