The Pool of Siloam is a small yet picturesque waterfall with a natural pool at its base, nestled in the Leura area of the Blue Mountains.
A short walking trail leads to this idyllic spot, with the option to continue hiking to the peaceful Golf Links Lookout.
| Pool of Siloam Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance (to Golf Links Lookout): | 1.7 km (return) |
| Distance (to Pool of Siloam): | 0.8 km (return) |
| Time: | 1-2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (many steps) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
The best place to park your car and start this walk is at Gordon Falls Reserve in Leura (see map location).
Ample parking is available at the corner of Olympian Parade and Lone Pine Avenue, just south of the reserve.
The nearest bus stops are on Balmoral Road, with easy access from Leura Station.
Track Notes
The walking trail down into the gully to the Pool of Siloam is short but fairly steep, with numerous steps.
The official Pool of Siloam Track continues beyond the waterfall to the Golf Links Lookout, and this second stretch is also quite steep.
Overall, the path is well-maintained and easy to follow, although the second half of the walk can become a bit muddy after rainfall.
In the map below, we have marked the two highlights and the car park at Gordon Falls Reserve:
- Pool of Siloam
- Golf Links Lookout
Start of the Walk
To find the trailhead, walk through the picnic area and playground at Gordon Falls Reserve, and look for the large National Parks signpost.
The signpost can be a bit misleading, as it indicates that the Pool of Siloam is 1.7 km return, which actually refers to the entire walk extending to the Golf Links Lookout.
It’s understandable to think that the distance to the Pool of Siloam is 1.7 km (return), but in reality, it’s only 400 metres (800 metres return).
From the signpost, follow the trail as it leads into the bush. The path starts off flat but soon descends rapidly via a series of steps.
A few hundred metres into the walk, you’ll reach a junction with a side track to Lyrebird Dell. Continue straight ahead at this junction to reach the main attraction.
If you wish, you can take the detour to Lyrebird Dell on your way back; it’s a pleasant side trip that we recommend.
This trail passes another small waterfall before eventually reconnecting with the main track near Gordon Falls Reserve.
Pool of Siloam
As you continue down the steps, the beautiful sound of the waterfall grows stronger.
The Pool of Siloam is a small waterfall on Gordon Creek, with a beautiful natural waterhole at its base.
For the best experience, we recommend visiting this idyllic spot after some rainfall, when the waterfall flows more abundantly into the pool.
The main walking track leads around the pool via a series of stepping stones, offering stunning views of the waterfall.
On the other side, you’ll see the creek winding through the gully, eventually plunging into the Jamison Valley as the impressive Gordon Falls.
You can catch glimpses of this waterfall from the Gordon Falls Lookout, which is close to the car park; a visit we highly recommend after completing this walk.
Golf Links Lookout
The second half of the walk, leading to the Golf Links Lookout, is entirely optional. While the Pool of Siloam is the main attraction that draws most visitors, the Golf Links Lookout is officially part of the Pool of Siloam Track.
We recommend making the effort to visit this small lookout, as it’s a hidden gem with beautiful views. You might even have the spot all to yourself!
As mentioned, the walk up to the lookout from the waterfall is quite steep, but it’s very manageable.
Look for the Sublime Point Road sign at the end of the stepping stones, and follow the path straight up the stairs.
It takes less than 10 minutes to reach the lookout, and once you’re there, you’ll appreciate how special this spot is.
The Golf Links Lookout is a small, fenced viewpoint offering superb views across the Jamison Valley, including sights of the Three Sisters, Narrow Neck Plateau, and Mount Solitary.
While this lookout marks the end of the Pool of Siloam Track, the trail continues eastward as part of the Grand Cliff Top Walk, eventually leading to Sublime Point Road, which explains the sign at the waterfall.
Once you’ve finished taking in the views from the Golf Links Lookout, retrace your steps back to Gordon Falls Reserve along the same walking track!
Nearby highlights:
