The Rocky Pool Hike is a 5km loop walk that takes 1.5 - 2 hours to complete. It is one of the more difficult hikes- grade 5. This is due to some sections being very steep and covered in loose rock. Walk slowly and carefully around these parts! You will be guided on this trail by blue markers on trees, pointing in the right direction. Along the track there are beautiful wildflowers and brilliant views. About 3/4 of the way through the hike, you will come across Rocky Pool. Rocky Pool is a beautiful pool with a few cascades, which flow year-round. There are several granite boulders around it, as well as flat rocks to sit down and relax on. You are allowed to swim in the pool, but it is recommended to when the weather is warm.
Directions:
Each number is shown on the map. These notes are from
http://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/Leisure-Tourism/Sports-Fitness/Walking-Cycling/Walking-Trails/Rocky-Pool-Walk#tabcontent1
Start point: Car park at the end of Spring Road. Leave the car park and head in a Northerly direction. 1. At the T- junction take the left fork and walk uphill. 2. Ignore a track to the left and continue on the main track. 3. At the T junction take the right fork and cross a small water course. 4. At this point, leave the main track and take a branch to the right. The point is indicated by a sign and a large cut log to the right of the track. This is the most distant point from the start of the walk. 5. The descent here is loose and stony, and crosses a rocky water course with a rock formation resembling a ram’s head. 6. A divergence in the track. In winter, due to the flow of water, it is necessary to deviate to the left through a grove of saplings. The track is indistinct but generally follows the creek line. Look for a blue marker on a dark Red Gum. 7. A bridge across the water course, directly under a high tension power line. 8. Leave the power line and veer right on a well made track following Shire of Kalamunda walk trail signs. 9. Rocky Pool, a spectacular pool with large granite boulders. There is water here for most of the summer. 10. The Bibbulmun Track joins the track from the left. 11. Turn right off the formed road, following the Bibbulmun Track markers. The turn is further indicated by a trail marker on a large post on the left of the road. 12. The Bibbulmun Track turns left and heads up the hill. Leave the Bibbulmun Track here, cross the water course to the right. 13. After crossing the water course, turn left. A Shire of Kalamunda walk sign on a tree directs you to the left, back to the start point.
Dieback:
Dieback is a microscopic fungus that can attach to your shoes. When you go for walks in the bush, you can spread it, and it can have a negative affect on the environment. To prevent it do the following:
Don’t spread soil or mud around bushland, in particular during spring & autumn;
Stick to tracks & paths;
Observe signage in your local bushland reserve and stay out of quarantined areas in bushland.
Rating: 4 Stars
A great hike with magnificent views. The Pool and wildflowers were absolutely lovely. The steep areas with loose rocks were a bit of a challenge (especially since some of the best views could be seen from them, but you couldn't stop and admire very easily), which brought down the rating. Overall though, the Rocky Pool Hike is magnificent.