Planning a visit to Utopia Rock Pools? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about the beautiful Utopia Rock Pools, including how to get there, what to expect and answers to common questions.
What are the Utopia Rock Pools?
Utopia Rock Pools are a series of natural swimming holes in the granite rocks of Mount Walsh National Park. Although commonly called Utopia Rock Pools, they also go by the names of Utopia Falls, Waterfall Creek Falls and Waterfall Creek Rock Pools.
There are three main swimming holes that are set terrace-like in the granite rocks and boulders. After a bout of rain, they flow into each other, causing a waterfall of sorts. If the water is flowing, there is often a trail of slimy moss that can be used to slide down into the pools.
Here’s what they look like:
Where are Utopia Rock Pools? How do I get there?
Find the Utopia Rock Pools in Mt Walsh National Park, around 30 minutes from Biggenden in Queensland. It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Hervey Bay.
If using Google Maps, please know that it often can’t be trusted. It sometimes takes people to the wrong area, so you can only trust it for part of the way. Don’t worry, it’s easy!
The easiest way is to use Google Maps to find Innooroolabar Road. If coming from Hervey Bay, it’s left off the Maryborough Biggenden Rd/Boompa Rd and if coming from Biggenden, it’s a right turn. Once you’re on Innoorroolabar Road, you’ll take the next right onto the unsealed Utopia Road and follow it all the way to the end of the carpark. This carpark is called “Waterfalls Creek Carpark”.
From the carpark, it’s a 1.5-kilometre hike (one way) into the falls.
Although you can get there in a standard vehicle in good weather, the road in can be bumpy and dusty and you’ll need to look out for large ruts and potholes the closer you get to the carpark. It’s a much more comfortable ride in a 4WD.
Is the hike to Utopia Rock Pools hard?
The hike to the falls is 3 kilometres return (1.5 kilometres one way) and is graded 4 by QLD Parks and Forests. It’s not a particularly hard walk but there are inclines, dirt, loose rocks and tree roots underfoot. The track has been upgraded in recent years and is much better than it used to be.
When you reach the water, you will need to do some rock scrambling to reach the swimming holes. Reaching the first waterhole is easy enough but take care making your way to the second and third, as wet feet and drizzly weather will make the rocks slippery.
Is it family-friendly?
Many people who visit Utopia Rock Pools visit with kids. However, young kids will need to be kept at arm’s reach and older kids should understand the dangers of submerged rocks before jumping in.
Jumping in, by the way, is a much-loved activity here!
In general, it’s a top spot for families, particularly those who like to get outdoors and enjoy nature. However, anyone visiting needs to be sensible as it’s not easily accessible by emergency services.
How much does it cost to visit?
There is no cost to visit Mount Walsh National Park and Utopia Rock Pools.
What about parking?
Yep, parking is free too. The road in is unsealed and the carpark is no exception. If the small carpark is full, you’ll need to find a spot along the side of the track. The spots are not official and consist of finding a small break in the dense tree growth. This, of course, is much easier to manage with a 4WD.
The further away from the carpark you park, the longer your hike in will be. If it’s school holidays and the weather is great, it’s a good idea to head off earlier to secure a spot.
Never fear though, even if the carpark is full, it doesn’t necessarily mean the rock pools will be packed. There is enough space to spread out once you arrive.
Can you swim all year round?
In general, you can, but you shouldn’t. Why? Because if it hasn’t rained for a while, that water is not flowing and is stagnant and gross. In addition, the water is quite chilly, so visiting in Winter is just not as fun. Visiting after a spot of rain in Spring or Summer is tops as the falls are usually flowing.
What should I bring to Utopia Rock Pools?
There are no facilities at Utopia Rock Pools or at the carpark other than one picnic bench at the beginning of the hike. Go to the toilet before you leave and if you think you will need to go again, come prepared with whatever you usually use to ‘bush toilet’.
As there are no facilities, you will need to pack everything you need for a day out, including food, drinks, sunscreen, a first aid kit, sun-smart clothing, bathers, towels, proper walking shoes and anything you might like to float on.
Don’t forget to pack your rubbish out with you and please don’t be one of those grubs that’s too lazy to carry their wrappers back out.
What else can I do in Mount Walsh National Park?
There are a few things to do at Mount Walsh National Park. However, bear in mind that there are different access points for the different activities.
Climb Mount Walsh
Experienced, well-equipped hikers can reach the summit of Mount Walsh. It’s graded 4 by QLD National Parks but it’s not an easy hike requiring a high level of fitness, rock scrambling and the ability to climb rocks. This hike is not suitable for those with younger kids as it features loose rocks, steep exposed rock faces, narrow ridges and vertical cliff edges.
The total climb is around 462m in height (around an 86-story building) and you should allow a minimum of four hours to complete the route. It is not a walking track, so ensure you are fit and experienced enough for the challenge.
The views from the top are great!
Access this hike via the Mount Walsh day-use area at the northern end of the park. This is a different section to the Utopia Rock Pools and both non-potable water (treat before drinking) and picnic tables are available.
Go 4WDing
Those with a 4WD and experience might like to check out the Coongara Rock Section. Here you’ll find a cool granite monolith surrounded by a eucalypt and hoop pine forest. The tracks are narrow in spots so be prepared to backtrack to allow vehicles to pass.
Where can I stay to visit the Utopia Rock Pools?
Remote bush camping is allowed at Mount Walsh National Park. However, camping is prohibited on the summit of Mount Walsh and within 500 metres surrounding the peak. It’s also not allowed within the Waterfall Creek catchment, including along the walking track to the Utopia Rock Pools.
Many people visit as a day trip from Hervey Bay and there are plenty of accommodation options here. The closest town is Biggendon, at around a 35-minute drive from the Utopia Rock Pools.
A little slice of utopia in Queensland
So, there you have it – everything you need to know before visiting Utopia Rock Pools in Mount Walsh National Park. Whether you’re sliding down mossy rocks after a summer storm, splashing about with the kids, or just soaking in the serenity of the granite surrounds, this hidden gem is one of Queensland’s best natural swimming spots. Just remember to pack plenty of water, take your rubbish with you, and leave it as pristine as you found it.
Where to next?
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