Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Riverside
Open farmlands
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.3%
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2:30
Slow
1:40
Moderate
1:10
Fast
Follow the manicured tourist footpath from the carpark to the two famous swingbridges at the Blue Pools. Once you have taken in the splendour, carry on after the second swingbridge along the trail towards the Young River Valley - there is some magic undulating trail that is wonderful to run or walk on. The odd little semi-technical bit. You will come to some grassland which is where the formed trail stops for about 1 km, there are poles to guide you and a reasonably well worn small track through the long grass.
After the grass it is back into the bush and the wonderful trail is back again, over a couple of swingbridges and then another grass section, this time a more obvious track. Then it's into the forest again and you will come to the sign for Gillespie Pass Circuit Track. This is where this trail guide finishes, other than to tell you to re-trace your steps to the start. However, you will see on the sign it says "Young River Mouth 500m" and you may wish to do this... this section is very technical, climbing along the side of a hill on narrow tree roots, rocks and very slow going, plus a climb up a steep rock section using chains. This is not recommended unless you are experienced and not alone.
Blue Pools are world famous for their crystal clear water... and you get to see them twice!
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Massive carpark (because tourists love it) with toilet.
71 km
50 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Non-existent.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map
A few streamlets, plus at the Blue Pools you can get right down to river.
Can get a bit muddy in winter but still do-able
Just a couple of small technical bits with rocks and windfall.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Blue Pools Plus
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Beautiful track to follow after viewing the blue pools. Suggest getting there early as very popular.
The track after the blue pools is easy to follow and mostly flat. As mentioned in the description there is a part where you can carry on with technical trails which leads to climbing up with a chain. Was very cool to do! Garmin Watch tracked me at 15km.
April 21, 2023