How I got there: This area is only accessible by private vehicles. We drove to the Ironbark Road and then to the parking spot which is about 800 m away from the Ironbark Picnic Area. The last few kilometers are rough and will require an SUV to drive. As you arrive close to the Ironbark Picnic Area, you will know where to park your vehicle.
Total Duration: It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the spot from Western Sydney. The Emerald Pool Circuit walk is around 12 kms, but because we took some deviations and stopped in some places, it took us almost 6 hours to complete the walk and the distance about 15 kms.
Traffic light for children: Red
About the place: From the locked gate at Ironbark Picnic Area, we followed the management trail with a small detour to see some Aboriginal carvings. From the junction of 248 and Mt Olive Trails, we gradually descended to the volcanic saddle of Donovan’s Forest. Some rock slabs beyond here have a few Aboriginal carvings. We also encountered a lot of wild vegetation, which are native to Australia and enjoyed the nature around us. There is something wonderful about walking on wild tracks, you get to see nature in action! You can see large bull ants in their homes, you can see carnivorous plants, you can listen to the birds and bees and the insects chirping away to glory and minding their business, there is something wonderful and soul satisfying about it.
Back to 248 Trail, we turned down Hominy Creek Trail and then followed the rough track at its end down to Hominy Creek, and then to the Emerald Pool for lunch. The Emerald Pool looks like its name, it is emerald, beautiful, and crystal clear, and you can see the wonderful different hues of nature. You can actually swim here, but because of the weather, (It was very cold!), we didn’t swim here. You can still enjoy the views and have fun here!
The red plants blow are carnivorous plants.
We then detoured for a steep rough climb up to the summit of Mt Olive to contemplate the views. The view is amazing up here, very peaceful. We then headed back down to the fire trail, and back to Ironbark Picnic Area, and eventually walked towards our car.
Courtesy: The Bush Club, https://www.thebushclub.org.au/
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