Your guide to Nannup’s Barrabup Pool.
If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, then Barrabup Pool might just be right up your alley.
A naturally formed pool on the St Johns Brook, the scenes here are nothing short of tranquil. It’s one of Western Australia’s most popular swimming holes for a warm day’s dip or a peaceful canoe, and the viewing platform provides endless photo ops for that gram post.
Where is it?
You’ll find Barrabup Pool just 20 minutes outside of Nannup off an unsealed road.
It’s within the St John Brook Conservation Park which is a little over 3 hours from Perth.
Get directions: google.com/maps
The history of Barrabup Pool
The Barrabup area was once a timber mill town back in the 19th century, and as you approach the pool you’ll notice the remains of the mill office. You’ll also find the Old Timberline Rail Trail nearby- a 22km walking and cycling trail that follows the old tramway where timber was once transported by The Blackwood steam train.
Nearby you can also find Workmans Pool, earning its name from the fact that workers from the mill were not allowed to bathe at Barrabup.
Is it safe to swim in Barrabup Pool?
Absolutely, you really can’t visit without going for a swim. It’s important to note though and to be aware that the water is quite deep – so please ensure your little ones have life jackets.
When is the best time to visit Barrabup Pool?
The best time of the year to visit and make the most of the pool itself is in the warmer months, ideally late spring and early summer or late summer and early autumn.
Can you camp at Barrabup Pool?
Camping is available at Barrabup Campground – a small campground set amongst the forest next to St John Brook and its Instagram-worthy river pools.
Amenities are limited with only tables, fire rings and sealed vault pit toilets.
The cost for camping is $11 adult per night, $7 concession card holder per night and $3 child per night (over 5 and under 16 years).
Are dogs allowed at Barrabup Pool?
Sorry pups, you’ll have to stay at home – this is within a conservation area, so dogs and other animals are not allowed.
What to do?
Aside from a lazy float around or peaceful swim in the still waters, Barrabup Pool is well-loved for canoeing and fishing. The surrounding lush forest makes for a perfect backdrop to a little canoe paddle downstream, and if you’re happy to perch up with a rod you might find yourself reeling in an invasive rainbow trout or Marron – just make sure you’ve got a license during Marron season.
We’d also recommend packing a hamper and rug to enjoy a relaxing picnic, and you can even find barbecues and shaded tables spotted about if you need them.
But of course, ‘Nannup and Chill’ isn’t for everyone.
If lazing around isn’t your thing you can take on a hike through the lush forests on the Old Timberline Rail Trail or one of the many other little walk trails, or make a night of it and fit in all the activities by camping at one of the available sites nearby.
And of course, don’t leave without getting some stunning shots in for the socials.
This is definitely a perfect spot for budding photographers to fill their feed with Western Australia nature at its finest.
Feature Image: @leethalphotos
