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Outside the town of Nannup, the Barrabup Pool is a naturally formed watering hole that has become a popular destination in Western Australia’s St John Brook Conservation Park. Surrounded by a lush forest, visitors can hike, picnic, camp, and canoe in the area.

The land around the Barrabup Pool was once a timber mill. When the mill closed, the government decided to conserve the area by turning it into the St John Brook Conservation Park. For visitors who are in Nannup, Western Australia, the Barrabup Pool is one sight you won’t want to miss.

The refreshing water is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun and with facilities nearby. Visitors can quickly set up camp or have a picnic close to the pool.

The Barrabup Pool

Landscape, Barrabup Pool, Nannup, Western Australia
View of the Barrabup Pool near Nannup, Western Australia. Photo by: webecho

The Barrabup Pool was naturally formed by St John Brook. Although the water is not heated, it’s often described as being at ambient temperature. For those who want to take a dip when the water is warmer, it is best to visit the pool during the summertime.

In the pool, the water is quite clear. However, swimmers should be careful not to be deceived because the Barrabup Pool is actually quite deep.

Young swimmers should wear a flotation device for safety. With a calm current, sometimes debris is brought in by St John Brook, so swimmers shouldn’t dive head first into the pool.

Most sides of the pool are lined with trees and shrubbery, which make the shore difficult to access. On one side of the Barrabup Pool, there is a platform and picnic area. The platform provides swimmers with an easy and safe entry route into the water.

The Barrabup Pool welcomes visitors of all ages and because of this, clothing and swimsuits are required. Toilet facilities have been built near the pool, so visitors can change into their swimwear in privacy. Additionally, a few picnic areas have been added on and around the platform for visitors to enjoy during the daytime.

Jump, Barrabup Pool, Nannup, Western Australia
Jumping into the Barrabup Pool near Nannup, Western Australia. Photo by: webecho

Close to the pool, the only remains of the old timber mill are the office building. Built during the 19th century, the old mill office still stands as the only remaining evidence of the pool’s past.

To explore more of the area’s history, visitors can also hike around the Barrabup Pool and St John Brook on the Old Timberline Rail Trail. Stretching for 13.6 miles (22 kilometers), the trail is suitable for walking or cycling.

Camping

There are two campsites near the Barrabup Pool. The campground closest to the Barrabup Pool is called the Barrabup Campground, which is designed for tents and campervans. A second campground at the Workman’s Pool has space for caravans.

The Barrabup Campground sits on a hill beneath the Barrabup Pool, which is just a few hundred meters away from the campsites. For those staying at the Workman’s Pool Campground, the Barrabup Pool is about a 45-minute walk away.

Both campsites provide easy access to the Barrabup Pool and Old Timberline Rail Trail. Campsites are first come, first serve. Visitors cannot reserve a site ahead of their arrival.

Facilities at both the Barrabup and Workman’s Pool Campsites include picnic tables, toilets, fire rings, and information boards. There are camping fees, but they are very affordable with both adult and child rates.

Visitors who are not using a campsite, may enter the conservation park and visit the Barrabup Pool for free. Whether staying overnight or just spending a day at the Barrabup Pool, pets are not allowed in the area.

Getting There

The closest town to the Barrabup Pool is called Nannup, which is about a 20-minute drive away from the St. John Brook Conservation Park. Perth, a major city in Western Australia, is about 3 hours up the coast from the town of Nannup.

To get to the Barrabup Pool from Perth:

  • Take Barrack Street (State Route 53) and State Route 5 to the Mitchell Fairway (State Route 2).
  • Follow State Route 2 and the National Route 1 to Robertson Drive (State Route 10) in Davenport.
  • Get on State Route 10 (Bussell Highway) and follow the road for 105m (169km) to Sues Road.
  • Follow Sues Road until you get to Mowen Road, which is on the left.
  • Take Mowen Road to Brook Road and continue to the St John Conservation Park.
  • Once in the park, signs will lead visitors to the Barrabup Pool.

To get to the Barrabup Pool from Nannup:

  • Head north on the Vasse Highway/Warren Road/State Route 104 towards Grange Road.
  • From Grange Road, take a left onto Mowen Road.
  • From Mowen Road, take a right on Brook Road, which leads straight to the Barrabup Pool.

Details

Address: Barrabup, WA 6275, Australia

Coordinates: 33.9444°S, 115.6911°E

Phone: +61 (08) 9752 5555

Season: Year-round

Age Restrictions: No

Clothing: Required

Entry: Free for daytime, camping fees apply