Asmodeus Pool: the hidden canyon waterfall at Wentworth Falls

Asmodeus Pool is a spectacular canyon waterfall pool just big enough for a refreshing plunge. The canyon walls and large boulder keep it hidden from sight of the main walking track that passes right beside it. This gives it a secret and mysterious air that’s hard to find in an area as popular as Wentworth Falls. It’s even got its own little sandy beach, making access to the water a breeze.

Considering it’s a canyon pool which tend to be challenging to reach, the walk to Asmodeus Pool is really quite easy.

Here’s how to find it.

Asmodeus Pool

The walk to Asmodeus Pool

The stats

Distance: 2km return
Elevation gain:
170m
Difficulty:
Easy - moderate
Trailhead:
Conservation Hut, Wentworth Falls

Summary: Much of the walk to Asmodeus Pool is downhill on the way, so you will have a significant climb back up to the top afterwards, but this is made easier by the fact it’s on a very well maintained track. There are also a few lookouts to break up the climb.

Only the last few metres to the pool are off track and this involves walking through a little bit of shallow water (which you could skirt around if you really wanted to) and then along a small rock shelf and up a sturdy log into the secret grotto.


Starting the trail: heading downhill through the bush

The quickest route to Asmodeus Pool begins at the Conservation Hut car park and follows the Valleys of the Waters Track towards Empress Falls.

You’ll begin descending immediately, on shallow stone steps through the shady bush. They get a little steeper after a short while, but they are always very well maintained.

After 320m you’ll come to a junction with the Queen Victoria Lookout. It’s just seconds off the path and worth a look at the stunning valley view.

Another 130m beyond this viewpoint you’ll reach Empress Falls Lookout. It offers quite a distant view of the falls, but it’s very pretty and you’ll often see tiny little canyoners about to make their descent.


Along the Nature Track

From the lookout the staircases get a little bit steeper, but there are handrails to help if needed. After descending several more staircases you’ll reach the junction with Empress Falls.

The Nature Track continues to the right, but if you haven’t seen Empress Falls before it’s very much worth making the short detour (it’s just 250m each way, albeit down a lot more stairs).

It’s another gorgeous spot for a dip, but only if you can time it right to avoid the steady stream of canyoners!

Heading right, onto the Nature Track, will see you walk a few metres to a pretty picnic bench in a shady patch of forest beside a trickling waterfall.

You will then begin heading uphill, again on a well maintained staircase, before the path flattens and then intermittently undulates before reaching the creek, which is a few hundred metres away.


Reaching Asmodeus Pool

You now need to cross the creek, which involves walking across the uneven rocks to avoid wet boots. At this point you have two choices you can either head straight to Asmodeus Pool, or make the brief detour to check out another pretty waterfall nearby, Floras Bath.

Unless it’s been really dry, reaching Floras Bath may involve walking a few steps through the water, though you can usually manage with dry boots.

To find it, after crossing the creek, instead of heading up the stairs, walk a little upstream and then bear right and you will see the falls, it’s just 40m from the creek crossing.

Floras Bath only has a very shallow pool, but it’s a lovely spot surrounded by sandstone walls and lots of gorgeous ferns. Though it’s just a few metres from the main track it’s got a quiet secluded feel.

To reach Asmodeus Pool, head back to the crossing and follow the path uphill to the stepping stones that cross the creek at Lillians Glen, just a couple of minutes away.

Look left and you will see the entry to Asmodeus Pool, though it’s hidden behind the large fallen boulder.


Swimming at Asmodeus Pool

If you’re swimming you may as well head through the water at this point, it’s less than ankle deep before a short deeper section (above knee height) just beyond the rock you will see inside the water.

There’s a dry route to the left if you’re not swimming.

You then need to walk for a few steps along the rock shelf and you’ll come to a log beside the large boulder. The log is very sturdy so it’s easy to climb up it and onto the sandy bank beside the waterfall pool.

There’s usually a fine layer of sand on the log, so go carefully when walking back down, as it can be a touch slippery with wet feet.

Entering the grotto is always fun, as it’s hidden from view and really does feel like a proper slot canyon pool.

The waterfall is gorgeous, especially when you view it from inside the water and can see the full height of the sculpted walls above.

Asmodeus Pool

The pool is small and definitely more of a plunge pool than a swimming spot, but it’s so atmospheric. The water is lovely and clear, though it’s often dark due to the enclosed canyon walls.

You do get some light shafts, but it’s quite minimal, so this is one best saved for a hot day as the water stays pretty cold year round.

asmodeus pool

Depth-wise, it’s deep beside the waterfall, but otherwise more like waist height unless there’s been a lot of heavy rain. The sandy bottom makes entering and exiting the water a dream.


Keep them wild

Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.

Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the national park, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.


Heading back

The quickest route back is to return the way you came, but if you’re up for a longer walk you can instead complete the full Nature Track circuit, which is 1.6km further than if you simply walk to Asmodeus Pool and back (which is 2km return).

There are a couple of nice viewpoints, but it’s not a must do unless you fancy more of a walk.


Getting to the trailhead for Asmodeus Pool

The quickest route to Asmodeus Pool begins at the Conservation Hut in Wentworth Falls, you can see it here on Google maps. It’s roughly 95km and a one hour 20 minute drive from Sydney. You can get there by train too but it adds on an additional 2.5km each way. It’s easy enough but it is longer than the main walk itself!

In terms of facilities there are toilets and picnic benches, and the Conservation Hut also has a cafe.


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