The fact that these Rock Pools are situated at the end of Utopia Road should have given us some clue, but it wasn't till we were at creek level, standing on huge slabs of granite, surrounded by trees, that the magic of this place really took hold. There, on natural terraces carved into the hillside, all the way down Waterfall Creek, were pools, some quite deep, full of crystal clear water.
Chiselled out of granite by the forces of nature
Hidden in the Australian Bush
Utopia Rock Pools are located in the Waterfall Creek Section of
Mt Walsh National Park, about 330 kilometres North West of Brisbane's City Centre. From the carpark, we walked around one and a half kilometres along a dirt track. The ground was hilly and uneven in parts, but quite manageable for anyone who is moderately fit. At the end of the trail, we could hear the sound of running water, but had to scramble up and over some rocks to see Waterfall Creek.
The first part of the track
Further along
The landscape below looked very inviting. The desire to explore, overtook the desire to be still (time for that later), and off we went. We travelled for a short distance along the creek in each direction until the bush blocked easy progress. Turning back, we settled upstream where the most inviting rock pools were. There we sat quietly, listening to the sounds of the bush, or gazing into the water. There were small fish in some of the pools. Somehow, time just evaporated.
Utopia Rock Pools are set in natural bushland
We regretted not bringing our lunch, as it would have been so easy to spend more time here. On our way out, we bumped into some people with their children, and I couldn't help thinking what a marvellous place this would be, for families to spend the day.
Mt Walsh National Park Map
Further information, and instructions on how to get to the Waterfall Creek Section, can be found on the National Parks website (see link below). However, take care not to miss the turn-off at Innooroolabar Rd at Boompa as there is no sign post indicating that it goes to Mt Walsh National Park. Also, watch out for some ruts in the road near the car park. We managed to get around these easily in our city car as the weather was dry, but a 4-wheel-drive is recommended in wet weather.
Utiopia Road is unsealed
Watch out for these ruts in the road near the car park