Refuge Bay in New South Wales: Hike with a natural infinity pool one hour outside of Sydney

Travellers are obsessed with a 9.6km trail dubbed the ‘hike with it all’ thanks to its magical natural infinity pool, waterfall, beach bay and untouched bush surrounds.

Refuge Bay, a ‘magical’ beach located in the heart of Ku-ring-gai National Park in New South Wales is 30 minutes from the Sydney CBD and can be accessed by land or boat.

The moderate hike takes three hours and while hikers have said the ‘lack’ of signposting is difficult, the ‘wow factor’ makes it worth the effort.

The hidden gem can be accessed by trail or by boat, if accessed by trail the hike takes approximately three hours

The waterfall has been described as loved by hikers

The hike begins at the Salvation Loop which is on a maintained fire trail, which is followed for 1.7 km.

Hikers then turn left on to the signposted Wallaroo Track and take this track for 400 meters before entering the bush.

UK travel couple Cat and Joe who run the blog ‘Walk My World’ outlined that the beginning of the track looks ‘overgrown,’ but is well marked with cairns for the rest of the way.

However the couple said several parts in the bush were so overgrown they looked like ‘dead ends’.

Once explorers get 4.3 km into the trail they will reach a point distinguishable by a large rock platform, they can choose several different paths to reach the different features and viewpoints, but each has a different trail and they don’t connect. 

The incredible hike and destination is located less than an hour outside of Sydney if travelling by car

The cascades and infinity pool are above the waterfall, and the waterfall leads onto the beach.

‘The cascades are on a trail that heads west from the platform that is marked by red flags, the infinity pool is slightly northwest from the rock platform and has no markings, and the route to the beach heads north east from the rock platform following the national flags that have been tied to the trees,’ Cat and Joe said.

To return, hikers should head back to the large rock platform and keep an eye out for the cairns, as the trail is harder to follow on the way back. 

The amazing ‘natural’ infinity pools are a massive draw for travelers, bringing adventurers from all over Australia

The 13 best hikes in Ku-ring-gai National Park

 West Head:

1. America Bay Track (2km) – best for sunset

2. Towlers Bay Circuit (6.9km) – best secret viewpoint

3. West Head Army Track (1.36km) – best for adventure

4. Resolute Loop (6.6km)  – stunning beaches

5.  Koolewong Track (1km) – easy hike and beautiful track

6. The Basin and Mackerel Circuit (7km) – good for spotting wallabies

7. Lovetts Pools (3.2 km) – best spot for wild swimming

 (source: walkmyworld.com)

The Lovetts Pools (pictured) are a perfect spot for wild swimming, but make sure you’re prepared for the cold water 

 8. Topham Track (4km) –  best to see caves

9. Flint and Steel Track (2.6km) – calm waters for swimming

Bobbin Head: 

10. Gibberagong Track (12.8km) – best for feeling in the wilderness

11. Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop (10km) – peaceful hike

Cowan Creek Area:

12.  Berowra to Mount Ku-Ring-Gai (10km) – best views

13. Jerusalem Bay Track (14.4km)- best workout 

(source: walkmyworld.com)

Topham Track features amazing natural caves

The view from the top of the bay offers a pristine bay of the coast and blue waters

Travellers are ravingabout this hidden gem after discovering it.

‘There are many good things in this world, like pasta, chocolate, and views like this,’ one couple said after visiting.

‘Nature’s answer to a spa,’ anther woman called it. 

Others are desperate to visit the off the track destination.

‘Now this looks like a bloody hike to do,’ one man said.

‘Looks like this place is worth a visit! By boat or foot,’ a woman commented.