We’ve been wanting to visit the Mt Walsh Utopia rock pools just outside of Biggenden forever! Yesterday we finally got the chance to take our Wide Bay Kids and they absolutely loved it. The bush walk in to the rock pools and back out again is so worth it! This place is amazing and we can’t wait to go back again!

The rock pools are located in a section of the Mt Walsh National Park that is easily accessible by car in dry weather.

The road which leads to the car park has received rather extensive damage from the recent wet weather. This means if you don’t own a 4wd you will have an extra 500m to walk.

The walk to the pools is 1.5km, 3km return and is graded as a class 4 track. Moderate fitness is required. I was pretty pooped once I got there but I’m not exactly at my fittest..

Some sections were quite steep and rocky and required hand bracing! I’m not sure how kids under 8 would go if they are not used to this type of activity but both my 9 and 12 year old did fantastically.

You'll know you’ve arrived when you hear the sound of running water. Climb up and over the rocks to see Waterfall Creek and the rock pools. Walk out onto the slabs of granite to see the pools. We spent the best part of the day here sunning ourselves and playing in the rock pools.

Walk a short way along the creek in each direction exploring the bush and hillsides, or simply sit and enjoy the sounds of the bush. The pools are very inviting, full of crystal clear water. Some are very deep, so take care when having a dip! After walking all that way you really can’t not get in!

When we visited yesterday there were 3 deep flowing pools and 5 smaller shallower flowing pools. The shallower pools were VERY slippery compared with the deeper pools so be really careful when entering them.

This area is simply beautiful and we can’t recommend it enough as a great family day out.

You need to take everything with you, there are no facilities, not even at the car park. This also means you need to take out, what you bring in. Do not leave anything behind – including your rubbish. Keep the area rubbish free and safe for everyone to enjoy.

If you have goggles and a snorkel pack these too, my kids loved exploring under the water just as much as they loved riding down the waterfalls.

Closed in shoes are an absolute must and I would definitely carry all your supplies in a backpack as you need both hands in some sections of the walk. There is no mobile reception so make sure you print out or screen shot a map and other information you may need prior to departing.

It is best to visit the pools just after rain. During dry weather they become stagnant and very stinky. The summer months can be very hot with 35+ degree temperatures during the day, certainly not a walk I'd like to do with kids in heat like that.

From Biggenden/Bundaberg

From Biggenden travel along the Maryborough-Biggenden Road for 22km, turning right at Innooroolabar Road. Follow this road for about 2.5km and then take the right-hand  turn at Utopia Road. Utopia Road is a dirt road that is not signed. Follow Utopia Road for about 10km until you reach the car park.

From Maryborough/Hervey Bay

From Maryborough travel along the Maryborough-Biggenden Road for 50km, turning left at Innoorroolabar Road. Follow this road for about 2.5km and then take the turn right-hand at Utopia Road. Utopia Road is a dirt road that is not signed. Follow Utopia Road until you reach the car park.

Name: Mt Walsh Utopia Rock Pools

Address: Utopia Road, Mt Walsh National Park

Be sure to check the National Park alerts for the park before travelling. Mt Walsh is under the Sunshine Coast region.

Remember this is a National Park, take nothing but photos and your memories and leave only your footprints.