Located in the Chichester Range in Western Australia, Python Pool is a seasonal freshwater pool. It is in the Millstream-Chichester Range National Park, south of Roebourne and on the way to Millstream.
The water pool is seasonal, however, there is usually water there all year round. During the dry season without water flow, Python Pool can suffer from algae blooms. The wet season is the opposite where you need to be careful of debris and strong currents after rain.
A short detour from the road to Millstream, the day-use area is a couple of hundred metres from the Python Pool. The day-use area has picnic tables and BBQ for use and toilets are available too.
The path to the Python Pool is an uneven surface but isn’t difficult, aptly called the Python Pool Trail. The path takes you into the gorge, revealing the spectacular pool set with the rugged red cliffs behind it.
The pool is a great place to enjoy whether you are stopping by to admire the scenery or stay a little longer for a swim and go for a walk (not necessarily in that order).
Walking Trails at Python Pool
Cameleers Trail
The Cameleers Trail detours off the Python Pool Trail and heads up the steep hill that was used by camel and bullock teams. The trail is difficult, rated as a class 4 trail with natural obstacles, loose and rocky in parts. Retaining walls and stone culverts show what was needed to create a route used by the bullock and camel teams. It is 4km return with a 1.5-hour recommendation.
Chichester Range Camel Trail
This is a long class 4 trail that is 8km one-way trail between Python Pool and Mount Herbert, taking around 3 hours. Double the time for the return walk. The surface varies considerably including loose rocks and has steep gradients. It is recommended to go from Mount Herbert to Python Pool if you are going one way, otherwise, the return trek is better started and finished from Python Pool.
To get there:
From Karratha, head to the highway and turn right (west). Follow North-West Coastal Hwy for 9km from De Witt Rd (or 300m if coming out along Madigan Rd) and turn left into Warlu Rd. Follow Warlu Rd for 88km and turn left at the brown sign for Python Pool at Roebourne-Wittenoom Rd. Follow Roebourne-Wittenoom Rd for 18km and turn right onto a gravel track into Python Pool. The gravel track is rough and care should be taken but it isn’t difficult. Follow the gravel track for 450m to reach the Python Pool day-use area.
From Roebourne, head to the main highway and turn left (east). Follow the North-West Coastal Hwy for 27km and turn right into Roebourne-Wittenoon Rd. Follow Roebourne-Wittenoon Rd for 60km and turn left onto a gravel track into Python Pool. The gravel track is rough and care should be taken but it isn’t difficult. Follow the gravel track for 450m to reach the Python Pool day-use area.
From Millstream, head out of the national park area onto Millstream Rd and turn left. Follow Millstream Rd 15km to the end and turn left into Roebourne-Wittenoom Rd. Follow Roebourne-Wittenoom Rd for 20.5km and turn right at the brown sign for Python Pool to continue on Roebourne-Wittenoom Rd. Follow Roebourne-Wittenoom Rd for 18km and turn right onto a gravel track into Python Pool. The gravel track is rough and care should be taken but it isn’t difficult. Follow the gravel track for 450m to reach the Python Pool day-use area.
