We originally planned to make this our annual New Years hike on the 1st January but the veining before was a bit too happy, and the weather was drizzly on this Monday, so we finally made it to Crystal Pools only on 5 January. As usual an enjoyable and not too strenuous hike. We made it to the first pool in a record 35 minutes so and had to overtake three other groups to ensure getting our favourite spot under the tree. We spent about 4 hours at the pools relaxing, reading, and getting frog photos before returning to the car....by then 34 degrees but luckily a slight breeze was blowing.