Despite what TLC says, you should go chasing waterfalls, because they’re splendid. NSW is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Australia, and chasing them down is an experience like no other. Imagine standing at the base of a thundering waterfall, feeling the mist on your skin and hearing the roar of the water as it cascades down the rocks.
From the towering heights of Wentworth Falls to the stunning natural infinity pool at Fitzroy Falls, the waterfalls of NSW are a feast for the senses. So, if you want to meditate, escape the big smoke, or just want to chase waterfalls, here are the best falls in NSW.
Minyon Falls
Night Cap National Park
Located just an hour away from Byron Bay lies Minyon Falls, a magnificent waterfall that drops 100m and releases gallons of rainwater over the edge. Visitors can take in the spectacular sight from a lookout, but for a truly immersive experience, a two-hour round-trip hike to the falls’ base is highly recommended. The area offers ample parking and several BBQ facilities, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic lunch before or after your hike. For a quieter and less crowded option, the Minyon Grass picnic area is a great alternative to the Minyon Falls lookout.
Wentworth Falls
Blue Mountains National Park
The Wentworth Falls hike may be brief, but it’s steep. Covering a distance of 1.4km, the trail features approximately 200 steps leading down to the cliff’s edge at Fletcher’s Lookout. Once there, hikers can opt to stop and enjoy the stunning view or take a few more steps to reach the base of the waterfall. The base offers visitors a small shallow pool on one side and a panoramic view of the Jamison Valley on the other. Hikers can choose to retrace their steps or continue on to explore other routes like Weeping Rock Circuit, Undercliff Track, or Princes Rock Lookout.
Winifred Falls
Royal National Park
Enjoy this leisurely short, but scenic bushwalk to Winifred Falls, the lesser-known falls in the area. Often overshadowed by the larger Wattomolla Falls, the Winifred Falls is a great spot to relax and enjoy a picnic. Depending on the time of day, you might even have the place to yourself.
Belmore Falls
Morton National Park
Venture to the Southern Highlands and discover the majestic Belmore Falls in the Kangaroo Valley. Although it’s impossible to get up close to the falls due to its location, visitors can explore three different lookouts to admire the views from various angles. While Hindmarsh Lookout doesn’t offer the best waterfall view, it does provide a stunning panorama of the valley. For those feeling adventurous, a secret swimming hole awaits on the side of Belmore Falls Road between the ford and the lookouts. Finding it may require some exploration as there are no signs to guide you.
Fitzroy Falls
Morton National Park
Here is another waterfall in the Southern Highlands that is one of the most accessible falls in the area. Situated around 20 minutes from the charming town of Bowral is Fitzroy Falls, an impressive water cascade with a large visitors centre and BBQ facilities. The elevated walkway gets you close enough to feel the mist, or if you’re after a more scenic hike, take one of the walking tracks through Morton National Park to discover other impressive cliff drops and bushland. And keep your senses peeled for more waterfalls as you venture deeper into the forest.
Somersby Falls
Brisbane Water National Park
This Central Coast gem is a great little spot to stretch your legs after a long drive. Located at one of the most popular rest stops on the iconic coastline, the Somersby Fall picnic area, Somersby Falls is a short 20-minute walk to a spectacular sight. The walking track winds down to the bottom of the falls along a 100-metre path with lookout spots along the way. It’s a great walk at any time but shines in summer when the cool spray offers relief from the heat and after heavy rains when the falls are particularly striking.
Crystal Shower Falls
Dorrigo National Park
The Crystal Shower Falls walk is an enchanting hike that leads you behind the waterfall. The walk can either be short or long, regardless of the path taken; a suspension bridge will guide you to a short side track that will take you behind the waterfall into a rocky cavern. From here, enjoy the view, run your hands through the water, or simply take a moment to breathe. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue to Tristania Falls and loop back to the Rainforest Centre on Wonga Walk.
Waterfall Walking Track
Kosciuszko National Park
The Waterfall Walking Track is between an hour and a three-hour hike, depending on how far you want to go. It starts at the Sawpit Creek picnic area or Kosciuszko Education Centre and leads into dense bushland and diversity the snowy mountains are known for. After a few kilometres in, you’ll stumble upon the wonderfully peaceful waterfall, which is best taken in via the platform on the southside. Continue through the rugged landscape to see the tall fibrous-barked alpine ash trees nearby, which can grow to 90 metres.
Dangar Falls
Dorrigo National Park
This hidden gem offers views of a stunning 30-metre waterfall set amidst scenic agricultural and dairy farmland. Yes, you can swim, and it’s almost recommended you go for a dip. There is a viewing platform and picnic tables around the falls for when you want a moment of peace. Simply follow the signposts from Dorrigo town centre to find this slice of paradise.
Ebor Falls
Guy Fawkes River National Park
You will find Ebor Falls along Waterfall Way. Seems fitting, right? The multi-tiered falls are spectacular, and you can get up and close to them. The walk is around 700 metres and makes for a great stop to stretch your legs on a drive to Armidale or surrounding areas. There are multiple viewing platforms to stand on, for views of above, and just below the falls. There is no swimming here, so don’t even try it. You really can’t go wrong with any stop along the appropriately named Waterfall Way. West of Ebor Falls, toward Armidale, is the powerful Wollomombi Falls, the highest waterfall in NSW at 220m.
Red Cedar Falls
Dorrigo National Park
There are two paths to find the highest waterfall in Dorrigo. The first is the easiest one, which is a 6.8km return circuit, but the second is by far the better option, the Rosewood Creek Circuit, an 8.9km track through rainforests, watering holes, and waterfalls. It’s a harder hike, but it’s worth it. At the end, enjoy the gushing Red Cedar Falls. There’s a small pool at the base you can swim in.
Curracurrong Falls
Royal National Park
This waterfall drops right into the ocean, and it’s reachable within an hour of Sydney’s city centre. You can’t swim here, but the walk is more of a stroll unless you combine it with a few of the other trails in the park. Either way, the falls are well worth the adventure, especially for photographers.
Waterfall Way
Armidale
If you want to see something spectacular, drive Waterfall Way. There are several incredible waterfalls ranging from gushing towering forces of nature to short, wide sprays. Some of them plummet over roads, which is a treat, especially when it’s been raining. However, check road closures before making the trip, as sometimes, for safety, roads are closed. The Waterfall Way route runs through four national parks, several regional towns, and across landscapes ranging from open pastures and rolling hills to rainforests and mountain peaks.
Apsley Falls
Armidale
Armidale is a five-hour drive from Sydney, but if you’re up for a road trip, you will be rewarded with towering waterfalls akin to the ones in New Zealand’s Milford Sounds. Apsley Falls is not in Waterfall Way, but it’s nearby. The waterfall plummets into a deep gorge.
Related: NSW’s Best Weekend Getaways, Ranked By Someone Who’s Never Home
Related: 10 NSW National Parks You’ve Probably Never Heard Of But Should Know
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