The Best Waterfalls Near Sydney
Whether you’re a Sydneysiders or an out-of-towner, if you're looking for an epic day trip, you've got a heap of awesome options, from hitting the coast and beaches to scaling mountains and valleys. But why settle for the usual when you can go chasing waterfalls instead? Get ready to take your adventure game up a notch and feel the rush of nature's coolest cascades!
These Sydney waterfalls are dispersed throughout Sydney and New South Wales and provide anyone looking for an escape with a tranquil atmosphere. Chasing waterfalls is an enjoyable way to experience the beauty and variety of Sydney's national parks. Some are in national parks, some allow swimming, and some are hidden and need a short hike to uncover.
Book a GoGet and take a road trip to find these cascading falls close to, in, and around Sydney.
1. Winifred Falls, Royal National Park
If you’re travelling with family or have little ones, then you should bring them to Winifred Falls in Royal National Park. The fact that the water is warm and gorgeously bright blue is good news for the younger members of your troop. Even if the falls aren’t as high as at Wattamolla, it is about the appropriate height for kids to feel safe and have fun – because yes, you can swim in these falls.
Visitors can reach the charming Winifred Falls, a small but significant waterfall on South West Arm Creek, through a brief but beautiful bushwalk that begins from Warumbul Road in the Royal National Park. The area's seclusion makes it perfect for picnics, sunbathing on the rocks, and, of course, swimming in the creek's tranquil waters. You can unwind and take a seat on one of the many rock platforms surrounding the waterfall, making it an excellent location for a picnic. There is a good possibility you will have the place to yourself if you come during the week or in the late afternoon.
2. Fitzroy Falls, Morton National Park
Fitzroy Falls, the second significant waterfall in Morton National Park, is a magnificent cascade on Wildes Meadow Creek that plunges 80 metres into the Yarrunga Valley and is most often overlooked, possibly because swimming is not permitted here. Yet one of the Southern Highlands' most easily reached waterfalls, Fitzroy Falls is also one of the region's most magnificent waterfalls.
Fitzroy Falls is a well-liked pitstop for travellers to the area and is located about 20 minutes from Bowral at the top of the descent to Kangaroo Valley. There is a sizable visitors centre, a parking park, and a café on site.
From the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Center, take the boardwalk south to an overlook with breathtaking views of the falls and the valley below. If you have extra time for a hike, take one of the walking trails through Morton National Park, and you'll traverse seven kilometres of bushland while climbing and descending through less-violent but no less impressive drops and falls. There are eight viewpoint locations and three lesser waterfalls to find and take pictures of on the East Rim track.
3. Carrington Falls, Budderoo National Park
The Carrington Falls are a plunging cascade that spans the Kangaroo River in New South Wales' Southern Highlands. One of three fantastic lookouts will allow you to be astounded by Carrington Falls before relaxing among the picnic areas, BBQ pits, or enjoying a few small walking trails nearby. Some consider Carrington Falls to be the most picturesque place on the South Coast because of its cascades, waterholes, and rockpools. There's a strong chance you'll agree after visiting Carrington Falls picnic spot, also known as Thomas Place, in the park's north-west.
Your sense of amazement and curiosity over this 50-meter waterfall will only grow when you realise how many waterholes, cascades, and rock outcroppings there are in this area – plus you can also swim here.
4. Curracurrong Falls, Royal National Park
One of the few waterfalls in the world that plunges directly into the ocean, Curracurrong Falls in the Royal National Park is a special waterfall that needs to be on your bucket list. It is quite a spectacular sight to observe the water being pushed back up when the winds are strong. From Wattamolla, a lovely coastal walking path leads not only to this waterfall but also to Eagle Rock, a famous landmark that resembles an eagle's beak. The 26 km long Coast Track connects Bundeena in the north to Otford in the south, and this 8 km roundtrip climb to Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls begins at Wattamolla Beach.
5. Collins Beach Waterfall, Sydney Harbour National Park
Searching for a secret beach that you'd like to visit in private and away from prying eyes? Or perhaps you want to enjoy a little seclusion with your family or friends? Or maybe you just want to visit the beach and a waterfall in one go? This secret beach, which is tucked away between North Head and Little Manly is still fairly accessible, so it also serves as a quiet oasis for a delightful afternoon picnic or even a visit for a swim when Sydney's temperatures soar. The waterfall is most beautiful right after a good rain; during a dry spell, it can barely be more than a trickle. There are a few ways to get to the waterfall, but the quickest and easiest approach is from Collins Beach Road's terminus, where there is very little parking available along the road. A well-maintained path descends to the beach.
6. Maddens Falls, Dharawal National Park
Enjoy picturesque waterfall views at Maddens Falls overlook near Helensburgh, the ideal spot for birdwatching and photography and a terrific reward after a bushwalk. 50 kilometres south of Sydney, in the Dharawal National Park, is the picturesque cascade waterfall known as Maddens Falls. Visitors can reach a panoramic observation platform with stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding area by taking a quick and simple 1-kilometer trek through picturesque vegetation.
A wide network of swamps, rivers, and heath plants define this fairly unusual national park, with this spot being a birdwatcher’s delight, so pack your binoculars and camera!
7. Wattamolla Falls, Royal National Park
If you want to view a slice of paradise, then this is it. You will feel as though you are at the top of the world when you visit, as it is absolutely beautiful. From the top of the falls, you can see the ocean, which is an incredible sight to behold. Something very magnificent is created when the sunshine reflects off the distant ocean and the mist from the falls. The sand and bathing areas below show that paradise isn't only at the summit. The only way you will be able to find a good position to take in the beauty of these falls is if you get there early in the morning before it gets too crowded. The nearby Wattamolla Falls, located close to the northern parking lot, is a terrific spot to begin your day of exploration. It is not permitted to jump from the waterfall's top into the lagoon since it is cordoned off.
8. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains
Wentworth Falls is the name of the well-known, three-tiered, nearly 200-meter-high waterfall as well as the town where it is situated. It is one of the most well-liked places for bushwalking in the Blue Mountains. These falls are most impressive especially when there has been a lot of rain and a lot of water has fallen into Jamison Valley. A number of vantage sites also provide breathtaking views of the valley and the waterfall.
Princes Lookout and Wentworth Falls can be found on the National Pass walking trail, which is only a short drive from Katoomba. Here, you must make a decision: if all you want to do is observe the falls, take a picnic next to the conservation lodge, and leave after 15 minutes. For a three-hour hike through the eucalyptus forest to see Wentworth Falls up close as well as Empress, Silvia, and Lodore Falls, plan on taking the adventurous route if you came for the experience. The looping circuit is just over five kilometres long, but it's a challenging hike, so you should bring food, drink, and sunscreen.
9. Empress Falls, Blue Mountains
Empress Falls, arguably one of the Blue Mountains' most underappreciated waterfalls, can be reached by a short walking path that begins at the Conservation Hut in the Wentworth Falls region.
Panorama views of Jamison Valley and the rock walls of the Valley of the Waters are available from a number of vantage locations along the path to Empress Falls. Fantastic views can be seen all the way to Mount Solitary and the Lincoln's Rock lookout from the Queen Victoria lookout. Beyond Empress Falls, the trail continues along the creek's route downstream, where Sylvia Falls and Lodore Falls are two other waterfalls that can be visited.
10. Minnehaha Falls, Blue Mountains
A rather modest but gorgeous waterfall, Minnehaha Falls is located on Yosemite Creek in the Katoomba region of the Blue Mountains and it is a well-known tourist site for good reason. The ideal place to cool down in crystal-clear water before drying off and soaking up the sun's rays is this 20-meter waterfall. For intermediate to experienced swimmers, this area's deep water is ideal for a quick dive. The location is made even more charming by the nearby rocks, which also serve as the ideal resting spot at the end of the day when you just want to unwind and take in some of the area's most breathtaking panoramic views. The parking lot at the end of Minnehaha Road in Katoomba is where this hike to Minnehaha Falls begins. It is important to arrive early if you want to avoid having to park just across the street during the summer when the parking lot fills up rapidly. At the beginning of the trail, there are several minor falls and shallow pools that are safe for young children to play in. If you're planning a family outing, picnic tables and a swing are also available at the track's beginning. Please be aware that the path to the falls' base is steep if you want to bring children.
