Don't go chasing waterfalls... or do

You’ve probably heard of Wentworth Falls, but what about these gems? While they can be flowing all year round, head over on a clear day after several days of rain for the best views.


Fitzroy Falls (south of Sydney)

Difficulty: Easy

To ease into the adventure, Fitzroy Falls is a 20 minute drive from Bowral and one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Southern Highlands. Take the short boardwalk (which is wheelchair-accessible) to see scenic views of the 80m plunge.

Wanting more of a challenge? Take one of the walking tracks through Morton National Park while you’re there to catch even more waterfalls.


Fitzroy Falls (Credit: National Parks website)


Carrington Falls (south of Sydney)

Difficulty: Easy

With a 50m drop into the Kangaroo Valley, Carrington Falls boasts cascades, waterholes and rock pools that make some regard it as the most beautiful on the South Coast. There is a variety of walking tracks with lookouts of the falls from the northern carpark, and the Nellies Glen picnic area is accessible from the southern carpark. Located 30 minutes from Bowral or 25 minutes from Fitzroy Falls it is easy enough to tackle them both in one day.


Carrington Falls


Maddens Falls (south of Sydney)

Difficulty: Easy (top of the fall), challenging (bottom of the fall)

Located 15 minutes south of Heathcote, Maddens Falls is an easy walk in the Dharawal National Park with a fire trail and boardwalk that lead to the lookout. Keep going around the lookout to get to the top of the falls for the best views. Getting to the bottom requires you to go off track so only do so if you are an experienced hiker or with someone who has gone before. If you are up for the challenge though the views from the bottom are spectacular.


Bottom of Maddens Falls


Somersby Falls (north of Sydney)

Difficulty: Moderate

Only 15 minutes from Gosford, Somersby Falls can cater to everyone. There are views from the top, middle and bottom with a 500m return walk through the rainforest and a picnic area to enjoy lunch after.


Bottom of Somersby Falls


Insider tip: While the well-known falls are easy enough to get to, if you take the less beaten track you’re in for a treat. Follow the stream and stick to the right and you’ll find an old track that leads to a bat cave-esque waterfall. What’s even better is that you’ll likely have it all to yourself.

For a safe adventure:

  • Always go in a group
  • Let someone at home know of your whereabouts
  • Never push yourself beyond your capability
  • Wear shoes with good grip (preferably hiking boots)
  • Tread carefully when the ground is wet
  • Pack enough water and food for the day
  • Stick to the official tracks and trails

So with this in mind… grab a friend and clear your weekend, it’s time to get out of Sydney!



You’ve probably heard of Wentworth Falls, but what about these gems? While they can be flowing all year round, head over on a clear day after several days of rain for the best views.


Fitzroy Falls (south of Sydney)

Difficulty: Easy

To ease into the adventure, Fitzroy Falls is a 20 minute drive from Bowral and one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Southern Highlands. Take the short boardwalk (which is wheelchair-accessible) to see scenic views of the 80m plunge.

Wanting more of a challenge? Take one of the walking tracks through Morton National Park while you’re there to catch even more waterfalls.


Fitzroy Falls (Credit: National Parks website)


Carrington Falls (south of Sydney)

Difficulty: Easy

With a 50m drop into the Kangaroo Valley, Carrington Falls boasts cascades, waterholes and rock pools that make some regard it as the most beautiful on the South Coast. There is a variety of walking tracks with lookouts of the falls from the northern carpark, and the Nellies Glen picnic area is accessible from the southern carpark. Located 30 minutes from Bowral or 25 minutes from Fitzroy Falls it is easy enough to tackle them both in one day.


Carrington Falls


Maddens Falls (south of Sydney)

Difficulty: Easy (top of the fall), challenging (bottom of the fall)

Located 15 minutes south of Heathcote, Maddens Falls is an easy walk in the Dharawal National Park with a fire trail and boardwalk that lead to the lookout. Keep going around the lookout to get to the top of the falls for the best views. Getting to the bottom requires you to go off track so only do so if you are an experienced hiker or with someone who has gone before. If you are up for the challenge though the views from the bottom are spectacular.


Bottom of Maddens Falls


Somersby Falls (north of Sydney)

Difficulty: Moderate

Only 15 minutes from Gosford, Somersby Falls can cater to everyone. There are views from the top, middle and bottom with a 500m return walk through the rainforest and a picnic area to enjoy lunch after.


Bottom of Somersby Falls


Insider tip: While the well-known falls are easy enough to get to, if you take the less beaten track you’re in for a treat. Follow the stream and stick to the right and you’ll find an old track that leads to a bat cave-esque waterfall. What’s even better is that you’ll likely have it all to yourself.

For a safe adventure:

  • Always go in a group
  • Let someone at home know of your whereabouts
  • Never push yourself beyond your capability
  • Wear shoes with good grip (preferably hiking boots)
  • Tread carefully when the ground is wet
  • Pack enough water and food for the day
  • Stick to the official tracks and trails

So with this in mind… grab a friend and clear your weekend, it’s time to get out of Sydney!



Page published: 30 Jul 2019, 09:00 AM