12 of the most incredible waterfalls in NSW
Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park - Credit: Lismore City Council
From thundering cliff drops to hidden rainforest cascades, NSW is home to Australia’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Discover the state’s biggest waterfall, best lookouts, scenic swimming spots and walks.
- 5 min read
Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park
These epic, 100m high falls sit within Nightcap National Park, about a 75-minute drive west of Byron Bay. There are several ways to take in this sublime drop including multiple lookout points and walking trails. What makes Minyon Falls particularly wondrous is the swimming hole at the foot of the falls - you can also climb the rocks around the falls (carefully) and stand behind the rushing curtain of water for a perfect lost-in-the-moment experience.
Is there parking? Yes, at Minyon Grass picnic area and Minyon Falls lookout (free).
How long is the walk? There’s a 13km loop track but there are also shorter options.
Can you swim here? Yes, swimming is allowed at the base of the falls. For safety reasons, do not swim above the falls.
Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park - Credit: Lismore City Council
Protesters Falls, Nightcap National Park
Home to the first successful anti-logging protest in 1979, Protesters Falls near Lismore is a historic site of natural beauty. With elevated boardwalk sections that make for an easy stroll perfect for families, this area is also great for frog spotting - keep an eye out for the endangered Fleay's barred frog.
Is there parking? Yes, at Terania Creek picnic area.
How long is the walk? 1.4km return.
Can you swim here? No.
Protesters Falls, Nightcap National Park
Killen Falls, Tintenbar
Just a 20-minute drive from Ballina, discover the hidden cave behind the cascade of Killen Falls. An easy 330m rainforest walk will take you to the falls lookout and base where you can admire the views, explore the cave and swim. Leave plenty of time to spot turtles and birdwatch.
Is there parking? Yes, at Killen Falls carpark (free).
How long is the walk? About 330m.
Can you swim here? Yes.
Killan Falls, Tintenbar
Crystal Shower Falls, Dorrigo National Park
Near Coffs Harbour, a short walk through rainforest to the sound of fruit doves’ birdsong will take you to Crystal Shower Falls. Be amazed by the sheer power of this waterfall before crossing the suspension bridge that leads to the rocky cavern behind it - peer through the water for a view few experience. A 10-minute drive will take you to Dangar Falls, a glorious 30m spectacle set amidst dairy farmland.
Is there parking? Yes, at the Rainforest Centre as well as The Glade picnic area.
How long is the walk? 3.2km return.
Can you swim here? No.
Crystal Shower Falls, Dorrigo
Somersby Falls, Brisbane Waters National Park
Somersby Falls has long been popular with families. This Central Coast favourite is a great spot for a picnic and swim. The easy Somersby Falls walking track will immerse you in gorgeous rainforest as you take in three levels of beautiful waterfall. A 30-minute drive away are Kariong Brook Falls.
Is there parking? Yes, at Somersby Falls picnic area.
How long is the walk? About 800m return.
Can you swim here? No.
Somersby Falls, Central Coast
Ebor Falls, Guy Fawkes River National Park
You know you’re in for something awe-inspiring when you're travelling along a road called Waterfall Way. And that’s exactly what Ebor Falls delivers: multi-tiered majesty and sensational, sprawling scenery. While the big-picture view is breathtaking, you can also get close to both the upper falls and lower falls via multiple viewing platforms. Located about 80km from either end of the route (Armidale to the west and Bellingen to the east), Ebor Falls sits in Guy Fawkes River National Park.
Is there parking? Yes, at Ebor Falls carpark and Lower Ebor Falls carpark (free).
How long is the walk? About 360m. Longer walk options include the 2.1km upper falls to lower falls trail.
Can you swim here? No.
Ebor Falls, Ebor
Wollomombi Falls, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
The highest waterfall in NSW, the fall from the undulating plateau to the floor of the Wollomombi Gorge measures a massive 220m. Most impressive after heavy rain, Wollomombi Falls is one of the best sights in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Is there parking? Yes, at Wollomombi Falls picnic area.
How long is the walk? 200m walk to the lookout. Longer walk options include the 4km return Wollomombi Walking Track.
Can you swim here? No.
Wollomombi Falls, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park - Credit: Josh Smith | DCCEE
Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains National Park
These falls, in the Blue Mountains region (2 hours west of Sydney), are one of the most popular in the state. Park at the Wentworth Falls picnic area then take the Wentworth Falls Track - it’s a challenging walk with a couple of hundred stairs. Stop off at Fletcher’s Point to take in the spectacular 100m drop before continuing to the top of the falls.
Is there parking? Yes, at Wentworth Falls picnic area (free).
How long is the walk? About 1.4km return.
Can you swim here? No.
Grand Cliff Top Walk, Wentworth Falls
Curracurrong Falls, Royal National Park
There are plenty of features of Royal National Park, 90 minutes south of Sydney, that will blow you away. But these falls are a stand-out as they spill magnificently into the ocean. The scenic coastal walk starts at Wattamolla Beach and leads to Eagle Rock before coming to the falls themselves.
Is there parking? The closest parking is at Wattamolla Beach (paid - $12 or included with annual parks pass). Note: while there are many car spaces, it can get busy on sunny weekends, so it's best to arrive early.
How long is the walk? About 8km return.
Can you swim here? No, but pack your swimmers and take a dip at Wattamolla before or after.
Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock, Royal National Park
Paddy’s River Falls, Tumbarumba
Just a short walk from the carpark, well-positioned lookouts offer sweeping views of Paddy’s River Falls. To get a closer look, follow the walkway to the bottom. In the warmer months, the mist rising from the cascading water as it crashes onto the rocks below cools visitors.
Is there parking? Yes, at Paddy’s River Falls carpark.
How long is the walk? About 300m return.
Paddys River Falls, Tumbarumba - Credit: Steve Cuff
Belmore Falls, Robertson
In the beautiful Southern Highlands, Belmore Falls is a picturesque long-drop waterfall that’s relatively easy to access on foot. Located in Morton National Park, while the falls are breathtaking in their own right, they are also close to other spectacular drops (we’re looking at you, Fitzroy Falls; see below) and are enveloped by forest of supreme natural beauty.
Is there parking? Yes, at Hindmarsh Lookout (free).
How long is the walk? About 1km return (roughly 45 minutes).
Can you swim here? No.
Belmore Falls, Morton National Park - Credit: Above Down Under by Kramer Photography
Fitzroy Falls, Kangaroo Valley
Also in Morton National Park - not too far from Belmore Falls - sits Fitzroy Falls. Why not pair the two for an awe-inspiring double feature? The easy-level paths around this stunning drop are suitable for a range of walkers. While not paved, they are well maintained. Look for native animals and buzzing birdlife on your walk through the serene forest.
Is there parking? Yes, at Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre (paid).
How long is the walk? 150m to the lookout on the West Rim Walking Track. Opt to complete the 1.5km track for more great views.
Can you swim here? No.
Fitzroy Falls, Kangaroo Valley
