Local Escapes

The Most Jaw-Dropping Waterfalls Near Sydney

By Jessica Best
1st Dec 2022

 Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney

Sydney is a coastal city that isn't short of sparkly beaches, ocean rockpools, and national parks dotted with underrated swimming spots. And, when it comes to absolutely jaw-dropping waterfalls, well, Sydney is practically surrounded by them.

Here are the best waterfalls near Sydney.

Editor's note: with floods and heavy rainfall due to hit NSW this summer, please exercise caution when exploring these beautiful places. Check any alerts and park closures on the NSW National Parks website, as well as any weather warnings via The Bureau of Meteorology

Wentworth Falls

Head towards the Blue Mountains for your dose of one of the best waterfalls in NSW. Yes, Wentworth Falls boasts some serious Lord Of The Rings vibes and a vista that’s nothing short of jaw-dropping.

Curracurrong Falls

Follow the cliff-top Coast Track in the Royal National Park to find the epic Eagle Rock outcrop and the beautiful Curracurrong Falls. Curracurrong Creek trickles across the cliff tops before making a dramatic drop into the ocean—and it is truly a spectacular sight to behold. 

Belmore Falls

In the Southern Highlands near Kangaroo Valley, Belmore Falls in Morton National Park is a must. Here, you're in for picturesque views of Kangaroo Valley before being rewarded with the misty, dramatic waterfall with three drops. 

Katoomba Falls

This one forms part of the Kedumba River and the best way to get here is to park up at Scenic World and follow the Round Walk Trail. And you’ll want to stop at Juliet’s Balcony—that’s your first chance to check out the falls and a swift panoramic view to match.

Minnehaha Falls

For something a lot more private, Minnehaha Falls is your go-to. It’s a dreamy little place with a swimming hole so beautiful no ludicrous Hollywood set could ever rival it. To get there, drive through Katoomba to Yosemite and walk 15 minutes down from the car park. Be brave, breathe deep, and take the plunge—this is one of Sydney’s best hidden waterfalls and you won’t regret it.

Wattamolla Falls

Nearby, you’ll also be able to set your sights on Curracurrong Falls because when it comes to the Royal National Park, the falls are endless (well, kind of). You’ll also be within reach of Winifred Falls, which you’ll find if you take the mildly challenging 4km walk from Audley.

Paddy’s River Falls

Even further is Paddy’s River Falls, which has carved itself into the landscape to the west of the Australian Alps and therefore benefits from the melting snow. Time this one right and you’ll be onto a winner—you can stand behind the water and feel like you’re the Last of the Mohicans).

Minamurra Falls

Follow the elevated Falls Walk in Budderoo National Park to take in some stunning rainforest surrounds—think trickling streams, moss-covered rocks and feathered ferns beneath you. Catch butterflies and lyrebirds along the way, then take in the picturesque lower and upper Minnamurra Falls. 

Fitzroy Falls

If you’ve still got a bit of time up your sleeve, there are a couple of magnificent falls a little further south in the Southern Highlands and shout out to Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park (definitely one of the best waterfalls in NSW). Basically, this is nature’s version of dropping it real low. You’ll also find the Fairy Bower Falls around here which is just a mossy rainforest dream.

Carrington Falls

Located in Budderoo National Park, Carrington is the real deal when it comes to cascades, waterholes and rock pools. Yep, the Kangaroo River plunges over 50 metres and you can watch this epic shower at Thomas Place, the resident picnic area. Honourable mention must go to the hidden waterfall known as Nellies Glen as well (which lies just a touch upstream from Carrington) for being one of Sydney’s most glorious swimming holes.

Waterfalls Way

Waterfalls Way should well and truly be on your adventure bucket list. Cue a 191km drive that weaves through the lush varying landscape of the New England Region. The tumbling waterfalls you’ll witness along this almighty road trip include Apsley, Ebor, Tia and Wollomombi Falls. 

Collins Beach

If following lane dividers at your local swimming pool is getting more than a little bit tedious, then it’s probably time you headed north on a waterfall-chasing road trip. FYI this one really takes the biscuit. If you’re feeling lazier than a hungover sloth, or you don’t trust your car’s ability to do the kilometres, then a dip under Collins Beach waterfall near Manly may be just the ticket to paradise. Let’s be real—it’s an easy win which we’re all about.

Gledhill Falls

Finally, head up a little further to Ku-ring-gai National Park where the elusive Gledhill Falls sits because she's most definitely one of the most magical hidden waterfalls around Sydney. This beauty is home to a swimmable 10-metre pool beneath one charming as-hell waterfall and you’ll also find a small sandy strip too on one side.

Meanwhile, these are all the best secret beaches in Sydney.

Image credit: Destination NSW


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