Whether you’re an avid traveller or simply wanting to enjoy the hidden beauties that Sydney has to offer, these 10 amazing waterfalls in Sydney will blow your mind.
To make it as easy as possible for you to decide which to visit first, I’ll include location, distance from CBD and some other handy tips to know before you leave.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and experience some of the amazing natural landscapes Sydney and its surrounds have to offer!
Table of Contents
Carrington Falls
Perfect for the thrill-seekers and relaxers combined, Carrington Falls offers insane views from the multiple viewing platforms and nice surrounding bushland for a little eye-candy. The waterfall itself is extremely high up, and it’s surprisingly easy to reach the edge for a bit of adrenaline (I’m explicitly telling you NOT to do this).
Location
Distance from CBD
2 hours by car – 155 km south-west of Sydney.
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
Walk to the nearby Nellie’s Glen for a more peaceful dip in the rock pools and natural waterfall.
Fitzroy Falls
This amazing site is located above Kangaroo Valley with insane views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll find a carpark and cafe here, which often means it’ll be busy with tourists. However, this doesn’t take away from the natural beauty of the falls and the picturesque valley it drops into.
Location
Distance from CBD
1 hour 45 mins by car – 142 km south-west of Sydney
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
While you’re at it, have a stroll along the East Rim walk to find another array of waterfalls and lookouts.
Here’s a post you might like:
Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls is a spectacular sight nestled away near Katoomba. There’s two ways to view this amazing waterfall:
- Walk to the Conservation hut and have a peak from afar (15 min walk).
- Attempt the 3-hour-long trek above the cliffs that brings you super close to Wentworth Falls and surrounding waterfalls.
Location
Distance from CBD
1 hour 20 mins by car – about 100 km west of Sydney.
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
There are plenty of surrounding waterfalls to check out here. If you can be bothered, the 5 hour round trek is well worth it and really isn’t too hard.
Curracurrong Falls
Waterfall, ocean views, Eaglehead Rock, pants down, what?
Curracurrong falls is located atop a cliff face and drops straight into the ocean! It’s one of only a few waterfalls on the planet to connect directly to the ocean and can sometimes be seen going back up the cliff if the winds are strong enough (matrix, right?).
Location
Distance from CBD
1 hour by car – 50 kms from Sydney.
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
Eaglehead Rock is an iconic landmark that lies right next to the waterfall. Drive up the fire trail and walk a few mins to find the rock and the spectacular cliff fall.
Belmore Falls
Don’t forget the camera for this one! Located after a dusty drive down a long dirt road, and a creek crossing, you’ll arrive at a lookout. Follow the sandy path down to Belmore Falls Lookout and you’ll see the perfect photo op!
Location
Distance from CBD
2 hours by car – 142 km south-west of Sydney (super close to Carrington Falls and Fitzroy falls)
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
Make sure it hasn’t been raining heavily before you go! The creek often floods and prevents you from crossing in the car.
Mermaids Pool
Ready for a hike? This location is definitely more than a “park-and-pic” spot. In order to actually experience all that Mermaids Pool has to offer, you’ll have to trek it through dense bushland for a good hour. There are smaller pools along the way, but the last pool is by far the most impressive, with some insane jump rocks for those adrenaline junkies (I am explicitly NOT recommending that you jump).
Location
Distance from CBD
1 hour 20 mins – 100 km south-west of Sydney
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
Make sure you go here with at least 1 friend and charge up your phone beforehand. It’s super easy to get lost or hurt yourself on the walk/swim!
Minnamurra Falls
An impressive waterfall hidden away in an even more impressive rainforest. Rediscover your sense of adventure with this journey into Budderoo National Park. The walk is steep but well kept and starts from the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.
Location
Distance from CBD
2 hours by car – 120 km south of Sydney.
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
Make a day of it by visiting the nearby Jamberoo Action Park! It’s got a variety of wet and dry activities and is perfect for a fun day in the sun.
Somersby Falls
Just a 5-minute drive from Gosford, this gem is a hard one to pass up. You decide how to explore this one! Start at the top of the waterfall and make your way down to the middle and bottom to get some Insta-worthy pics from all angles.
Location
Distance from CBD
1 hour by car – 80 km north of Sydney.
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
Spend some time in and around the Gosford and Brisbane Waters area. There are some great local beaches and it’s a pretty cruisy lifestyle.
Deep Creek Reserve
Located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney is this hidden gem along the “haunted” Wakehurst parkway. Walk through a seemingly innocent dog park to be transported into a dense rainforest with an impressive waterfall directly in front of you.
Location
Distance from CBD
40 mins by car – 25 km north of Sydney.
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
Pack the mountain bikes and have a ride around Narrabeen Lagoon (or walk if riding ain’t your thing)! Or visit nearby North Narrabeen Beach for a surf/swim and a coffee.
Maddens Falls
An easy walk with a lovely view! Maddens Falls is one of the more relaxed journeys on today’s list. After parking the car, walk for about 1 km and then park the crew at the viewing platform and get those cameras out! Perfect for the new insta dp…
Location
Distance from CBD
1 hour and 10 mins – 60 km south-west of Sydney.
Uncle Nath’s Top Tips
Make sure you visit the Apple Shack at Glenbernie Orchard for a little taste of the local crop and an all-round wholesome experience.
There you have it!
My favourite waterfall adventures in and around Sydney. These spots are truly amazing and perfect for the adventurous couple or the adrenaline-seeking group of mates.
Make sure to share your photos with me on Instagram!
Have a read of these other posts that might interest you:
Until next week,
Uncle N.