14 Must-See Waterfalls in Australia

Refreshing rock pools, cascading streams of crystal-clear water and splashes of green foliage combine to make the idyllic natural getaway.

There’s certainly no short supply of waterfalls in Australia. Whether the region’ is typically bone dry or flushed with rainfall, nature’s showers find a way to flow down cliff sides and gentle slopes regardless of the season.

With an abundance of beautiful oases scattered across the country, the only thing stopping you from a weekend of walks and waterfalls is the overwhelming choice, so we’ve sourced the must-visit locations to help you decide.

Ranging from easily accessible to slightly more challenging, don’t miss these waterfalls when you find yourself in the area – even if it requires a lengthy road trip in a well-equipped 4WD. It’ll be worthwhile when you’re nestled on a warm sandbank with a well-packed picnic.

1. Horizontal Falls, WA

There’s a reason globetrotters flock to Horizontal Falls: this natural phenomenon can’t be replicated anywhere else in Australia, let alone the world.

Located in the Kimberley region, turquoise water gushes through the McClarty Range to create the famous Horizontal Falls.

a landscape drone shot of Horizontal Falls, WA — Horizontal Falls can’t be replicated. (Image: Jewels Lynch Photography)

If a natural wonder is on the radar of Sir David Attenborough, it’s all but guaranteed to be a must-visit. Keep in mind that the waterfall itself can only be seen via plane or boat, so there’s no 4WD on the cards for this particular trip.

an aerial view of the surrounding islets and turquoise waters at Horizontal Falls — The waterfall itself can only be seen via plane or boat. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Accessibility: Difficult.
Where: Approximately one hour by plane from Broome or Derby.

2. Bridal Veil Falls, Tas

It would be a missed opportunity to arrive at Bridal Veil Falls and not propose to your loved one; the name alone sets the ideal scene.

Not to be mistaken with the Bridal Veil Falls found in both New South Wales and Victoria, Tasmania’s own waterfall is arguably the most true to its name.

the Bridal Veil Falls in Tasmania — Tasmania’s Bridal Veil Falls is arguably the most true to its name. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Kelly Slater)

Vaguely reminiscent of a sheer headdress worn during a classic (if not somewhat outdated) marriage ceremony, this Moina-adjacent waterfall will undoubtedly spark feelings of romance and, at the very least, a tinge of awe.

Avoid a disappointing trip by checking when Bridal Veil Falls is open as it can shut down during the cooler seasons.

a portrait shot of the Bridal Veil Falls, Tas — Bridal Veil Falls sparks feelings of romance. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Kelly Slater)

Accessibility: Moderate to difficult.
Where: Approximately one hour from Devonport or 1.5 hours from Queenstown.

3. Serenity Falls, Qld

Serenity Falls (also known as Buderim Falls) might not be the largest waterfall in Queensland but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere.

Located a pebble’s throw away from the tiny town of Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, a short journey along a boardwalk will lead you to this isolated hideaway, laden with glossy boulders and moss-lined walls.

To avoid a muddy fare, plan your trip during a month that hasn’t experienced a bout of tropical Queensland downpours.

a small cascade pouring down the rocks at Serenity Falls, Qld — Serenity Falls’ is an isolated hideaway. (Image: Matt Palmer)

Accessibility: Easy.
Where: Approximately 10 minutes from the Sunshine Coast.

4. Trentham Falls, Vic

Ask any Melburnian to recommend a waterfall and they’ll instinctually reference Trentham Falls – it’s all but a rite of passage to get partially soaked by its impressive waterfall after a lengthy lunch at the nearby picnic tables.

a landscape shot of Trentham Falls near Melbourne — Trentham Falls is nothing short of spectacular.

A little over an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, the two paths from the car park can be approached with glacial speed. However, the option with steps does have a spot of steep inclines, so sensible shoes will go a long way.

Once you’re near the base, the sheer size of Trentham Falls is nothing short of phenomenal. There’s no swimming permitted at Trentham but the view will be more than enough to quench your thirst for exploration.

the Trentham Falls cascading down a basalt cliff — Swimming isn’t permitted at Trentham.

Accessibility: Easy to moderate.
Where: Approximately one hour from Melbourne CBD.

5. Belair Waterfall, SA

Situated in Belair National Park, this waterfall-riddled destination is guaranteed fun for the whole family.

This is primarily due to the nearby Adventure Playground reminiscent of peak 90s nostalgia. Built entirely out of wood, let the kids run amok with a family member while the waterfall chasers in the group head down the six-kilometre trail.

The Belair Waterfall might be out of action in the drier seasons, so aim to explore the area throughout winter or autumn for good measure.

the Belair Waterfall as seen from above — Belair Waterfall is bordered by rock escarpments. (Image: South Australian Department for Environment and Water)

Accessibility: Moderate.
Where: Approximately 20 minutes from Adelaide.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

6. Curracurrong Falls, NSW

A trip to Curracurrong Falls at any time of the year will reap great rewards. The heavy free-flowing waterfall looks like a mere drizzle from afar, but the closer you get, the more gobsmacking it becomes.

The part-hike, part-sightseeing adventure can take over an hour one-way from the starting point, and its proximity to the blue waters of Wattamolla Beach offers an additional body of water to include in the itinerary.

As you’ll be in the heart of Royal National Park for this expedition, pack a pair of binoculars along with some bathers to soak it all in, both literally and figuratively.

a scenic view of Curracurrong Falls at sunset — Curracurrong Falls is the only waterfall in Sydney (and one of only three in Australia) that flows directly into the sea. (Image: Destination NSW)

Accessibility: Moderate.
Where: Approximately one hour from Sydney CBD.

7. Mackenzie Falls, Vic

Mackenzie Falls would make for a perfect screensaver; it’s positively stunning.

Make the journey to Grampians National Park (an essential destination with or without Mackenzie Falls) and brace your knees for a slightly uneven two-kilometre walk to this glorious, oversized water feature.

the Mackenzie Falls as seen from above — Mackenzie Falls would make for a perfect screensaver.

After receiving a thorough misting, carve out more time in the day to explore the rest of the Grampians beyond the exemplary waterfall. For the organised travellers, pack an esky with an array of meats and veg to throw on the barbecue at Zumsteins Historic Area, or persevere along the path until you get to the Mackenzie Falls Lookout for a bird’s eye view of the ever-impressive waterfall.

people visiting Mackenzie Falls, Vic — Pack an esky to picnic by the waterfall. (Image: Parks Victoria)

Accessibility: Easy to moderate.
Where: Approximately three-and-a-half hours from Melbourne CBD.

8. Fitzroy Falls, NSW

For striking views, a condensed retelling of history and an endless supply of bird-watching opportunities, Fitzroy Falls is the place to be.

Navigate the short boardwalk through Morton National Park to Fitzroy Falls lookout to grasp the scope of the waterfall, which plunges more than 80 metres below as a seemingly infinite backdrop of trees and gullies complete the picture.

the Fitzroy Falls as seen from above — The awe-inspiring Fitzroy Falls plunges for more than 80 metres. (Image: Destination NSW)

The nearby Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre hosts Aboriginal Cultural walks during trading hours that help to truly appreciate the beauty and significance of Morton National Park, and by extension, Fitzroy Falls.

the water at Fitzroy Falls cascades down a forest — Fitzroy Falls cascades from a deep and towering cliff. (Image: John Yurasek/DCCEEW)

Accessibility: Easy.
Where: Approximately two hours from either Sydney or Canberra.

9. Florence Falls, NT

While Tasmania holds the top title for the most waterfalls (with over 200 known sites), the Northern Territory’s offerings are on another level.

Litchfield National Park alone is home to no fewer than seven glorious waterfalls, with Florence Falls being a crowd favourite.

two women relaxing at Florence Falls — The refreshing cascade beckons for a soothing dip. (Image: Tourism NT/@75vibes_)

The option to swim under the continuous cascade proves to be a standout feature, as is the nearby campground equipped with basic amenities to keep campers happy for the duration of their stay.

an aerial view of Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park — Florence Falls is a standout in Litchfield National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Accessibility: Moderate.
Where: Approximately two hours from Darwin.

10. Natural Bridge, Qld

For a wholly unique waterfall experience, slink through the caves of Natural Bridge to find a large opening with water falling down from the heavens above.

water cascading down a hidden cave in Natural Bridge, Qld — Natural Bridge is a unique waterfall. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Follow a short, effortless path through the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest to reach this mystical space full of natural light and deep, dark crevices.

Swimming might seem tempting in the warm Gold Coast sun but it’s strictly prohibited, so it’s best to bring plenty of water, a spritz fan and some fresh fruit to fend off the humidity.

water falling down a large hole at Natural Bridge, Qld — Trek through the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest to reach this mystical space. (Image: Set In Stone Media)

Accessibility: Easy.
Where: Less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast.

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11. Nelson Falls, Tas

For a quintessential Tasmanian experience, head to Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

the Nelson Falls surrounded by a rainforest — Nelson Falls is in its best shape during the wetter seasons. (Image: Luke Tscharke)

Unreasonably large, ancient trees line the path to the curtain of fresh water that is Nelson Falls, just one of Tasmania’s many locations that have remained preserved for centuries.

Witness Nelson Falls in all its glory during the wetter seasons and encourage your less active friends to come along, too, as there’s comparatively little energy required to reach this flourishing sanctuary.

a closer look at the Nelson Falls, Tas — Nelson Falls is fringed by ancient trees. (Image: Jess Bonde)

Accessibility: Easy.
Where: Roughly 30 minutes from Queenstown.

12. Tjaynera Falls, NT

Due to its relatively isolated nature, don’t expect to see many other people gandering at Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek).

a portrait shot of Tjaynera Falls, NT — Tjaynera Falls is a wonder to behold. (Image: Tourism NT/SteveStrike)

Only accessible by 4WD, Tjaynera Falls is the dream destination for those who want to experience the sights in solitude, or simply for those who prefer a challenge.

Once you’re in the vicinity of the falls, it’s a wonder to behold. As is the case with numerous waterfalls in the Northern Territory, swimming is allowed, so don’t waste the waterfall on a rainy day.

a woman dipping in the basin of Tjaynera Falls — Tjaynera Falls is only accessible by 4WD. (Image: Tourism NT/Plenty of Dust)

Accessibility: Difficult.
Where: Approximately two hours from Darwin.

13. Hamersley Gorge, WA

With a gorge, waterfall and swimming hole wrapped up into one destination, there’s no better place to tick multiple activities off your bucket list than Hamersley Gorge.

Calm rock pools dot the orange-tinted surface, transforming into a natural hot tub during the warmer months.

a small waterfall surrounded by a rocky orange-tinted surface at Hamersley Gorge — The dramatic Hamersley Gorge is a gorge, waterfall and swimming hole all in one. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

For the main attraction, navigate a sturdy path until you find a vibrant blue body of water with a gentle waterfall keeping it topped up.

Spend an entire day exploring the different crevices but be sure to bring plenty of fluids along for the ride.

friends swimming at Hamersley Gorge — Hamersley Gorge transforms into a natural hot tub in the warmer months. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Accessibility: Easy to moderate.
Where: Approximately one hour from Tom Price.

14. Three Falls, SA

What’s better than seeing a waterfall in person? Seeing three in the span of four hours.

Embark on a lengthy hike through Morialta Conservation Park, navigating rocky terrain and winding trails to tick off the aptly named First, Second and Third Falls.

While the hike itself is far from unachievable, various steep sections could give the calf muscles a hefty workout. With plenty of freshwater creeks scattered throughout the hike, there are ample opportunities to cool down and take a beat to recover.

a girl posing for a photo with Three Falls as her backdrop — Hike to the First, Second and Third Falls. (Image: Megan Crabb)

Accessibility: Moderate to difficult.
Where: Approximately 40 minutes from Adelaide.

Tuck your napkin firmly in place and get ready to dive into Bendigo’s history.

It’s an internationally recognised fact that Bendigo food experiences prove this region knows how to wine and dine. After all, its shiraz-laden landscape was named Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy. But what visitors lured in by this shiny label might not know is how deeply its culinary scene sits within the gold-rush town’s colourful past.

Whether you’re eating in a grand colonial bank or nibbling through a gold miner’s garden, grab a big plate. In Bendigo, every meal is served with a huge helping of heritage.

Take a food tour

foodie walking tour in bendigo at Ms Batterhams restaurant Bendigo foodie experiences — Join a Foodie Walking Tour to local highlights like Ms Batterhams.

Start in the capable hands of Bendigo Guided Tours. Named as the 2025 Victorian Best New Tourism Business, they run two 12-person options. A Taste of Bendigo – Foodie Walking Tour will see you tasting seasonal dishes and sipping wine, craft beer and cocktails made with regional spirits over two-and-a-half hours, with stops at Ms Batterhams, Wine Bank on View, The Dispensary and Bendigo Brewing.

You can up the ante a notch or two with the Four Hats of Bendigo – a night of fine-dine hopping with the experts across Terrae, Le Foyer, Alium Dining and The Woodhouse.

Book a table

Terrae restaurant in bendigo victoria — Dine at Terrae.

Alternatively, see Bendigo’s stars under your own steam. There’s Terrae, where produce from the owners’ own farm kitchen garden and orchard is plated up inside what was once a bank, while cocktails are poured in the underground bar below. For something special, book a private table in old bank vault. Rather less wholesome? The bullet hole in the window – a throwback to Victoria’s wild gold rush era.

Another former bank-turned-eatery, Alium Dining, goes full art nouveau inside a 1908 building overlooking the Alexandra Fountain in the heart of Bendigo. Here, Alium’s Asian-meets-European flavours run all the way from duck leg croquettes with mandarin marmalade to raw trevally with coconut and nước chấm, to pork milanese with anchovy and stout mustard.

Beneath an old school hall at Mackenzie Quarters, Ms Batterhams serves southern European-inspired dishes inside a 19th-century basement bar and restaurant. Beyond its sourdough crumpets (smeared with taramasalata, paprika and parsley oil, if you must know) is the origin of the restaurant’s name: Winifred Batterham, the owners’ mother’s former kindergarten teacher. Honour her properly with a ‘Winifred’ cocktail.

Alium Dining in bendigo victoria — Alium Dining offers a unique setting inside a 1908 building.

Carnivores, get ready to bang your sharpest knives on the table. Bendigo’s only dedicated steakhouse, The Woodhouse, specialises in Wagyu sourced from surrounding farms. They’ve got beef every which way – from tartare topped with Giaveri Oscietra caviar and wagyu toast to porterhouse dry-aged and grilled over redgum.

Your next bank stop on the food circuit is Bunja Thai. Housed inside the former Colonial Bank, it’s all Victorian-era Australian grandeur, from the enormous arched ceilings to the detailing overhead. Thai Singha and local craft beer jostle for attention – but both are perfect quenchers when you’re sharing barramundi baked in banana leaf beneath all that old-world opulence.

If your trip through Australia isn’t complete without a country pub stop, make it The Bridgewater Hotel on the Loddon River. Renovated since its 1942 beginnings, but the establishment still retains its Art Deco charm. It’s the kind of place where steak burgers come stacked with bacon, egg, cheese and dripping beetroot relish, and are best handled in the riverside beer garden.

Pour a glass

Heathcote Wine Hub bendigo food experiences — Find over 180 local wines at Heathcote Wine Hub.

Your plate’s been stacked. Now it’s the glass’s turn – ideally with the famously bold shiraz and cab sav grown here. Early settlers in Bendigo and Heathcote were onto something when they first planted vines in the area’s mineral-rich soil, and their legacy still pours strong across more than 60 cellar doors today. Start big at the Heathcote Wine Hub, where more than 180 wines from nearby vineyards sit beneath the rafters of a restored former wooden church, with 16 available to taste by the glass.

Heathcote Winery might have become one of the area’s first commercial wineries in the seventies, but its story started way before its courtyard tastings. Back in 1854, it operated as a miners’ produce store during the gold-rush years. Other cellar doors aren’t immune to reinvention under the wine wave either. At Munari Wines in Heathcote, charcuterie boards are presented in their newly renovated cellar, originally the stables of the former sheep station.

Discover local events

the Heritage and Hidden Spaces Wine Walk in bendigo — Time your trip for the Heritage and Hidden Spaces Wine Walk

Time your trip right and watch the parks, gardens and buildings fill with food and drink. Fans of the malt: mark 29 August 2026 for Bendigo On The Hop, when craft breweries take over venues throughout the CBD. Brews make way for history at the Heritage and Hidden Spaces Wine Walk (17 October 2026), where bottles are opened inside some of the city’s most interesting buildings – including rarely opened spaces. In November, the Regional Gin Gala raises spirits in Mackenzie Quarters with a boozy celebration of its homegrown distilleries, including Noble Bootleggers, Envy Distilling and In Good Spirits. Explore wine, food and live music at Heathcote on Show (6 – 8 June 2026).

Take it all in

bendigo tram cafe Bendigo foodie experiences — Tram meets tasty at Bendigo Tram Cafe.

Takeaway means something different in Bendigo. At Australia’s oldest operating Tram Depot, the Tram Cafe sits aboard an out-of-service 1916 N-Class Tram that serves tea and scones. Once you’ve polished off the last crumb, you can even pop into the driver’s cab and try the controls yourself.

Peppergreen Farm continues Bendigo’s long connection to Chinese market gardens, first established here by immigrants in the 1850s. Today, the not-for-profit farm invites visitors to pick up organic produce, alongside jars of honey harvested from its own hives.

Indulge in retail therapy

If there’s still room in your bag among the clanking jars and bottles, stop by Uniquely Bendigo inside the Old Post Office. Sharing space with the Bendigo Visitor Centre, it’s a one-stop shop for favourites like Bendigo Brittle, Bridgeward Grove and Tea Associates.

If you’d rather leave your fingerprints on your Bendigo souvenir, there’s a place for that too. At Bendigo Pottery, visitors can try their hand at shaping clay while taking part in another tradition of evolving old spaces – creating works of art within Australia’s oldest working pottery.

Start planning your Bendigo adventure at bendigotourism.com.

14 must-see waterfalls in Australia

Refreshing rock pools, cascading streams of crystal-clear water and splashes of green foliage combine to make the idyllic natural getaway.

1. Horizontal Falls, WA

2. Bridal Veil Falls, Tas

3. Serenity Falls, Qld

4. Trentham Falls, Vic

5. Belair Waterfall, SA

6. Curracurrong Falls, NSW

7. Mackenzie Falls, Vic

8. Fitzroy Falls, NSW

9. Florence Falls, NT

10. Natural Bridge, Qld

11. Nelson Falls, Tas

12. Tjaynera Falls, NT

13. Hamersley Gorge, WA

14. Three Falls, SA

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Discovering Bendigo’s unique heritage through incredible foodie experiences

Tuck your napkin firmly in place and get ready to dive into Bendigo’s history.

Take a food tour

Book a table

Pour a glass

Discover local events

Take it all in

Indulge in retail therapy

Refreshing rock pools, cascading streams of crystal-clear water and splashes of green foliage combine to make the idyllic natural getaway.

1. Horizontal Falls, WA

2. Bridal Veil Falls, Tas

3. Serenity Falls, Qld

4. Trentham Falls, Vic

5. Belair Waterfall, SA

AI Prompt

6. Curracurrong Falls, NSW

7. Mackenzie Falls, Vic

8. Fitzroy Falls, NSW

9. Florence Falls, NT

10. Natural Bridge, Qld

11. Nelson Falls, Tas

12. Tjaynera Falls, NT

13. Hamersley Gorge, WA

14. Three Falls, SA

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Qantas double points and status credits are back – but you’ll need to be quick

Qantas just put 2 million seats on sale – here’s where the value is

Royal Caribbean announces 3 ships for Australia’s 2027 summer

Tuck your napkin firmly in place and get ready to dive into Bendigo’s history.

Take a food tour

Book a table

Pour a glass

Discover local events

Take it all in

Indulge in retail therapy