11 of the most magical Blue Mountains waterfalls

Here are 11 Blue Mountains waterfalls worth the hike it takes to find them.

Be it a roaring torrent of white water tumbling into a ravine or a skinny stream cascading over a mossy staircase, it’s worth stopping to chase waterfalls on your next road trip to the Blue Mountains.

Katoomba Cascades, Katoomba

The path to Katoomba Cascades is tucked between family-favourite attraction Scenic World and Echo Point, considered the best spot in which to view the Three Sisters. It snakes upstream along a section of boardwalk that meanders through forests and ferns, plus a hauntingly beautiful hanging swamp.

There are stepping stones at the bottom of the falls and seating in the shade near to the pool, perfect for a post-hike picnic. The area also becomes illuminated at night as part of the Katoomba Falls Night-lit walk, arguably one of the coolest things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Distance: 254 m (return)
Duration: 15 minutes
Grade: Moderate

Katoomba Cascades in the Blue Mountains, NSW — Get up close to the stunning cascades. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bridal Veil Falls, Blackheath

Stride heroically towards Govetts Leap without breaking into a sweat to appreciate the view over Bridal Veil Falls, awarded this name due to being laid out like lace over the landscape. The waterfall, which is also known as Govetts Leap after Australian impressionist William Govett, thunders 180 metres down sheer sandstone escarpments.

For those staying in Blackheath, it’s at the top of the to-do list, thanks to the unforgettable views across the Grose Valley. If you want to explore the park further, take on the challenging Govetts Leap Descent, starting at the lookout.

Distance: 20 m (from carpark)
Duration: 1 minute
Grade: Easy

Bridal Veil Falls at Govetts Leap in Blackheath, NSW — The waterfall plunges 180 metres into the Grose Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

Silver Cascades, Mount Victoria

The steep track to Victoria Cascades requires a fair level of fitness. The zig-zagging path descends down the steep sandstone cliff to pretty Victoria Falls first, but veer off the track (there’s a sign labeled ‘Cascades’) and you’ll find one of the most beautiful of all the Blue Mountains waterfalls.

Pause for a picnic lunch, and if the weather permits, feel free ti jump in for a (very) refreshing dip. The way back up is a little longer and trickier, but all you need to do is follow your footsteps back to the car park.

Distance: 4 km (return)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Grade: Difficult

Silver Cascades, Victoria Falls, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW — This peaceful waterfall is perfect for a refreshing dip. (Image: Grant Purcell/DCCEEW)

Federal Falls, Lawson

The South Lawson Circuit walk takes in four waterfalls in the lovely town of Lawson. Start the walk to Federal Falls in Honour Avenue, about one kilometre south of the train station.

Wait until after rainfall to do the walk, which also loops in Adelina Falls, Junction Falls and Cataract Falls. The forest trail ends at the base of the the waterfall, where there’s a shallow pool. Listen carefully and you may hear lyrebirds mimicking the hum of the highway.

Distance: 2.5 km (return)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy

The South Lawson Walking Circuit in the Blue Mountains, NSW — Find Federal Falls via the South Lawson Circuit. (Image: Destination NSW)

Leura Cascades, Leura

Listen for the call of the wompa pigeon, which sounds like water bubbling down a blocked drain, or the wailing of catbirds hidden in the canopy as you wander your way to Leura Cascades. The trail collides with the Fern Bower track and there are many diversions to lookouts, where you can admire the soaring sandstone cliffs.

Savour the panorama along the Prince Henry Cliff walk until you get to the waterfall, which is worth the somewhat lengthy effort to get here. If you’re spending a few days in Leura, you should definitely add it to the itinerary.

Distance: 4.5 km (return)
Duration: 3 hours
Grade: Difficult

Leura Cascades, Blue Mountains, NSW — Visit the Leura Cascades via a nature-fuelled walking trail. (Image: Craig Marshall/DCCEEW)

Kalang Falls, Oberon

Head a little further out towards the tiny town of Oberon to visit Kalang Falls, deep in the lesser-known Kanangra-Boyd National Park. From the carpark, follow the Lookout Walk past ancient rock formations until you reach the lookout, which offers incredible views.

Once you’ve snapped a few photos, continue on down the rocky trail and you’ll find Kalang Falls. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, as the fern-lined pool at the bottom is large and very inviting. Be prepared – the icy waters might take your breath away!

Distance: 3 km (return)
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Moderate

Kalang Falls in Kanangra-Boyd National Park near Oberon, NSW — Kalang Falls is a great spot for a refreshing dip. (Image: Destination NSW)

Linda Falls, Leura

Linda Falls is the loveliest of the three waterfalls dotted along the circuit that extends from Kiah Lookout. To get to the falls, which cascade 10 metres down into a pretty pool, you must first cross the footbridge near Lila Falls.

If you want to include Marguerite Cascades too, it’s another 10-20 minutes of walking time after you reach Linda Falls. The ideal time to hit the trail, which curls around the Echo Tree and Flat Rock Lookout, is between late autumn and early spring.

Distance: 3 km (return)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Grade: Difficult

Wentworth Falls

Bring your binoculars with you on the walk to Wentworth Falls and keep your eyes peeled for native flora and fauna while breathing in the fresh air. Follow the path along the top to take in scenic Jamison Valley views, then take on the 200-step descent to reach Fletchers lookout.

The shallow pools are breathtaking, and the faceful of fresh mist you cop at the bottom will cool you down immediately. Snap an essential selfie so you can remember your time hiking one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains.

Distance: 1.4 km (return)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Moderate

Wentworth Falls Walking Track, Blue Mountains, NSW — You’ll see the top of the waterfall first along the walking track. (Image: Destination NSW)

Minnehaha Falls, Katoomba

This waterfall has wow factor, in fact, it is considered one of the best ways to spend time in Katoomba. Minnehaha Falls cascades for 20 metres over slabs of sandstone, sandwiched together over a pool surrounded by a rich mosaic of greens.

The walk into Minnehaha, named by a Victorian settler after Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota, is popular with local families who come to cool off in the summer. There’s even a rope swing and platform to jump off, but be sure to check the water’s depth beforehand.

Distance: 2.5 km (return)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Moderate

Empress Falls, Wentworth Falls

The walk to Empress Falls from the Conservation Hut car park starts off down a steep path of timber steps before opening out above the Valley of the Waters. The stairs make for an enjoyable feat of mountaineering and the path allows a few slight detours to lookouts suited for lingering.

Curve around the valley until you reach a rainforest walk that crosses a creek punctuated with stepping stones. After heavy rainfall you’ll hear the waterfall before you see it. Reward yourself with a light post-prandial lunch back at the Conservation Hut.

Distance: 2 km (return)
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Moderate

Empress Falls in the Blue Mountains, NSW — Empress Falls is a popular with tourists and locals alike. (Image: Destination NSW)

Horseshoe Falls, Hazelbrook

Wear sturdy hiking boots to make the trek to Horseshoe Falls in Hazelbrook. Start your walk to the falls on Oaklands Road, and be sure to stick to the path which includes large stairs with steep drops either side.

Hug the water’s edge for the most direct route to the waterfall and, when you get there, duck behind the curtain of water to explore a cave with a soaring ceiling. Head to the falls after dark and you’ll find it twinkling with glow worms.

Distance: 2 km (return)
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Moderate

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

The most magical Blue Mountains waterfalls