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Cascades walk

Macquarie Pass National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Cascades walk.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

2km return

Time

45min - 1hr 15min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Flat

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

The trackhead is at the northern edge of Cascades picnic area. From Sydney and Wollongong:

  • Take the Princes Highway and Southern Freeway to the Illawarra Highway turnoff at Haywards Bay
  • Travel about 14km along the Illawarra Highway, which veers right in Albion Park, to Macquarie Pass National Park and the Cascades picnic area.

From Robertson:

  • Take the Illawarra Highway east to reach Macquarie Pass National Park and the Cascades picnic area

From Nowra:

  • Head north along the Princes Highway and turn west into Tongarra Road at Albion Park Rail
  • Travel about 15km along Tongarra Road , which becomes the Illawarra Highway, to Macquarie Pass National Park and the Cascades picnic area.

The main road used to access Macquarie Pass National Park is the Illawarra Highway which may close at times due to road works or accidents. For information on whether the Illawarra Highway is open, contact NSW Roads and Maritime Services on 13 22 13 or check Live Traffic NSW before you visit.

Parking

Parking is available at Cascades picnic area, including limited bus parking. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Macquarie Pass National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Take on some longer walks and see the lilly pillys fruiting.

Spring

Smell the sweet scent of flowering pittosporum and wattle throughout the park.

Summer

Walk in the cool of the rainforest and see the Illawarra flame trees and coachwoods in flower.

Winter

Enjoy the early wattle blooming at the edge of the forest and bring your binoculars for the bird activity of late winter.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

18°C and 25°C

Highest recorded

42.4°C

Winter temperature

Average

8°C and 18°C

Lowest recorded

2.3°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

304.4mm

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

River and lake safety

The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

  • Firewood may not be collected from the park, so you'll need to bring your own

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Cascades walk

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Park info