The most epic falls in NSW will blow you away with sound, spray and spectacle
Come here to be impressed, not to undress to your budgie smugglers, because despite being totally awe-inspiring, Ebor Falls are too dangerous for a dip. In total, Ebor Falls drop 100m down steep cliffs and head down-river before the longer drop into the gorge below. All waterfalls, including Ebor Falls, are especially high in volume after rainfall, so serious waterfall chasers should keep an eye on the weather forecast. A bit of a mission at 7 hours from Sydney, this is one for the enthusiast.
Did you know: The Gumbaynggirr people, the first inhabitants of this area, named waterfalls Naan. gal.
Be an early adopter and check out this newly-declared National Park. For 70 years it was Sydney Water’s catchment area and was off limits to the public, to keep the water pristine for drinking. (And hey, let’s keep it that way and take our rubbish with us when we leave.) Other benefits: hundreds of adorable frogs of many species whose chirpy croaks echo around the park. The other plus? The walk to the falls is short, so you’ll have more time for framing the perfect shot or chowing down on a snack at the picnic area.
Did you know: Waterfalls can be dangerous places - don’t become a tragic statistic. Make sure you stay on the tracks, watch out for slippery rocks and never climb or jump off the waterfalls. Check out more detailed info on water safety and remember to always stay safe.
This spot feels truly prehistoric. The trail to Red Cedar Falls has vista views and a slow building roar as you inch closer and closer to the base of the magnificent falls. Located 1 hour and 20 minutes from Coffs Harbour, it's at the end of the Rosewood Creek track. You can access it from the Never Never picnic area, which has some of the oldest and most gigantic trees in the NSW. This one is great for a bit of cardio: it takes a committed 8km-return walk (or crawl, depending your level of fitness) to take you to the bottom of the highest falls in Dorrigo National Park.
A 1.8km walking loop takes you within misting distance of the twin drops of Gloucester Falls. (The first two rows will get wet.) The best part? Even at only 3 hours from Sydney, the park’s relative isolation has meant all manner of rare plants and animals live here. Watch out for wild platypus and lyrebirds, and be prepared to spot reclusive quolls and blue-flecked bowerbirds.
Minyon Falls is a choose-your-own-adventure waterfall, just an hour out of Byron Bay. After the 45 minute drive down narrow roads you can either hang at the lookout or take the 2 hour return hiking trip to the base of the falls. Either way, you’ll be greeted with water pouring over a ledge 100m high. Gnarly.
Past Wollongong in Morton National Park, these falls are one of NSW’s busiest tourist spots all year round, and for good reason. Take the West Rim walk for an easy stroll to plenty of lookouts that’ll leave your mouth agape at the raw power of these natural wonders. In contrast, the longer East Rim and Wildflower walking tracks dip into a bird-filled rainforest before climbing to a spectacular view over a 6.7km return trip. The main lookout is directly above the falls: unmissable for thrillseekers and slightly terrifying to those scared of heights.
The water in Wollomombi Falls takes a whopping 22 seconds to fall 260m from top to bottom – the same amount of time it would take you to pull out your phone right now and text your friends to organise a trip. The highest waterfall in NSW, Wollomombi Falls is housed in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, approx 3 hours west of Port Macquarie or 2 hours from Coffs Harbour. The prime spot to view this spectacular waterfall is the lookout, which is an easy walk from Wollomombi Falls picnic area. While you're there if you're keen for a walk, there's Chandler walking track or Wollomombi walking track, which both start from the picnic area.
