The Falls

Mullion Range State Conservation Area

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Overview

The Falls, near Summer Hill Creek in Mullion Range State Conservation Area, provide a scenic vista and popular swimming location.

Type
Lookouts
Please note
  • There is limited mobile reception in this park
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching

From the carpark by Ophir Road, follow Central Mines trail to The Falls at Summer Hill Creek for breathtaking views of the waterfalls. The falls are lovely all year around, but are particularly striking when water levels in the creek are high following heavy rainfall. At the bottom of these glorious waterfalls, you’ll find a tranquil swimming hole that makes the most perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. 

Summer Hill Creek is also a good spot for off bank fishing. 

Pack a picnic and drive to nearby Fourth Crossing picnic area, then take a walk along Historic Water Race walking track.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/the-falls/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about The Falls.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    The Falls is in the southern section of Mullion Range State Conservation Area. To get there:

    • Travel north east along Ophir Road for 14km to the Central Mines trail carpark.
    • From the carpark follow Central Mines trail for approximately 800m to The Falls Water Falls.
    • The waterfalls are not signposted so you may require a topographic map and compass, or a GPS to find the falls from the trail.

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available on Ophir Road at Central Mines trail carpark.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you at Mullion Range State Conservation Area. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    The cooler months are a great time for enjoying bushwalks, birdwatching and 4WD touring in the area.

    Spring

    Relax and dine al fresco surrounded by blooming wildflowers at Fourth Crossing picnic area.

    Summer

    Cool off with a splash in the creek or go trout fishing when the weather gets steamy.

    Winter

    The Falls are particularly striking when there are high levels of water in Summer Hill Creek following heavy rainfall.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    12°C and 28°C

    Highest recorded

    38.3°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    2°C and 13°C

    Lowest recorded

    -5.6°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    August

    Driest month

    April

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    98.6mm

    Facilities

    Toilets are located at Fourth Crossing picnic area, 2km north along Ophir Road.

    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.

    If you're bushwalking in this park, it's a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.

    Fishing safety

    Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

    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.

    Waterfall safety

    Waterfalls are beautiful destinations but please be safe when visiting these natural wonders. Read these waterfall safety tips before exploring waterfalls on your next walk.

    Permitted

    Swimming is permitted in the pool at the base of the waterfall.

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Prohibited

    Camp fires and solid fuel burners

    Gathering firewood

    Firewood may not be collected from the park.

    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.

    Learn more

    The Falls is in Mullion Range State Conservation Area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Striking scenic water landscapes

    The Falls Water Falls, Mullion Range State Conservation Area. Photo: Colin Adams

    A prominent feature of the landscape of this reserve is the mix of rocky outcrops and the waters of Summer Hill Creek.

    Good as gold

    Historic Water Race walking track, Mullion Range State Conservation Area. Photo: OEH

    Explore the past by discovering fascinating remnants of the Mullion's gold mining boom. From 1860 to 1920, intrepid gold mining pioneers created mining sites and a water race that was built by hand to transport water from the creek to the mining areas. 

    • Historic Water Race walking track Historic Water Race walking track, near Orange, is a medium-difficulty walk offering birdwatching and gold mining history as well as swimming and fishing along Summer Hill Creek.
    • The Falls The Falls, near Summer Hill Creek in Mullion Range State Conservation Area, provide a scenic vista and popular swimming location.

    Unique plant and birdlife

    Summer Hill Creek, Mullion Range State Conservation Area. Photo: OEH

    You may spot interesting wildlife here, like eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and wallaroos bounding through open fields. Gliders scurry among the treetops and platypus paddle their way along the creek. Large swathes of vegetation on the flatter areas of Mullion Range State Conservation Area have remained relatively undisturbed, thanks to the area's mining past. This means you can see a number of plant species and communities here that are rarely found elsewhere in central western NSW, including inland scribby gum, red stringybark and river oak. Mullion Range also provides habitat for many unique and interesting species of woodland birds, such as native parrots, including eastern rosellas and crimson rosellas, superb parrots in the springtime, and owls.

    • Fourth Crossing picnic area Fourth Crossing picnic area next to Summer Hill Creek, near Orange, is a great base for exploring gold mining history on walking tracks, swimming or trout fishing.
    • The Falls The Falls, near Summer Hill Creek in Mullion Range State Conservation Area, provide a scenic vista and popular swimming location.

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