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Somersby Falls picnic area

Brisbane Water National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Somersby Falls picnic area.

Getting there and parking

Somersby Falls is located in the northern section of the park, about 5km north of the Girrakool picnic area and the F3.

From Newcastle and Sydney:

  • Exit the F3 at the Central Coast Highway towards Gosford

From Gosford:

  • Take the Central Coast Highway past Kariong
  • Turn onto Wisemans Ferry Road
  • Take the second left onto Somersby Falls Road
  • The picnic area is at the end of Somersby Falls Road

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

  • There are 3 asphalt carparks at Somersby Falls picnic area. 
  • The carparks open at 9am every day and are locked at 8pm during daylight savings and at 5pm all other times. 
  • It can be a busy place on the weekend and during summer so parking might be limited.

Facilities

Toilets

There's an accessible toilet that can be reached via a paved stone pathway.

Picnic tables

The picnic tables are set on concrete slabs and are located along stone pathways or relatively flat grassy areas.

Step-free access

  • The picnic area is mostly flat
  • There's step-free access from the carpark along paved stone pathways.
  • At some points there are short, steep ramps where people with reduced mobility may need assistance.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

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.

  • The walk is steep and slippery in places, so keep an eye on the kids as they walk along the track.

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).

Outback safety

Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

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 - medium

  • The picnic area is mostly flat with step-free access from the carpark along paved stone pathways.
  • At some points there are short, steep ramps where people with reduced mobility may need assistance.
  • There's an accessible toilet
  • Picnic tables are accessible and located along stone pathways or relatively flat grassy areas.
  • There's a stone pathway that leads to the edge of Floods Creek, just before it descends over the first waterfall with views of the creek.

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

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.

Somersby Falls picnic area

Park info

  • in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Two picnic areas in Brisbane Water National Park close in the evening:

    • Girrakool picnic area is open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 7am to 6pm at other times
    • Somersby Falls picnic area is open 8am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 8am to 5pm at other times

    Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

     

     

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.

    Other fees:

    You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.

    Buy annual pass