Somersby Falls picnic area

Brisbane Water National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

A great place to picnic on the Central Coast, Somersby Falls picnic area is wheelchair accessible and offers barbecues and picnic tables in a lush rainforest setting, with waterfalls and a walking track.

Type
Picnic areas
Accessibility
Medium
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

7am to 8pm daylight savings time, or 7am to 6pm at all other times

What to
bring
Drinking water
Please note

Please don’t feed the local animals.

Somersby Falls picnic area is the perfect place to escape from everyday life. Enjoy your meal amidst lush rainforest that feels a million miles away, but in reality is so close to home. It’s a great place to picnic, with free barbecues and picnic tables and plenty of space to set up your own rug and chairs. There are also accessible walking tracks nearby, and it’s a short walk to view 3 levels of the cascading waterfalls.

Whether you picnic under the shade of tall trees at the far end of the carpark, or next to Floods Creek before it descends over the cascades, you’re bound to see a bird or two. Make sure you look out for the industrious brush turkeys that might be keen on sharing your lunch. In the warmer months, you might also see water dragons, skinks and goannas around lunch time. If you’re there early in the morning, keep an eye out for lyrebirds.

When you’ve enjoyed a tasty barbecue and feel like stretching your legs, try Somersby Falls walking track. It’s an 800m return walk through rainforest that takes in views of the top and bottom waterfalls. The walk is steep and slippery in places, so keep an eye on the kids as they walk along the track.

The picnic area is great for families, school groups and visitors with limited mobility. The best time to visit is on weekdays and outside of peak school holiday periods. It’s quieter and less crowded then, and a great place to find some peace and admire the gymea lilies and rainforest plants of this area.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see:

  • A family of four stops to admire the falls at the base of Somersby Falls walking track, Brisbane Water National Park. Credit: Stuart Cohen, Bottle Brush Media © DCCEEW

    Somersby Falls walking track

    Somersby Falls walking track in Brisbane Water National Park runs through rainforest to the bottom of Somersby Falls. It starts at Somersby Falls picnic area, a popular Central Coast rest stop near Gosford.

Map


Map legend

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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/picnic-areas/somersby-falls-picnic-area/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

  • in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Two picnic areas in this park – Girrakool picnic area and Somersby Falls picnic area – are closed in the evening. They are open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and 7am to 6pm 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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).
See more visitor info

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 Brisbane Water National Park, about 10km west of Gosford and 5mins from the M1 Motorway.

From Newcastle and Sydney:

  • Exit the M1 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

  • Parking is available at Somersby Falls picnic area, including 4 accessible parking spaces, with accessible signage clearly displayed.
  • The carpark opens at 7am every day and is locked at 8pm during daylight savings time and at 6pm at all other times.
  • It can be a busy place on the weekend and during summer so parking might be limited.
  • Small buses recommended. Drop off and pick up bay suited for small buses only. Bus parking off site. 
     

Facilities

Amenities

  • Separate facilities for males, females and people with reduced mobility
  • There are accessible doorways at least 850mm wide with lever handles.

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.

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Carpark

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 and some slopes where people with reduced mobility may need assistance.
  • The step-free outdoor pathways include a pathway from the carpark to the lookout.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Seats and resting points

There are accessible seats for people with reduced mobility.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Although native animals may appear harmless to humans, in many situations they can still be dangerous, particularly if they feel threatened. To ensure your safety, please give native animals plenty of space. Don't feed them and make sure that children are kept well away.

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.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

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.

Water activities

Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

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.

  • Take care following rain when there is fast moving water in the area.

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 and some grassy surfaces where people with reduced mobility may need assistance.
  • There's an accessible toilet
  • The 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

Camping

Gathering firewood

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

Somersby Falls picnic area is in Brisbane Water National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A haven for wildlife

Powerful owl. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

Brisbane Water National Park is home to an incredible 270 native animal species. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and bird life such as the threatened spotted tailed quoll, the rare glossy black cockatoo and powerful owl. You might be lucky enough to share a picnic at Girrakool picnic area with a few wallabies who love this peaceful place.

  • Brisbane Water Aboriginal cultural tour These school holidays, join an Aboriginal ranger on a family friendly guided tour in Brisbane Water National Park. Hear cultural stories as you walk along Doyles walking track, near Patonga.
  • Girrakool loop track A lovely way to finish a barbecue, the Girrakool loop track is a short and easy walk through bushland, featuring an Aboriginal rock engraving site and scenic waterfalls.
  • Great North walk stage 9: Rainforest walk Stage 9 of the Great North walk takes you into the temperate rainforest of Brisbane Water National Park. The 16km guided tour starts at Wondabyne Station and ends at Kariong.
  • Somersby Falls picnic area A great place to picnic on the Central Coast, Somersby Falls picnic area is wheelchair accessible and offers barbecues and picnic tables in a lush rainforest setting, with waterfalls and a walking track.
  • Somersby Falls walking track Somersby Falls walking track in Brisbane Water National Park runs through rainforest to the bottom of Somersby Falls. It starts at Somersby Falls picnic area, a popular Central Coast rest stop near Gosford.
  • The Earth’s environment Join The Earth's environment Geography excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) at Brisbane Water National Park, near Gosford. Students will discover how NSW National Parks safeguards over 10 per cent of land in NSW.
  • Tommos loop and Rocky Ponds cycling loop Mountain biking enthusiasts will enjoy the challenging Tommos loop and Rocky Ponds cycling loop, a 20km bushland ride taking in scenic Central Coast views.
Show more

A wonderland of wildflowers

Red spider flower in Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: Rosie Nicolai/OEH

Located 12km from Gosford, the park covers 12,000ha of rugged sandstone country, and boarders the Hawkesbury river, which feeds cascading waterfalls. The landscape is gorgeous all year round, especially from late winter to early spring when it comes alive with colourful wildflowers.

  • Brisbane Water Aboriginal cultural tour These school holidays, join an Aboriginal ranger on a family friendly guided tour in Brisbane Water National Park. Hear cultural stories as you walk along Doyles walking track, near Patonga.
  • Great North walk stage 10: Brisbane Water dreaming Complete the Great North walk challenge with the tenth and final leg of the series. You’ll walk 18km from Kariong to Somersby, exploring the serene waterways of Brisbane Water National Park.
  • Great North walk stage 9: Rainforest walk Stage 9 of the Great North walk takes you into the temperate rainforest of Brisbane Water National Park. The 16km guided tour starts at Wondabyne Station and ends at Kariong.
  • Warrah lookout Warrah lookout, offering scenic views of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River, is just a short walk from the carpark. It’s a great place to see Waratahs in season.

Ancient landscapes

Aboriginal rock carving, Girrakool Loop track, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

Aboriginal people in the area have a long association with the landscape of Brisbane Water National Park and much evidence of this remains today in the form of rock engravings, foreshore middens and rock paintings. The flat, exposed areas of Hawkesbury sandstone within the park provide an ideal 'canvas' for Aboriginal artists, and there are hundreds of rock engraving sites throughout the park. Aboriginal sites on Hawkesbury sandstone have a distinctive style of engraving which is unique in Australia. The Bulgandry Aboriginal engraving site at Kariong is an excellent example of rock art within the park and is easily accessible.

  • Aboriginal culture Bring your students to this unique excursion in Brisbane Water National Park, near Gosford. They’ll experience the park through the eyes of an Aboriginal person on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Aboriginal culture Geography excursion.
  • Brisbane Water Aboriginal cultural tour These school holidays, join an Aboriginal ranger on a family friendly guided tour in Brisbane Water National Park. Hear cultural stories as you walk along Doyles walking track, near Patonga.
  • Girrakool loop track A lovely way to finish a barbecue, the Girrakool loop track is a short and easy walk through bushland, featuring an Aboriginal rock engraving site and scenic waterfalls.
  • Somersby Falls picnic area A great place to picnic on the Central Coast, Somersby Falls picnic area is wheelchair accessible and offers barbecues and picnic tables in a lush rainforest setting, with waterfalls and a walking track.
  • Somersby Falls walking track Somersby Falls walking track in Brisbane Water National Park runs through rainforest to the bottom of Somersby Falls. It starts at Somersby Falls picnic area, a popular Central Coast rest stop near Gosford.
  • The Earth’s environment Join The Earth's environment Geography excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) at Brisbane Water National Park, near Gosford. Students will discover how NSW National Parks safeguards over 10 per cent of land in NSW.
Show more

Stretch your legs

Warrah lookout, Brisbane Water National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

Brisbane Water National Park offers great ways to get amongst nature. Why not hop on your mountain bike and get your adrenalin pumping along the Tommos loop and Rocky Ponds cycling route? Or you can wear out your walking shoes along the Girrakool loop walking track. For the more energetic, the park is a hikers delight. Longer treks range from an hour or two to overnight on sections of the Great North walk, which passes through the park on its way from Sydney to Newcastle.

  • Girrakool picnic area A great spot for a family picnic, Girrakool picnic area has barbecues, lots of green space to run around and a scenic walking track that features Aboriginal engravings.
  • Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park You’ll find the Wondabyne to Patonga and Patonga to Pearl Beach parts of the iconic Great North walk in Brisbane Water National Park. Take a short walk or overnight hike.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • Five pelicans stand at the beach shore in Bundjalung National Park as the sun rises. Photo: Nick Cubbin © DPE

    Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

    The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.

  • Koala. Photo: Lucy Morrell

    Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

    One of the most renowned Australian animals, the tree-dwelling marsupial koala can be found in gum tree forests and woodlands across eastern NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as in isolated regions in South Australia. With a vice-like grip, this perhaps most iconic but endangered Australian animal lives in tall eucalypts within a home range of several hectares.

  • A juvenile platypus saved by National Parks and Wildlife staff. Photo: M Bannerman/OEH

    Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

    One of the most fascinating and unusual Australian animals, the duck-billed platypus, along with the echidna, are the only known monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, in existence. The platypus is generally found in permanent river systems and lakes in southern and eastern NSW and east and west of the Great Dividing Range.

Plants

  • A red triangle slug on the trunk of a scribbly gum tree in Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold/OEH

    Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma)

    Easily identifiable Australian native plants, scribbly gum trees are found throughout NSW coastal plains and hills in the Sydney region. The most distinctive features of this eucalypt are the ‘scribbles’ made by moth larva as it tunnels between the layers of bark.

  • Close up photo of a waratah flower, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Simone Cottrell/OEH.

    Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)

    The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the best-known Australian native plants. This iconic Australian bush flower can be found on sandstone ridges around Sydney, in nearby mountain ranges and on the NSW South Coast. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, measuring up to 15cm across, and blossoms in spring.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)

School excursions (2)