Cascades walking track and viewing platform
Wadbilliga National Park
Overview
Cascades walking track takes you to a viewing platform with scenic views of the spectacular Tuross River, which cascades into a refreshing pool that’s ideal for a summer swim.
- Distance
- 0.8km return
- Time suggested
- 30min - 1hr
- Grade
- Grade 3
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, suitable clothing
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
- A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters
- There is no mobile reception at the Cascades precinct and very limited mobile reception in this park.
- If you are bushwalking in this park it is a good idea to bring a topographic map, compass and a GPS.
- Check the weather before you set out as the road to Cascades can become boggy when it rains.
- For more information, please contact the Bombala office on (02) 6458 4080 between 9am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday.
A short easy walk takes you to a viewing platform where you can watch the spectacular Tuross River tumble over boulders into a beautiful pool that makes for a gorgeous spot where you can swim, splash and cool down on a hot summer’s day.
The pool is surrounded by a diverse range of plant life, from dwarf she-oaks and stunted mallee formed eucalypts on the dry ridge tops, to majestic white trunked ribbon gums on the river banks. Greater gliders can be spotlighted at night. You may also be lucky enough to see some of the larger owls such as the powerful owl and sooty owl, which depend on gliders for prey. There is also an abundance of other birds in the area.
This tranquil swimming hole has good gravel road access, as well as picnic facilities, making it a perfect spot for a day trip getaway.
Map
Map legend
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/walking-tracks/cascades-walking-track-and-viewing-platform/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Wadbilliga National Park in the South Coast and Snowy Mountains regions
Wadbilliga National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Cascades walking track and viewing platform.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
0.8km return
Time
30min - 1hr
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Many steps
Quality of path
Formed track
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Cascades walking track is in the Cascades precinct of the Wadbilliga National Park. To get there From Canberra:
- Head south towards Cooma on the Monaro Highway. Exit just north of Cooma, turning left onto Polo Flat Road and then left again after crossing the train line onto Numeralla Road.
- Follow this for about 40 minutes, then turn right onto Badja Forest Road, which turns onto a dirt road immediately after the turn-off.
- From here, follow the signs to Cascades by turning right onto Peters Road and then right onto Tuross Falls Road.
Follow the Tuross Falls Road to the end, where you will find a parking area.
Parking
Parking is available on Main Road, a short walk from the walking track.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Wadbilliga National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Walk to Tuross River Falls now that the days are getting a bit cooler. Or, follow one of the many unsealed roads through Wadbilliga on a mountain bike.
Spring
Walk to Turross River Falls for a great half-day adventure. Or, take a back-country hike to Wadbilliga Trig.
Summer
Lilo and swim in the many gorgeous pools at the cascades. Camp at the Cascades and watch for greater gliders at night.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
8°C and 23°C
Highest recorded
38.3°C
Winter temperature
Average
-3°C and 10°C
Lowest recorded
-10.5°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
December
Driest month
August
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
256mm
Maps and downloads
Permitted
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
- You are encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
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.
Learn more
Cascades walking track and viewing platform is in Wadbilliga National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A botanist's wonderland
Wadbilliga has many impressive examples of open forest, woodland, heath, swamp, bogs and numerous pockets of rainforest. There are some rare species of eucalypt and acacia that do not occur anywhere else. In the Wadbilliga Valley, yellow box and forest red gum can be seen, while on the ridge tops tower large stands of silvertop ash with snow gums at high altitudes. The Wadbilliga Plateau also has dwarf she-oaks and rare stunted mallee eucalypts.
- Cascades walking track and viewing platform Cascades walking track takes you to a viewing platform with scenic views of the spectacular Tuross River, which cascades into a refreshing pool that’s ideal for a summer swim.
A glimpse of gold mining history
The surrounding area has a variety of artefacts, structures and features that hark back to gold and silver mining eras, as well as the early forestry history of the local area. Today, visitors can still view various mining remains that are evidence of once arduous searches for gold and other precious materials.
A natural animal sanctuary
Due to the rugged and isolated nature of the park, animal populations here have remained relatively undisturbed. Many of the park's animals are large marsupials such as swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos and wombats. There are also possums, platypuses and echidnas and one of the biggest greater glider populations in all of Australia. The birdlife is varied too, with over 120 native species. Lyrebirds are common as are many colourful and tuneful bush birds.
- Cascades walking track and viewing platform Cascades walking track takes you to a viewing platform with scenic views of the spectacular Tuross River, which cascades into a refreshing pool that’s ideal for a summer swim.
- Tuross Falls walking track Turross Falls walking track is a medium difficulty 4km bushwalk at Wadbilliga National Park featuring scenic views, waterfalls, picnicking opportunities and birdwatching.
Aboriginal cultural heritage
The Yuin people consider Wadbilliga National Park a sacred place and many sites in the park are strongly associated with Dreamtime stories. The dissected, rugged escarpment contains a network of bridle tracks that follow both high country and river courses, which Aboriginal people originally used. The bridle tracks are also the most tangible historical link with the first Europeans in the area and were used for transporting produce and moving stock from one location to another. The park is abundant in traditional foods and medicines.