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Norfolk Falls walk

Coolah Tops National Park

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Overview

Norfolk Falls walk starts from Norfolk Falls picnic area, near Coolah. This short, steep walk ends at a lookout with stunning views of the largest waterfall in Coolah Tops National Park.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
1.1km return
Time suggested
45min - 1hr
Grade
Grade 3
What to
bring
Drinking water, suitable clothing, sturdy shoes, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, raincoat, snacks
Please note
  • Please take extreme care as some areas at the top of Norfolk Falls are unfenced.
  • Stay back from cliff edges at all times and ensure children are supervised.
  • Temperatures in Coolah Tops are about 5 degrees cooler than valleys below, bring appropriate clothing.

This 1.1km return walk is easily reached from Coolah, but will make you feel a million miles away.

Starting from Norfolk Falls picnic area, you’ll soon be surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the open forest with its rich birdlife. There are lots of steps as the track descends through the tall ribbon gums and grassy understorey, but there are plenty of places to rest along the way.

After around 20mins, you’ll reach Norfolk Falls lookout, perched atop the falls at the end of the track. The air fills with the sound of cascading water and you’ll be treated to stunning views of Norfolk Island Creek plunging 35m down black basalt cliffs into a natural pool.

The best spot to drink in the impressive views and take photos is the fenced lookout platform.

This area is brimming with wildlife. Look for bearded dragons sunning themselves on rocks, and crimson rosellas or red wattlebirds in the trees. You may even see a wedge tailed eagle. Keep an eye out for the wombat hole beside the track.

If you’re hungry for more, continue 1.4km along the track to Bald Hill Creek waterfall, then set up camp for the night at nearby Cox’s Creek or The Pines campground.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • At Norfolk Falls, water cascades over a steep rocky cliff set in bushland.  Photo: Nick Cubbin/DPIE

    Norfolk Falls picnic area

    Norfolk Falls picnic area is in Coolah Tops National Park near The Barracks and Coxs Creek campgrounds. It’s a lovely rest stop when exploring the park’s beautiful waterfalls, walks and lookouts.

  • Norfolk Island Creek cascades down a rocky cliff at Norfolk Falls lookout. Photo: Michael Sharp © Michael Sharp

    Norfolk Falls lookout

    Norfolk Falls lookout is located at the end of Norfolk Falls walk, in Coolah Tops National Park. It’s a great spot to view the cascading waterfall along Norfolk Island Creek, plunging 35m into a pool.

  • View over to Bald Hills waterfall, which tumbles over basalt rock formations, Coolah Tops National Park. Photo: Nicola Brookhouse © DPIE

    Bald Hill Creek Falls picnic area

    Bald Hill Creek Falls picnic area is in Coolah Tops National Park, near The Pines campground. It’s a great stop on the walk to Bald Hill waterfall, which cascades over basalt rock formations.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

 

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Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in a tree. Photo: Courtesy of Taronga Zoo/OEH

General enquiries

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Park info

  • in Coolah Tops National Park in the Country NSW region
  • Coolah Tops National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, fire danger or management operations. The eastern end of the park is regularly closed during wet weather due to slippery road conditions.

See more visitor info