Somersby Falls walking track
Brisbane Water National Park
Overview
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.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 0.8km return
- Time suggested
- 30 - 36min
- Grade
- Grade 3
- 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, hat, sunscreen
Somersby Falls walking track winds down to the bottom of the falls, along a graceful 800m return path. There are lookout stops along the way that take in views of the 3 levels of cascading waterfalls. This is a great walk at any time of year, but it really shines in the summer months, when the cool spray offers a respite from the heat, and after heavy rains, when the falls are particularly striking.
Be sure to bring your camera and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including water dragons, frogs and goannas. There are gymea lilies and rainforest plants as well. If you look up, you may even spot a kookaburra – birdwatching is terrific here, so bring binoculars if you have them. During spring and summer, keep and eye out for water dragons, skinks and brush turkeys around lunch time. If you’re there early in the morning, you may see local lyrebirds.
This walking track is great for families and school groups. It’s quieter and less crowded on weekdays and outside of peak school holiday periods. After visiting the bottom of the falls, return to the picnic area and enjoy the rest of the day in the cool shade of a tree over a long lunch.
Also see:
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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.
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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
Operated by
- Girrakool office
- Monday to Friday, hours vary.
- 02 4320 4200
- npws.centralcoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 59 Girrakool Rd, Somersby, NSW 2250
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.
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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
What's nearby:
Things to do (21)
- Aboriginal culture (4)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (10)
- Canoeing/paddling (1)
- Cycling (2)
- Historic heritage (2)
- Horse riding (3)
- Photography (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (5)
- Sightseeing (11)
- Walking (14)
- Waterfalls (5)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (5)