11 of the most magical Blue Mountains waterfalls

Here are 11 Blue Mountains waterfalls worth the hike it takes to find them.

Be it a roaring torrent of white water tumbling into a ravine or a skinny stream cascading over a mossy staircase, it’s worth stopping to chase waterfalls on your next road trip to the Blue Mountains.

Katoomba Cascades, Katoomba

The path to Katoomba Cascades is tucked between family-favourite attraction Scenic World and Echo Point, considered the best spot in which to view the Three Sisters. It snakes upstream along a section of boardwalk that meanders through forests and ferns, plus a hauntingly beautiful hanging swamp.

There are stepping stones at the bottom of the falls and seating in the shade near to the pool, perfect for a post-hike picnic. The area also becomes illuminated at night as part of the Katoomba Falls Night-lit walk, arguably one of the coolest things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Distance: 254 m (return)
Duration: 15 minutes
Grade: Moderate

Katoomba Cascades in the Blue Mountains, NSW — Get up close to the stunning cascades. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bridal Veil Falls, Blackheath

Stride heroically towards Govetts Leap without breaking into a sweat to appreciate the view over Bridal Veil Falls, awarded this name due to being laid out like lace over the landscape. The waterfall, which is also known as Govetts Leap after Australian impressionist William Govett, thunders 180 metres down sheer sandstone escarpments.

For those staying in Blackheath, it’s at the top of the to-do list, thanks to the unforgettable views across the Grose Valley. If you want to explore the park further, take on the challenging Govetts Leap Descent, starting at the lookout.

Distance: 20 m (from carpark)
Duration: 1 minute
Grade: Easy

Bridal Veil Falls at Govetts Leap in Blackheath, NSW — The waterfall plunges 180 metres into the Grose Valley. (Image: Destination NSW)

Silver Cascades, Mount Victoria

The steep track to Victoria Cascades requires a fair level of fitness. The zig-zagging path descends down the steep sandstone cliff to pretty Victoria Falls first, but veer off the track (there’s a sign labeled ‘Cascades’) and you’ll find one of the most beautiful of all the Blue Mountains waterfalls.

Pause for a picnic lunch, and if the weather permits, feel free ti jump in for a (very) refreshing dip. The way back up is a little longer and trickier, but all you need to do is follow your footsteps back to the car park.

Distance: 4 km (return)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Grade: Difficult

Silver Cascades, Victoria Falls, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW — This peaceful waterfall is perfect for a refreshing dip. (Image: Grant Purcell/DCCEEW)

Federal Falls, Lawson

The South Lawson Circuit walk takes in four waterfalls in the lovely town of Lawson. Start the walk to Federal Falls in Honour Avenue, about one kilometre south of the train station.

Wait until after rainfall to do the walk, which also loops in Adelina Falls, Junction Falls and Cataract Falls. The forest trail ends at the base of the the waterfall, where there’s a shallow pool. Listen carefully and you may hear lyrebirds mimicking the hum of the highway.

Distance: 2.5 km (return)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy

The South Lawson Walking Circuit in the Blue Mountains, NSW — Find Federal Falls via the South Lawson Circuit. (Image: Destination NSW)

Leura Cascades, Leura

Listen for the call of the wompa pigeon, which sounds like water bubbling down a blocked drain, or the wailing of catbirds hidden in the canopy as you wander your way to Leura Cascades. The trail collides with the Fern Bower track and there are many diversions to lookouts, where you can admire the soaring sandstone cliffs.

Savour the panorama along the Prince Henry Cliff walk until you get to the waterfall, which is worth the somewhat lengthy effort to get here. If you’re spending a few days in Leura, you should definitely add it to the itinerary.

Distance: 4.5 km (return)
Duration: 3 hours
Grade: Difficult

Leura Cascades, Blue Mountains, NSW — Visit the Leura Cascades via a nature-fuelled walking trail. (Image: Craig Marshall/DCCEEW)

Kalang Falls, Oberon

Head a little further out towards the tiny town of Oberon to visit Kalang Falls, deep in the lesser-known Kanangra-Boyd National Park. From the carpark, follow the Lookout Walk past ancient rock formations until you reach the lookout, which offers incredible views.

Once you’ve snapped a few photos, continue on down the rocky trail and you’ll find Kalang Falls. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, as the fern-lined pool at the bottom is large and very inviting. Be prepared – the icy waters might take your breath away!

Distance: 3 km (return)
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Moderate

Kalang Falls in Kanangra-Boyd National Park near Oberon, NSW — Kalang Falls is a great spot for a refreshing dip. (Image: Destination NSW)

Linda Falls, Leura

Linda Falls is the loveliest of the three waterfalls dotted along the circuit that extends from Kiah Lookout. To get to the falls, which cascade 10 metres down into a pretty pool, you must first cross the footbridge near Lila Falls.

If you want to include Marguerite Cascades too, it’s another 10-20 minutes of walking time after you reach Linda Falls. The ideal time to hit the trail, which curls around the Echo Tree and Flat Rock Lookout, is between late autumn and early spring.

Distance: 3 km (return)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Grade: Difficult

Wentworth Falls

Bring your binoculars with you on the walk to Wentworth Falls and keep your eyes peeled for native flora and fauna while breathing in the fresh air. Follow the path along the top to take in scenic Jamison Valley views, then take on the 200-step descent to reach Fletchers lookout.

The shallow pools are breathtaking, and the faceful of fresh mist you cop at the bottom will cool you down immediately. Snap an essential selfie so you can remember your time hiking one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains.

Distance: 1.4 km (return)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Moderate

Wentworth Falls Walking Track, Blue Mountains, NSW — You’ll see the top of the waterfall first along the walking track. (Image: Destination NSW)

Minnehaha Falls, Katoomba

This waterfall has wow factor, in fact, it is considered one of the best ways to spend time in Katoomba. Minnehaha Falls cascades for 20 metres over slabs of sandstone, sandwiched together over a pool surrounded by a rich mosaic of greens.

The walk into Minnehaha, named by a Victorian settler after Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota, is popular with local families who come to cool off in the summer. There’s even a rope swing and platform to jump off, but be sure to check the water’s depth beforehand.

Distance: 2.5 km (return)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Moderate

Empress Falls, Wentworth Falls

The walk to Empress Falls from the Conservation Hut car park starts off down a steep path of timber steps before opening out above the Valley of the Waters. The stairs make for an enjoyable feat of mountaineering and the path allows a few slight detours to lookouts suited for lingering.

Curve around the valley until you reach a rainforest walk that crosses a creek punctuated with stepping stones. After heavy rainfall you’ll hear the waterfall before you see it. Reward yourself with a light post-prandial lunch back at the Conservation Hut.

Distance: 2 km (return)
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Moderate

Empress Falls in the Blue Mountains, NSW — Empress Falls is a popular with tourists and locals alike. (Image: Destination NSW)

Horseshoe Falls, Hazelbrook

Wear sturdy hiking boots to make the trek to Horseshoe Falls in Hazelbrook. Start your walk to the falls on Oaklands Road, and be sure to stick to the path which includes large stairs with steep drops either side.

Hug the water’s edge for the most direct route to the waterfall and, when you get there, duck behind the curtain of water to explore a cave with a soaring ceiling. Head to the falls after dark and you’ll find it twinkling with glow worms.

Distance: 2 km (return)
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Moderate

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

The most magical Blue Mountains waterfalls