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

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

The most magical Blue Mountains waterfalls