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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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