Chasing Waterfalls: Get out there and visit the best falls near Newcastle
Written by: Odette Tonkin
There’s just something special about visiting a waterfall. Often found in the most naturally spectacular parts of the world, watching cascading water spill over rocks is equal parts adventure and escape (and would you believe waterfalls actually generate negative ions that chemically help us feel calmer, reduce our stress levels, and boost our immune systems? Bonus!).
With so many incredible waterfalls to walk to and swim at within an easy trip of Newcastle, why not pack a picnic and your walking boots and add a bit of waterfall action to your weekend agenda.
Newcastle
Even in the heart of the city of Newcastle, there are still pockets of bushland where walkers can enjoy some waterfall magic.
Glenrock Waterfalls, Glenrock State Conservation Area
Hike to the falls: Yuelarbah Track is a 6.8km return medium graded walk with steps and some bumpy spots. Allow 2-3 hours.
Close to Newcastle, you can’t go past Glenrock for a glimpse at a waterfall. Take the Yuelarbah Track and wander along Flaggy Creek through sections of rainforest and be rewarded with two waterfalls along the path. They aren’t huge but the tranquil setting will have you in a zen state in no time. Pack snacks and take a break at Glenrock Beach before heading back.
Swimming: Not in the waterfalls, but you can take a dip at nearby Burwood Beach (careful, this beach is unpartolled).
Perfect for: People who enjoy a leisurely walk with a side of waterfall thrown in, but please leave your furry friends at home.
Glenrock Waterfalls
Central Coast
Discover the hinterland of the Central Coast region and be rewarded with plenty of breathtaking bushwalks and waterfalls.
Somersby Falls, Brisbane Water National Park
Hike to the falls: 0.8km return medium graded walk with steps and a few steep patches. Allow 30mins.
Take the Somersby Falls walking track through lush rainforests, deep in Brisbane Water National Park and see spectacular cascading falls just a few minutes from Gosford. The track is an easy wander and there’s plenty of lookout spots along the way to admire the three levels of waterfalls. Pack the camera and keep an eye out for water dragons, frogs, and goannas plus plenty of native birds.
Swimming: After a hike down, a splash or paddle at the bottom of the falls is a welcome relief.
Perfect for: Families. There’s a picnic area at the start of the walking track which is great for a post-walk lunch but plan your trip outside of busy times as these falls are popular.
Kariong Brook Falls, Brisbane Water National Park
Hike to the falls: It’s a 4.6km return medium graded walk through the bush. Allow 1 hour 30mins.
Near Somersby Falls, Kariong Brook Falls are smaller but still worth the walk for that instant dose of calm that only nature can deliver. The trek down begins on a fire trail with the last section a steeper decline through the bush, where you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere. Impressive after a heavy rain, there’s plenty of unusual rock formations to explore no matter what the water flow.
Swimming: There’s a natural pool at the bottom of the falls perfect for a refreshing cool off so pack the swimmers.
Perfect for: The more adventurous weekend explorer and those wanting to visit a waterfall without the crowds of Somersby Falls.
Kariong Brook Waterfalls
Girrakool Loop Track Waterfalls, Brisbane Water National Park
Hike to the falls: It’s a 2km easy track to the falls with a bunch of scenic lookouts along the path. Allow 30-40mins.
This one’s an easy wander that starts and finishes at the Girrakool picnic area. A highlight at the beginning of the walk is an Aboriginal rock engraving site, then the trail meanders through the trees past the creek to the gentle trickling waterfall. Stop at the Illoura lookout and Andamira lookout where you can get up close to the refreshing pools. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in season and the odd goanna!
Swimming: Yes. If you take one of the sidetracks off the trail, there are few deeper pools to wallow in.
Perfect for: Those looking for a quicker hike to a waterfall without all the steps.
Gap Creek Falls, Watagans National Park
Hike to the falls: Although the track is only 1.4km, it’s a steep decline to the falls so best suited to those with the fitness to tackle the return climb. Allow 30mins – 1hour.
If you’re after the full rainforest waterfall experience that winds down through mossy rocks, under towering trees, this is it. Starting at Gap Creek campground where there’s toilets and BBQs, the steep decline can be hard on the knees (and going back up will test your endurance) but you’ll be rewarded with one of the tallest waterfalls near Newcastle – cascading more than 40 metres after rain.
Swimming: Bring your swimmers for a dip in the deep pool at the base of the falls. It’s always cold but invigorating!
Perfect for: Adventurers with moderate fitness levels looking for that waterfall wow factor.
Image credit: David Geoffrey Gosling Photography
Mid North Coast
The perfect weekend escape, the mid north coast combines stunning beaches with pristine rainforests and rivers, perfect for waterfall hunting.
Ellenborough Falls, Bulga State Forest
Hike to the falls: There’s a few ways to admire these falls – it’s 100 metres to the top waterfall lookout, 750 metres to The Knoll lookout which faces the falls straight on or 1.4 km return to the base of the falls. Allow between 10mins – 1.5 hours.
As the highest single drop waterfall in NSW, and within 3 hours of Newcastle, plan a weekend away on the mid north coast and add a trip to the stunning Ellenborough Falls as the highlight. Heading down the 641 steps to the bottom of the falls is worth the slow climb back up just to see the mesmerising scale of this waterfall and the beauty of the entire gorge.
Swimming: These falls are extremely powerful so swimming isn’t advised at the bottom pool but there is a top pool within 100 metres of the carpark where you can cool off.
Perfect for: Those looking for that perfect waterfall Insta shot. These falls are accessible to everyone and are breathtaking especially after a few days of rain.
Image credit: Barrington Coast
Upper Hunter
With kilometres of untouched forest and rainforest and wild rivers running through it all, the Upper Hunter is the perfect daytrip waterfall destination.
Polblue Falls, Barrington Tops State Conservation Area
Hike to the falls: It’s a 400m fairly flat walk through a unique subalpine forest landscape. Allow 30mins.
Starting at the Polblue Falls picnic area, the walk takes you along the picturesque Polblue Creek. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, you’ll be immersed in rare and threatened plant species and local wildlife like kangaroos and bush turkeys. Polblue Falls are the largest accessible falls on the Barrington Tops plateau, so you won’t regret ticking this waterfall off your do-see list.
Swimming: You can swim at the base of the falls but be mindful of slippery rocks and always check for submerged hazards in the water.
Perfect for: Families and those hoping for a shorter bushwalk to get to their waterfall reward.
Ladies Well, Chichester State Forest
Hike to the falls: One of the most easily accessible waterfalls within the region, this beautiful spot is metres off the main road. Allow a few minutes.
Nestled in the lush forest near the Barrington Tops’ foothills, Ladies Well makes the waterfall cut, even though its falls are more like cascades that spill over granite boulders, rather than a taller waterfall drop. There are three main pools, all crystal clear, so take your pick and feel your stresses disappear in this natural wonderland. This place can get busy on hot weekends and holidays so plan a trip outside of these times if you can.
Swimming: Ladies Well is very popular for swimming especially in summer but with easy accessibility and tons of beauty, it’s no wonder.
Perfect for: Visitors who are keen on a dip amongst the river cascades but be mindful of submerged rocks and the cool fresh water temps!
Credit: Visit NSW
Dundungra Falls, Chichester State Forest
Hike to the falls: It’s a 400-metre return walk that’s classified as hard, thanks to the many steep steps and slippery sections. Allow 30– 40mins.
It may only be a short walk to Dundungra Falls but the track down is a challenge thanks to the uneven surfaces, rock scrambling and steep, sloping terrain. If you’ve hiked before and are confident on your feet, then take this one on to discover a delicate waterfall with a 40metre drop that trickles over the rockface as the end prize. Perch on a boulder at the base and enjoy the calm.
Swimming: With only a very small pool at the base of the falls, your best bet for a dip is at nearby Ladies Well.
Perfect for: The more experienced adventurer that’s after a more challenging hike.
Problem Creek Falls, Chichester State Forest
Hike to the falls: A 3.6km return walk that’s rated moderate due to some steep patches. The walk can get very muddy underfoot after rain. Allow 1 hour.
This waterfall is a hidden gem within Chichester State Forest, where to get there, visitors wander through lush, green rainforest and over mossy rocks. There are a few steep spots to reach the falls, but once you arrive, you’ll be glad you made the walk. Heavy rains have washed some logs into the face of the falls, but this doesn’t take away from the sense of wonder that comes from enjoying this special spot.
Swimming: A beautiful clear pool for swimming at the base of Problem Creek Falls is the reward at the end of this walk.
Perfect for: Those looking for a secluded waterfall dip in a crystal-clear pool without the crowds.
Waterfall Walks
There’s nothing better than planning a mini outdoor adventure for when the weekend rolls around. Organise your next outing around a visit to one of the epic waterfalls within an easy drive of Newcastle and you’ll see nature in all its glory.
