I think it is pretty safe to say almost everyone one loves waterfalls, I mean I have never met someone who doesn't. There is something magical about them, and swimming at the base of one is always fun!
Because of this we have put together our favourite collection of waterfalls on the east coast of NSW, and following this list will make the best road trip! Start in Sydney and chase waterfalls up to Byron Bay, yes please.
Somersby falls
This beautiful waterfall is in the Brisbane waters national park, 2.5 hours above Sydney. It is located in Somersby on the central coast and has extremely easy access. It also has a picnic area with free BBQs and a lot of grass to throw your picnic rugs. It is very easy to walk right up to the falls, and has a shallow pool at the bottom. Sounded by rainforest it is easy to lay in the shade of the trees and listen to the water for hours.
The only downside is it can get very busy in the middle of summer. If that is the case, there is a bonus waterfall just down the road! We suggest heading 10 min down the road to the Girakool picnic area, a little picnic spot that has free BBQs a grass area and you will often see little wallabies on the grass here. Take the Girakool loop track and walk down to a beautiful waterfall (picture bellow). This picnic area is not as close to this spot, but it usually has less people because of this. It is easy to view the from the top but a bit more difficult to go to the bottom of the falls.
Ladies Well
This natural playground is in the Chichester state forest, 2 hours from Newcastle. Admittedly this is not technically a waterfall but are cascades. This picturesque waterhole is somewhere you can relax or take a swim in the cool Allen river. This is something of a natural water playground. There are natural water slides you can go down, some great jump rocks to leap from, a rope swing and a small overhang that makes you feel like you are in a cave. This would be great for a day in the hot sun, but please remember that you can not bring any glass there if you are planing on taking lunch.
Waitui Falls
Waitui Falls is located in the Waitui Falls Comboyne State Forest, one hour from Port Macquarie. There is no sign to show you the entrance, but there is a widening of the road to give space for parking. It is a 100m walk from the road to this beautiful falls. There is a picnic table to use at the bottom, but we would suggest taking a picnic rug and walking to the rock wall near the river, a much nicer outlook. there is a smooth sand bottom and no sharp rocks when getting in or out so it perfect for barefoot. A great local tip: 1o minutes down the road is a pick your own blueberry farm!
Dangars Falls
Dangars Falls is in the Dorrigo National Park, and is one hour west of Coffs Harbour. There is ample parking, a viewing platform at the top and a walking trail that will take you right to the bottom of the falls. Down at the bottom you can have a picnic and a refreshing swim, or you can use the picnic tables at the top. This 30 meter waterfall is impressive and wonderful for taking photos! Also the drive from Coffs Harbour to Dorrigo along Waterfall Way is beautiful and worth the drive in its self. This area is full of amazing views, and spectacular walking trails. The Dorrigo national park is worth really exploring, you will find so much to love there.
Killen Falls
Killen Falls is located 25 min outside of Byron Bay in Killen Falls Nature Reserve. This beautiful swimming spot is perfect with some deeper sections as well as much shallower waters. There is a cave behind the falls that you can sit in the shade and enjoy the water falling over the edge. There is a boardwalk to a viewing platform at the top and a nice picnic area as well. If you like rock climbing there is also a bit of bouldering to enjoy here. To access the bottom of the waterfall you will need to get off the main track when the path bends near the top of the falls. By jumping a fence there is another trail that will take you down to the swimming hole.
We know there are so many more great waterfalls then what we have here. If you think we missed an amazing one that should be on this list let us know, we will check them and hopefully add them!
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