A spectacular waterfall in the Southern Highlands
How to get to the Southern Highlands NSW:
The best place to base yourself for a Southern Highlands waterfall adventure is the small town of Robertson. Located just over 2hrs south-west of the Sydney CBD, or 50 minutes from Wollongong. Whilst public transport is available in the highlands region, it does not take you to many of the locations listed - so it is recommended to have your own vehicle to access the waterfalls. I have found that all of the roads are generally well maintained, but as the region does receive a high annual rainfall total, potholes can form, and road conditions can change quickly. Only one stop on the below list is accessed via a gravel road, but it is suitable for 2WD vehicles.
When To Visit Southern Highlands For Waterfalls:
As with all New South Wales waterfalls, these are best visited after some decent and consistent rainfall! The Southern Highlands Region receives most of its annual rainfall totals in the summer & autumn months (specifically November-April), although it is not uncommon to have rain in all the other months of the year too. I personally found April to be a great time of year to see all of the waterfalls in full-force. This area is known to experience extreme variations in annual rainfall, with some years bringing drought, others bringing floods and widespread rain. With this in mind, it is worthwhile contacting the Southern Highlands Visitor Centre for information on recent rainfall to determine if the waterfalls are worth visiting.
5 Must-See Waterfalls In The Southern Highlands:
Minnamurra Falls in Budderoo National Park.
1. Minnamurra Falls.
Minnamurra Falls may not be the tallest waterfall on this list, but it is the most unique, with it's lush rainforest surroundings. On the way to the main waterfall you will pass multiple other, smaller cascades.
To get to Minnamurra Falls park at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre - at the end of Minnamurra Falls Road in Jamberoo. It is a 31 minute drive from Robertson, or just 8 minutes from Jamberoo. It is possible to catch a bus or taxi to this location.
The Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is open from 9am to 4pm daily, and is closed on Christmas Day. This is one of two waterfalls in the list that require an entry fee to visit - the price at time of writing is $12 per vehicle per day (paid via the self-serve machines in parking area), or $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child if travelling via public transport.
There are multiple walks that start here, but to see the falls you need to follow the 4.2km "Minnamurra Falls Walk". The hike is steep with an elevation gain close to 200m, but it is along an elevated boardwalk or paved pathway for the majority. The walk itself is as beautiful as the destination - I recommend taking your time and allowing a minimum of 2hrs to take in all of the sights and sounds of the rainforest. There are multiple viewing points and rest areas along the way before you arrive at the viewing platform for Minnamurra Falls. If you are lucky you might even see or hear a lyrebird.
Parts of Minnamurra Rainforest are accessible via wheelchair, but this does not include waterfall, as it is a steep climb. This is a great family-friendly hike near Sydney!
Flushing toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, and light refreshments are available for purchase.
To get to Minnamurra Falls park at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre - at the end of Minnamurra Falls Road in Jamberoo. It is a 31 minute drive from Robertson, or just 8 minutes from Jamberoo. It is possible to catch a bus or taxi to this location.
The Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is open from 9am to 4pm daily, and is closed on Christmas Day. This is one of two waterfalls in the list that require an entry fee to visit - the price at time of writing is $12 per vehicle per day (paid via the self-serve machines in parking area), or $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child if travelling via public transport.
There are multiple walks that start here, but to see the falls you need to follow the 4.2km "Minnamurra Falls Walk". The hike is steep with an elevation gain close to 200m, but it is along an elevated boardwalk or paved pathway for the majority. The walk itself is as beautiful as the destination - I recommend taking your time and allowing a minimum of 2hrs to take in all of the sights and sounds of the rainforest. There are multiple viewing points and rest areas along the way before you arrive at the viewing platform for Minnamurra Falls. If you are lucky you might even see or hear a lyrebird.
Parts of Minnamurra Rainforest are accessible via wheelchair, but this does not include waterfall, as it is a steep climb. This is a great family-friendly hike near Sydney!
Flushing toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, and light refreshments are available for purchase.
2. Belmore Falls.
Belmore Falls is not only one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Southern Highlands, but in all of NSW! Located in Morton National Park - this multi-tiered waterfall drops 160m in total into the valley below, with a third tier hidden just out of sight.
It is best accessed via a 12 minute drive along Belmore Falls Rd from South St in Robertson. Accessing Belmore Falls Rd from the Pearsons Ln/Myra Vale Rd side will require you to drive across the river via a concrete causeway, which often has water flowing over the top of it (especially if the waterfall is flowing well).
That is the route that Google Maps took me on my first visit - insisting that the access road from Robertson was closed - but on arrival I realised that was incorrect. If you go from the Myra Vale Rd side, there is not enough space to turn around at the creek crossing, and if you decide not to drive through, you would need to reverse a fair way back to turn around.
The road from either direction does become unsealed at some point, but it seems to be fairly well maintained. Take care when passing other vehicles as the edges can be very soft and give way. Belmore falls is free to access! There is a good amount of parking at the end of the Hindmarsh/Belmore Falls access trail.
Unfortunately, hiking to the base of the waterfall is now prohibited, and in peak periods people have received infringements for ignoring signage. Fortunately, there are multiple lookouts along a short walk that safely follows along near the cliff-line, offering great views into the valley, and of the impressive multi-tiered Belmore Falls.
There are drop toilets and picnic tables available near the Hindmarsh Lookout parking area.
See Live Traffic NSW for the latest updates on road closures/conditions.
It is best accessed via a 12 minute drive along Belmore Falls Rd from South St in Robertson. Accessing Belmore Falls Rd from the Pearsons Ln/Myra Vale Rd side will require you to drive across the river via a concrete causeway, which often has water flowing over the top of it (especially if the waterfall is flowing well).
That is the route that Google Maps took me on my first visit - insisting that the access road from Robertson was closed - but on arrival I realised that was incorrect. If you go from the Myra Vale Rd side, there is not enough space to turn around at the creek crossing, and if you decide not to drive through, you would need to reverse a fair way back to turn around.
The road from either direction does become unsealed at some point, but it seems to be fairly well maintained. Take care when passing other vehicles as the edges can be very soft and give way. Belmore falls is free to access! There is a good amount of parking at the end of the Hindmarsh/Belmore Falls access trail.
Unfortunately, hiking to the base of the waterfall is now prohibited, and in peak periods people have received infringements for ignoring signage. Fortunately, there are multiple lookouts along a short walk that safely follows along near the cliff-line, offering great views into the valley, and of the impressive multi-tiered Belmore Falls.
There are drop toilets and picnic tables available near the Hindmarsh Lookout parking area.
See Live Traffic NSW for the latest updates on road closures/conditions.
Belmore Falls in Morton National Park.
Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park.
3. Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls plummets over 80m from the sandstone escarpment into the valley below. This impressive waterfall is one of the most popular in the region for good reason.
To get here, park at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre in Morton National Park ($4 per vehicle, per day). The visitor centre is located at 1301 Nowra Road, Fitzroy Falls, NSW, 2577, a 16 minute drive from Robertson. Whilst the visitor centre has opening hours of 9am to 4pm daily (closed Christmas Day), access to the carpark and falls remains open outside of these hours.
There are two main walking tracks that begin at the visitor centre: the East Rim Walking Track, and the West Rim Walking Track. The West Rim Walking Track offers better views of the waterfall itself. From the car park, it is approximately a 250m walk along a boardwalk/paved pathway to a lookout at the top of the falls. This is as close as you can get to the waterfall, and the lookout offers great views down into the valley below. To get a better view of the entire waterfall (including the lower section) continue down the trail for approximately another 400m to the Jersey Lookout. After the first lookout, the boardwalk ends and you will be walking along a more typical hiking trail, which can become muddy after rain.
This second lookout is, in my opinion, the best place to view Fitzroy Falls.
There are many facilities available at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, including flushing toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, and even a cafe. The visitor centre and first lookout on the West Rim Walking Track are wheelchair accessible.
There are two main walking tracks that begin at the visitor centre: the East Rim Walking Track, and the West Rim Walking Track. The West Rim Walking Track offers better views of the waterfall itself. From the car park, it is approximately a 250m walk along a boardwalk/paved pathway to a lookout at the top of the falls. This is as close as you can get to the waterfall, and the lookout offers great views down into the valley below. To get a better view of the entire waterfall (including the lower section) continue down the trail for approximately another 400m to the Jersey Lookout. After the first lookout, the boardwalk ends and you will be walking along a more typical hiking trail, which can become muddy after rain.
This second lookout is, in my opinion, the best place to view Fitzroy Falls.
There are many facilities available at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, including flushing toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, and even a cafe. The visitor centre and first lookout on the West Rim Walking Track are wheelchair accessible.
There is much more to see along the West Rim Walking Track, including more waterfalls at the Twin Falls Lookout, and The Grotto.
4. Nellies Glen
Nellies Glen is one of the most picturesque waterfalls within the Southern Highlands Region of NSW. Whilst it lacks in size compared to others, its lush surroundings make it very photogenic, and it is possible to swim in the pool below!
To get to Nellies Glen it is a 12 minute drive from Robertson. You will drive along Jamberoo Mountain Rd before turning onto Cloonty Rd, and eventually following the signs to a parking area at the end of Nellies Glen Access Rd/Trl. The roads are sealed and usually suitable for 2WD vehicles the whole way - however there is sometimes water flowing over a concrete causeway on the way in. NSW NPWS will generally close the road in as soon as they have any access concerns, so if the road is open then it is likely the water crossing will only be shallow with a gentle flow. Use your own judgement on arrival to determine if it is safe.
Access is free in this area of Budderoo National Park! From the parking area, there is a short (approx 150m) walk to the bottom of the waterfall. The trailhead is well signposted, and the trail itself is easy to follow. This is mostly just an uneven dirt pathway and it can become muddy after rain.
Drop toilets and picnic tables are available nearby the car park.
To get to Nellies Glen it is a 12 minute drive from Robertson. You will drive along Jamberoo Mountain Rd before turning onto Cloonty Rd, and eventually following the signs to a parking area at the end of Nellies Glen Access Rd/Trl. The roads are sealed and usually suitable for 2WD vehicles the whole way - however there is sometimes water flowing over a concrete causeway on the way in. NSW NPWS will generally close the road in as soon as they have any access concerns, so if the road is open then it is likely the water crossing will only be shallow with a gentle flow. Use your own judgement on arrival to determine if it is safe.
Access is free in this area of Budderoo National Park! From the parking area, there is a short (approx 150m) walk to the bottom of the waterfall. The trailhead is well signposted, and the trail itself is easy to follow. This is mostly just an uneven dirt pathway and it can become muddy after rain.
Drop toilets and picnic tables are available nearby the car park.
There are also longer walking trails that begin from the Nellies Glen Picnic Area.
Nellies Glen in Budderoo National Park.
Carrington Falls in Budderoo National Park.
5. Carrington Falls
Carrington Falls is a spectacular 90m tall waterfall. It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Southern Highlands and Budderoo National Park. There are multiple viewpoints where you can see the mighty Kangaroo River drop off into the valley below.
To see Carrington Falls, park at the picnic area located at the end of Thomas Pl Rd - it is well signposted to Carrington Falls as you approach from Cloonty Rd. It is a 13 minute drive from Robertson along sealed roads, which do become narrow and winding.
From the parking area, there is a short, well signposted 600m loop walk. This trail is a mixture of paved walkways and boardwalks, it takes you to three viewpoints where you can see Carrington Falls and the Kangaroo Valley. There is also a point where you can access the Kangaroo River above the waterfall, nearby some smaller cascades.
There are drop toilets and picnic benches in the picnic area.
Carrington Falls is in very close proximity to Nellies Glen, making this area perfect for a waterfall day trip in New South Wales!
To see Carrington Falls, park at the picnic area located at the end of Thomas Pl Rd - it is well signposted to Carrington Falls as you approach from Cloonty Rd. It is a 13 minute drive from Robertson along sealed roads, which do become narrow and winding.
From the parking area, there is a short, well signposted 600m loop walk. This trail is a mixture of paved walkways and boardwalks, it takes you to three viewpoints where you can see Carrington Falls and the Kangaroo Valley. There is also a point where you can access the Kangaroo River above the waterfall, nearby some smaller cascades.
There are drop toilets and picnic benches in the picnic area.
Carrington Falls is in very close proximity to Nellies Glen, making this area perfect for a waterfall day trip in New South Wales!
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A waterfall in Macquarie Pass National Park.
Important Notes:
- I recommend doing your own research and visiting the local visitor information centre for the most up to date information, as the conditions can vary from year-to-year.
- Get the most enjoyment out of your visit whilst staying safe. Prepare for natural hazards (such as weather conditions & wildlife encounters) and other outdoor risks. Only you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- Wear suitable footwear and appropriate clothing to protect yourself during your planned activities.
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food, fuel and water for your journey. It is always recommended to let a responsible person know your plans and report back into them once you have finished.
- Stay on the marked trails and obey signage.
- Always look after and prioritise the environment. Take rubbish back out with you, or place in bins if provided. Lack of respect for the environment gets these places closed down & ruins other visitors experience.
- Pets are prohibited in all of these locations, please leave your furry friends at home for these waterfall chasing adventures.