Where To Find The Best Waterfalls In Sydney

Written by Organized Noize, which was a production team that was significantly responsible for the rise of Southern hip-hop during the 90s, and performed by the highly popular hip-hop group TLC, Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls was released in 1994 to mass critical acclaim and would eventually spend seven weeks at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. However, apart from being a metaphor and social comment on the issues that were occurring at the time, a common misconception is that TLC was actually opposing the activity of chasing waterfalls.

Not only should you chase waterfalls, but our team at Anaconda has created a list where you can chase the best waterfalls in Sydney and New South Wales. With so many fantastic waterfalls scattered around Sydney, you would be crazy to not go chasing them! So roll up your picnic blanket, pack the 4WD and in the famous words of Russell Coight it's: "time to hit the road".

Quick Links:

• Wentworth Falls
• Fitzroy Falls
• Mermaid Pools
• Collins Flat Beach
• Winifred Falls
• Belmore Falls

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls waterfall is located right near Katoomba and if you had to pick one waterfall in Sydney to chase, this would be it. This waterfall soars into the sky, almost kissing the heavens before majestically plunging 100m down into the lush forests of the surrounding Jamison Valley. The area of Wentworth Falls has a rich history and is also packed with exciting activities and sights for the waterfall chaser who has an insatiable appetite for adventure. There is a three-hour scenic walk that will take you through the gorgeous eucalypt forest, giving you a front-row seat to the magnificent Wentworth Falls waterfall, as well as Silvia, Lodore and Empress Falls.

Why you'll love Wentworth Falls:

• Picnic tables and eating areas on-site
• Three waterfalls nearby
• Walking track that showcases the beauty of the surrounding landscape

Fitzroy Falls

The next pick on our list of the best waterfalls in Sydney is the award-winning Fitzroy Falls. Located around 20 minutes away from Bowral inside Morton National Park, Fitzroy Falls is not only one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Southern Highlands but also known as one of the best waterfalls in Australia - and it's very easy to see why. This waterfall towers above the surrounding wilderness, with native birds flying above and numerous wildlife scuttling around below. The elevated walkway will get you so close to the waterfall that you will literally feel the mist lightly sprinkle over you. Remember to bring your camera as there are many walking tracks that lead to three smaller waterfalls as well!

Why you'll love Fitzroy Falls:

• Three smaller waterfalls to see
• Large visitor centre with a cafe on-site
• Picnic area for having lunch and making a day of it
• Pet-friendly!

Mermaid Pools

Mermaid Pools is a defiant showstopper - but it's not the easiest to find. This is because it's situated on Crown land, which is land owned by the Commonwealth or State Government. Fun fact: Mermaid Pools is known as the first place in Australia where Europeans recorded their first encounter with Koalas! Simply follow the five-kilometre walking track and you will soon be greeted by an enormous green basin that is tucked into the nearby cliffs as Mermaid Pools waterfall crashes into the Bargo River. However, even though Mermaid Pools is described as a swimming hole, there is in fact no swimming allowed as it is considered a sacred area, not to mention also dangerous.

Why you'll love Mermaid Pools:

• Picnic tables available for setting up a nice lunch
• Incredible cultural history
• A selection of water holes to see

Collins Flat Beach

Manly is known for its incredible beach - but did you know that if you take a little detour off of the beaten track that you will find a waterfall? Yep, that's right, Collins Flat Beach is the closest waterfall to the Sydney Harbour that you will find, and it's absolutely worth the discovery. If we are being objective, it's not the most majestic waterfall in Sydney - but it's all about the atmosphere it provides that other waterfalls don't offer. Located in a secluded area off the beach, it's a small private slice of paradise where you can relax, unwind and feel a level of comfort you can't experience when visiting other popular waterfalls. This area is also a habitat for Fairy Penguins, so make sure you bring your camera along and catch them!

Why you'll love Collins Flat Beach:

• The closest waterfall to Sydney Harbour
• A private experience with your very own waterfall
• Lots of Fairy Penguins walking around

Winifred Falls

Looking for a peaceful waterfall that you can not only visit and also swim in? Then look no further than Winifred Falls! Situated right within the Royal National Park, Winifred Falls is located at the end of a beautiful scenic 4km walking track called the Winifred Falls Fire Trail, so make sure that you have packed your hiking boots! Once you have made it, you will be treated to a beautiful and secluded area where you can sunbathe on the rocks, go for a swim in the calm waters below the waterfall or set up a picnic and treat yourself to a delicious lunch. If you want to make sure it's fully secluded when you arrive, aim to visit around late afternoon during the week.

Why you'll love Winifred Falls:

• A waterfall you can swim in!
• Awesome 4km walking track to view the surrounding sights
• Beautiful picnic areas are available

Belmore Falls

Situated inside the stunning Morton National Park is Belmore Falls, just a half an hour's drive from Carrington Falls. Just drive up the gravel road to Belmore Falls Lookout, cross the creek into the car park and you're there. Belmore Falls is sectioned into three stages, each one providing magnificent views of cascading water surrounded by a lush eucalypt forest and Kangaroo Valley. There are also several lookout points scattered around the area that offer breathtaking views of not only Belmore Falls but also the beautiful sandstone flora with stunning flowers such as wattle, tea tree, banksia and honey flowers. Just remember to bring your sunscreen because there's plenty here to keep you entertained all day - and best of all, you can swim at the bottom of the base!

Why you'll love Belmore Falls:

• Several lookout points for fantastic views
• Some of the best views of Kangaroo Valley in the area
• You can swim at the bottom of Belmore Falls

Visit The Best Waterfalls In Sydney Today

Don't listen to TLC (unless you have a love for 90s hip-hop music), chasing waterfalls is an amazing outdoor adventure that can lead you to some of the most majestic sights you could ever discover. Make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more exciting destinations that you can visit with your friends, family and loved ones.

If you liked where to find the best waterfalls in NSW, then you might also like some of our other articles for fun destinations in Sydney such as:

• Our Top Day Trips From Sydney
• Where To Find The Best Caves In Sydney
• Ultimate Guide To The Best Scenic 4WD Drives In Sydney
• Where To Find The Best Hiking Trails & Walks In Sydney
• Where To Find The Best Beaches In Sydney

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