The Blue Mountains region has plenty of great walking tracks that include waterfalls, ranging from tall cliff drops to scenic bush cascades.
Some trails are short and easy, while others are steep and require a bit more effort. Along the way, expect to find ferny gullies, creek crossings, and sweeping valley views.
Below are ten of the best waterfall walks in the Blue Mountains, each offering something a little different. For each walk, we have included summaries and maps.
1. Terrace Falls Circuit
Located in Hazelbrook’s Terrace Falls Reserve, this scenic bushwalking track passes a number of waterfalls and quiet pools.
The main draw is Terrace Falls itself, a relatively small but impressive cascade waterfall in a beautiful bushland pocket.
While there are a few ways to reach the falls, the full 4.5 km circuit is highly recommended as it takes in several extra waterfalls along the way.
The trailhead is at the junction of Heron Place and Valley Road in Hazelbrook, where there is plenty of parking available.
Read more: Terrace Falls Circuit.
| Terrace Falls Circuit | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.5 km (loop) |
| Time: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | Yes (on a lead) |
| Route: | Google Maps |
2. Horseshoe Falls Track
Situated in Hazelbrook’s Horseshoe Falls Reserve, this small but scenic cascade flows quietly along Hazelbrook Creek.
A dog-friendly bush trail leads to this waterfall, along with three others nearby, including Oaklands and Burgess Falls.
Also referred to as the Burgess Falls Walking Track, this 3.5 km return walk doesn’t have the best signposting, but that just adds to the adventure.
The main access point to the reserve and start of the walk is on Oaklands Road, which is a short drive from the Great Western Highway.
Read more: Horseshoe Falls Track.
| Horseshoe Falls Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3.5 km (return) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | Yes (on a lead) |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
3. Empire Pass Walking Track
The 5.5 km Empire Pass Walking Track is a scenic bushwalk in North Lawson that takes in four picturesque waterfalls: Dantes Glen, St Michael’s Falls, Frederica Falls, and Fairy Falls.
It also incorporates the shorter Dantes Glen Walking Track, which visits three of the falls and is a great dog-friendly option if you’re after an easier stroll.
The trailhead is located inside North Lawson Park at the end of St Bernards Drive, where you’ll find plenty of parking.
Read more: Empire Pass Walking Track.
| Empire Pass Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5.5 km (loop) |
| Time: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | Only in Dantes Glen section |
| Route: | Google Maps |
4. South Lawson Waterfall Circuit
The dog-friendly South Lawson Waterfall Circuit is a pleasant bushwalk that passes several small waterfalls along Lawson and Cataract creeks.
While there are officially four main waterfalls to explore, you’ll actually spot around seven if you count the unnamed cascades and double drops along the way.
The easiest place to start is at the corner of Honour Avenue and Livingstone Street, just a kilometre south of Lawson train station.
Read more: South Lawson Waterfall Circuit.
| South Lawson Waterfall Circuit | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.5 km (loop) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | Yes (on a lead) |
| Route: | Google Maps |
5. Wentworth Falls Walk and Grand Stairway
The Wentworth Falls Walk is a short, family-friendly track that takes you to the top of this impressive waterfall, passing several scenic lookouts along the way.
Once you reach the top, you have the option to continue down to the middle section of the falls via the Grand Stairway.
Built in the early 1900s, the stairway is very steep, but the spectacular valley and waterfall views make the effort more than worthwhile.
There is plenty of parking at the Wentworth Falls picnic area. Alternatively, if you’re catching public transport, the 2 km Darwins Walk is an easy stroll from Wentworth Falls Station to the waterfall.
Read more: Wentworth Falls Walk and Grand Stairway.
| Wentworth Falls Walk and Grand Stairway | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard (steep) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
6. Empress Falls Walk
Starting from the Conservation Hut in Wentworth Falls, this short track leads to one of the most popular waterfalls in the Blue Mountains.
It might be a short walk, but it involves a steep descent into the Valley of the Waters via plenty of stairs. Two scenic lookouts along the way give you the perfect excuse to catch your breath.
Once you reach Empress Falls, you can keep following the trail to discover even more waterfalls. The pretty Sylvia Falls is just a short stroll further down the track.
Read more: Empress Falls Walk.
| Empress Falls Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1 km (return) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
7. Bridal Veil View Track
Tucked away in Leura, Bridal Veil View is a relatively quiet and lesser-known lookout that offers beautiful views of Bridal Veil Falls.
The easiest way to get there is via the Tarpeian Rock Access Walk off Cliff Drive. From the road, it’s just a short 500-metre stroll down a well-maintained path with a few steps along the way.
A trip to Bridal Veil View is best combined with a visit to nearby Tarpeian Rock, another quiet vantage point serving up panoramic views across the Jamison Valley.
Read more: Bridal Veil View Track.
| Bridal Veil View Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1 km (return) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
8. Minnehaha Falls Walk
Minnehaha Falls is a small but impressive waterfall in the Katoomba area of the Blue Mountains, featuring a picturesque pool at its base that’s perfect for a dip.
A short walking track winds through beautiful bushland to reach the falls, finishing with a few steep staircases right near the end of the trail.
The trailhead is located at Minnehaha Reserve at the end of Minni Ha Ha Road, where you’ll find a good-sized parking area.
Read more: Minnehaha Falls Walk.
| Minnehaha Falls Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | Yes (on a lead) |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
9. Katoomba Falls Round Walk
The Katoomba Falls Round Walk is a scenic track that passes several lookouts, serving up fantastic views of Katoomba’s most impressive waterfall.
While this 2.5 km bushwalk is relatively short, it does involve plenty of steps. It’s also worth keeping in mind that sections of the path can get quite muddy after a bit of rain.
The best place to park and start the walk is at Katoomba Falls Reserve. From there, simply cross Cliff Drive to find the trailhead next to the kiosk. With several bus stops close by, it’s also an easy option if you’re catching public transport.
Read more: Katoomba Falls Round Walk.
| Katoomba Falls Round Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.5 km (part loop) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
10. Victoria Falls Walking Track
Victoria Falls is a stunning 20-metre drop on Victoria Creek, cascading from a rocky overhang into a large pool below. Just a little further upstream, you’ll find the Victoria Creek Cascades, another scenic waterfall tucked away in the bush.
The steep Victoria Falls Walking Track leads down to both of these waterfalls, taking you past a panoramic lookout before the descent into the Grose Valley.
The trailhead is located at the end of Victoria Falls Road in Mount Victoria, which is an easy turn-off from the Great Western Highway just south of the town centre.
Read more: Victoria Falls Walking Track.
| Victoria Falls Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (return) |
| Time: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Hard (steep) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
25 Best Walks in the Blue Mountains
Grab our ebook and discover 25 of the most spectacular walking tracks in the Blue Mountains, featuring detailed descriptions, maps, photos, and expert tips.
