Blue Mountains Waterfalls: 7 of the Most Stunning Sites

The Blue Mountains isn’t only about beautiful canyon views as far as the eye can see. One of NSW's favourite national parks also offers us, adventurous families, some of the best waterfalls in Australia, right near our doorstep!

If you're not one to shy away from new adventures and new heights (literally!), load up the car and get ready for a very refreshing excursion into these hidden treasures. 

Blue Mountains Waterfalls: 7 of the Most Stunning Sites 

1. Wentworth Falls

If you're always on the lookout for the best Blue Mountains waterfalls, then this stunning 187-metre cascade fed by Jamison Creek should be top of the list! Parents with little ones, you'll want to ensure you've got eyes on the littlies at all times as there are descending steps (200 or so) to Fletchers lookout and hidden cliff edges in this area.

The Wentworth Falls Track is a leisurely 1.4 kilometres so give yourselves an hour to complete the round trip. Pitch up for easy parking available at the Wentworth Falls picnic area with plenty of space to enjoy a picnic lunch before or after your hike.

Location: Falls Rd, Wentworth Falls

2. Katoomba Falls

The Katoomba Falls are one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia! 

Set aside an easy 45 minutes to stroll from Scenic World to the Echo Point Lookout, where you can take in the iconic Three Sisters view in the distance. Easy peasy, but we get that some families just haven’t got a walk in them. No fear, you can take in one of the best waterfall views in the Blue Mountains simply by visiting neighbouring tourist destination Scenic World and jumping on the impressive Skyway, a cable-driven cabin travelling across the gorge that allows for uninterrupted views of Katoomba Falls - impressive!

Location: Blue Mountains Tourist Park, Katoomba

3. Horseshoe Falls

Great Blue Mountains waterfalls for those who don't feel like strapping on their hiking shoes and scaling too many rocks and gorges!

The journey to Horseshoe Falls is an easy-to-moderate 3.5 kilometres taking in scenic Horseshoe Falls plus three more hidden gems: Fairy, Oaklands and Burgess Falls.

As the name suggests, the Horseshoe Falls track resembles a wonky horseshoe. For brave nighttime hikers, you won’t be disappointed by the glow-worm light show that usually pops up on the rock behind the waterfall, but make sure you bring torches for the track.

Location: Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook

4. Empress Falls

Empress Falls is often regarded as one of the most beautiful Blue Mountains waterfalls, and for very good reason.

The official track to get to the falls is called the Valley of the Waters Empress Falls Walking Track and is often frequented by adrenaline junkies and canyoning aficionados. The track is steep at times and can get quite slippery, so it might be best to try this one with older or more capable little walkers. 

The journey to see the impressive Empress Falls is roughly one-hour return that starts at Conservation Hut before you begin your trek along step after step after step - there are lots of steps on this walk! The view of the falls is definitely worth it, and there are other spectacular views littered throughout the walk. 

Location: Conservation Hut in Wentworth Falls

5. Centennial Glen

Looking for smaller-scale Blue Mountains waterfalls surrounded by ferns and sandstone overhangs? Then check out Centennial Glenn, just 1 kilometre west of Blackheath. A popular rock climbing site, this 3-hour waterfall hike (and we do mean a thorough hike!) provides excellent views of Kanimbla Valley but make sure to take everything you need to replenish along the way.

Location: Centennial Glen Road Carpark, Blackheath

6. Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit

Get ready to step it up a gear and unleash the inner family wildebeest at the Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit. This is a moderately challenging 4.5-kilometre return track with a nice big loop allowing for impressive views of the cliff line and spectacular Leura Cascades waterfalls.

To make the most of it, park up at the Leura Cascades picnic area (check it’s open before travelling), then set off on the Fern Bower circuit to experience some of the best waterfalls in the stunning Blue Mountains. And breathe…

Location: Leura Cascades Picnic Area

Other Outdoor Adventures for the Family

Fabulous Fruit Picking in NSW
Sydney's Best Rock Pools
The Best Things to do at Lane Cove National Park
 

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