Curracurrong Falls, Royal National ParkCredit: Destination NSW
Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
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New South Wales is home to some of the most beautiful and Instagrammable waterfalls in the country, so get out into nature and capture the magic.
Near Sydney
Plummeting more than 80m straight into the sea, Curracurrong Falls is located about an hour’s drive south of Sydney in the Royal National Park. To reach the top of these dramatic coastal falls, park at Wattamolla Beach and take the Coast Track along the cliffs. The return trip takes about 2.5 hours. Be sure to pack water, sunscreen and your camera. Note that there are no fences or barriers on the cliffs in this area, so take care when visiting.
Southern delights
The Southern Highlands, a 90-minute drive from Sydney, is the stuff of dreams for waterfall chasers. Fitzroy Falls, one of the state’s most popular waterfalls, is located in Morton National Park. A lookout only minutes from the Visitor Centre provides magnificent views of the falls and surrounding bushland. To explore further, walk the West and East Rim trails and enjoy the lush rainforest setting and more picture-perfect waterfall views. Heading toward the coast, discover ancient forests teeming with birdlife and fantastic native flora at the majestic Minnamurra or Carrington Falls in Budderoo National Park, between Jamberoo and the South Coast town of Kiama. Both falls are easily accessible via loop walks, making them great for kids but no less Instagrammable.
Finding your way
Situated along the appropriately named Waterfall Way, roughly halfway between the inland town of Armidale and Coffs Harbour on the mid-North Coast, Dangar Falls near Dorrigo is a beautiful example of a curtain waterfall (a ledge waterfall that descends over a height larger than the width of the falling stream). Take the easy walking track to the deep pool below the falls, where you can take a refreshing dip and impress your friends with that perfect ‘wish you were here’ selfie.
Other falls to check out on the scenic 191km drive along the Waterfall Way include Wollomombi Falls (NSW’s highest waterfall) and the twin Ebor Falls. The region offers plenty of opportunities to get back to nature at camping areas, bushwalking tracks and picnic spots, but remember to check with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for park closures and safety warnings before you head off.
Carrington Falls, Robertson Credit: Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography
Water flowing down Carrington Falls, Robertson in Budderoo National Park.
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Carrington Falls, Robertson Credit: Kramer Photography; www.kramer.photography
Water flowing down Carrington Falls, Robertson in Budderoo National Park.
Dangar Falls, near Dorrigo Credit: Destination NSW
Dangar Falls, Dorrigo located on the North Coast.
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Dangar Falls, near Dorrigo Credit: Destination NSW
Dangar Falls, Dorrigo located on the North Coast.
Singular vision
Roughly 90 minutes’ drive from the coastal town of Port Macquarie, spectacular Ellenborough Falls plunges a giddy 200m into the ravine below — it’s the second-highest single-drop waterfall in Australia, the highest in NSW and one of the highest in the southern hemisphere. Ellenborough Falls is accessed via a 17km dirt road and an easy walking track: the more adventurous might want to tackle the trail to the bottom, which is a series of seemingly never-ending stairs. Just remember the return journey is via the same track.
There’s more waterfall action to be found at Barrington Tops, a two-hour drive southwest of Ellenborough Falls. Visit magical mossy cascades in Antarctic beech forests or trek to the top of Gloucester Falls through sub-alpine woodlands of snow gums and mountain ash. You’ll be rewarded with views over the Gloucester River and the spectacular twin falls.
Take the high road
The Blue Mountains, a 90-minute drive west from Sydney, is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in NSW. You can’t go past the Wentworth Falls area for some show-stopping examples. Here the town’s namesake waterfall plunges some 100m down sheer sandstone cliffs into the Jamison Valley.
Walking trails lead to various lookout locations and to the top of Wentworth Falls where, if you’re feeling energetic, you can cross the stepping stones and take the historic National Pass track down a hand-hewn rock staircase deep into the aptly-named Valley of the Waters. The track passes through lush rainforest and visits a series of photo-worthy spots, including Empress Falls, a popular day trip for the wild at heart wanting to try their hand at abseiling into its icy waters.
For a truly photographic phenomenon in the Blue Mountains, head to the Narrow Neck Lookout along the Narrow Neck Peninsula, near Katoomba, on a misty morning to capture the phantom falls. This ethereal occurrence takes place when clouds, trapped in the valley by temperature inversion, flow up and over the top of the cliff like a reverse waterfall.
Beauty is guaranteed
If you’re looking for an outstanding nature experience on your waterfall quest, look no further than Falcon Falls, a 30-minute drive from the town of Griffith in the Riverina region. Located in Cocoparra National Park, this beautiful waterfall cascades over layered rocks and offers rugged woodland views. The falls are easily accessible from the Spring Hill picnic area — keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, as there’s a sizeable population in the area.
Ellenborough Falls, North Coast Credit: The Legendary Pacific Coast
Ellenborough Falls at Elands, North Coast
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Ellenborough Falls, North Coast Credit: The Legendary Pacific Coast
Ellenborough Falls at Elands, North Coast
Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Wentworth Falls, Leura in the Blue Mountains.
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Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Wentworth Falls, Leura in the Blue Mountains.
More Inspirational Stories
Glasshouse Rocks, NaroomaCredit: Destination NSW
Father and son heading out for a morning surf at Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma.
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Put this glorious stretch of the New South Wales coastline on your holiday radar and drive four hours south from Sydney to discover the charming Eurobodalla region. You’ll have plenty of easy adventures on this laidback coastal getaway stretching from South Durras down to Tilba Tilba on the NSW South Coast. Elevate your visit with these 10 memorable experiences.
Go snorkelling with seals
Experience the unforgettable thrill of snorkelling alongside playful fur seals on a day trip to Montague Island, a protected nature reserve just off the coast of Narooma. Local operators such as Montague Island Adventures can take you on this exhilarating adventure and if you book between November and May you might be lucky enough to share your trip with migrating whales. You can also tour the island’s historic lighthouse and significant Aboriginal sites or seize the rare chance to stay overnight in a lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Get back to nature with your family
Connect with your loved ones in the inspiring surrounds of Murramarang National Park, which offers a family-friendly taster of the magnificent coastal wilderness in the Eurobodalla region. Children will love the tree stump stepping ‘stones’ at the start of the Durras Lake Discovery Trail, with possible kangaroo sightings adding to the fun. Find the trailhead for the 1.5km loop at the end of Lake Road.
Enter cheese heaven
Feasting on local cheese is a quintessential experience in this historic dairy region, which has been producing quality cheeses since the 1870s. Live out your farming fantasies at the 1950s-style Bodalla Dairy in Bodalla, where fresh milk is produced onsite every morning to make artisinal cheeses with native flavours, as well as traditional milkshakes, great coffees and ice-creams. Stay the night in one the property’s five farm-chic guest rooms.
Sample more delicious cheeses and perhaps join a cheesemaking course at the ABC Cheese Factory further south in the charming surrounds of National Heritage-listed Central Tilba, which offers a living snapshot of 19th-century regional Australia.
Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Montague Island Discovery Tours
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Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Montague Island Discovery Tours
VIP Private Tours, Bodella Dairy Shed, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
VIP Private Tours design bespoke and exclusive experiences exploring the Eurobodalla region.
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VIP Private Tours, Bodella Dairy Shed, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
VIP Private Tours design bespoke and exclusive experiences exploring the Eurobodalla region.
Be mesmerised by whales
Seeing a whale in the wild is magical, whether it’s your first time or your 50th. The huge marine mammals are at their most playful in the Eurobodalla region from September to November, making this the perfect time to marvel at their aerobatic feats. Bring your binoculars to spot whales from the shoreline at Toragy Point near Moruya (which has the region’s only airport) or on Broulee Island. Or join an action-packed whale watching tour with the likes of Narooma Charters. You might also be treated to a very special whale encounter on a half-day kayaking tour with Region X as you paddle out into open water in search of hidden beaches and azure rock pools.
Sign up for more aquatic adventures
The Eurobodalla Shire is known as the land of many waters, with rivers, lakes and, of course, the ocean to enjoy aquatic adventures such as surfing, diving, fishing, and more. Revel in the accomplishment of learning to surf with Surf the Bay, a mobile surf school based in Broulee; get a buzz catching your own seafood dinner on a fishing trip with Narooma Charters;, and feel anew after an invigorating beach dip at pretty Mystery Bay.
Explore Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden with all your senses
Stop and smell the native flowers in the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, just south of Batemans Bay, where five walking trails weave around a collection of themed gardens. Learn something new on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a 1km walking path suitable for visitors with limited mobility that reveals the fascinating traditional uses of about 30 Eurobodalla plants. Feel your worries melt away as you wander the gardens, calmed by the trickle of water features and the buzz of the bees. Bring a picnic or grab a wholesome bite at the Mossy on Gardens Café, which overlooks the gardens.
Follow Eurobodalla’s oyster trail
Shuck and slurp to your heart’s content in the Eurobodalla region, which forms part of Australia’s famous Oyster Coast. Look out for these plump delicacies on menus across the region, as well as oyster specialists like the Oyster Shed on Wray Street in Batemans Bay, where you can sample oysters beside the Clyde River where they are farmed. The Oyster Farmers Daughter is an alfresco oyster bar nestled alongside the idyllic Wagonga Inlet in Narooma where you can pair fresh oysters with refreshing cocktails made with local gin.
Narooma Charters Montague Island Tours Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of the Narooma Charters Montague Island Tour boat travelling from Narooma to Montague Island
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Narooma Charters Montague Island Tours Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of the Narooma Charters Montague Island Tour boat travelling from Narooma to Montague Island
Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Farmer returning to Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay with fresh oysters.
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Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Farmer returning to Wray Street Oyster Shed, Batemans Bay with fresh oysters.
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture
Transform your understanding of the Eurobodalla region’s Aboriginal peoples and their fascinating stories with local Indigenous operator Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness. Its 40-hour Yuin Retreat, named for the region’s Traditional Custodians, begins on the first evening with a traditional welcome, followed by a sunrise ceremony and the option to hike Gulaga (formerly Mount Dromedary) or visit significant sites on the Djirringanj Dreaming Trail. Following a cultural program in the evening, the experience ends with an Aboriginal healing and connection workshop on the final morning, leaving you with a whole new outlook on Aboriginal culture and this storied corner of the country.
Embrace next-level camping and glamping
Deepen your connection to the region’s enriching natural landscapes on a local camping or glamping experience. Soak up the unrivalled seaside location along with the stellar wildlife-watching opportunities at Beachcomber Holiday Park at Potato Point, just south of Tuross Head, where you may be surprised to discover emus are among the menagerie of native animals known to frequent this campground backing onto Eurobodalla National Park.
If glamping is more your style, wake up to sweeping mountain views after a romantic night in a glamping tent at Mountain View Farm in Tilba Tilba. Also tucked in the lush rolling hills of the Tilba Valley is Tilba Lake House, which offers a luxe glamping option as well as four cosy self-contained tiny house stays with views of the lake, ocean and mountains.
Go market-hopping
Get to know the friendly Eurobodalla community at the region’s vibrant markets. Learn about their passion for developing a sustainable local food system as you fill your basket with local goodies spanning vegetables from Old Mill Road Biofarm to McAsh Oysters at the SAGE Farmers Market, held every Tuesday afternoon from 3pm at Riverside Park in Moruya. Find more produce and connect with the local artisans, craftspeople and designers, at the Moruya Country Market on Saturday mornings from 8am, held at the same spot.
Tilba Tilba Lake, Central Tilba Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across Central Tilba to Tilba Tilba Lake.
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Tilba Tilba Lake, Central Tilba Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views across Central Tilba to Tilba Tilba Lake.
Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness located at Narooma offers an immersive Indigenous experience on-country in Yuin Country.
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Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness located at Narooma offers an immersive Indigenous experience on-country in Yuin Country.