Our 10 Favourite Waterfalls In The Blue Mountains National Park (NSW)

There are over 30 waterfalls scattered throughout the Blue Mountains! All are distributed between lush rainforests, towering cliffs, and stunning valleys.

Some are easy to reach, with calm pools perfect for a quick dip, while others require a bit more effort – think steep hikes, canyon trails, and epic views.

But that’s part of the adventure, right?

We stayed over 2 months in the area and can 100% say that there’s a waterfall for everyone – from the thundering Wentworth Falls to quiet, tucked-away gems like Horseshoe Falls.

But these are the best waterfalls in the Blue Mountains… as rated by us! They’re in no particular order – we just love them for different reasons.

Check them out and let us know if we’ve missed any of your favourites. Let’s get started!

10 Epic Blue Mountains waterfalls (our favourites)

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Darug and Gundungurra peoples.

1) Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Blue Mountains! It’s a 3-tiered waterfall that drops into the Jamison Valley.

The falls are located in Wentworth Falls village, about a 10-min drive from Katoomba. You can park at the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, which has toilets, BBQs, and a picnic area.

It can get very crowded, especially on holidays and weekends, so try to get there early to grab a good parking spot!

There are a few awesome hikes there, like:

• Overcliff-Undercliff Track, one of our favourite hikes in the area! This trail takes you along the cliffs with sweeping valley views and rainforest sections.

• National Pass Track, an iconic walk that gets you closest to the falls, with steep stairs carved into the cliffs. It’s challenging but breathtaking.

2) Fortress Falls

Fortress Falls is a bit off the beaten track. We first spotted it while doing the Lockleys Pylon hike, a 7 km return hike.

We were blown away by the views of the massive waterfall dropping into the valley below, so we had to get there!

The hike to Fortress Falls was very challenging for us but, honestly, one of the highlights of our 2-month stay. It’s a loop hike that starts at Fortress Ridge Carpark, on Mount Hay Road, north of Leura.

You need a 4WD to get there. There aren’t any facilities there so bring all your supplies!

3) Leura Cascades

Leura Cascades is one of the most accessible and picturesque spots in the Blue Mountains, with a series of small waterfalls leading into the Jamison Valley.

It’s a favourite for families, picnickers, and anyone looking for a chilled nature walk.

The cascades are easy to access, with parking available at the Leura Cascades Picnic Area, just a few minutes’ drive from Leura village!

The picnic area has toilets, tables, and shelters. There’s no kiosk here, so pack snacks and water if you’re staying a while.

There are a few walking tracks there, but our favourite is the one to the Secret Infinity Pool! It’s unmarked, but here’s our guide explaining how to get there and things to know before going.

4) Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a bit more off the radar, which makes it perfect for adventurers looking to escape the crowds. The waterfall plunges into the Grose Valley and is surrounded by raw, untamed beauty.

The trailhead for Victoria Falls is about a 20-min drive from Blackheath, along Victoria Falls Road. The road is unsealed but regular vehicles can drive through if it doesn’t rain.

The hike to Victoria Falls is a 4.8 km return, considered moderate. It’s a steep walk, but the journey through the rainforest and the view of the falls is well worth the effort!

There are no facilities at the car park or along the track, so come prepared with water, snacks, and good walking shoes.

5) Bridal Veil Falls (Govetts Leap Falls)

At 180 metres, Bridal Veil Falls – also known as Govetts Leap Falls – is the tallest waterfall in the Blue Mountains!

The view from Govetts Leap Lookout is spectacular, with the falls cascading dramatically into the Grose Valley.

The lookout is in Blackheath and is easily accessible by car, with a car park and picnic area nearby. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Blackheath village.

The lookout has toilets, picnic tables, and plenty of parking. There’s also a small visitor centre with maps and information about the area.

You can get closer to the Falls via a steep, 2.6km return hike. It’s an easy descent down to the waterfall, but the climb back up is challenging (worth it, though).

6) Katoomba Falls

Katoomba Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, and for good reason!

These segmented falls cascade over several levels before dropping into the lush Jamison Valley.

Plus, you don’t have to hike far to see them – they’re super accessible, with multiple viewpoints along nearby trails.

Katoomba Falls is just a short drive from Katoomba town centre. There’s even a tourist park nearby! We stayed there and it was awesome, 100% recommended.

Check the Katoomba Falls Tourist Park here!

There are also a few nice hiking trails:

• Katoomba Falls Round Walk (2 km loop, easy): This short, scenic walk takes you past several lookouts offering incredible views of the falls. It’s great for families and takes about an hour.

• Prince Henry Cliff Walk (7 km one way, moderate): This longer trail connects Katoomba Falls to Gordon Falls in Leura. It’s perfect if you’re keen to stretch your legs and soak in those epic valley views.

7) Empress Falls

The gorgeous Empress Falls is a powerful cascade that drops into a cool, clear pool surrounded by mossy cliffs.

It’s a favourite spot for canyoneers who abseil straight down the falls – fun to watch even if you’re not joining them!

They’re tucked into the Valley of the Waters at Wentworth Falls. To get there, park at the Conservation Hut car park in Wentworth Falls. From there, follow the Valley of the Waters Track down into the gorge.

Once you reach Empress Falls, you can continue on to see Sylvia Falls and Lodore Falls further down the track if you’re keen – they’re equally beautiful and usually less crowded!

8) Minnehaha Falls

This waterfall tumbles into a stunning emerald-green swimming hole that’s perfect for a dip in summer. It’s one of those spots that locals love, and once you visit, you’ll see why.

Minnehaha Falls is located in North Katoomba and you can park at the end of Minnehaha Road.

It’s a small car park that can fill up quickly on weekends, so arrive early or go by bus, there’s a bus stop near the trailhead!

There are no facilities at the car park or along the track, so bring water, snacks, and anything else you’ll need.

9) Junction Falls

Junction Falls is a lesser-known beauty tucked away in Hazelbrook, a town east of Katoomba.

Part of the Lawson Waterfall Circuit, this serene spot is perfect if you’re after a quieter, shaded walk with a handful of small but lovely waterfalls along the way.

Junction Falls itself is surrounded by lush greenery and mossy rocks, making it feel like a hidden rainforest retreat.

To get there, start at the South Lawson Park car park on Honour Avenue. The Lawson Waterfall Circuit is well-signposted from there.

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10) Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls is another gem in Hazelbrook, part of a quiet walking track that also leads to several other small waterfalls.

The falls are named for their gentle, horseshoe-shaped drop into a shallow pool surrounded by ferns and cliffs – it’s a great spot for photos or just sitting back and enjoying the sounds of nature.

The trailhead is well-marked, and the walk to Horseshoe Falls is relatively short and easy.

Honourable mentions

The Blue Mountains has literally DOZENS of waterfalls! The following might not be as famous as the ones in our top 10, but they’re just as charming and often a lot quieter:

• Federal Falls (Lawson Waterfall Circuit): Federal Falls is a peaceful spot surrounded by lush greenery, located along the easy-to-moderate Lawson Waterfall Circuit. It’s a great little stop that pairs perfectly with Junction Falls and others nearby.

• Adelina Falls (originally called Livingstone Falls): Adelina Falls is the first stop on the Lawson Waterfall Circuit, and it’s a beauty. A gentle cascade tumbles into a rock pool, framed by ferns and towering gums. Fun fact: it was originally called Livingstone Falls!

• Cataract Falls: Also part of the Lawson Waterfall Circuit, Cataract Falls might be small, but it’s got plenty of charm. The tranquil forest setting and soft trickle of water make it a lovely spot to pause and soak it all in.

• Terrace Falls: Tucked away near Hazelbrook, Terrace Falls is a quiet retreat that rewards those willing to venture off the main tracks. The falls cascade gently down layered rock ledges, creating a stunning “terrace” effect – hence the name.

• Fairy Falls: This little waterfall feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Located on the Burgess Falls Walking Track in Hazelbrook, Fairy Falls features a delicate flow of water over mossy cliffs and rocks. It’s small but seriously photogenic, especially after rain.

Top Tips

Before heading out to the waterfalls, it’s always a good idea to check the weather and track conditions.

Heavy rain can make some tracks slippery or unsafe, and certain trails might be closed for maintenance or safety reasons – the NSW National Parks website has the latest updates, check it here!

And while you’re out exploring, remember to respect the natural environment and wildlife.

Avoid disturbing plants or animals, and pack out any rubbish you bring in. Please leave the place better than how you found it!

Did you know?

Bridal Veil Falls (Govetts Leap Falls) holds deep cultural significance for the Gundungurra and Dharug peoples, the traditional custodians of the Blue Mountains.

The falls, like many landmarks in the area, are tied to Dreaming stories that connect the land, water, and people. Many waterfalls in the region are considered sacred, symbolising life and renewal.

Also, the name “Minnehaha Falls” has literary roots. It was inspired by “The Song of Hiawatha”, an 1855 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

In the poem, Minnehaha is a Native American character whose name means “laughing water” – a fitting description for the beautiful, cascading falls!

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