South Lawson Waterfall Loop
South Lawson Waterfall Loop
This is the kind of hike that invites you to slow down — to pause by a trickling cascade, listen to the whipbirds calling through the trees, or simply breathe in the damp, earthy calm of the bush after rain. Whether you're new to hiking or just after something low-key and rewarding, this trail delivers all the quiet magic the Blue Mountains are known for. This is the South Lawson Waterfall Loop
Quick Details
Length: 3.3km
Elevation: 110m
Grade: Easy
Best season: Anytime after rain
Suitable for kids: Yes
Starting the Trail
Waterfalls in Lawson are best to visit after recent rain — unfortunately that also means that the trails are muddy and slippery in places. Still, it’s a fair trade for seeing the falls flowing properly. We started at the western end of the track to walk the loop anti-clockwise. The trail descends straight away, and the path here could definitely use some love — uneven stone steps and washed out sections of track made it feel a little wild around the edges.
This area has been a public park since 1888, and you can feel its age in the best way. There's a mix of old and new trail features: weathered timber signs, stone steps softened by time, and newer touches like the bridge at Junction Falls. It’s like a patchwork of trail eras — and somehow, it all feels right.
Adelina Falls
Only a short way in, we reached the turn-off to Adelina Falls and headed down a set of damp stone stairs. Part way down we caught our first glimpse of the falls and were blown away by the sight — not just of the falls, but of the tree filled grotto in which it sits. We hurried down the stairs to get a better look.
It felt like stepping into a fairytale. Water ran in a fine mist down the fern-covered sandstone walls, and gnarled trees twisted their way out of the forest floor like they’d been growing for centuries. This magical little pocket of bushland set the bar high for the rest of the walk.
It’s the kind of space that you could easily sit and unwind, maybe with a book, or just soak in the peacefulness. There’s a small pool at the base of the falls, and if the weather were warmer, it would be a great place to cool off under the waterfall.
Back to the Trail
Climbing back up the stairs, we returned to the main trail. The creek runs along beside you on the left as the path gently descends. Small cascades can be found just beyond the ferns and trees. You’ll pass a few short side trails down to the water — worth the detour, even if it’s steep in places.
There was a quiet rhythm to this part of the walk. While at first glance it might look like a dozen other trails in the Blue Mountains, we found ourselves falling into a calm silence, taking our time to notice the small details — water weaving between rocks, tree-covered slopes in the distance, fern fronds beside the track.
Eventually, we noticed the creek dropping further below us — or perhaps we were climbing higher. Soon we started to hear the familiar sounds of water tumbling over a fall in the distance. A short side track offered a glimpse to the falls below, though the view was a little obscured by trees.
Junction Falls
Soon we crossed a small creek joining from the right, and as we descended the next set of stairs, I glanced back and realised there were actually two creeks running into this area — and suddenly the name Junction Falls made sense.
Adelina Falls may have set the bar high, but Junction Falls easily surpassed it. From the stairs, we could see two separate waterfalls, a thick canopy of trees, and a wooden bridge stretching across the creek.
This is where Ridge Creek joins Lawson Creek. Both waterfalls are lovely, but we preferred the one on Ridge Creek — as the water gently tumbled over wide dark rock shelves. Jess spotted a tiny statue someone had perched on a rock shelf above one of the falls, although I couldn’t spot it — and standing at the base trying to see it was only leading to wet clothing.
We spent a long time here on our visit. It was such a lovely space to wander around, or just sit and relax in nature. Even with only moderate flow, the sound of water tumbling over rock, the birdsong, and the dappled light filtering through the canopy made this spot one of our favourites in the Blue Mountains.
While the track may be easy, and you could breeze through it quite quickly if you wanted, it’s the kind of trail that really makes you want to slow down and stay a while to appreciate your surroundings.
Onwards to Federal Falls
Eventually, we pulled ourselves away and followed the trail to a junction: left would take us toward Cataract Falls and the end of the loop, but we turned right for a short detour to Federal Falls. It’s a quick downhill track and absolutely worth the extra time.
Once again, walking down to Federal Falls we were blown away by how stunning the scenery was. The falls here are framed by a wide sandy clearing, perfect for sitting and taking it all in. Jess set up her tripod to photograph the scene, while I wandered through the area, to see what I could find.
More beautiful moss covered boulders and rocks lined the creek. What caught my eye was seeing how the moss spread out like veins over the rocks while small plants seemed to have taken root in the moss. A micro-ecosystem quietly existing only to be found by taking the time to slow down and really look.
On our visit we were joined by a family and their adorable Golden Labrador puppy who zoomed around in circles before collapsing happily in the water. A word of caution, we did find some broken glass in the sand, so be sure to leave your shoes on if you visit.
Final Stretch: Cataract Falls
Backtracking to the junction, we began the short climb toward Cataract Falls. It was a little steep in places but still manageable. Again, we walked alongside a creek, with more quiet cascades hidden behind the ferns. We also came across patches of colourful fungi — always a nice bonus.
The turn-off to Cataract Falls is clearly marked with another old timber sign. One thing we loved about this walk was how almost all of the waterfalls were tucked just off the main track, like a little secret waiting to be found.
We also really loved that all of the waterfalls were so stunningly beautiful and Cataract Falls was no exception. We walked in past a sandstone wall that had been covered in hand prints to another sandy clearing. The water flowed gently across rock shelves into a shallow pool, and we stood a while just watching it.
One of the best things about this track is that it’s dog-friendly. We saw so many pups enjoying the trail — from the tiniest one, called Crumpet, in her bright pink harness, to a beautiful and energetic Border Collie named Archie. (Thanks to Archie’s owners for letting us take a photo!)
As we made our way up the final stretch and crossed the creek one last time, a short detour led to a lookout above Cataract Falls. From there, it was just a short walk to the lower car park on Honour Avenue, where we’d left the car.
Getting There
The South Lawson Waterfall Loop can be found off Honour Avenue in Lawson (exit left from the Great Western Highway if coming from Sydney). There’s a few side streets to navigate, but Honour Avenue should be in your vehicles navigation system, or found in your phone maps. There are two carparks, neither are very large, but the lower carpark (on the eastern side of the track) is off the road and you won’t be disturbing the local residents by parking down there.
Tips and Tricks
This is a fairly easy track for the most part, but can be slippery when it’s wet as the trail isn’t in great condition in a number of places.
Visit after recent rain — these falls can slow to a trickle in dry conditions.
Take your time — this walk is short, but each waterfall deserves a moment to linger.
Bring your dog (on a lead)! It’s one of the few scenic loops in the mountains where four-legged friends are welcome.
If you’re keen to keep exploring, check out the Empire Pass in North Lawson Park just across the highway.