Waterfall Hikes
Waterfall Hikes
There’s something timeless about waterfalls. Whether they’re tall and dramatic like Wentworth Falls, or a small cascade you stumble across on the trail, they have a way of slowing you down and holding your attention. This collection brings together walks where waterfalls are the highlight, from major cliff-edge falls to quieter cascades hidden along the track. Some are short and easy, others ask a little more of you, but all reward the effort with the simple pull of running water.
Victoria Falls
This is one of our favourite waterfall hikes in the Blue Mountains, not for a single moment but for the way it builds. The creek moves from the flat rock shelves of Silver Cascades, winds through the shaded upper falls, then drops cleanly over the ledge of Victoria Falls.
The hike itself can be rough on a hot day because there’s not a lot of shade and the track is quite steep. More than once we’ve waited for evening to fall so we could walk back up the hill in cooler temperatures.
The track is also one of the entry points into the beautiful Grose Valley — and it’s one of the easier ones we’ve taken. If you want to hike a little further, bring a tent and stay at the Burra Korain campground — it’s basic, but beautiful. You can check out our last visit to Victoria Falls here.
Minnamurra Falls
Minnamurra Falls is a rainforest waterfall that feels lush from the moment you step onto the track. The walk climbs steadily through dense forest, crossing steel walkways and bridges beneath a thick canopy of vines, ferns, and twisted trees.
The upper falls spill down a tall rock wall into the Minnamurra River below, framed by rainforest plants growing straight out of the cliff face. You can’t access the base of the falls, but the viewing platform gives you a clear, uninterrupted view of the cascade — it’s especially impressive after rain.
With its well-formed track, regular rest spots, and dramatic finish, Minnamurra Falls is an easy way to experience a classic rainforest waterfall without committing to a remote or technical hike. You can check out our last visit to Minnamurra Falls here.
Empress Falls
We’re convinced no better name in the English language could have been chosen for this place — Empress perfectly captures the way the waterfall commands attention without asking for it.
There’s room at the base to sit and take it all in. During Spring and Summer it’s common to see canyoners abseiling down the falls which is a lot of fun to see — it’s also a lot of fun to do!
The track is well maintained and makes for a great side-trip or alternative hike to the nearby Wentworth Falls. You can also continue following the track a little further down the hill to Sylvia Falls. You can check out our last visit to Empress Falls here.
Waterfall Creek
This hike feels like an adventure from start to finish — hiking through the beautiful temperate rainforest of Mount Wilson, then rock hopping and wading up the creek to a secluded waterfall. The entire hike is picturesque in every direction.
With wet feet unavoidable and a bit of scrambling required, this one suits confident walkers and older kids who enjoy getting involved in the landscape rather than simply walking past it.
It’s a great short hike when the weather is hot, with plenty of places to cool off along the way. You can check out our last visit to Waterfall Creek here.
Porters Pass to Centennial Glen
This hike has a little bit of everything and it’s one that will have you coming back again and again. We love hiking the full circuit, but you could do an out and back just to Centennial Glen, where you’ll find three unique waterfalls.
Slippery Dip Falls, where the water cascades and curves down the rock face like a waterslide, and Centennial Falls, where you can walk behind the waterfall — which is always a big hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Then of course, there’s the stunning canyon grotto with its dramatic waterfall cascading over fallen trees wedged into the infinity pool. It’s one of those Blue Mountains locations that just always feel magical, no matter how many times you visit. You can check out our last visit to Centennial Glen here.
Minnehaha Falls
Once said to have a bottomless pool at its base, Minnehaha has been a much loved waterfall of the Blue Mountains for a very long time. Even if you don’t want to jump into the year-round cold water in the pool, just sitting back watching the waterfall makes the hike worth it.
The hike itself is fairly straightforward — there are a few steep staircases but most of it is dirt track. It’s suitable for a family hike, and makes you feel like you’ve found something special, even if the locals have known about it for years.
It’s a great short hike when the weather is hot. Go early in the day to avoid the crowds. You can check out our last visit to Minnehaha Falls here.
Tips and Tricks
Waterfalls always make for popular hiking trails, so be sure to go early in the day or even on a weekday for your best chance at avoiding the crowds.
After rain is the best time to visit many of these, as they aren’t all connected to major creeks upstream. That being said, if there’s a lot of rain, these areas will likely flood, and should be avoided until water levels subside. It's also a good idea to avoid swimming in rivers and creeks after recent rain.