28 Stunning Australian Waterfalls to Visit & Map
If you’re chasing some of the best Australian waterfalls to add to your travel list, you’re in the right place. From the tropical cascades of North Queensland to the horizontal rapids in the West, Australia has no shortage of stunning falls that are worth planning a trip around.
The challenge for many travellers is knowing which waterfalls are truly worth the effort. With so many scattered across the country, it’s hard to decide which ones to prioritise,
Having explored waterfalls across different states, I’ll share my top picks for Australian waterfalls, split by state so you can plan your trip more easily, plus a pinned map so you’ll know exactly how to get to each one. Whether you’re a casual sightseer or a hiking enthusiast, this guide will help you find the falls that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
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Map of the Best Australian Waterfalls to Visit!
To help find all these falls mentioned in the blog today, I have developed a special curated map here. So, please use it for directions and find your way from your current location.
➡ Northern Territory Waterfalls
1. Florence Falls
You can find Florence Falls about two hours drive south of Darwin in Litchfield National Park and has a viewing platform that’s only a couple of minutes from the car park. On the other hand, if you’re looking to make a day of it, then tackle the 30 minutes downward hike to the waterhole and jump in for a swim.
➡ Find Litchfield National Park tours HERE with GYG. or HERE with Viator.
There are rocks to climb over at the bottom, with a small set of stairs to help you in the water. It’s a pretty busy place, so you might want to get in early. Once your swimming, there is no touching the bottom, but if you can manoeuvre around the outside (find some rocks to sit or stand on).
2. Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls is another addition available in the Litchfield National Park. This 40 metre waterfall is available for viewing all year round, however, heavy rainfalls might stop you from being able to swim during the summertime rainy months (October to March).
They have some lovely grassed areas nearby and a picnic area for you to bring-your-own lunch. This overlooks the two different waterfalls cascading down the rock wall into the large waterhole below. Lucky to also have a kiosk and information right there, as well as Barbeques & toilets.
3. Buley Rockhole
The Buley Rockhole is more so a bunch of cascading smaller waterfalls and rock pools than one large waterfall. This way, when people arrive for a swim, you have a choice to still get a swimming spot on your own. This is one of those rock pools you sit in and relax as the water is rushing past or massaging you.
This is another addition located in the lovely Litchfield National Park and only two hours away from Darwin. As well as the perfect spot to escape the hot Australian Sun without exerting yourself too much. There is limited shade from the surrounding bushland, so make sure you bring your sunscreen.
➡ Queensland Waterfalls
4. Barron Falls (Din Din)
Due to rainfall, Tropical North Queensland contains some of the best waterfalls. When you take the Kuranda Rail journey, Skyrail Gondola or drive yourself to Kuranda Village, there is an area where you’re allowed to views Barron (Din Din) falls.
➡ Search Kuranda tours HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
I have been lucky enough to see Barron Falls a few times and in different seasons. It’s surprising how much the area can change after some rainfall. However, on my other visits, the water does get a little low, and subsides to a mere trickle. Therefore, you might like other waterfalls near Cairns to see at this time.
5. Natural Bridge
The beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland has so many different waterfalls to discover and hiking the loop to Natural Bridge is one of them. Very popular as well, as it’s such an easy walk (1 km) to get to. Set inside some dense forest and viewable from above and below.
➡ Search Natural Bridge HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
Literally, you have water flowing down the mountain and disappearing into a big hole from the top. Underneath, you have a glowing stream entering a small waterhole surrounded by rocks. However, If you visit at night, you could be lucky enough to see some glow worms in the areas.
6. Booloumba Falls
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland is a hive of waterfalls and areas for swimming, and Booloumba Creek Falls is one of my personal favourites. That being said, accessing them requires a high clearance or preferably a four wheel drive vehicle.
The hike to the falls is short at 3 kilometres return and not much graduation. The track is formed and easy to walk on with thongs or flip-flops.
There are options for climbing up higher on top of the Falls, with other rock pools, slides, and holes to sit in. Additionally, If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, then the Creek Camping areas are available in the National Park.
7. Queen Mary Falls
Queen Mary Falls is located in South East Queensland and close to the border of New South Wales. There is a 2 kilometre 40 minutes hike you can complete to go to the bottom of the falls or a couple of lookout points at the top.
Both leave from the Queen Mary falls car park, but depending on the amount of water, you might be covered in the waterfalls misty spray. Apart from that, the falls plunge 40 metres into the valley floor.
8. Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls is only an hour’s drive south from Cairns to get there or 10 minutes to via off the Bruce Highway. The closest nearby town is Mirriwinni, and the turnoff heads to Wooroonooran National Park or Bartle Frere. If you’re travelling the coastal road between Brisbane and Cairns, then you might want to stop here.
➡ Find Tours from Cairns HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
There are a couple of different waterholes, along with a small slide down one of the rocks. Relax in the crystal clear waters and be almost shaded by the rainforest canopy surrounding you. For safety, please make sure you read the signs and only swim in the areas you are supposed to.
9. Daggs Falls
Daggs Falls is located along the Waterfall Way in South East Queensland, along with Queen Mary Falls. From the car park you walk 20 metres to the lookout point and an amazing view of the falls.
This would have to be one of the easiest waterfalls to get to, but you also only there for 5 minutes before you move on.
Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!
10. Millaa Millaa Falls
Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the most photographed Waterfalls in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. The falls are over 18 metres tall, flowing most of the year, and you’re able to swim in the waterhole underneath. It’s also part of the Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Circuit, so if your visiting, there are others you can see in the area.
It’s a lovely little day trip to venture here and explore. There are plenty of parks right at the falls, or others close by with a small number of stairs. The grassed area is huge, and plenty of people can fit at the same time, a few picnic tables and some toilet facilities. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife like a platypus in the water, or plenty of birds flying around.
11. Arulean Cascades, Finch Hatton
I have been lucky enough to visit the Arulean Cascades at Finch Hatton several times over the past 10 years. They would have to be one of my favourite waterfalls to swim in and running all year round. The waters are so clear and refreshing, and tends to be pretty cold all year round, but you might need a 4WD to get there.
The Hike into the falls isn’t too hectic, in fact, most people just use this as a great spot to get out and exercise. The 2.8 kilometre return walk is a formed track and not much elevation. This isn’t the only area to explore either, as the Wheel of Fire is just a little bit further to hike.
12. Purling Brook Falls
The 100 metre high Purling Brook Falls runs all year round but can be so much heavier after a bit of rain. It’s has a large car park available and a loop track that takes you down one side of the mountain, viewing right close to the falls, and then back up the other side.
There is a lookout point available only a short walk into either side and can be a good option if you’re unable to walk down. If you choose to hike, then it’s roughly four kilometres, with the bottom of the waterfall at about two kilometres.
13. Ellinjaa Falls, Queensland
Ellinjaa Falls is the second addition available for viewing on the Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit. They might be less popular and smaller, but I really loved how they come down in a wide cascade of water. I think it’s also why I love this photo so much, but the waterhole was really shallow.
The hike in to the falls is all downhill and return on the same track. However, it’s not that long, taking about 15 minutes one way. There are so many slippery rocks at the bottom, so do take care. There is also a path on the left-hand side that can take you right up to the falls.
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14. Fairy Falls
Fairy Falls is one of the hidden one and requires using the same car park as the Crystal Cascades swimming hole. It’s located in the rainforest, so it’s a great place to cool off on a hot day. It’s a stunning jewel just a 10 to 15-minute walk from the car park, and most visitors don’t know it exists.
There are no signs or markings indicating the path to the hidden waterfall, but you can find it by looking for a clearing next to a warning sign for stinging plants. Continue down this trail through the dense tropical rainforest until you reach the creek after no more than 10 minutes.
15. Wujal Wujal Falls
The Wujul Wujal falls ( Bloomfield Falls) are located in the Daintree Rainforest along the Bloomfield 4WD Track and are one of the largest in the area. They are gorgeous year-round but especially so after the wet season or a lot of rain.
The 30-minute walk down a rocky path to the falls is an easy one-kilometre journey but can be difficult in some areas ( the closer you get). However, the Kuku Yalanji people have been visiting and using these falls for thousands of years.
Please note that swimming is not advised in the Bloomfield River or Wujul Wujul Falls due to both crocodiles and cultural concerns.
16. PonyTail falls
Ponytail Falls is located near Tully, just south of Cairns. This beautiful waterfall cascades down the rock face before joining the river. The setting feels like something out of a fairy tale, with the light blue river and small to large rocks dotting the landscape.
Ponytail Falls is a 35-minute drive from the Bruce Highway turnoff at Tully and about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Cairns City. Once you stop at the small car park, it’s only a 5 minute walk down to the waters edge.
17. Wallaman falls
The Wallaman Falls are located in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (Girringun National Park), which is a rainforest region in Far North Queensland, Australia. It’s known is the tallest single drop waterfall in Australia with a 268-metre (879 ft) horsetail drop.
In total, it descends 305 metres (1,001 ft), and based on this single-drop descent. The lookout point at offers stunning views of the falls and the rainforest below. But you can take the challenge in the gully and stand at the bottom.
➡ Western Australia Waterfalls
18. Horizontal Falls
Now Horizontal Falls might not seem like a waterfall, but it is classed as one!
It’s just Horizonal, instead of Vertical. But, be sure to know, if you ever in the Kimberly region of Western Australia, you don’t want to miss it.
➡ Check prices for Horizontal Falls Tours HERE Viator from Broome.
Along the coastline of Western Australia, there are a few rock walls positioned into different lakes. When the tides come in and out daily, this creates the effect of the horizontal falls. The sheer force of the tides, move the water from one side of the rock wall to the other.
19. Mitchell Falls
Walk the Mitchell Falls track to a 3 or 4 tier cascading waterfall, located in the Kimberly region of Western Australia. Accessing the falls can sometimes be difficult, requiring you to drive on a four wheel drive track.
This amazing waterfall is best visited during the dry season and the photo below was taken in April. Once you arrive, there was a small hike to get around which required crossing the creek in the more shallow section. This allowed you to view Mitchell Falls from a number of different points.
➡ New South Wales Waterfalls
20. Wollomombi Falls
Wollomombi Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in New South Wales, located within Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, about 40 km east of Armidale along the Waterfall Way.
Plunging over 220 metres into the gorge below, it’s one of the highest waterfalls in Australia and a must-see stop on any road trip through this scenic region. The rugged landscape of deep valleys, and the winding Wollomombi River makes the views here absolutely amazing. Especially after rain when the falls thunder dramatically into the gorge.
The main walking track begins right from the car park area, making access easy for most visitors. From here, the Wollomombi Walking Track is a relatively short and easy 1.5 km return path that takes you along the rim of the gorge to several designated lookouts.
These provide different vantage points of both Wollomombi Falls and nearby Chandler Falls. The walk takes around 30–45 minutes depending on how long you stop for photos.
21. Ebor Falls
Ebor Falls is another spectacular highlight along the Waterfall Way in New South Wales, located within Guy Fawkes River National Park, about halfway between Armidale and Dorrigo.
What makes Ebor Falls so special is its unique two-tiered drop, the Upper Falls cascades in a wide curtain over volcanic rock before the water tumbles further downstream at the Lower Falls into the gorge below. The contrast between the green surroundings, the dark basalt cliffs, and the foaming white water makes it one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the region.
Access to the falls is very visitor-friendly. From the Ebor Falls car park, it’s only a short 200–300 metre walk to the main viewing platforms overlooking the Upper Falls. If you want to see the Lower Falls, you can continue along the Ebor Falls walking track, an easy 1 km return path that connects multiple lookout points along the rim of the gorge.
22. Dangar Falls
Dangar Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Dorrigo region, located just 2 km from Dorrigo town centre along the Waterfall Way in New South Wales.
Unlike some of the more remote waterfalls in the area, Dangar Falls is very easy to access, making it a favourite stop for road trippers, families, and photographers. The falls drop an impressive 30 metres into a wide, natural pool surrounded by lush rainforest, creating a picture-perfect setting.
From the Dangar Falls car park, the main lookout platform is just a short, flat 50-metre walk, giving you a panoramic view of the falls from above. For those who want to get closer, a walking track takes you down to the base of the falls.
This path is about 1 km return, descending steeply with stairs in sections, and usually takes 15–20 minutes each way. Once at the bottom, you’ll find a large swimming hole where you can take a refreshing dip (though be mindful of conditions after heavy rain).
23. Crystal Shower Falls
Crystal Shower Falls is one of the most unique and popular waterfalls along the Waterfall Way, located inside Dorrigo National Park in New South Wales. What makes this waterfall truly special is the chance to actually walk behind the curtain of water, thanks to a purpose-built track and suspension bridge that brings you right up close to the falls.
The water tumbles gracefully over a basalt cliff into the lush valley below, surrounded by dense subtropical rainforest that’s part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.
Access to Crystal Shower Falls is via the Wonga Walk, a scenic circuit trail starting from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. The walk to the falls is about 3.5 km return, graded as easy to moderate, and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your pace.
Along the way, you’ll cross a suspension bridge that gives you a spectacular vantage point of the falls before continuing on to the rocky cavern behind the cascade. Standing inside, you can look out through the flowing water to the rainforest beyond.
24. Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls is one of the Blue Mountains’ most iconic waterfalls, located just outside the town of Katoomba in New South Wales. Dropping an impressive 187 metres in three tiers (photo below is the top tier), it’s among the most dramatic sights in the region, with water tumbling down sandstone cliffs into the Jamison Valley below.
The falls are set against a backdrop of sweeping eucalyptus forests, sandstone escarpments, and vast lookouts, making it a must-visit stop when exploring the Blue Mountains National Park.
Note: When planning your stay, I would recommend a Three-day Blue Mountains itinerary.
Access to the falls is flexible, with several walking tracks catering to different fitness levels and timeframes. From the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, you can take an easy 10–15 minute walk to the main lookout platform, which provides views over the valley and a partial glimpse of the upper cascade.
For those wanting to get closer, the Wentworth Falls Track leads you down stone steps to the Fletchers Lookout and the top of the falls, before continuing further down to the midpoint and base.
The return trip to the base is around 3–4 km, steep in sections, and can take up to 2–3 hours depending on how far you descend.
25. Katoomba Falls
Katoomba Falls is another spectacular waterfall when seeing the sites in the Blue Mountains. It’s located right in the heart of Katoomba near Echo Point and Scenic World.
The falls drop in a stunning two-tiered cascade from the cliffs into the Jamison Valley below, surrounded by dramatic sandstone escarpments and lush eucalypt forest.
While it’s not quite as tall as Wentworth Falls, its accessibility and multiple viewing points make it one of the most popular waterfalls in the region. So whether you’re in the Blue Mountains on a day trip, or staying longer, it’s easy to schedule into your trip.
The main access point is the Katoomba Falls Reserve, where you’ll find picnic areas, a car park, and the starting point for the Katoomba Falls Round Walk. This short loop track (about 2 km, 45 minutes to 1 hour) takes you past several spectacular lookouts, including Cliff View Lookout, Witches Leap, and Reid’s Plateau, before reaching the best viewpoints of the falls.
For a different perspective, you can also take the Scenic Skyway or Scenic Cableway from Scenic World, which glide directly over or alongside the falls, offering jaw-dropping aerial views of the cascades and valley floor.
➡ Victoria Waterfalls
26. Mackenzie Falls
Mackenzie Falls are located in the Grampian mountains, Victoria. And accessing requires a steep walk downhill in about 10 to 15 minutes. The falls themselves are not very tall but have a beautiful way of cascading down the rock face and creating a nice little swimming hole below.
Being in Victoria, it’s going to be cold here throughout the year and, summertime would be the only chance to swim comfortably. But, other time of the year are brilliant for photography.
27. Triplet Falls, Victoria
Venture into the Victorian Great Otway National Park to visit Triplet Falls. It can be done with a day trip from Melbourne, only 2.5 hours away, or spend a little more time staying in the area to explore more.
Triplets falls requires a one-hour loop walk through some thick rainforest. Listen for the roar of rushing water and view the cascades over purpose-built walkways and stairs.
There is a car park available which is suitable for larger vehicles. The Picnic Table and toilet facilities make it easier to pack for a day trip lunch. But from here, you’re really not far and it’s worth stopping off along the Great Ocean Road, which is something you don’t want to miss.
28. Erskine Falls, Victoria
The Erskine Falls is located outside Lorne in Victoria and plunges 30 metres into the waterhole below . There is an amazing amount of greenery surrounding the area, and you’ll feel the overspray mist cooling you off as you get close.
There is a lookout to the falls at the top, five minutes away from the car park. However, if you would like to tackle the 240 stairs down, it’s a bit more strenuous, but you will arrive at the base of the falls, where the photo was taken below.
Wrap up & Read More!
Thanks for reading this blog post today on some of the best Waterfalls in Australia (At least the ones I’ve visited). I hope you found what you were looking for. However, if you’re still researching, please get more Australian Blogs here for inspiration and planning.
