Katoomba Falls

 

Katoomba Falls

One of the most popular and impressive waterfalls in the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba Falls is easy accessible from the main road. Offering multiple viewing points, walks to the bottom of the first leap and to the falls’ bottom, as well as a stunning views to the full falls from the Scenic World Cable-way.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 33° 43.668' E 150° 18.262'
Parking: Katoomba Falls Kiosk, 102B Cliff Dr, Katoomba
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Easy walking track
Road type: Sealed Return track duration: 10min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 150m Type of the waterfall: Multi-step

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 33° 43.668' E 150° 18.262'
Parking:     Katoomba Falls Kiosk, 102B Cliff Dr, Katoomba
Access:     10min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Katoomba Falls is roughly a 1hr45 minutes’ drive away from Sydney, or just 15minutes’ from Wentworth Falls. From Sydney travel west on the M4 which becomes A32 until you reach Katoomba (roughly 1h40minutes). Then turn left onto Parke Street and follow it until intersection with Waratah St. Turn left onto Waratah St, then on the first round-about turn right onto Katoomba St. In 1km turn right onto Katoomba Falls Rd which becomes Cliff Rd. You will reach a car park in 600m. The road is a sealed one.

The car park, on your left, has a few dedicated spaces. If you don’t find a space, check the other side of the road – near Katoomba Falls Tourist Park. The public toilet is available here as well. Still no luck - drive along Cliff Rd (any direction), there are lots of parking spots available.

Actually, you can see the waterfall from many places while driving along the Cliff Rd, but below we will describe the best ways to see/enjoy its beauty. From the Katoomba Falls Kiosk follow Prince Henry Cliff Walk (turn left immediately past the track entrance) – in roughly 5 minutes you will reach the Top Falls Lookout. There some stairs along the way, so not suitable for wheelchair.

From here, you can either turn back, or if you have time and energy we would highly recommend to walk down the stairs to the Middle Falls Lookout. The track passes Witches Leap base and the top of Vera’s Grotto, and takes roughly 15-20 minutes to reach the falls. Katoomba Falls is a typical 2-steps waterfall. So, the Middle Falls Lookout leads you directly to the base of the first leap where you can come very close and even touch the water. It’s probably one of the best view of the waterfall.

From here, you can either turn back (roughly 30-40 minutes total walking time), or continue on to the main track which brings you to the Lower Falls Lookout. Walk down the stairs via Furber Steps (have lots of water with you during summer time), pass Vera’s Grotto base, then at the bottom on the track’s junction you’ll need to turn left and in roughly 10 minutes you will reach the falls. Same as the Middle Lookout – you will walk to the base of the second leap. The walk from the Middle Falls Lookout to the Lower one takes roughly 30 minutes. BUT the walk back will take much longer due to the stairs. Allow 2-2.5hrs for the whole journey.

Another way to see the waterfall is from Scenic World Skyway. You’ll need to buy tickets in Scenic World, jump into a cabin and enjoy the views of the full Katoomba Falls and surroundings. Also, you can purchase Scenic Railway tickets, ride a 52-degree incline, and then from the Railway platform walk for 15 minutes to the falls’ base. Return via the same route.

Katoomba Falls is a permanent waterfall, but best to visit is after decent rain. Ideal time to visit – late autumn, winter, early spring. Also, if you’re planning to capture good photos, make sure it’s not a super sunny day.

If you’re allowed to fly a drone near this waterfall, then you will be able to take best photos.


Waterfalls nearby

Katoomba Cascades

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     10min return walk
Driving:   1 m (1 min)

Read more ...

Witches Leap

Rating:       ⭐
Access:     20min return walk
Driving:   1 m (1 min)

Read more ...

Vera’s Grotto

Rating:       ⭐⭐
Access:     55min return walk
Driving:   1 m (1 min)

Read more ...

 


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