by Jo Vartanian

My passion for hiking includes seeking out beautiful waterfalls tucked away in the heart of Sydney's wilderness and sharing them with the women I train for hiking adventures. These hidden gems not only offer the perfect backdrop for adventure but also boast refreshing swimming holes, ideal for a rejuvenating dip. There's nothing like hiking to a waterfall to enjoy the soothing sounds of the cascading water, the lush greenery that thrives nearby, and the vibrant birdlife that gathers around these natural gems.

To help you embark on your own waterfall-hunting journey, we rely on a couple of user-friendly websites that make finding the right hiking trail easy: ALLTRAILS and WILDWALKS and NSW National Parks.

Based on our extensive experience, we've handpicked our top 5 local waterfall day hikes. These trails are graded as easy to moderate, featuring mostly well-maintained paths that ensure a memorable hiking experience for all skill levels.

1. Kingfisher Pool - Heathcote National Park Located near the suburb of Waterfall, Kingfisher Pool is a favourite among hikers and nature lovers. This 1.6km easy-moderate hike is nestled in a shady spot, making it perfect for a morning excursion. The highlight? A tumbling waterfall and a popular swimming hole beckons you after just a 40-minute hike through the bush. Detailed information can be found on the NPWS website.

2. Wattamolla Lagoon and Curracurrang Pool - Royal National Park Venture to the Royal National Park for a day of waterfall exploration. Start your journey at the bustling Wattamolla picnic area, where a 10-meter waterfall steals the show. For a more tranquil experience, take an easy 1.6km hike south to Curracurrang Pool. As you reach the cove opening to the sea, follow the creek upstream on the north bank for approximately 200 meters to discover a secluded waterfall and a serene swimming hole. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during the week.

Happy hikers at the base of Kelly’s Falls

3. Kelly's Falls - Helensburgh Near Helensburgh, you'll find the spectacular Kelly's Falls. These falls offer a unique experience - you can admire them from the top, or for the more adventurous, embark on a challenging hike to reach the bottom. The top trails lead you to four scenic lookouts with stunning views of the waterfall and the rainforest-lined gullies below. Kelly's Falls is also a paradise for birdwatchers.

4. Winifrid Falls - Royal National Park For a more challenging hike, head to Winifrid Falls in the Royal National Park. You can opt for the demanding out-and-back trail from Audley or start from Warumbul Rd, making it a manageable 1.5-hour round trip. Scramble to the base of the falls for an easy entry point to enjoy a swim. If you're up for it, venture a bit further to visit the smaller Anice Falls.

5. Uloola Falls - Royal National Park Deep within the Royal National Park lies the secluded Uloola Falls. The journey to this hidden gem is a rewarding 1.5-hour, 6km hike through beautiful bushland. You can start your adventure from either Audley or Waterfall Station. Just remember to allocate enough time for the return hike to fully immerse yourself in this natural wonderland. Explore upstream for more tumbling cascades, especially after rain.

Diamond Day Hike to Winifrid and Anice Falls.

So, lace up your hiking boots, gather your fellow adventurous women, and embark on a journey to discover the captivating waterfalls of Sydney's wilderness. These hikes promise not only breathtaking scenery but also unforgettable moments in the heart of nature. So, grab your backpack, pack your swimsuit, and set out on a waterfall adventure like no other.

Best Waterfall Hikes in Sydney

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Diamonds in the Rough Adventures acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and trek, and recognise their continued connection to country. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to their Elders past and present.

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Diamonds in the Rough Adventures (ABN: 38901837498)