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The Best NSW Waterfalls To Visit This School Holiday

Author: Elena Osipova | Updated Oct 08, 2023

With the NSW school holidays just around the corner, what better way to create unforgettable memories than by exploring some of the best waterfalls in NSW?

New South Wales boasts some of the best Australian waterfalls, perfect for families with kids! Whether you're up for picnics, keen on some short walks, or want to enjoy nature, we've got you covered with this list of the top waterfalls in NSW.

Dive into our guide to discover mesmerizing places that are sure to amaze you and your kids!

Discover some of the best NSW waterfalls to visit with kids, including Fitzroy Falls, Katoomba Falls, Beauchamp Falls, Ebor Falls, Ellenborough Falls.
Discover some of the best NSW waterfalls to visit with kids, including Fitzroy Falls, Katoomba Falls, Beauchamp Falls, Ebor Falls, and Ellenborough Falls

The best NSW waterfalls to visit with kids include:

Best waterfalls in Australia

How tall is the waterfall?

Public Toilet

Entry Fee

Is it dog-friendly?

Ellenborough falls NSW

120-130 m / 394-427 ft

Yes

Free entry

Dog-friendly waterfall

Fitzroy falls NSW

160-220 m / 525-722 ft

Yes

Free entry. Parking fees apply

Dogs are not allowed

Katoomba Falls NSW

230 m / 755 ft

No toilets

Free entry

Dog-friendly waterfall

Beauchamp falls Blue Mountains NSW

16-26 m / 52-85 ft

Yes

Free entry

Dogs are not allowed

Ebor falls NSW

44-50 m / 144-164 ft

Yes

Free entry

Dogs are not allowed

Making school holiday plans has never been easier! Explore our guide to school holiday activities Sydney offers, packed with engaging school holiday programs, free school holiday activities and family events!


Experience breathtaking views from Fitzroy Falls Lookout

Fitzroy Falls is another fantastic place for a family getaway during the Sydney school holidays. It's located in Morton National Park, only a 2-hour drive from Sydney.

One of the best NSW waterfalls: Fitzroy Falls (Fitzroy Falls Lookout).
Breathtaking views from the famous Fitzroy Falls Lookout, Fitzroy Falls, NSW

Things to know about Fitzroy Falls, NSW:

  • Accessible, short, pram-friendly walk (150-200m) to the spectacular lookout

  • Longer 1.5-hour walk through the reserve

  • Picnic area with tables and seating

  • Local birds and gorgeous parrots visit the picnic grounds frequently

  • Public toilets

  • Plenty of parking at $4 per day or free with a NSW Park Pass

  • The Visitor Centre gift shop offers some snacks, books and handmade items.

Accessible walk and panoramic views at the stunning Fitzroy Falls, NSW.
Accessible walk and panoramic views at the stunning Fitzroy Falls, NSW

Fitzroy Falls Walk:

The whole family will enjoy exploring the Fitzroy Falls walking track, a 1.5-hour walk through the reserve!

If you're looking for exciting free things to do near Sydney, bring the kids to the falls to explore and take in the beauty of this picturesque spot!

Beautiful views during the Fitzroy Falls Walk.
Beautiful views during the Fitzroy Falls Walk

Fitzroy Falls Walk map:

Fitzroy Falls Walk, Morton National Park, NSW.
Fitzroy Falls Walk, Morton National Park, NSW. Source: Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre

Fitzroy Falls directions:


Take the Katoomba Falls Walk to discover the beautiful Blue Mountains

Katoomba Falls in the Blue Mountains is the perfect destination for a day trip with your family.

pectacular Katoomba Falls in the Blue Mountains, NSW.
pectacular Katoomba Falls in the Blue Mountains, NSW

Things to know about Katoomba Falls:

  • Plenty of free parking

  • Picnic area

  • No toilets

  • Swimming is not allowed

  • The spectacular falls, as well as lookouts, are easily reached from the picnic area, with an easy 5-minute walk

  • Katoomba Falls Reserve offers many hiking tracks of varying difficulty, so choose one that suits your abilities

  • Dogs are allowed, so bring your furry friend with you too!

Katoomba Falls Round Walk offers spectacular views along the way.
Katoomba Falls Round Walk offers spectacular views along the way!

Katoomba Falls Walk:

The Katoomba Falls Round Walk offers excellent views along the way, with spectacular lookouts! It's an easy walk and one of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains.

The Katoomba Falls Walk is perfect for a family day trip, so pack some food, snacks and water to enjoy the picnic with your kids at the fantastic picnic area!

Katoomba Falls directions:


Beauchamp Falls is a must-do for families in the Blue Mountains

Planning a day-long family adventure during the next school holidays in Sydney? Check out Beauchamp Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park! You'll see nature's beauty up close and experience serenity like no other.

Beauchamp Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park, NSW.
Beauchamp Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park, NSW. Photo: Mark Waayer, Google Maps

Things to know before you go to Beauchamp Falls, the Blue Mountains:

  • 2-hour drive from Sydney

  • It could be challenging for younger kids because of the steep steps

  • Plenty of free parking at the Neates Glen Parking Area / Evans Lookout Parking Area

  • Stunning picnic spots at Point Pilcher Lookout / Evans Lookout

  • Toilets are at Point Pilcher Lookout / Evans Lookout

  • Covered tables and benches at Point Pilcher Lookout / Evans Lookout

  • Plenty of walking trails of various difficulty

  • Dogs are not allowed.

Beauchamp Falls Walk in the Blue Mountains National Park in NSW.
Beauchamp Falls Walk in the Blue Mountains National Park in NSW. Photo: Hai Hui Zhang

Beauchamp Falls Walk:

The Beauchamp Falls Walk has lots of steep steps. However, the views and peaceful atmosphere at the waterfall's base are worth every effort.

Beauchamp Falls map:

Beauchamp Falls, Evans Lookout in Blue Mountains National Park.
Beauchamp Falls, Evans Lookout in Blue Mountains National Park. Source: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Beauchamp Falls directions:


Get ready for a splash at Ellenborough Falls, NSW

When thinking of fun things to do in Port Macquarie with kids during the NSW school holidays, a day trip to explore one of the best Australian waterfalls is a perfect choice!

Ellenborough Falls is located in the Tapin Tops National Park, Northern NSW. This waterfall is the third tallest falls in Australia.

The drive to Ellenborough Falls from Port Macquarie is around 2 hours.

Famous Ellenborough Falls, Northern NSW.
Famous Ellenborough Falls, Northern NSW. Photo: Sue Gregory, Google Maps

Things to know about Ellenborough Falls, NSW:

  • Ample parking near the waterfall

  • Spacious and clean picnic ground

  • Scenic lookout points

  • Public toilet

  • Dogs are allowed

  • Kiosk with drinks and homemade pies, open until 4 pm on weekends.

Ellenborough Falls Walk:

Ellenborough Falls Walk offers breathtaking views of the cascading waterfall and beautiful nature! You can even swim at the base of the falls, perfect for hot summer days.

Keep in mind there is a 700-step staircase and a long walk up from the falls to the carpark, which could be challenging for younger kids. It’s great exercise, though, if you’re up for it!

Ellenborough Falls in New South Wales is one of the best Port Macquarie things to do and the perfect spot to take the whole family on an active adventure!

Ellenborough Falls map:

Ellenborough Falls Walk, Tapin Tops National Park, Northern NSW.
Ellenborough Falls Walk, Tapin Tops National Park, Northern NSW. Source: AllTrails

Ellenborough Falls directions:


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ebor Falls, New South Wales

When it comes to the family-friendly attractions Coffs Harbour offers, the stunning waterfalls stand out as must-visit destinations.

The gorgeous Ebor Falls is located in the Guy Fawkes River National Park, Waterfall Way. During your visit, you'll need to allocate:

  • about an hour's drive from Armidale to Ebor Falls, or

  • about 2 hours drive from Coffs Harbour to Ebor Falls.

❗ Please note that there's some construction going on until end-2023. However, the falls can still be easily reached via the viewpoint.

The breathtaking beauty of Ebor Falls, New South Wales.
The breathtaking beauty of Ebor Falls, New South Wales. Photo: Nathan Astbury, Google Maps

Things to know about Ebor Falls:

  • Large car park

  • Picnic tables - a perfect place to take your family for a picnic lunch

  • Information display

  • Public toilets

  • Rubbish bins

  • Dogs are not allowed.

Picnic area at the beautiful Ebor Falls, NSW.
Picnic area at the beautiful Ebor Falls, NSW. Photo: Mauro Losekann, Google Maps

Ebor Falls Walking Track:

Ebor Falls Walking Track around the beautiful waterfall is stunning! You can even climb to the pools at the waterfall's base for a swim.

Ebor Falls map:

Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes River National Park, NSW.
Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes River National Park, NSW. Source: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Ebor Falls directions:


As New South Wales offers some of the best waterfalls in Australia, these Sydney school holidays, it's time to swap the usual outings for the mesmerising sounds of cascading waters, the refreshing sprays, and the picture-perfect views of the best NSW waterfalls.

So, get ready for a family adventure like no other!

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