Getaway Guides
12 Incredible Waterfalls For Your Aussie Bucket List
October 29, 2023 • Toby Ley
5 min read
Australia has no shortage of spectacular natural wonders, and that’s especially true when it comes to our waterfalls. From thundering torrents that fall from ruggedly carved cliffs, to tranquil cascades hidden within mist-shrouded forests - so here’s twelve stunning examples to set your sights on along with some great accommodation options nearby.
1. Mitchell Falls, WA
This incredible four-tiered behemoth lies all the way up in the north of WA’s rugged Kimberley region in one of the most far flung corners of the country. Some 500km from Kununurra, and a lengthy 4WD diversion from the Gibb River Road, these tremendous falls are a sight worth seeing at least once in your lifetime.
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2. Russell and Horseshoe Falls, TAS
Little more than an hour from Hobart, these two falls lie within a lush forest of mossy rocks and vibrant ferns beneath the occasionally snow-capped peaks of Mt Field National Park.
Nearby Accommodation Recommendation:
3. Wallaman Falls, QLD
At an impressive 268m, Wallaman is Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall. It tumbles from a rainforest plateau in Girringun National Park, part of Queensland’s Wet Tropics. As spectacular as the view from the top is, a visit isn’t complete until you’ve trekked all the way down to see them from the bottom.
Nearby Accommodation Recommendation:
4. Josephine Falls, QLD
The Atherton Tablelands above Cairns is home to dozens if not hundreds of stunning waterfalls, and while it’s no easy task picking favourites, Josephine Falls is hard to beat. Within the lush rainforest below Queensland’s highest peak, the verdant cascades flow amidst lichen splattered boulders creating deep rock pools.
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5. Hamersley Gorge Spa Pool, WA
The harsh red country of Karijini in WA’s Pilbara region, is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most spectacular natural areas. It’s riddled with canyons, hidden rivers, waterfalls and some of the best swimming holes in the country, but none are quite so picturesque as this little pool hidden within Hamersley Gorge.
Nearby Accommodation Recommendation:
6. Elliot Falls, QLD
All the way up at the very top of Queensland, some 80km from the tip of Cape York, Elliot Falls, and the nearby Fruit-Bat Falls, might be far from the largest, but they’re no doubt two of the prettiest.
Nearby Accommodation Recommendation:
- Eliot Falls Camping Area (4WD only)
7. Tjaynera Falls, NT
Litchfield National Park, just a stone’s throw from Darwin, is absolutely teeming with waterfalls, and it’s also a blessed haven of croc-free swimming in such hot country. A decent river crossing separates Tjaynera (or Sandy Creek Falls) from the 2WD-accessible majority of the park, meaning you’ll likely find them a whole lot quieter than Wangi or Florence, the Litchfield’s most popular waterfalls.
Nearby Accommodation Recommendation:
8. Emerald Creek Falls, QLD
Another set of falls hidden in the tablelands above Cairns, but instead of lush rainforest, Emerald Creek cascades through a rocky gully of weathered granite surrounded by dry woodland, and plenty of great little swimming rock pools.
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9. Ebor Falls, NSW
Ebor Falls is one of many stops on the appropriately named Waterfall Way in the New England region of Northern NSW. Part of Guy Fawkes River National Park, the tiered upper falls and dramatic lower falls can absolutely thunder after heavy rains.
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10. Bloomfield Falls, QLD
If you’re heading along the steep and often rough Bloomfield Track from Cooktown to the Daintree, these impressive falls make for a worthwhile little diversion. Long sacred to the local Wajul Wajul people, access is only possible during the dry season.
Nearby Accommodation Recommendation:
11. Nelson Falls, TAS
Nelson Falls is a stop on the winding and mountainous Lyell Highway that crosses Tasmania from Hobart to Strahan. The entire journey is a spectacular drive through pristine Tasmanian wilderness, and these beautifully cascading falls within the ancient forest that surrounds them is no exception.
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12. Barramundi Falls (Maguk), NT
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Kakadu is another Top End park with no shortage of waterfalls, although the same can’t be said for croc-free swimming holes. Maguk is one of the exceptions, and within its rocky gorge, the long and beautiful plunge pool is one of the best swimming spots in the NT.
These are just some of the amazing waterfalls on CamperMate, with more getting added all the time, so make sure to check regularly with the app to see what's been added near you at home or on your next adventure.
