18 of the most spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes in the Blue Mountains

Wentworth Falls

An icon of the Blue Mountains, Wentworth Falls drops almost 300 metres over the upper and lower falls. Look out over the top of the falls from the Wentworth Falls Lookout or follow the Wentworth Pass Loop walking track to the bottom of the valley to see the falls from below and swim in the tranquil pool. 

Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains

Empress Falls 

Though it’s one of the smaller falls in the mountains, at just 37 metres tall, Empress Falls is one of the most magical. Tumbling over several tiers and flanked by thick bushland, the shaded swimming hole at the base is crystal clear and icy cold. It’s part of the Valley of the Waters walking trail and also one of the few places where you can abseil directly down the face of a waterfall. 

Empress Falls, Blue Mountains National Park

Leura Cascades  

Cascading over a series of gently sloping rock ledges, surrounded by lush green ferns, Leura Cascades is one of the prettiest falls in the Blue Mountains. Starting from the picnic area, follow the steep steps through the rainforest and down into the valley, listening out for the distinctive calls of the catbird (which sound just like a cat). From the bottom, you’ll have a perfect view back up the cascades. Continue on the path to reach a lookout for the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls. 

Leura Cascades, Leura - Credit: Stephen Alton

Katoomba Cascades and Katoomba Falls 

These two falls are part of the Kedumba River that runs between Echo Point and Scenic World. A section of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk connects the two, from the smaller Katoomba Cascades upstream to the impressive Katoomba Falls that tumbles off the cliff at the Duke & Duchess of York Lookout. The path is also lit at night, making for a unique bushwalk after dark. 

Anderson's Tours at Katoomba Cascades, Katoomba

Kalang Falls and Kanangra Falls 

The Kanangra-Boyd National Park sits on the southwestern edge of the Blue Mountains, close to Jenolan Caves. Follow the Waterfall Walk through the park to see two of its most famous waterfalls. Kanangra Falls tumbles dramatically over a high cliff and you can admire it from a lookout across the canyon. Kalang Falls is much smaller, dropping down over a series of tiers into a tranquil pool. Bring your swimsuit if you want to try some wild swimming – but be aware that the water stays icy cold year round. 

Kanangra Falls, Blue Mountains

Gordon Falls  

Gordon Falls runs off a 200-metre sandstone cliff on the edge of Leura, falling into green forest and a shallow pool. The views from the lookout are spectacular, taking in the falls and Mount Solitary beyond. It’s possible to reach the base of the falls, though the walk is steep and challenging. From Kiah Lookout, follow the Federal Pass track and then Lindeman Pass, which will eventually take you directly underneath the falls.  

South Lawson Waterfall Circuit

This easy, three-kilometre trail passes four lovely waterfalls as well as pristine bushland, shady ferns and bubbling creeks. Adelina Falls is arguably the prettiest, falling through rainforest into a shallow pool. Junction Falls is actually two sets of falls separated by a wooden footbridge. Federal Falls has an unusual sandy flat at its base and Cataract Falls has an upper and lower section that are both worth visiting. 

South Lawson Waterfall Circuit, Blue Mountains

Grand Canyon Track 

Happy hikers have been following the famous Grand Canyon Track since 1907. This challenging six-kilometre walk winds through shady forest and beneath soaring sandstone walls. You’ll pass a number of small waterfalls along Greaves Creek as well as calm swimming holes perfect for a summertime dip. On one part of the track, you’ll even get to walk behind (or beneath) a waterfall as it tumbles from a rock ledge above. 

Grand Canyon track, Blue Mountains National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW

Horseshoe Falls 

Close to the village of Hazelbrook on the eastern edge of the Blue Mountains, Horseshoe Falls drops into a large natural amphitheatre. You can walk right behind the cascade, feeling the spray as it crashed into a small pool. As it sits outside the national park, this is one of the few trails where you can bring your dog along for the walk, though they need to remain on lead. At night, the rock walls and caves around the falls come to life with the lights from thousands of glow worms. 

Victoria Falls  

There are two waterfalls to explore along the Victoria Falls Walking Track in the Mount Victoria area of the Blue Mountains. Starting at the Victoria Falls Lookout, follow the steep, zig-zagging path down a sandstone cliff into the Grose Valley. You’ll arrive at the pretty Victoria Cascades first, a small tiered fall with a tranquil pool at the base. Continue on to the main Victoria Falls, which drops 20 metres from a rock overhang into a large waterhole that’s a popular swimming spot. 

Victoria Falls walking track, Blackheath - Credit: Grant Purcell/DCCEEW

Minnehaha Falls 

A hidden gem on the northern side of Katoomba, Minnehaha Falls is reached by an easy walking trail that follows the Yosemite Creek. A series of steep metal staircases will take you to the bottom of the falls, which drops in two stages over a jagged cliff. The large swimming hole at the base is one of the prettiest in the mountains and there’s a flat rocky area perfect for picnics. 

Bridal Veil Falls 

The spectacular Bridal Veil Falls plummets an impressive 180 metres over a cliff into the Grose Valley. It’s also known as Govetts Leap Falls (and you get a great view from the Govetts Leap Lookout) but the more romantic name comes from the misty, veil-like effect created by the water as it cascades down. 

Grose Valley from Govetts Leap, Blue Mountains