Ellenborough Falls

Plunging 160 metres into a fern-lined gorge, Ellenborough Falls is one of Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfalls and a breathtaking roadside spectacle in the New South Wales hinterland. The thunder of water, the cool mist on your face, and the ancient rainforest surround make this a mesmerising stop on any north-coast road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Main Lookout: An easy 50-metre walk from the car park delivers a vertiginous view straight down the drop – arrive early for the best light and to avoid crowds.
• Bullocky’s Rest Walking Track: A 1.5 km loop through subtropical rainforest leads to a second viewpoint and a historic bullock camp, offering a different angle of the falls and a sense of the area’s timber-getting past.
• Upper Falls Picnic Area: Pack a picnic and enjoy the sound of cascading water from the grassy area near the top of the falls – a perfect spot for a midday break.
• Local Wildlife: Keep an eye out for satin bowerbirds, lyrebirds and, if you’re lucky, a platypus in the pools below the falls.
• Nearby Elands Village: A tiny historic settlement with a general store and pub, ideal for a cold drink and a chat with locals after your hike.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one to two hours at Ellenborough Falls – enough time to admire the main lookout, walk the Bullocky’s Rest track, and enjoy a picnic. If you’re a keen photographer or want to explore the longer trails in the surrounding Ellenborough State Conservation Area, budget half a day. The falls are best visited in the morning when the light hits the cliff face, or after rain when the flow is at its most dramatic.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Comboyne Plateau: A lush farming area with rolling hills, dairy farms and the Comboyne Rainforest Walk – 20 minutes south-east.
• Wauchope: Historic timber town on the Hastings River, gateway to the Willi Willi National Park and a good base for supplies – 45 minutes south.
• Port Macquarie: Coastal hub with beautiful beaches, the Koala Hospital and the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre – about 1.5 hours south-east.
• Bellingen: Artsy, river-side town with a vibrant food scene, craft breweries and the Dorrigo National Park – 45 minutes north.
• Dorrigo National Park: World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest with the famous Skywalk canopy walk – 30 minutes north-west.

Please check official sources for current details.