Fitzroy Falls

Thundering into a forested gorge in Morton National Park, Fitzroy Falls is one of the Southern Highlands’ most dramatic natural spectacles. A short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads to a lookout that puts you face-to-face with the 81-metre cascade, where mist catches the light and rainbows often form. Beyond the main plunge, a network of trails winds through eucalypt forest and heath, offering quieter viewpoints and a chance to spot lyrebirds and wallabies. This is classic Australian bush – raw, ancient and utterly captivating.

Highlights & What to See

• The Main Lookout: Just 50 metres from the car park, this platform delivers a jaw-dropping view of the falls plunging into the gorge. Arrive early or late in the day for softer light and fewer crowds.
• West Rim Walking Track: A 7 km return walk that follows the escarpment edge, passing several smaller waterfalls and lookouts – including the photogenic Jersey Lookout. Allow 2–3 hours for a leisurely stroll.
• East Rim Track: A shorter 4 km return option that offers a different perspective of the gorge and its lush vegetation. Ideal for a quick leg-stretch with rewarding views.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos grazing at dusk, and listen for the call of the superb lyrebird – a master mimic that frequents the bush around the falls.
• Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre: A handy stop for maps, interpretive displays on local Aboriginal culture (the area is part of Gundungurra Country) and a café with deck seating overlooking the valley.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours here, which is enough to admire the main lookout, walk a short section of the West Rim or East Rim trail, and grab a coffee at the visitor centre. If you’re keen on a longer hike (the full West Rim loop is 7 km), budget half a day – pack water and sun protection, as much of the track is exposed. Fitzroy Falls can easily be combined with a morning exploring the Southern Highlands’ cool-climate villages and gardens.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bowral: The stylish heart of the Southern Highlands, 25 minutes north, known for its antique shops, bookstores, and the famed Tulip Time festival in spring.
• Morton National Park: Extends beyond the falls, with additional lookouts (Belmore Falls, Carrington Falls) and bushwalking trails that reward with deep gorges and cascades.
• Berrima: A historic sandstone village with colonial-era buildings, artisan bakeries and the acclaimed Berkelouw Book Barn – perfect for a leisurely lunch.
• Kangaroo Valley: A scenic 30-minute drive east, this bucolic valley offers river canoeing, the historic Hampden Bridge and the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum.
• Robertson: Known for its lush green dairy country and the iconic Robertson Pie Shop, this small town is a great stop for a classic Aussie meat pie.

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