Fitzroy Falls

Thundering into a lush, fern-filled gorge, Fitzroy Falls is one of the Southern Highlands' most dramatic natural spectacles. The 81-metre waterfall plunges from a sandstone escarpment, with lookouts that offer heart-stopping views across the Morton National Park. It's an easy detour on a drive between Sydney and Canberra, and the well-maintained walking trails make it a rewarding stop for families, bushwalkers, and anyone craving a blast of fresh mountain air.

Highlights & What to See

• Fitzroy Falls Lookout – A short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads to the main viewing platform, where you can feel the spray on your face and watch rainbows dance in the mist.
• West Rim Track – A 6 km return walk that hugs the cliff edge, passing several other lookouts and cascades, with panoramic views over the wild valley.
• East Rim Track – A slightly shorter option (4.5 km return) that explores the eastern side of the gorge, offering quieter perspectives and excellent birdwatching.
• Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre – Stop in for interpretive displays on the local Aboriginal heritage and the area's unique eucalypt forests, plus a café with deck seating overlooking the falls.
• Morton National Park – The falls are the gateway to this vast wilderness of sandstone cliffs, deep gullies, and ancient cycad groves, perfect for day walks or picnics.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend between 1 and 2 hours at Fitzroy Falls, which is enough time to take in the main lookout, grab a coffee at the visitor centre, and walk a short section of the West or East Rim Track. If you're keen on a longer hike, allocate half a day – the full West Rim circuit (including the Twin Falls and the Grotto) takes about 3 hours. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bowral – The charming heart of the Southern Highlands, known for its antique shops, bookstores, and the famous Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame.
• Morton National Park (Bungonia Lookout) – A dramatic viewpoint over the Shoalhaven River gorge, just 30 minutes south, with walking trails and a historic limestone cave system.
• Kangaroo Valley – A picturesque village nestled between the escarpments, offering kayaking on the Kangaroo River, the historic Hampden Bridge, and the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum.
• Berrima – Australia's best-preserved Georgian village, with sandstone buildings, a historic courthouse, and excellent wineries and cellar doors.
• Mittagong – The northern gateway to the Highlands, with the Mount Gibraltar Reserve offering panoramic views and a network of walking trails through granite outcrops.

Please check official sources for current details.