Dangar Falls

Hidden in the lush hills of the Upper Hunter, Dangar Falls is a serene 30-metre cascade that plunges into a deep, inviting pool. Unlike the region's famous vineyards, this is a place of raw natural beauty — the sound of rushing water and the cool mist on your face offer a refreshing escape. The surrounding bushland is alive with birdlife, making it a perfect spot for a quiet picnic or a short bushwalk.

Highlights & What to See

• The main waterfall: After rain, the falls thunder over a basalt cliff into a wide pool — ideal for photography or a cooling dip in summer.
• Walking track: A short, easy trail leads from the carpark to a lookout platform with panoramic views of the gorge and the waterfall.
• Swimming hole: The pool at the base is a local favourite for a refreshing swim; the water is clear and surprisingly deep.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, lyrebirds, and colourful parrots in the surrounding forest.
• Picnic area: Shady tables and grassy spots near the carpark make this a great place for a relaxed lunch.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour here — enough time to walk to the lookout, snap some photos, and enjoy a swim. If you bring a picnic, you could easily linger for a couple of hours. It's best visited in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the crowds are thin.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Burning Mountain (Mount Wingen): A unique natural phenomenon — a coal seam that has been smouldering underground for thousands of years, just 20 minutes' drive south.
• Barrington Tops National Park: A vast wilderness of ancient rainforests and alpine plateaus, about an hour's drive east, offering world-class hiking and camping.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country: The famous vineyards and cellar doors of Pokolbin and Lovedale are an hour south — perfect for a wine-tasting afternoon.
• Gloucester: A charming country town with historic buildings and the Bucketts Mountain Range backdrop, 30 minutes north.

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