Photo: Bjenks / CC BY-SA 3.0
Plunging into a lush, fern-lined gorge in the Southern Highlands, Fitzroy Falls is one of the most accessible and breathtaking waterfalls in New South Wales. The main cascade drops 81 metres into a deep valley, and the surrounding Morton National Park offers a network of walking trails with panoramic lookouts and ancient rainforest. This is a perfect stop for self-drivers exploring the scenic route between Sydney and Canberra, or as a day trip from the Southern Highlands villages.
Highlights & What to See
- Fitzroy Falls Lookout – A short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads to the main viewing platform, offering a stunning head-on view of the waterfall and the sandstone escarpment.
- West Rim Walking Track – A 2.5 km return walk that follows the cliff edge past several smaller cascades and lookouts, including the dramatic Valley View and Twin Falls.
- East Rim Walking Track – A longer 6 km return route that takes you deeper into the national park, with quieter lookouts and a chance to spot lyrebirds and wallabies.
- Morton National Park – Beyond the falls, the park features wildflower displays in spring, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
- Wildlife Encounters – Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wombats, and a variety of bird species including crimson rosellas and superb lyrebirds.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow at least 1–2 hours for a quick visit to the main lookout and a short walk. For a more immersive experience, plan for half a day to explore both rim tracks and enjoy a picnic. The falls are at their most impressive after rain, and the light is best in the late afternoon for photography.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Bowral – The charming town of Bowral, known for its antique shops, cafes, and the famous Bradman Museum, is a 20-minute drive north.
- Morton National Park – Explore more of the park, including the Belmore Falls and the Budderoo National Park, both within 30 minutes' drive.
- Kangaroo Valley – A picturesque valley with historic bridges, canoeing on the river, and the Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum, about 40 minutes east.
- Berrima – One of Australia's best-preserved Georgian villages, with sandstone buildings, galleries, and the Berrima Vault House, around 25 minutes north.
- Jervis Bay – Famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Jervis Bay is about an hour's drive east, perfect for a coastal contrast.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Bowral — Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Morton National Park — Baltimike / CC BY 2.0
- Kangaroo Valley — user:Grahamec / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Berrima — Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Jervis Bay — Charliekay / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Belmore Falls — Baltimike / CC BY 2.0