Photo: Amos T Fairchild / CC BY-SA 3.0
Plunging dramatically into a deep gorge on the New England Tableland, Ebor Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in northern NSW. The multi-tiered cascade drops over 100 metres into a wild, forested valley, offering jaw-dropping views from well-maintained lookouts. This is a classic stop on any drive between the coast and the tablelands, rewarding visitors with a short, easy walk and a powerful sense of nature’s raw force.
Highlights & What to See
- Upper Falls Lookout: Just a few steps from the car park, this platform delivers a heart-stopping view of the main drop — especially impressive after rain when the water thunders over the basalt cliffs.
- Lower Falls Lookout: A short 1 km walking track leads to a lower viewpoint, where you can appreciate the full height of the falls and the surrounding gorge, often cloaked in mist and rainforest.
- Walking Tracks: Several short trails, including the Lyrebird Walk, wind through eucalypt forest and offer glimpses of local birdlife, including the elusive superb lyrebird.
- Picnic Area: The grassy picnic grounds near the upper lookout are perfect for a quiet lunch with a view, equipped with tables, barbecues and toilets.
- Seasonal Wildflowers: In spring, the area bursts into colour with native blooms, while autumn brings crisp air and stunning foliage.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors find 30 minutes to an hour sufficient to take in the main lookouts and snap photos. If you’re keen to do the short walks or enjoy a picnic, allow 1–2 hours. Ebor Falls is an ideal quick detour on a longer journey — it’s well worth the slight deviation from the highway.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Waterfall Way: This scenic drive links several stunning waterfalls, including Wollomombi Falls and Dangar Falls, making for a rewarding day of waterfall chasing.
- Dorrigo National Park: About 45 minutes east, this World Heritage-listed rainforest offers Skywalk boardwalks and the spectacular Dorrigo Falls.
- Armidale: A charming university town with excellent museums, galleries and cafes, located about 45 minutes south on the New England Highway.
- Guy Fawkes River National Park: Adjacent to Ebor Falls, this rugged park offers wilderness camping and hiking through deep gorges and eucalypt forests.
- Coffs Harbour: Around 1.5 hours east, the coast beckons with beaches, the Big Banana and the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
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
- Wollomombi Falls — Brian W. Schaller / FAL
- Dangar Falls — Dangar_Falls_Dorrigo.JPG : Siantar derivative work: kaʁstn Disk / Cat / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Dorrigo National Park — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Armidale — Terry Cooke / CC BY 2.0
- Waterfall Way — Cgoodwin / CC BY-SA 3.0