Ellenborough Falls

Plunging 200 metres into a fern-laced gorge, Ellenborough Falls is one of Australia's tallest single-drop waterfalls and a highlight of the Mid North Coast. The thunder of water, the cool mist on your skin, and the ancient rainforest setting create an unforgettable natural spectacle. Located about 40 minutes inland from Port Macquarie, this is an easy day trip or a worthy detour on a coastal road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Ellenborough Falls Lookout: The main viewing platform offers a head-on view of the waterfall plunging into the gorge. Arrive early or late in the day for softer light and fewer crowds.
• Walk to the Base: A steep but rewarding 2.5 km return track descends through subtropical rainforest to the waterfall's plunge pool. Allow 1.5 hours and wear sturdy shoes – the steps can be slippery.
• Upper Falls Picnic Area: A grassy spot with tables and barbecues near the top of the falls, perfect for a lunch break with the sound of rushing water.
• Tamborine Mountain Lookout: A short walk from the carpark offers a different perspective of the valley and the surrounding escarpment.
• Birdwatching: Keep an eye out for lyrebirds, satin bowerbirds, and king parrots in the rainforest.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours at Ellenborough Falls, which is enough time to take in the main lookout, do the base walk, and have a picnic. If you're keen on photography or a longer bushwalk, budget half a day. The falls are best visited after rain when the flow is strongest, but the track can be muddy – check conditions beforehand.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: A 40-minute drive east, with beaches, the Koala Hospital, and a lively waterfront dining scene.
• Bago Bluff National Park: Offers dramatic escarpment views and longer hiking trails, including the Bago Bluff Walking Track.
• Crowdy Bay National Park: Coastal park with wild beaches, the historic Diamond Head, and excellent camping spots.
• Wauchope: A historic timber town on the Hastings River, with a charming main street and the Timbertown heritage park.
• Comboyne Plateau: A scenic drive through rolling green hills and dairy country, with lookouts over the valley.

Please check official sources for current details.