The best waterfall hikes and walks in Macquarie Pass National Park

Gerringong Falls is a spectacular two-tier waterfall that plunges around 150–180 metres into a deep valley within Budderoo National Park. The most accessible viewpoint is from the top of the falls, where Gerringong Creek spills over a sheer cliff surrounded by rugged escarpment and forested slopes. Access to the base is permanently closed due to dangerous cliffs and unstable terrain; however, this bird's-eye view is impressive.

Hersey trail is a long and remote Grade 5 route that leads through open heathland and bush to the top of Gerringong Falls. There is little signage and limited shade along its exposed sections, and it is best suited to experienced bushwalkers. The challenging track rewards the effort with a spectacular cliff-top view over the falls and the expansive valley.

Budderoo Fire Trail is a long management track that crosses the open plateau of Budderoo National Park, connecting several remote walking routes. The wide path passes through heathland and low woodland, with sections that feel exposed but offer beautiful views across the surrounding escarpment country.

Budderoo National Park spans 7,219 hectares and protects a diverse landscape of rainforest, heathland plateaus and escarpment country in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands region of New South Wales. The park is known for its waterfalls and dramatic cliff-edge lookouts, including Carrington Falls, Minnamurra Falls and the remote Gerringong Falls. Its mix of short rainforest walks and longer backcountry trails makes it a favourite destination for bushwalkers exploring the region’s rugged uplands.

Hidden deep in Macquarie Pass National Park, Clover Falls is the final and most impressive waterfall along the Clover Hill Trail. The Macquarie Rivulet plunges around 20 m over a rocky cliff into a deep pool surrounded by steep, fern-covered walls. Reaching the falls usually involves leaving the main track and following the rivulet upstream, scrambling carefully over rocks along the way. The effort is worth it – the secluded setting and large plunge waterfall make this one of the most rewarding spots on the trail, and a refreshing place to pause beside the water.

Macquarie Pass National Park protects a lush section of rainforest along the Illawarra escarpment in New South Wales. Trails wind through dense subtropical forest filled with towering eucalypts, tree ferns, cabbage tree palms, and Illawarra flame trees, with creeks and small waterfalls hidden throughout the valley. Wildlife is abundant here, including lyrebirds, wallabies, and goannas. Pets are not allowed in the park. NSW National Parks sometimes run fox and wild dog baiting programs to protect native wildlife, and while there may not always be an active program, it’s important to check park alerts before visiting and follow all guidelines to keep both pets and wildlife safe.

Clover Hill Trail is a rewarding walk in Macquarie Pass National Park that follows an old logging track through lush rainforest before emerging into the surprising open fields of Clover Hill. The first section winds through dense forest filled with towering eucalypts, tree ferns, cabbage tree palms, and Illawarra flame trees, where lyrebirds and goannas are sometimes spotted along the trail. As the forest suddenly gives way to grassy clearings once farmed over a century ago, you'll get impressive views of the steep escarpment rising above. Near the end of the trail, you can walk upstream along the Macquarie Rivulet to reach Rainbow Falls.

Minnamurra Falls is a multi-tiered cascade dropping approximately twenty meters into a rocky rainforest gorge. Fed by Minnamurra River, the falls flow year-round, though volume depends on recent rainfall and are most impressive after wet weather. Viewing platforms provide a safe vantage point without leaving the formed track. Swimming is not permitted.