Summary
An Australian acquaintance once shared with me that the renowned Foster’s Lager was not actually brewed in Australia, nor was it commonly consumed by Australians. This revelation left me questioning the Australia I long held in my mind. After all, if one cannot trust a character like Crocodile Dundee, what can one truly believe?
Nonetheless, Australia remains the vast and untamed land I have always perceived it to be. It is teeming with some of the most exceptional natural beauty worldwide, including numerous remarkable waterfalls. Below is a list of 15 of the most stunning waterfalls in Australia.
1. Wollomombi Waterfall
Wollomombi Waterfall is situated within the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park in New South Wales, located in Australia’s southwestern region, and is recognized as a UNESCO site.
This waterfall consists of multiple cascades, with a cumulative drop exceeding 1,200 feet, leading to its assertion of being Australia’s tallest waterfall.
Although this claim is subject to debate, the fall itself is undeniably powerful and awe-inspiring.
The delicate waters descend into a profound canyon below, connecting with the Wollomombi River where it merges with Chandler Creek.
2. Wallaman Falls
Located in Queensland, Wallaman Falls can be found in Girringun National Park, also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, indicating the falls’ ecological significance and natural beauty.
Set in the semi-tropical environment of Queensland, the falls are fed by Stony Creek, featuring a striking 800-foot drop, making it the largest individual section of any waterfall in Australia.
While there may be differing opinions on which waterfall holds the title of tallest, its grandeur is equally captivating regardless.
3. Southern Rockhole
Situated in the Northern Territories, Southern Rockhole is not a permanent features of the landscape and may vanish during periods of drought.
This waterfall is located within Nitmiluk National Park. Upon reaching the park, visitors face an approximately 8-kilometer round trip hike, which can be challenging due to the harsh Australian climate.
For those less inclined to expend that much energy, ferry services are available for round-trip or one-way trips.
The ferries deliver visitors within a few hundred feet of the fall, which is reported to exceed 100 feet in height.
Swimming is permitted only when the park staff has officially designated the falls as open for the activity.
4. Dandongadale Falls
In the southeastern and most populous state of Victoria, Dandongadale Falls are found on the border of a vast plateau within Alpine National Park.
Located near Mansfield, the falls exceed 700 feet and are composed of several cascades; however, due to their elevation, they exhibit seasonal flow.
The prime visiting periods for the falls occur during late winter and spring, when they are invigorated by snowmelt. In contrast, during extensive droughts, the falls may nearly vanish, thus it is advisable to check conditions prior to planning your visit.
Although the park and its falls are frequented by tour groups, visitors may also opt for a private exploration by renting a vehicle.
5. Ellenborough Falls
As one of the treasures of New South Wales, Ellenborough Falls stand over 400 feet tall, conveniently near the acclaimed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Situated close to the small town of Elands, the falls are perched on the eastern side of the Bulga Plateau, nourished by an extensive drainage area within the Biriwal Bulga National Park.
The flow of the falls can be dramatic and varies significantly throughout the year due to strong but intermittent rainfall.
Visitors can access well-maintained stairs and viewing areas, and ventures to other, less accessible vantage points are available via trails.
6. Millaa Millaa Falls
In proximity to the township of Millaa Milla in northeast Queensland, the falls are named after a local fruit revered by the indigenous people.
These falls are a popular destination for group tours, often bustling during peak season.
Reaching heights of nearly 60 feet, they offer a stunning sight and serve as a refreshing swimming area at their base.
The falls are merely 10 minutes from Millaa Millaa, with a relatively short and accessible walk.
7. Jim Jim Falls
It appears that staff at UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, have considerable leisure time, often spent exploring the breathtaking waterfalls of Australia, and rightly so.
Part of Kakadu National Park, Jim Jim Falls cascades nearly 600 feet over steep cliffs into a sparkling pool below.
From October to April, the falls are most stunning and dramatic; however, unfortunate circumstances arise as the very waters also impede road access to the falls, necessitating the use of air or helicopter tours for visitors.
8. Ebor Falls
In the Guy Fawkes River National Park located in the New England region of New South Wales, Ebor Falls plunge nearly 300 feet, creating a powerful display as it descends into the canyon below.
This park features three constructed viewing platforms offering panoramic views, and for those who are adventurous and well-prepared, additional, more challenging trails lead to other notable park attractions.
Most excursions to Ebor Falls begin in nearby Armidale, but independent exploration is also encouraged for those preferring that option.
9. Crystal Shower Falls
Located within Dorrigo National Park in New South Wales, Crystal Shower Falls might not be a designated UNESCO site yet, but it is likely to gain that recognition soon.
Surrounded by extensive areas of Australian rainforest, these falls offer a contrasting experience compared to many of Australia’s other waterfalls which often thrive in harsher climates.
The park also harbors additional waterfalls, but Crystal Shower Falls remains the primary attraction.
The falls are about an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbor, making it a convenient destination for a day trip.
10. Liffey Falls
Tasmania is renowned for its rugged and unforgiving terrain, which is also home to a wealth of picturesque waterfalls.
Liffey Falls, rising 400 feet, are among the most prominent attractions within Liffey Falls State Reserve.
Situated amidst the temperate rainforests of the Tasmanian Wilderness Area, Liffey Falls attract nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and artists alike.
Even if you do not identify with any of these groups, you are bound to appreciate the beauty of the falls just as much.
The ideal approach is to undertake a day trip from Launceston, and once within the park, the falls are easily accessible via several trails leading to further stunning features.
11. Mackenzie Falls
If you have noticed that most of Australia’s remarkable waterfalls are situated within national parks, it would not come as a surprise that Mackenzie Falls is located in Grampians National Park as well.
This waterfall, situated in Victoria in Australia’s southeastern region, rises nearly 100 feet above the surrounding landscape. Unlike some of its counterparts, Mackenzie Falls maintain a robust flow even amid dry conditions.
Easily accessible from the park headquarters, the falls can be reached via well-maintained, clearly marked trails that further guide visitors to other stunning features of the park.
12. Russell Falls
Located in Mount Field National Park, approximately an hour’s drive northwest of Hobart, Russell Falls cascade almost 200 feet from top to bottom.
Due to their easily accessible location within this popular park, the falls are a beloved attraction among tourists visiting Tasmania.
The surrounding landscape is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the region.
The water from the falls cascades over layers of silt and sandstone, plunging into a picturesque pool below, while the surrounding forest is lush, semi-tropical, and filled with large ferns and eucalyptus trees.
13. King George Falls
A waterfall named after royalty is often an extraordinary feature, and the King George Falls in the Kimberley region are no exception.
Comprising two distinct falls stemming from the same stream, the waterfall plummets nearly 300 feet over the sheer, sandstone cliff face.
Reaching this location can be challenging, hence it is most common to view the falls via a boat cruise along the King George River.
While not inexpensive, this experience brings you within meters of the falls, and the surrounding river is filled with remarkable scenery as well.
14. Horizontal Falls
From a geological perspective, Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley region of Western Australia may not strictly qualify as a waterfall; however, its majestic appearance and the powerful currents flowing through it are indeed noteworthy.
This phenomenon is created by strong tidal currents surging between two mountainous formations in Talbot Bay. This results in the water surging through an opening approximately 60 feet wide.
Visiting this singular site is best experienced by seaplane or boat, and most tours provide lunch and insights regarding local history and geology from a knowledgeable guide.
15. Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls, situated in the highlands of Tasmania, present a series of tiered cascades.
This waterfall is nestled within Mount Field National Park, which is home to a variety of additional stunning waterfalls worth exploring while in the vicinity.
The falls and the park provide an easy day trip opportunity from Hobart, and although they may not rival the tallest falls in the region, they are equally picturesque.
The rocks at the base of the falls are cloaked in vibrant green moss, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere alongside the surrounding lush forest.
