Exploring One of Africa’s Hidden Gems: Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat) in Ethiopia Dear Family, Hello from Tis Issat (Blue Nile Falls) in Ethiopia. As you know, I…
Exploring One of Africa’s Hidden Gems: Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat) in Ethiopia
The Blue Nile River cascades over the escarpment on its way to meet the White Nile River.
Blue Nile Falls (known locally as Tis Issat) drops 45 metres in a cloud of smoking water to a pool below.
Dear Family,
Hello from Tis Issat (Blue Nile Falls) in Ethiopia.
As you know, I love waterfalls, and Blue Nile Falls did not disappoint. They are known locally as Tis Issat, meaning “the water that smokes”. It’s an apt name – when the Blue Nile River is in full flow, the falls send thick clouds of spray high into the air like wisps of smoke, leaving you feeling quite damp.
Located about 30 kilometres downstream from Lake Tana, the source of the Nile, Blue Nile Falls are the second largest waterfalls in Africa, after Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Regardless of its ranking, as the river plunges over a basalt cliff that is 400 metres wide and 45 metres deep, what I saw was a breathtaking display of power and beauty.
Leaving Bahir Dar, where I was staying on Lake Tana, my guide and two other women drove to the small town of Tis Abay (meaning “the smoking Nile” and the name most travellers know the falls by) for our walk to Blue Nile Falls (Tis Issat).
You might see the Blue Nile Falls called Tis Issat or Tis Abay, so I’ll explain the difference the way my local guide did.
The waterfall itself is called Tis Issat, “the water that smokes”, named for the mist that rises in drifting white clouds.
The nearby town where every visit to the falls begins is Tis Abay. “Abay” is the Amharic word for the Blue Nile, so Tis Abay roughly means “the smoking Nile”, linking the town to the river that feeds the waterfall.
People understandably confuse the two names, but locals don’t – Tis Issat is the waterfall, and Tis Abay is the place you start your walk to it.
From Tis Abay, we crossed the Blue Nile in a small local boat, gliding over a calm, narrower stretch of the river. Once on the far bank, the rest of the journey was on foot, an easy 1.5-kilometre walk following the river on a dirt track and accompanied by several small children trying to sell us souvenirs.
As we rounded the escarpment and the waterfall came into view, I was awestruck, my heart racing with excitement at the spectacular sight. The Blue Nile River thundered down the cliff face into a natural pool with unstoppable force, sending up clouds of spray before dropping again into the gorge below.
Our guide told us we were lucky to see the Blue Nile Falls actually flowing, especially given its volume, because a hydroelectric dam was built between Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls, and the waterfall is only ‘switched on’ on certain days of the week. We were there on a Saturday, and according to our guide, the waterfall is not ‘switched off’ on weekends.
There was a thatched, wooden coffee house within sight of the falls, and we had to stop before heading back to Tis Abay to take part in Ethiopia’s ritual coffee ceremony, practised throughout the country.
As much as I love my coffee, I knew I was delaying the inevitable – leaving Tis Issat. The sound of the water and the quiet of the landscape made me want to linger longer. Blue Nile Falls is not just a sight to see, but one of those places you never forget.
Till the next adventure,
Joanna
The coffee house at Blue Nile Falls, where we participated in a traditional coffee ceremony before heading back to Tis Abay.
The top of Blue Nile Falls, seen from the coffee house.
The Blue Nile Falls is a majestic backdrop for my guide and fellow traveller.
The second tier of Tis Issat (Blue Nile Falls) cascades into the gorge below.
Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.
Exploring the Majestic Victoria Falls: A Journey Through Nature’s Masterpiece. Standing on the edge of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, I found myself mesmerised by the…
Exploring the Majestic Victoria Falls: A Journey Through Nature’s Masterpiece.
Standing on the edge of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, I found myself mesmerised by the sheer power and beauty of Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders”, this iconic waterfall straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, sending a torrent of water down a 108-metre drop that creates an unforgettable mist and roar.
During my visit, I experienced Victoria Falls from two incredible perspectives: walking along the escarpment on the Zimbabwean side and soaring above the Falls in a thrilling helicopter flight. Both vantage points offered unique views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and I’m excited to share the photos I captured and some fascinating facts about this natural marvel.
Interesting facts about Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a waterfall on Africa’s Zambezi River, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Zambezi River is the fourth longest in Africa after the Nile, Congo, and Niger rivers.
Aerial view of the mighty Zambezi River near Victoria Falls.
David Livingston was a Scottish missionary and explorer. In 1855, he was the first European to discover the falls, which he named after Queen Victoria.
Victoria Falls is officially known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders” by the local Kalolo-Lozi people. This is an appropriate name, given that the ‘smoke’ (mist) from the Falls can be seen more than 20 kilometres away and sometimes up to 50 kilometres away.
Victoria Falls is the world’s greatest sheet of falling water, spanning about 1,708 metres wide and pouring 500 million litres of water (200 Olympic-sized swimming pools) every minute over the falls. The average plunge is 100 metres into the gorges below and 108 metres at the highest.
Victoria Falls comprises several waterfalls along its length: Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls (95 metres high), Horseshoe Falls (101 metres high), Rainbow Falls (the highest at 104 metres), and Eastern Cataract.
In several places along the escarpment walk, the roar from the water cascading down the sheer cliff wall is so loud it makes it difficult to hold a conversation.
Victoria Falls is among the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, making it a popular tourist destination. For me, it is second only to Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil.
Around two-thirds of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zimbabwean side, with more viewpoints accessible. As the Zimbabwean side is slightly lower than the Zambian side, water still flows during the dry season even when the Zambian side has completely dried up.
You can swim at Victoria Falls, in Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side of the Falls. Devil’s Pool is a deep natural rock pool created by thousands of years of erosion. It is literally right on the edge of Victoria Falls and accessible from Livingston Island.
Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World and was designated UNESCO World Heritage in 1989 for its outstanding universal value.
I witnessed the power of Victoria Falls on a walk around the escarpment on the Zimbabwean side and from a helicopter flight providing aerial views of both sides of the falls.
Visit Victoria Falls on foot
The Victoria Falls Walk is a three-kilometre round trip along the escarpment opposite the Falls on the Zimbabwean side and back through the rainforest. It offers spectacular views of all five of Victoria Falls’ waterfalls from about 15 vantage points. It is generally an easy walk, but the mist makes some areas slippery.
I opted for a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls because I wanted to learn as much as possible about this magnificent landmark and the rainforest in which it is situated. I did the morning walk, which took about two hours, and I was back at my hotel before the day’s heat became unbearable.
Devil’s Cataract, Victoria Falls.
Main Falls (95 metres high), Victoria Falls.
The mist rising from Victoria Falls’ cascading water almost hides the Falls.
People swimming in Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls in the Zambian side.
The powerful force of Victoria Falls is seen in the amount of water thundering down the cliff into the gorge below.
See Victoria Falls from a helicopter
My 13-minute flight over Victoria Falls was my first experience in a helicopter. I sat in the front with the pilot. The floor in this section was glass, and I could see the ground between my feet. Taking off was a weird feeling – like going up in a high-speed lift while being able to see the ‘lift’ rising.
I loved the helicopter flight’s different perspective of Victoria Falls, but I found the Falls to be more spectacular and powerful from the ground. You be the judge!
Aerial view of Victoria Falls
View of Victoria Falls captured from a helicopter.
A rainbow forms over Victoria Falls.
Aerial view of Victoria Falls and the river below.
A note on protecting your camera from spray
Walking along the escarpment, you and your camera will get wet from the spray spewed up by the sheer volume of water crashing down the cliff face to the floor below.
Whether or not you keep yourself dry is up to you. But it is essential to keep your camera dry if you want it to continue working.
I have a DSLR camera and have tried two different professional ‘raincoats’ for my camera. Each time, I revert to my tried and tested method of a plastic bag.
I attach the lens hood to the camera to provide some protection for the lens glass and filters.
Using a wide plastic bag that is longer than my camera body and extended lens, I make a hole in the bottom of the bag.
I slip the lens through the hole and secure the plastic bag to the lens with a rubber band.
Pulling the plastic bag up over the camera keeps it dry. I have good access to all the dials, can see through the viewfinder and the back of the camera, and have plenty of room for my hands. And the lens can still be extended and retracted!
DIY camera raincoat – attaching the plastic bag.
DIY camera raincoat – covering the camera.
DIY camera raincoat – accessing the dials, viewfinder, and back of the camera while completely covered.
My experience with professional camera raincoats is opposite to that of my plastic bag. They were restrictive, with poor visibility through their plastic window, and provided limited space for my hands.
I also carry a microfibre cloth to wipe the water droplets off the lens glass.
Where I stayed
While visiting Victoria Falls, I stayed at Ilala Lodge in the Zimbabwean town of Victoria Falls.
Ilala Lodge is a luxury, family-run hotel set in landscaped gardens. It is the closest hotel to the magnificent Victoria Falls, and I could clearly see the mist rising from the Falls from my room. The hotel is within easy walking distance to the town’s souvenir shops, supermarket, and other amenities.
With 73 spacious, well-appointed rooms, Ilala Lodge is a large hotel but feels and looks more like a boutique safari lodge with its thatched roofs and wildlife roaming free and eating the manicured lawns.
The meals at Ilala Lodge’s Cassia Restaurant (formerly the Palm Restaurant), which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, were varied and delicious – a fine dining treat. I’m hooked on their iced coffees. Expect to pay Australian city prices for food and drinks.
The service throughout the hotel was excellent, with friendly, efficient, welcoming, and informative staff. The nightly jar of biscuits left by housekeeping when they turned my bed down was an appreciated treat.
I recommend staying at Ilala Lodge when visiting Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is more than just a destination – it’s a sensory experience that leaves a permanent mark. Whether standing at the edge of the escarpment, feeling the mist on your skin, or soaring above in a helicopter, marvelling at the thunderous beauty from the sky, it’s impossible not to be awestruck by the majesty of the Falls. This natural wonder invites exploration, from the raw power of the water to the surrounding landscapes. My time at Victoria Falls was nothing short of magical, and I hope these photos and insights inspire you to witness Mosi-oa-Tunya for yourself.
If you plan a trip to Southern Africa, I highly recommend adding Victoria Falls to your itinerary. It’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog post in June 2019 and have updated it for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and relevance.
Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and unsponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.
Breathtaking Waterfalls, Idyllic Plunge Pools, Iconic Magnetic Termite Mounds, and the Australian bush, Litchfield National Park Will Not Disappoint. Litchfield National Park is one of the Northern Territory’s best-kept…
Breathtaking Waterfalls, Idyllic Plunge Pools, Iconic Magnetic Termite Mounds, and the Australian bush, Litchfield National Park Will Not Disappoint.
Litchfield National Park is one of the Northern Territory’s best-kept secrets and a must-see in Australia’s ‘Top End’. Home to spectacular waterfalls that plunge into crystal clear pools perfect for a swim and iconic magnetic termite mounds unique to northern Australia, visiting Litchfield National Park on a day tour at the end of 2022 was the highlight of my six days in Darwin.
Read on to learn why Litchfield is my new favourite national park and why I recommend the day tour I did with AAT Kings. Hint: I love waterfalls, landscapes, the bush, and the unusual.
About Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory (Australia) is near the town of Batchelor, about 100 kilometres southwest of Darwin. The Park was named after Frederick Henry Litchfield, a Territory pioneer who explored areas of the Northern Territory in 1864. Litchfield National Park covers an area of approximately 1,500 square kilometres and was proclaimed a national park in 1986.
Litchfield National Park is an ancient landscape carved by water and is home to 15 waterfalls. The falls flow year-round but are particularly spectacular in the wet and early dry seasons.
As well as an abundance of waterfalls, Litchfield National Park is famous for its magnetic termite mounds and found only in Australia’s Northern Territory.
The Marranuggu, Koongurrukun, Werat, and Warray Aboriginal people consider Litchfield National Park an important cultural site.
I am drawn to waterfalls and the stunning landscapes in which they are located. Any tour that takes me to waterfalls will always grab my attention. So, with AAT Kings advertising a day tour visiting three waterfalls, I quickly grabbed my place.
The three waterfalls included in the tour were Florence Falls, Tolmer Falls, and Wangi Falls. As a bonus, we also saw the unusual magnetic termite mounds.
On a day tour, three waterfalls were an ideal number to visit as it allowed for a leisurely pace to see and swim at the falls. AAT Kings’ Litchfield National Park Waterfalls tour was well-planned, well-timed, and well-executed.
Florence Falls
Florence Falls photographed from the viewing platform.
Florence Falls was my favourite of the three waterfalls we visited. It is a cascade waterfall that becomes segmented before it plunges over the cliff into a crystal-clear plunge pool perfect for a swim and set in a pocket of monsoon forest (a tropical dry forest).
Take the 3-minute walk from the car park to the viewing platform to see Florence Falls in all its splendour.
From the viewing platform, take the 170 steps (135 steel steps, with the rest being stone steps) down to the picturesque plunge pool, where a swim is a must. Here Florence Falls plunges into the pool from a height of about 15 metres before the creek continues over rocks and through the ancient landscape.
Florence Falls drops into the plunge pool.
Florence Falls Plunge Pool
I was pleasantly surprised by the pool’s water temperature. Coming from a town that sits on a river that originates in the Snowy Mountains, I expected the water to be freezing. However, the water was warm, but not so warm that you didn’t feel refreshed from a swim in the pool.
I recommend you walk down the steps to the plunge pool at the bottom of Florence Falls and take the Shady Creek Walk back up to the car park.
Shady Creek Walk
Shady Creek Walk meanders through Monsoon Forest
From the plunge pool at the bottom of Florence Falls, walk back to the car park via Shady Creek Walk – a Grade 3 (moderate) walk of one kilometre one way. The well-defined path meanders through the monsoon forest at a steady incline. There are some rock steps to negotiate, which are not particularly challenging and at various points along the way, the path crosses Shady Creek.
Shady Creek Walk crosses Shady Creek at various points.
A small plunge pool on Shady Creek is 50 metres from the car park. Take a final welcome dip before getting back on the bus.
Tolmer Falls
Tolmer Falls
Tolmer Falls is an impressive plunge waterfall with two drops at a total height of about 40 metres into the pool below. Swimming is prohibited at Tolmer Falls.
It is a 400-metre walk on a steep, sealed path from Tolmer Falls car park to the viewing platforms. The first platform provides magnificent views over the gorge, while the lower platform is the one you want for the best view of Tolmer Falls.
The top section of Tolmer Falls
Tolmer Falls crashes into the pool below.
Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls
Wangi Falls is a segmented waterfall with a drop of about 50 metres. It is the most popular in Litchfield National Park as its large plunge pool is the most accessible.
Walking 125 metres along an easy, flat path will take you to the viewing platform, where the falls and plunge pool create a stunning panorama.
There was no swimming for us at Wangi Falls as it had been closed for the season for safety reasons after recent rains. The water had risen over the rocks that form a natural barrier against saltwater crocodiles entering the plunge pool. As such, the Park Rangers could not guarantee there were no crocs in the pool. Therefore, they closed the falls. Good Plan!
The large plunge pool at Wangi Falls
Our included lunch at Wangi Falls Café consisted of cold meats and salads, with fresh fruit to follow.
Magnetic termite mounds
Termite mounds are found throughout Australia, but magnetic termite mounds are found only in the Northern Territory. And Litchfield National Park has a most impressive sight of hundreds of magnetic termite mounds standing up to two metres high on a vast flat plain. They look like tombstones spread over a large cemetery, all facing in the same direction.
Tombstone-like magnetic termite mounds
Around 100 years old, these peculiar mounds are mysteriously aligned to the earth’s magnetic field. Their thin edges point north-south, and their broad backs face east-west. Thereby, according to current theory, magnetic termites keep their homes comfortable.
“Northern Australia gets extremely hot during the day and cool at night, and researchers believe termites have somehow harnessed the power of the earth’s magnetism to strategically climate-control their homes.”
An accessible boardwalk skirts the plain of magnetic termite mounds, giving uninterrupted views.
When to visit
The northern part of the Territory, including Darwin and Litchfield National Park, has a tropical monsoonal climate with two seasons – a dry season and a wet season.
The dry season runs from May to October, with sunny days and cool evenings. The humidity is low, and the average daily temperature is around 32 degrees Celsius.
The wet season runs from November to April. It is a time of spectacular thunderstorms and cyclones. The humidity can rise as high as 98%, and the average daily temperature inland can hover around 39 degrees Celsius. However, balmy evenings provide some relief.
I visited Darwin in late October, at the very end of the Top End’s dry season. As the photos attest, the waterfalls were still flowing strongly.
Litchfield National Park is best known for its waterfalls, and a day tour must be on any traveller’s itinerary to the Top End. This is where I recommend AAT Kings’ Litchfield National Parks Waterfalls day tour from Darwin. Their tour was well-organised and conducted at a leisurely, relaxed pace. For once, on an escorted tour, I didn’t find myself rushed to take my photos. However, the tour has whet my appetite to see more of what Litchfield National Park has to offer. After all, I still have 12 waterfalls to explore!
Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Just Me Travel.
While Wangi Falls is the most popular attraction in Litchfield National Park, Florence Falls was my favourite of the three waterfalls the tour included. If you could only visit one of the waterfalls I have described and shown in this post, which would it be? Leave a comment.
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“Mother Nature is the greatest artist and water is one of her favourite brushes” – Rico Besserdich During a wet summer, I took a road trip to discover and…
“Mother Nature is the greatest artist and water is one of her favourite brushes” – Rico Besserdich
During a wet summer, I took a road trip to discover and photograph as many Blue Mountains waterfalls as possible in a 5-day stay. This post is about the nine waterfalls I got to, all breathtakingly unique, and how to find them. Would you visit all or any of these waterfalls in New South Wales’s Blue Mountains? I will let my photos do the talking, and you be the judge.
By December 2021, New South Wales had come out of covid lockdown, and I needed to stretch my travel legs by taking a road trip. Having reached this conclusion, my next step was deciding where to go. At the time, New South Wales had been experiencing significant rainfall. So, I knew the Blue Mountains waterfalls would be more than a trickle and an excellent time to visit and photograph them.
My love of waterfalls began with Iguazu Falls in Argentina and was cemented with Victoria Falls in Botswana and Blue Nile Falls in Ethiopia. I feel a connection with waterfalls and am mesmerised by their power, majesty, beauty, and carefreeness. Thus, my decision to explore the Blue Mountains waterfalls was a logical one.
I had visited the Blue Mountains many times as a child but never been to any of its (according to Wikipedia) 48 waterfalls. While I am drawn to waterfalls, I wasn’t planning to visit that many. What I could see in 5 days seemed to be a good compromise. Despite the continuing rain and a pea-souper fog on one day, I discovered and photographed nine known Blue Mountains waterfalls. I say ‘known’ because the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre staff in Blackheath told me national park Rangers were finding waterfalls where none previously existed.
The Blue Mountains are renowned for incredible landscapes, undeniable scenery, and nature’s finest. Best known for the iconic Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba, there is much to discover – lookouts with views over stunning valleys, spectacular waterfalls, historic walking tracks, Aboriginal culture, heritage villages, mountain biking, adventure sports, and camping.
Fun Fact: The Blue Mountains in New South Wales are so-called because of the blue haze blanketing the mountains created by the forests of densely populated oil-bearing Eucalyptus trees releasing droplets of oil that mix with water vapour and sunlight.
My road trip involved driving from Albury to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, with a stopover in Sydney to visit family. I based myself in Katoomba for my five days of discovering and photographing waterfalls
Most of the waterfalls I checked out are in Blue Mountains National Park – a vast region of more than 260,000 hectares on Sydney’s doorstep and part of the UNESCO Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (an area covering over one million hectares). The Blue Mountains National Park is New South Wales’ most visited national park.
It rained for much of the time I was in the Blue Mountains. But with a raincoat for myself and my camera, I was well-equipped and not deterred.
Getting to some waterfalls proved challenging because all the rain had made many tracks inaccessible, and some roads were closed. With the need, on occasion, to find alternative tracks and routes, Google maps became my new best friend.
A word of caution should you visit Blue Mountains waterfalls after significant rainfalls: Many walking tracks to the waterfalls were waterlogged and slippery due to recent and ongoing rain. So, take care. And all involved lots of steps.
Fairy Falls
Fairy Falls on the North Lawson Waterfall Circuit was not the most spectacular waterfall I photographed on my Blue Mountains waterfalls adventure, but it was the prettiest.
To get to Fairy Falls from the township of Lawson, turn off the Great Western Highway onto San Jose Avenue. Turn left onto Badgery Crescent and then right to resume travel on San Jose Avenue. Follow San Jose Avenue to North Lawson Park, where car parking is available. From North Lawson Park, take the Dantes Glen Walking Track to Fairy Falls.
The trek to Fairy Falls is a 400-metre return walk and well signposted. At the Fairy Falls signpost, turn off Dantes Glen Walking Track, taking the path down to the falls. However, upon returning to Dantes Glen Walking Track, I recommend you turn right and continue onto Dantes Glen before returning to North Lawson Park.
Signage of walking track to Fairy Falls and Dantes Glen.
Dantes Glen
Dantes Glen is about 200 metres further along Dantes Glen Walking Track from the turnoff to Fairy Falls (a 750-metre return walk from North Lawson Park) and well signposted.
As I approached the waterfall, a narrow wooden bridge seemed to defy safe crossing. Nevertheless, I crossed without incident while carrying a water bottle and large camera, and a daypack on my back.
From Dantes Glen, I retraced my steps back to North Lawson Park.
Adelina Falls
Leaving the North Lawson Waterfall Circuit, I didn’t travel far to join the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit to view Adelina Falls (signposted as ‘Adeline’ Falls).
There are four waterfalls on the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit, but I only walked to Adelina Falls. With thunder rolling around the valley and having had enough of walking up and down hundreds of steps for one day, I was eager to get to my accommodation in Katoomba.
To get to Adelina Falls from Lawson, turn off the Great Western Highway at Orient Street and onto Honour Avenue, parking at the South Lawson Waterfall Circular Walking Track carpark. Adelina Falls is a 600-metre walk from the carpark.
Katoomba Falls
View of Katoomba Falls taken from the Scenic Skyway at Scenic Falls.
Located between Echo Point and Scenic World, Katoomba Falls, on the Kedumba River within Blue Mountains National Park, plunges approximately 152 metres over two main levels to the Jamison Valley below.
The best view I had of Katoomba falls was the day I joined my sister at Scenic World and took a ride on the Scenic Skyway, which travels over the top of the Jamison Valley.
We also had good views from Duke & Duchess of York Lookout, but trees obscured some sections of the falls.
Signage of walking tracks to Katoomba Falls and Katoomba Cascades
Scenic World provides perhaps the best views of the Three Sisters, the Blue Mountains National Park’s iconic landmark.
To read the Aboriginal dream-time legend behind the Three Sisters, including an alternative tale, click here.
Katoomba Cascades
Starting at Katoomba Falls Park on Cliff Drive, Katoomba, it is an easy, short walk to Katoomba Cascades, located a few hundred metres before the Kedumba River plunges over the cliff to the Jamison Valley below.
You can view the Katoomba Cascades from a small bridge over the river or walk right up to the cascades. I took the photo above from the rocks between the bridge and the cascades.
Map courtesy of Aussie Bushwalking (https://www.aussiebushwalking.com/nsw/katoomba-cascades)
Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls is awe-inspiring as the Jamison Creek plummets 187 metres in multiple drops to the out-of-sight valley floor below. If Fairy Falls was the prettiest waterfall I viewed and photographed on my Blue Mountains waterfalls adventure, then Wentworth Falls was the most breathtaking, and no photo does it justice.
For the best view of the falls, continue down after Wentworth Falls Lookout (disappointing view) to Princes Rock Lookout. The walk is 20 minutes return, graded ‘easy’, with some steps. Access to the bottom of the falls was closed due to maintenance work on the path.
To get to Wentworth Falls, take the Great Western Highway to the town of Wentworth Falls, turning off the highway at Falls Road. Continue to the end of Falls Road, parking at Wentworth Falls picnic area.
Gordon Falls
Gordon Falls Lookout is 1.6 kilometres from the main street of the Blue Mountains town of Leura. To get there, head south on Leura Mall (main street) towards Megalong Street. Continue on Leura Mall to the end of the road (T-junction) and turn left onto Olympian Parade. The track to Gordon Falls Lookout commences at the corner of Olympian Parade and Lone Pine Avenue. It is about 163 metres along the walking trail to the lookout and includes negotiating a vertical metal ladder with handrails.
Gordon Falls is to the left of the lookout. I found it tricky getting a photo of the falls due to the angle of the lookout from the waterfall. At a drop of 200-metres, I could not see the entirety of the waterfall.
While in Leura, you must visit Leura Cascades and Leura Bridal Veil Falls
Leura Cascades
Set in Blue Mountains National Park and surrounded by rainforest, Leura Cascades is a waterfall that tumbles down multiple rock shelves on Leura Falls Creek.
The walk to Leura Cascades starts at the Leura Cascades picnic area off Cliff Drive in Leura. However, due to road works, I could not access the picnic area. I eventually found an alternative track to Leura Cascades close to Solitude Restaurant and Cafe on Cliff Drive, near Kiah Lookout. The road at this point was closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians.
The 600-metre walk to Leura Cascades took me well over the suggested 15-30 minutes required as I spent time soaking in the views over the magnificent Jamison Valley, listening to the music of rushing water, taking heaps of photos, walking on to Leura Bridal Veil Falls, and climbing back up all the steps I had taken to get down to Leura Cascades.
Credit: Google Maps
Leura Bridal Veil Falls
Fed by Leura Falls Creek and downstream from Leura Cascades, the picturesque Leura Bridal Veil Falls was a fantastic climax to my Blue Mountains waterfalls experience!
Bridal Veil Falls is a permanent waterfall with a drop of 35 metres. The ideal times to visit are late autumn, winter, and early spring.
The day I decided to see Govetts Leap Falls (also known as Bridal Veil Falls and not to be confused with the falls in Leura by the same name), it was pea-souper fog on the drive from my accommodation in Katoomba to Govetts Leap Lookout in Blackheath. Even though at Govetts Leap Lookout I couldn’t see two feet in front of me, I decided I would walk down to the waterfall. For some reason, I figured the fog would lift the lower I descended the mountain. Not my best thinking! The fog made the descent treacherous, especially on uneven, slippery steps. When I finally got to the waterfall where it plunges over the cliff, I couldn’t see anything except the new waterfall created by the unprecedented rains the area was experiencing. It was a whiteout! For the first time, I considered the negative aspect of no one knowing where I was.
Where I stayed
For the five days I spent seeking and photographing Blue Mountains waterfalls, I based myself at Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa in Katoomba, in the heart of the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains National Park. This 5-star resort, 90 minutes from Sydney, is set in two acres of gardens overlooking the Jamison Valley.
Fine dining, spa treatments, high tea, and a large, comfortable room made Lilianfels the ideal place to come ‘home’ to after a day of trekking.
My room in Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
The nine Blue Mountains waterfalls I visited in December are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more waterfalls to explore in the Blue Mountains, and I still have 39 to discover!
My focus on this road trip was on the waterfalls located in the Blue Mountains. But there is more to the Blue Mountains than just waterfalls. It is a playground for a variety of activities and a must-visit area.
Important Note: You must check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife website forpark alertsto avoid disappointment and dangerous situations. Alerts can include track and road closures, fire bans, and safety alerts.
Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. Unless expressly stated, all photos are my own and remain the copyright of Just Me Travel.
Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. How can you not love waterfalls! Which waterfall most inspires you to visit the Blue Mountains?
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“There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music” – Ronald R Kemler Australia’s Southern Highlands in New South Wales is…
“There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music” – Ronald R Kemler
Australia’s Southern Highlands in New South Wales is a destination of scenic beauty. It is considered a foodie and wine region but is also renowned for its national parks and waterfalls. On a road trip around the Southern Highlands, I explored three waterfalls in two national parks.
‘Lush’ is the word that comes to mind when visualising the Southern Highlands in New South Wales. The landscape is green, painted with the odd red roof, black cows, and white sheep. Vineyards, forests, and skyscraper pine trees dot the rolling hills.
The Southern Highlands is around a 90-minute drive from Sydney and less than two hours from Canberra – 110 km southwest of Sydney CBD and 140 km northeast of Canberra. The Southern Highlands is an area centred around the picture-postcard heritage villages of Mittagong, Bowral, Berrima, Moss Vale, Bundanoon, and Robertson, and located in some of the prettiest landscapes I have had the privilege to see. Geographically, the Southern Highlands sits between 500-900 metres above sea level on the Great Dividing Range. The Great Dividing Range runs roughly parallel to Australia’s East Coast for 3,500 kilometres, from the tip of Queensland, through New South Wales and ending in Victoria’s Grampians National Park.
In the Southern Highlands, you will find three of the best waterfalls in two New South Wales national parks:
Carrington Falls in Budderoo National Park;
Belmore Falls in Morton National Park; and
Fitzroy Falls, also in Morton National Park.
All three waterfalls are within a few minutes drive of the historic village of Robertson on the lands of the Gundungurra Nation.
Carrington Falls is seven kilometres east south-east from Robertson;
Belmore Falls is approximately eight kilometres south from Robertson; and
Fitzroy Falls is about 15 kilometres southwest of Robertson.
I love waterfalls, but how do I describe why I love them. It’s not enough to say, “I just do”. I have travelled the world (well, some of it!), and I am obviously drawn to waterfalls when I look back through my photos. Waterfalls make me happy. Even though the cascading water can be thunderous and constantly moving, I find the sight and sound of waterfalls calming. I can sit and chill out for hours beside a waterfall.
New South Wales National Parks’ website provides up-to-date, detailed information on Carrington Falls walking track, Belmore Falls walking track, and Fitzroy Falls West Rim walking track. The website is a significant resource that provides trail maps and advises of park alerts, walking grades, safety, best times to visit, getting there and parking, accessibility, facilities, and the plants and animals you may see in each national park.
I recommend you call into the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre in Mittagong early in your visit to the area. I found them very informative and helpful about what to see and do in the area. They also advised on the best days to visit specific villages and towns so I wouldn’t be disappointed with closures. This latter made it easier to plan my days ahead, as I had come to the Southern Highlands with no specific itinerary in place.
Carrington Falls
Carrington Falls, Budderoo National Park, Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Carrington Falls is in Budderoo National Park, seven kilometres from Robertson. Entry is free to the falls and walking tracks.
Carrington Falls is a result of the Kangaroo River plunging 90 metres over the escarpment. It is considered one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in and around Sydney. You be the judge of that from the three waterfalls presented in this post.
You can view Carrington Falls from three lookouts along a 600-metre loop walking track from Thomas’ Place picnic area – all giving a different view of the falls. The walk is a formed track and clearly signposted. But note, there is a steep metal stairway to descend and some short steep hills to ascend. Waratahs, an Australian native plant and the floral emblem of New South Wales, can be seen along the track in spring and summer.
Waratahs in bloom at Carrington Falls in Budderoo National Park
Thomas’ Place picnic area is the car park for Carrington Falls. Picnic tables and long-drop (non-flushing) toilets are available.
Getting there: In Robertson, take Jamberoo Mountain Road (opposite the famous Robertson Pie Shop) and continue for five kilometres. Turn right onto Cloonty Road at the Carrington Falls sign and continue for about two kilometres. Turn a sharp right onto Thomas Place Road and continue to the end, where you will reach the car park and picnic area.
Budderoo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
I saw people swimming at the top of the falls, but access to the base of the falls requires advanced navigation and bush survival skills. If you want a swim, make your way to Nellies Glen.
Carrington Falls
Carrington Falls
Carrington Falls
Carrington Falls
Nellies Glen
Nellies Glen swimming hole in Budderoo National Park, Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Nellies Glen is in Budderoo National Park, just 240 metres from Carrington Falls on the other side of the river. From Thomas’ Place picnic area, drive back to Cloonty Road heading north and turn left into Nellies Glen picnic area after crossing Kangaroo River. Entry is free. Facilities include car parking, long-drop toilets, and picnic tables.
The small waterfall and picnic area at Nellies Glen are just 100 metres from the car park on a flat, unpaved path. The natural rock pool, surrounded by ferns, is an idyllic place to swim.
NSW National Parks’ website on Nellies Glen provides directions, safety, and practical information, including the best time to visit and plants and animals you may see.
Nellies Glen in Budderoo National Park, Southern Highlands
If you haven’t brought a picnic lunch with you, then grab a pie at the famous Robertson Pie Shop – noted for its award-winning savoury and sweet pies. I had a steak and mushroom pie which was very tasty. However, I did not finish my apricot and cream pie because I found the pastry stodgy.
Belmore Falls
Belmore Falls in Morton National Park, Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Belmore Falls is a two-tiered waterfall on the Barrengarry Creek. The waterfall’s overall drop is 100 metres, with the first drop plummeting 78 metres down the cliff face to a pool below before continuing its rush to the valley floor.
Located in Morton National Park, eight kilometres from Robertson, entry is free to Belmore Falls.
The Belmore Falls walking track is a 1.8-kilometre loop with three main lookouts. The dirt track is a Grade 3 with gentle hills and many steps.
Commencing at Hindmarsh Lookout (100 metres from the car park), this lookout provides spectacular, panoramic views of Kangaroo Valley.
View of Kangaroo Valley from Hindmarsh Lookout, Morton National Park, Southern Highlands
It is not until you reach the third lookout, Belmore Falls Lookout, that you are rewarded with the best views of the upper and lower falls.
Getting there: From Robertson, turn south on Meryla Street and right into South Street, then left onto Belmore Falls Road.
Belmore Falls
Belmore Falls
Belmore Falls
Belmore Falls
Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls, Morton National Park, Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Fitzroy Falls is in Morton National Park, 15 kilometres southwest of Robertson or 28 kilometres south of Mittagong, where I was staying in the Southern Highlands. The waterfall walk starts at the Visitor Centre, 1301 Nowra Road, Fitzroy Falls. Parking at the Visitor Centre for Fitzroy Falls – your only parking option – will cost you $4.00 per vehicle, but entry to the falls is free. The parking ticket machine takes coins only. If wanting to pay by card, you will need to pay in the Visitor Centre.
You need to take the moderate West Rim walking track for views of Fitzroy Falls – viewed from three lookouts along the 3.5-kilometre return track. Unlike the loop tracks at Carrington and Belmore Falls, you must return the way you came on the Fitzroy Falls walking track. The track follows the western edge of the horseshoe-shaped escarpment. It is a well signposted, formed track with many steps and gentle hills. About 400 metres along the track, a family had abandoned their stroller, opting to carry their baby instead. I came across the family at the next lookout. They said it was too difficult managing the stroller up and down the steps and over tree roots along the track.
Your first view of Fitzroy Falls, and the best, is at Fitzroy Falls Lookout, 150 metres from the Visitor Centre. From this viewpoint, at the top of the falls, the waterfall cascades 81 metres over the rim to the Yarrunga Valley floor. The further you walk around the rim, to Jersey and Richardson Lookouts, Fitzroy Falls becomes more and more distant. From Richardson Lookout, the track continues to Twin Falls (600 metres return). I was disappointed with Twin Falls. On the day of my visit in October, it was just a trickle running down the cliff face.
Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls
If you still feel energetic after completing the West Rim walking track and want to see something other than a waterfall, take the East Rim and Wildflower walking tracks. Starting from the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, the Wildflower walk is the first 1.25 kilometres of these joined tracks, totalling 6.7 kilometres return. There are several lookouts along the tracks, offering views over the Southern Highlands.
When to visit the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands has moderate summer temperatures and mild winter temperatures. The volume of water in waterfalls is dependent on rain. The Southern Highlands has moderate rainfall throughout the year – averaging 54 millimetres in July to 103 millimetres in February.
Where to stay in the Southern Highlands
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation options in the Southern Highlands, meeting all budget types. There are camping grounds, motels, hotels and B&Bs, as well as luxurious retreats on vineyards and in historic manor houses.
I stayed at the Fitzroy Inn Historic Guest House, 1 Ferguson Crescent, Mittagong. I was initially accommodated in a light, airy and spacious room in the main house. The room opened onto a wide veranda overlooking the rose garden, with dapple lighting created by old oak trees. I was very comfortable.
Fitzroy Inn Historic Guest House, Mittagong, Southern Highlands
On my second day, I was upgraded (due to a plumbing problem elsewhere in the house) to an even larger room in the School Master’s Cottage. I soon discovered that an upgrade comes with a spa bath and a shower, bath sheets instead of bath towels, and up-market toiletries.
Whether accommodated in the main house or the School Master’s Cottage, the rooms comprise quality furnishings, tea and coffee making facilities (always a winner for me), and free WiFi.
Don’t forget to say hello to the resident miniature dachshunds, Jack and Jill.
Fitzroy Inn Historic Guest House offers boutique accommodation in an environment where history meets luxury.
Where to eat
Be warned; it is not cheap to eat in the Southern Highlands. A Chicken Caesar Salad, a coffee and a cake cost me AU$43.85 at Magpie Café in Berrima. A similar lunch at The Shaggy Cow in Mittagong cost me AU$45.70. While the food at both cafés was delicious, I found the cost staggering. However, if you forget the ‘recommendations’, you can come up with some gems if you are prepared to explore cafés in the area. The Vale Café in Moss Vale (8/256 Argyle Street) and the Exeter General Store in Exeter (corner of Exeter and Middle Roads) served some of the best lunches I had at AU$21.00 and AU$20.00 respectively.
Going against my own advice, I did have lunch one day at the recommended, award-winning Robertson Pie Shop (4400 Illawarra Highway, Robertson). My savoury pie was delicious, but my sweet pie was indigestible.
Avoid dinner at the Mittagong RSL Club. After one meal at the Club, I bought food at the supermarket for my remaining dinners.
Know before you travel
It is crucial to check NSW National Parks’ website for any park alerts to avoid disappointment. Alerts can include road closures, fire bans, safety alerts, and closed areas.
Due to COVID-19, it is crucial to check government and business websites for specific details on opening times and any restrictions before travel. Check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for their COVID-19 update.
Even though some of your travel in the national parks will be on narrow winding dirt roads, 2WD vehicles are suitable to access the waterfalls.
I found I was reliant on Google maps, connected through car play, to get around the Southern Highlands and ensure I arrived at the waterfalls with a minimum of fuss. Dora (my name for the lady speaking the directions on Google maps) led me astray only on the odd occasion. Dora loved Range Road. We seemed to travel it every day driving around the Southern Highlands.
Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Just Me Travel 2021.
Comment below to share your thoughts on this blog post. Some consider Carrington Falls to be the most beautiful in the Southern Highlands. Of the three waterfalls featured in this post, which do you think is the most beautiful or most impressive?
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