Ellenborough Falls is about a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in New South Wales, with a drop of up to 200 meters, making it the second tallest in Australia. It is located around 1.5 hours from Forster. The route includes about 30 minutes of unsealed dirt road, so driving carefully is important. It is not recommended to visit in rainy weather. You can view the waterfall from the top lookout, which gives a full panoramic view of the falls, or walk down the 600+ steps to the base. The descent is quite steep, around a 45-degree slope in parts, and the path can be narrow. In total, there are about 780 steps if you complete the full return walk, and it is the same track up and down, so it is hard to get lost. At the top, there are two lookout platforms where you can see the full 200-meter drop. The bottom section is more scenic and enjoyable for photos, but the hike back up is quite steep and takes around 30 minutes. The drive feels like you are entering a remote, undeveloped area deep in the mountains. There is no mobile reception, no shops, and no places to buy food or water along the way, so you need to come prepared. Despite the isolation, the waterfall itself is stunning. Even wildlife like lizards can often be seen on the rocks. Some visitors even come for wedding photos because of how scenic it is. The best photo spot is usually at the base, reached after about 15 minutes down the boardwalk from the top lookout.
Ellenborough Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Ellenborough Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Ellenborough Falls famous?
Ellenborough Falls is one of the longest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere at 160 metres (approximately 525 feet), dropping from the Bulga Plateau into the Ellenborough River valley. The dramatic plunge and accessible viewing platform make it a popular attraction on the NSW mid-north coast.
Can you swim at Ellenborough Falls?
No — Swimming is not permitted at Ellenborough Falls due to safety hazards and unstable rocks. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Ellenborough Falls?
Dogs are permitted on-leash in the reserve and picnic areas. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Ellenborough Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free — No entry fee or permit required to visit Ellenborough Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Ellenborough Falls?
There is a free car park at the Ellenborough Falls Reserve with facilities including picnic areas and toilets. The lookout is a very short walk from the car park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Ellenborough Falls?
About 200 metres / 650 feet return from the car park to the main lookout platform — essentially a short paved walk. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Ellenborough Falls hike difficulty
Easy / Roadside — Short paved or formed path to the main viewing platform with minimal elevation change. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Ellenborough Falls?
Autumn to spring (March–November) for best water flow, especially after rainfall. Summer can see reduced flow during dry periods. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Ellenborough Falls
From the car park, follow the short paved pathway to the main viewing platform which offers frontal views of the falls. There is also an upper lookout accessible via a brief walk. The platforms are fenced for safety. Do not attempt to climb down to the base as the terrain is extremely dangerous.
Ellenborough Falls official website
Attractions near Ellenborough Falls
- •Rawson Falls — 30-metre waterfall with swimming hole, 15 minutes south of Elands
- •Comboyne Plateau — scenic rural plateau with mountain views and walking trails
- •Boorganna Nature Reserve — rainforest reserve with walking tracks near Bulga
- •Kippara Falls — multi-tiered waterfall in Bulga area, accessible via short walk
- •Tapin Tops National Park — wilderness area with lookouts and camping, 40 km northwest
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.
More to explore nearby
Wentworth Falls
Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Tiered Blue Mountains waterfall with multiple lookouts.
Somersby Falls
Central Coast, New South Wales
Easy Central Coast cascade an hour from Sydney.
Ebor Falls
Ebor, New South Wales
Twin cascade on the Waterfall Way scenic drive.
Wattamolla Falls
Royal National Park, New South Wales
Lagoon-meets-ocean cascade south of Sydney.