Let's go chasing waterfalls: 12 of Australia’s most incredible cascades
Is there a better reward for a full or half-day hike than standing in front of a waterfall in full flow?
Surely one of nature’s greatest wonders, waterfalls have that rare ability to captivate and entrance us. Aside from being hypnotic viewing and a great excuse to get outside, they never look bad on your Instagram feed!
With 85+ holiday parks around Australia, you are never far from some of Australia’s most amazing waterfalls when you stay with Discovery Parks. Here’s a list of 12 you might like to plan your next trip around!
WALLAMAN FALLS, GIRRINGUN NATIONAL PARK, QLD
At 268m high, this is Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfall.
Located inside the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area, Wallaman Falls is engulfed by stunning rainforest and a spectacular array of plant and animal life. Part of the traditional lands of the Warrgamaygan Aboriginal people, a choice of ‘easy’ and ‘moderate’ walking tracks gives visitors access to spectacular views of the falls which plummet to earth over dramatic granite cliffs.
Where: 160km northwest of Townsville
Stay: Discovery Parks - Townsville
MORIALTA FALLS CONSERVATION PARK, SA
Three cascading falls appropriately named First, Second, and Third Falls can be viewed via several easily accessible and marked walking trails that showcase caves, views and a wide range of wildlife just 15 minutes from the city of Adelaide.
Popular with a regular crowd of runners, walkers, climbers and hikers, Morialta Falls offers a tranquil setting that has become a part of many South Australians' regular routine. Often at full flow during the wetter months, it’s not unusual for keen swimmers to take advantage of the pools below the falls on warmer days.
Where: 12km east of Adelaide or 35km northeast of Hahndorf.
Stay: Discovery Parks - Hahndorf
MILLAA MILLAA FALLS, MILAA MILAA, QLD
Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
High in the Atherton Tablelands, Millaa Millaa Falls are part of a famous waterfall circuit, and one of Queensland's most photogenic hikes.
Also including the nearby Ellinjaa and Zillie Falls, Millaa Millaa is at its best immediately after rain and in the early morning to avoid the crowds which head to its popular waterhole. A stunning spot to catch some zen at the start of your day.
Where: 35km south of Atherton or 60km west of Innisfail.
Stay: Discovery Resorts - Undara
BEAUCHAMP FALLS, GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK, VIC
This is the kind of waterfall that castaway dreams are made of. Surrounded by rainforest in the Great Otway National Park, this 20m-high fall is one of the most scenic you’ll see, transporting visitors to another realm.
The walk through dense greenery to reach the viewing platform is challenging, but well worth it once you’re standing in front of this amazing natural canvas.
Where: 40km north of Apollo Bay or 55km northwest of Wye River.
Stay: Discovery Parks - Geelong
NELSON FALLS, FRANKLIN-GORDON WILD RIVERS NATIONAL PARK, TAS
It’s difficult to stand out in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, but this fall does exactly that.
Surrounded by amazing greenery at the end of a relaxing 1.4km boardwalk stroll, this is pure Tasmanian nature at its very best. Make sure your phone is charged to capture this postcard perfect scene.
Where: 70km east of Strahan
Stay: Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain
BELMORE FALLS, MORTON NATIONAL PARK, NSW
Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, these dramatic tiered falls plunge over 100m into spectacular rainforest from the Barrengarry Creek over a beautiful escarpment akin.
Easily accessible from the town of Roberston, an marked walking trail leads to several vantage points including Hindmarsh Lookout, where you can take in incredible views of the falls and across Kangaroo Valley. Best seen after heavy rain, don’t expect to be alone, but do expect to feel like you’re miles from anywhere and surrounded by the very best of mother nature.
Where: 60km west of Gerroa on the NSW South Coast
Stay: Discovery Parks - Gerroa
KING GEORGE FALLS, KIMBERLEY, WA
At their thundering best between April and May, Western Australia's highest twin falls tumble over ancient red sandstone typical of the Kimberley region.
As one of the most remote falls on our list, a boat cruise to King George River or a scenic flight from Kununurra are the only ways to access this marvel. Even when the falls are at a trickle, a refreshing shower at the base of the rock face will be a holiday highlight you won’t forget, but be careful of saltwater crocs - they do bite!
Where: Take a scenic flight from Kununurra or Cruise the King George River
Stay: Discovery Parks - Lake Kununurra
REVOLVER FALLS, KIMBERLEY, WA
Another of several awesome waterfalls located in the East Kimberley, Revolver Falls is said to be the tallest single drop waterfall in Western Australia.
Only flowing during the wet season, this dramatic fall is best accessed by helicopter or via a challenging 3-day hike on foot. An incredible adventure.
Where: The remote Kimberley
Stay: Discovery Resorts - Lake Argyle
PURLING BROOK FALLS, SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK, QLD
Inside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests of Springbrook National Park, this horsetail waterfall is immersed in old growth forest and plunges into a stunning gorge you can access via a safe trail.
Enjoy magical views of Springbrook Park, the hinterland and the waterfall as it plummets earthward, and be sure to leave time for a swim in the stunning waterhole hidden deep in the rainforest gully. Queensland at its best!
Where: Just over the Qld border. Easily reachable from anywhere along the Sunshine Coast
Stay: Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
FLORENCE FALLS, LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK, NT
A must-see within this iconic national park, Florence Falls is a segmented waterfall that cascades directly into a plunge pool set amongst a variety of contrasting scenery.
An elevated viewing platform is one of several access points not far from the car park, offering panoramic views and an easy walk to the base where a refreshing swim in crystal clear water awaits!
Where: 130km south of Darwin
Stay: Discovery Parks - Darwin
RUSSELL FALLS, MOUNT FIELD NATIONAL PARK, TAS
Be dazzled by this stunning three-tiered waterfall loved by photographers for its complex structure and amazing scenery.
Feel like you’re on the set of King Kong as you walk through epic tree ferns and amazing Tasmanian wilderness and don’t forget to leave enough time to see Horseshoe Falls and Lady Baron Falls inside Mount Field National Park. You can’t lose here.
Where: 75km north west of Hobart
Stay: Discovery Parks - Hobart
EBOR FALLS, GUY FAWKES RIVER NATIONAL PARK, NSW
Get wild in Guy Fawkes River National Park, where the river takes a running leap into a two-tiered gorge 100m below.
Enjoy spectacular views from several lookout points which deliver the full spectrum of rugged nature at this awe-inspiring waterfall. Another photographer's favourite in a beautiful part of Australia!
Where: 112 km west of Coffs Harbour
