If the sound of rushing water, the glint of sunlight through rainforest leaves, and the promise of a secret swimming spot make your heart beat a little faster – welcome, you’re in the right place. The Illawarra is a waterfall-chaser’s dream, where lush bushwalks in Wollongong and its surrounds lead to thundering cascades, delicate trickles, and everything in between.
Here, hiking isn’t just about clocking kilometres; it’s about stumbling upon those magic moments – the cool mist on your face, the deep green stillness of the forest, and the satisfying “ahh” when you find the falls.
Whether you’re in it for the adventure, the Insta-worthy snaps, or just a good excuse to swap city streets for tree-lined trails, these waterfall walks are some of the most refreshing things to do in Wollongong and the Illawarra.
Maddens Falls – Helensburgh’s Easy-Access Beauty
If you’re looking for a waterfall walk near Wollongong that’s as easy as it is rewarding, Maddens Falls in Dharawal National Park is your golden ticket. This short and simple track – perfect for little legs and low-effort days – winds gently through bushland to a clifftop lookout where Maddens Creek spills dramatically into the pools below. The view? Chef’s kiss.
It’s more than just a pretty drop, though. Maddens Falls is a wildlife hotspot, so keep those eyes and ears open. Birdwatchers can tick off locals like honeyeaters, red wattlebirds, and golden whistlers, while a quiet step might reveal the rustle of tree frogs, brown froglets, or even the unmistakable ‘plonk’ of a banjo frog.
And when you reach the falls, the base is a lush garden of acacias, native river roses, and ferns sprawling like they own the place. Visit in spring for a burst of colour, or aim for April when the water thunders at its fullest. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the rare fern-leaf grevillea – with its quirky red toothbrush-style blooms – hiding among the greenery.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Southern side of Darkes Forest Road, opposite Glenbernie Orchard – an easy stop to pair with fruit-picking and photography.
Kellys Falls – Picnic, Lookouts, and Lush Rainforest Vibes
If your idea of a perfect day out mixes lazy picnics with a side of exploring, Kellys Falls in Garawarra State Conservation Area has you covered. Tucked between Sydney and Wollongong near Helensburgh, this nature escape serves up a network of bushwalking trails, cascading waterfalls, and scenic lookouts – all within earshot of the soothing soundtrack of water tumbling into a pool below. Pack lunch, find a shady spot, and let the falls do the background music.
From the picnic area, you can wander to one (or all) of four lookouts, each offering a different angle of the falls and the rainforest-lined gullies stretching into the distance. Wildlife fans will want their binoculars ready – satin bowerbirds, honeyeaters, and wattlebirds are regular visitors, drawn to the blooms of banksia, hakea, grevillea, and the towering spears of Gymea lilies.
Feeling adventurous? Kellys Falls is also a launching pad for bigger bushwalking missions, with trails linking to Stanwell Tops and the Illawarra Escarpment, eventually winding their way towards Wollongong’s northern suburbs.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Off Lawrence Hargrave Drive, near Helensburgh – the perfect halfway stop between city bustle and coastal bliss.
Below Image Credit: NSW Government
Macquarie Cascades – A Shady Rainforest Stroll with a Splash of Magic
If you like your waterfall walks served with a side of rainforest calm, the Macquarie Cascades walk is a must. Starting near Kiama and Robertson, this easy, family-friendly trail follows a gentle creek through shady rainforest and towering eucalypts until you arrive at a picture-perfect waterfall and pool. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for lyrebirds scratching in the leaf litter, goannas soaking up the sun, and – if you’re incredibly lucky – a platypus gliding through the water.
The rainforest here is the real deal – giant native figs, lilly pillys, and twisting lianas overhead, with a lush fern understorey at your feet. Shafts of sunlight break through the canopy, lighting up darting birds and skittering lizards. It’s a treat any time of year, but in summer the cool, shaded path feels like nature’s air conditioning.
Little explorers will love the variety on this walk, so bring a bird or plant guide and turn it into a scavenger hunt. Binoculars are a bonus – the canopy is full of surprises if you take the time to look. Once you’ve had your fill of nature spotting, spread out a picnic at the nearby Cascades picnic area and relax.
WHERE TO FIND IT: At the base of Macquarie Pass on the right hand side – a refreshing stop before or after exploring the Illawarra.
Below Image Credit: NSW National Parks
Minnamurra Falls – Rainforest Royalty of the Illawarra
If there’s one waterfall walk that deserves a spot on every Illawarra bucket list, it’s Minnamurra Falls. Starting halfway along the Rainforest Loop at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre near Jamberoo, The Falls Walk leads you through a rare patch of subtropical rainforest – one of the last remnants of the lush green canopy that once covered much of the region. Elevated boardwalks and scenic bridges guide you over creeks and through fern-filled gullies, with several viewing platforms giving you spectacular waterfall and canyon vistas along the way.
Before you set off, pop into the Minnamurra Rainforest Visitor Centre. The friendly staff are walking encyclopedias on the area and can share tips to make the most of your visit. Once you’re on the trail, it’s all about engaging the senses – the distant rumble of falling water, the cool mist on your skin, and flashes of wildlife like the superb lyrebird scratching in the leaf litter, an eastern water dragon sunning itself, or a swamp wallaby bounding through the trees.
Minnamurra Falls is an easy day trip from Sydney, and pairs beautifully with a South Coast adventure through Wollongong or a scenic detour to the Southern Highlands.
WHERE TO FIND IT: Minnamurra Falls Road, Jamberoo – your gateway to one of the most beautiful rainforest walks in the Illawarra.
Nellie’s Glen – Picnic Perfection with a Waterfall Backdrop
Some picnic spots just hit differently – and Nellie’s Glen, tucked away near Kangaroo Valley, is one of them. Whether history forgot who Nellie was or she’s simply keeping a low profile, one thing’s certain – she had impeccable taste in picnic real estate. Here, you can soak up oxygen-rich air, listen to the gentle rush of a nearby waterfall, and feel the cool shade of towering eucalypts overhead.
It’s more than just a place to spread a blanket. Little adventurers will love spotting flashes of colour high in the canopy from delicate orchids and the occasional bright fungus clinging to the bark. On the forest floor, keep an eye out for quirky treasures – clusters of blue objects arranged just so – the signature art installation of a male satin bowerbird trying to impress his sweetheart.
Nellie’s Glen is also a gateway to short walks and birdwatching trails, making it a perfect day trip to combine with other things to do in the Illawarra or a scenic drive through the Southern Highlands.
WHERE TO FIND IT: In the Southern Highlands, near Kangaroo Valley – a scenic spot that’s perfect for a picnic stop on your way to or from Wollongong.
Below Image Credit: NSW National Parks
From easy rainforest strolls to shady picnic spots and thundering cascades, these five waterfall walks prove that the Illawarra is a playground for nature lovers of every kind. Whether you’re luring the kids away from their screens, chasing that perfect Instagram shot, or simply craving the sound of water tumbling over rock, you’ll find a trail here that ticks every box.
So lace up, pack a picnic, and let Wollongong and the Illawarra’s most beautiful waterfalls show you why there’s no better place to go with the flow.