There’s a reason waterfalls draw visitors year round. Watching water plunge off a cliff is always a spectacular experience. In NSW, we’re spoilt for choice, from picturesque cascades to hidden local favourites, but few can compete with the scale of Ellenborough Falls. With a single drop of about 200 metres, it’s the tallest single-drop waterfall in New South Wales and the third tallest in Australia, putting it among the biggest waterfalls in the southern hemisphere. Even better, it has a refreshing pool at its base that is especially tempting in the middle of summer. If you’re looking to escape the heat, now is the perfect time to plan a road trip to one of New South Wales’ most incredible natural wonders. Here’s everything you need to know about Ellenborough Falls.
Ellenborough Falls, NSW
There are four main lookouts around Ellenborough Falls, each offering a different perspective of the drop and the surrounding gorge. Two of them are close to the car park and easy to reach, making them easily accessible even if you’re short on time. A third lookout involves a short walk of just around 10 minutes and sits directly opposite the falls, giving you a stunning view of the full plunge. If you’re after a proper adventure, there’s also a fourth option — a long staircase of 641 steps leading all the way down to the base of the waterfall, where you’ll find a refreshing natural rock pool at the bottom.
Pack your bathers if you’re keen for a leisurely swim, but keep a few things in mind. The rocks around the pool can be slippery, and the water flow can be strong after rain, so it’s best suited to calm conditions and confident swimmers. There is another pool above the falls, but swimming there isn’t recommended due to safety risks near the edge. Read more about the waterfall here.
Key features
Where: Ellenborough Falls, Manning Valley, NSW
Parking: Free parking available at the main car park near the upper lookouts Entry fee: Free
Accessibility: Upper lookouts are easily accessible from the car park; access to the base of the falls involves a long staircase and isn’t suitable for prams or mobility aids
Facilities: Toilets available near the car park
Best time to visit: Summer for swimming and easier conditions on the track, or after rain when the falls are at their most powerful.
Planning your visit
Ellenborough Falls is around a 4.5-hour drive from Sydney and perfect to visit on a hot summer’s day. Take the Pacific Motorway north to Taree, then follow local roads inland towards the Manning Valley and the signposted turn-off for Ellenborough Falls. From Port Macquarie, the drive takes about 1.5 hours. There’s no public transport that runs directly to the falls, so driving is the most practical way to get there.