Adventure seekers can hike a stunning trail marked by five distinct waterfalls on a serene forest walk and they don’t even have to go to far from Sydney to do it. The South Lawson Waterfall Circuit is a short and easy bushwalking route that allows visitors to wander past a pristine bushland setting and discover incredible scenery and cascades — one in particular you wouldn’t want to miss. Needless to say, it makes for the perfect adventure after a day of heavy rains. The track itself is easy with some steep sections and requires a moderate level of fitness making it suitable for anyone with a desire for adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about the dreamy waterfall circuit.
South Lawson Waterfall Circuit
Lawson is a quaint town in the Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney and around the corner from the popular touristy town of Katoomba. With sublime rainforest views, walking tracks, and lookouts, it’s the place to go if you like being amongst nature. The beautiful South Lawson Waterfall Circuit is its most popular attraction and the ideal day trip if you’re chasing waterfalls in the area.
The circuit begins at Honour Avenue in Lawson with free parking conveniently located a short walk from the trail. There is plenty of street parking available at the location too.
From the carpark, you’ll walk a short distance to reach the small but lovely Adelina Falls, surrounded by lush foliage and a moody rainforest setting. On or after a rainy day, the falls drop into a little pool, although it’s not deep enough for a swim. From here, you’ll walk approximately another 0.6km to reach Junction Falls. All the waterfalls are relatively small but this is the most striking of the four and you can walk up to the rocky platforms at the falls to see its majestic beauty up close. It’s one of many thunderous waterfalls in the Blue Mountains but it’s easily one of the most secluded so it’s the place to go if you want some peace and quiet.
Further on, the track leads to Federal Falls which is similar in size and flow to Adelina Falls. There is also a little pool at the falls and although not deep enough for a swim you can stop for a while and splash about for a bit and enjoy the tranquility of the circuit. Finally, after a few steps and an uphill track, the trail winds up at Cataract Falls which flows into a small natural swimming hole that you can paddle in after a day of rain.
Although officially the trail has four recognised falls, on the route between Junction Falls and Federal Falls, there is another smaller albeit lovely little waterfall called Leslie Falls. This waterfall features a deep pool if you’re keen to linger and enjoy some wild swimming or you can head back the same way towards the carpark.
Entry to the waterfall circuit is free and the trail is mostly a dirt track but well-maintained. It should take no more than 1.5 hours to complete the entire circuit although you could go at a slower pace and enjoy the surroundings. Get more information about the waterfall circuit here.
How to get there
The waterfall circuit starts and ends at Honour Avenue which is a quick 1 or 1.5-hour drive from Sydney via M4 and Great Western Highway. You could also catch a direct train from Central to Lawson Station, which is around a 1.5-hour journey and you’ll reach the circuit after a short walk from the station.