Want to take your kids to see a nearby waterfall? Head to Somersby Falls! Hidden halfway between Newcastle and Sydney in the Brisbane Water National Park, is the stunning Somersby Falls. This tranquil rainforest area (when it’s not busy with crowds) on the Central Coast is the perfect place to retreat and immerse yourself in nature.
Somersby Falls Update – Part of Somersby Falls walking track will be closed until 6pm Thursday 2 April 2026 for upgrade works. The closure affects the section of the walking track between the Middle Falls and Bottom Falls. The walking track to Middle Falls, the picnic area and the carpark will remain open during this time. Fencing and signage will be in place around the closed area to ensure visitor safety. Barrier mesh and signage will be in place around the closed area to ensure visitor safety.
From the moment you step out of your car at Somersby Falls, you can hear the calming sound of the waterfall and birdsong.
On either side of the carpark at the top of the waterfall, there are scattered picnic tables and barbeques, making it the perfect place to stop for a snack or lunch before or after your walk.
There are no food outlets onsite, so pack lunch, snacks and drinks before you go. A toilet block with handwashing facilities is located next to the carpark.
The start of the Somersby Falls walk has a lookout over the cascading waterfall, along with some rock hollows perfect for a photo.
Continue your way down towards the top waterfall, following the stone staircase that winds its way through the rainforest until you come to an opening in the trees.
There you will find the largest waterfall, along with a creek for swimming and plenty of rocky ground to stop for a rest.
Tip: Bring a towel and a change of clothes. Kids often end up splashing around the creek or getting damp from the waterfall mist especially in warmer months.
Many visitors take a moment here for photos and to enjoy the cool mist coming off the falls. Some visitors even climb behind the waterfall depending on conditions, though the rocks are extremely slippery.
From the edge, you can look down to the waterfalls and creek below before you continue your descent.
Continue your walk down some natural rock stairs, along a timber boardwalk with another lookout over the rainforest, down a wooden staircase and past a moss wall until you reach the second waterfall.
This one is full of large boulders, vines and trickle streams cascading in all directions. From here, you can see the creek below that continues off into the lush rainforest.
There is a small natural staircase to get down to the bottom creek, or you can climb down the rock formations from the second platform.
We recommend taking the stairs down and stopping here to rest your legs and have some snacks whilst looking up at the waterfalls above and listening to the beautiful sounds of the rainforest.
From here you can continue exploring along the edge of the creek, however there is no path to follow at this point, or you can head back up.
Allow at least an hour and a half if you want time to explore, take photos and enjoy the scenery.
The entire walk is only 500m return, however it is steep and slippery in places, so take your time, watch your step and keep a close eye on the kids.
Young children will need supervision and may require assistance or to be carried on the steeper sections. If you have young kids, recommend that you have one child with one adult at all times.
Newy with Kids visited in autumn and it was a bit cool once down below the canopy of trees. However, it is also a very popular swimming spot in summer, making it the perfect place to visit all year round.
It was fairly quiet when we visited, but it is known to get very busy on weekends and school holidays so it is recommended that you visit before 10am or after 4pm if you wish to avoid the crowds.
Tip: Head instead to nearby Girrakool Picnic Area, which is just 5 minutes drive down the road in Somersby and head out on the Girrakool loop walking track which features lookouts and waterfall.
NSW National Parks occasionally close tracks or restrict access due to weather or maintenance. It’s worth checking their website before heading out.
Good to Know
Somersby Falls is in Brisbane Water National Park at the end of Somersby Falls Road. It’s approximately 96km from Newcastle and 82km from Sydney, making it just over an hour’s drive from either direction. If you’re visiting from further away, there are plenty of accommodation options across the Central Coast.
The Somersby Falls walking track and picnic area is open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and 7am to 6pm at other times.
Yes. The park entry fee is $8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept cards, or you can pay via the Park’nPay app. You can also park for free on the road outside the entrance if you prefer.
All ages, with close parent supervision. The walk is steep, uneven and can be slippery, so younger children will need assistance or may need to be carried on certain sections.
es. There is a toilet block located next to the carpark, complete with handwashing facilities.
No. There are no water fountains, so make sure to bring enough water for your visit.
Yes. There are shaded picnic benches on both sides of the carpark, making it a convenient spot to enjoy lunch or snacks before or after your walk.
Yes. Free electric BBQs are available near the picnic area.
No. There are no eating facilities at Somersby Falls. Pack snacks, lunch and drinks before you head off.
Access is limited. The track to the waterfalls includes steep stone staircases and uneven terrain, so reaching the falls is not suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. However, the picnic area and upper lookout offer a beautiful view of the falls that can be enjoyed without navigating the track.
For more information, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website regarding Somersby Falls.
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