Somersby Falls picnic area
Brisbane Water National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Somersby Falls picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Somersby Falls is located in the northern section of Brisbane Water National Park, about 10km west of Gosford and 5mins from the M1 Motorway.
From Newcastle and Sydney:
- Exit the M1 at the Central Coast Highway towards Gosford.
From Gosford:
- Take the Central Coast Highway past Kariong
- Turn onto Wisemans Ferry Road
- Take the second left onto Somersby Falls Road
- The picnic area is at the end of Somersby Falls Road.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
- Parking is available at Somersby Falls picnic area, including 4 accessible parking spaces, with accessible signage clearly displayed.
- The carpark opens at 7am every day and is locked at 8pm during daylight savings time and at 6pm at all other times.
- It can be a busy place on the weekend and during summer so parking might be limited.
- Small buses recommended. Drop off and pick up bay suited for small buses only. Bus parking off site.
Facilities
Amenities
- Separate facilities for males, females and people with reduced mobility
- There are accessible doorways at least 850mm wide with lever handles.
Toilets
There's an accessible toilet that can be reached via a paved stone pathway.
Picnic tables
The picnic tables are set on concrete slabs and are located along stone pathways or relatively flat grassy areas.
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Carpark
Step-free access
- The picnic area is mostly flat
- There's step-free access from the carpark along paved stone pathways.
- At some points there are short, steep ramps and some slopes where people with reduced mobility may need assistance.
- The step-free outdoor pathways include a pathway from the carpark to the lookout.
- Step-free outdoor pathways
Seats and resting points
There are accessible seats for people with reduced mobility.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
- The picnic area is mostly flat with step-free access from the carpark along paved stone pathways.
- At some points there are short, steep ramps and some grassy surfaces where people with reduced mobility may need assistance.
- There's an accessible toilet
- The picnic tables are accessible and located along stone pathways or relatively flat grassy areas.
- There's a stone pathway that leads to the edge of Floods Creek, just before it descends over the first waterfall with views of the creek.
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Gathering firewood
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Park info
- in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Two picnic areas in this park – Girrakool picnic area and Somersby Falls picnic area – are closed in the evening. They are open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and 7am to 6pm at other times.
Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.
Other fees:
You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.
Buy annual pass