Falcon Falls walking track

Cocoparra National Park

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Overview

Take Falcon Falls walking track for bushwalking past waterfalls and for spectacular woodland birdwatching, including magnificent peregrine falcons during nesting season.

Accessibility
Hard
Distance
1.2km return
Time suggested
1hr
Grade
Grade 3
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.

A short walk from the Spring Hill picnic area through white cypress pine woodland will take you to Falcon Falls, where peregrine falcons come to nest from June to December. After rain, you may also be rewarded by cascades over the beautiful layered rock. Bring your binoculars because as well as the resident falcons, you’ll see a variety of woodland birds, including the eastern yellow robin, speckled warbler, white-browed babbler, yellow-rumped thornbill and striated pardalote.

Falcon Falls walking track is best taken from autumn through to spring, when you can enjoy pleasant walking conditions and the waterfalls are sometimes flowing.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/falcon-falls-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Falcon Falls walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

1.2km return

Time

1hr

Quality of markings

Sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills: After 350-500m from the start of the walk, the track begins to slope upwards. It then slopes down to a bridge over a creek.

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles: The track is 2m-wide and hard-packed ground along its length with some loose gravel. Towards the end of the track there are large stones.

Steps

Occasional steps: There are 2 steep timber steps at the far end of the pedestrian bridge, around 500m along the track.

Other barriers

Other barriers: There's a low vehicle barrier that separates the carpark from the start of the track. The gap in this barrier is only 30cm wide.

Accessible options

The first 650m section of the walk leads from the carpark to a seat overlooking the gorge and is mainly flat and step-free. This part of the walk may be suitable for prams, wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.

After the first 650m, the track becomes steep and rocky.

Getting there and parking

Falcon Falls walking track is in the Spring Hill precinct of Cocoparra National Park. To get there:

  • Follow the Burley Griffin Way from Yenda
  • Turn left into Barry Scenic Drive
  • Spring Hill picnic area entrance is approximately 10km after the turnoff

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Spring Hill picnic area for Falcon Falls walking track can become boggy when it rains.

Parking

Parking is available in a hard-packed ground carpark at Spring Hill picnic area where this walk begins.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Cocoparra National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

Autumn

Camp at Woolshed Flat while the days are still long and warm enough to explore the walking tracks and the cool nights are pleasant for sitting and watching the sun set Keep an eye out for the autumn greenhood, an early flowering orchid. .

Spring

Take Jacks Creek walking track to see gorgeous spring flowers, including orchids, daisies, wattles and tea-trees. Watch the first rainbow bee-eaters arrive to build nests in the ground. Their brilliant colours are dazzling. Climb Mount Brodgen to look out over the plains and the tree line of Murrumbidgee River .

Winter

Winter rains bring the creeks and falls to life, and the blue-tinged cypress pine trees contrast against the red rocks beautifully after wet weather. The mosses and lichens on Falcon Falls walking track are also renewed with the seasonal rains Wattles begin to flower and their glorious colour will brighten up a cold day .

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 33°C

Highest recorded

44.7°C

Winter temperature

Average

3°C and 17°C

Lowest recorded

–4.8°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

October

Driest month

December

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

111.3mm

Facilities

  • There's a non-flush toilet at Spring Hill picnic area where this walk begins
  • A free gas barbecue is supplied, but you’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
  • Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
  • Rubbish bins are not available, so please take your rubbish with you when you leave.

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Outback safety

Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

Waterfall safety

Waterfalls are beautiful destinations but please be safe when visiting these natural wonders. Read these waterfall safety tips before exploring waterfalls on your next walk.

Accessibility

Disability access level - hard

Falcon Falls walking track is a 2m-wide hard-packed ground track with some loose gravel sections. 

The first 650m section of the walk is mainly flat and step-free and leads to a seat overlooking the gorge. This part of the walk may be suitable for prams, wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.

There are some parts of the walk where people with reduced mobility may need assistance:

  • There's a low vehicle barrier that separates the carpark from the start of the track. The gap in this barrier is only 30cm wide.
  • There are 2 steep timber steps at the far end of the pedestrian bridge, around 500m along the track.
  • After the first 650m, the track becomes steep and there are large stones towards the end of the walk.

There's a non-flush toilet at Spring Hill picnic area, where this walk begins, but it's not accessible or ambulant.

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

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.

Learn more

Falcon Falls walking track is in Cocoparra National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A haven for birds

Wildflowers in bloom in Cocoparra National Park. Photo: John Spencer

This is a mecca for birdwatchers, with many resident and migratory species recorded here. Look out for the locally-threatened glossy-black cockatoo drinking from dams at dusk or quietly feeding on the seeds of the drooping she-oak. You may also see the many endangered woodland birds such as the hooded robin, speckled warbler, varied sittella, grey-crowned babbler, diamond firetail or shy heathwren. You can also visit the nesting grounds of the peregrine falcon at Falcon Falls.

  • Falcon Falls walking track Take Falcon Falls walking track for bushwalking past waterfalls and for spectacular woodland birdwatching, including magnificent peregrine falcons during nesting season.
  • Mount Brogden walking track Visit Mount Brogden walking track in Cocoparra National Park, near Griffith, for some excellent birdwatching, and enjoy Murrumbidgee River views.
  • Store Creek walking track Explore interesting rock formations on Store Creek walking track, only 30 minutes from Griffith. The track is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a wildflower wonderland in spring.

Ancient Aboriginal sites

Views across the valley in Cocoparra National Park. Photo: John Spencer

This is Wiradjuri country, and the many Aboriginal sites within Cocoparra National Park suggest intensive use during winter and spring when food resources became scarce along rivers, with surface water available in the protected valleys of the range. The name 'Cocoparra' comes from the Aboriginal 'cocupara', or kookaburra.

Dramatic rock formations

Rock formations on top of Spring Hill, Cocoparra National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Conserving an important area of native vegetation, Cocoparra National Park stands out amid the surrounding plains and farmlands with its rugged ranges and spectacular scenery. Deep narrow valleys, folded and eroded rock faces and delightful waterfalls mean that the view is always changing. For a dramatic overview of the plains, take Jacks Creek or Mount Brogden walking tracks. The rugged, craggy landscape of the Cocoparra Range produces a great variety of habitats. You’ll find woodlands and forests occupied by white cypress pine, Dwyer’s mallee gum, kurrajong, yellow box and many more during your bushwalks. If you’re a budding botanist, you’ll love the delicate orchids and spring wildflowers.

  • Jacks Creek walking track Jacks Creek walking track threads through a sheltered gorge and upon ridge tops. You’ll enjoy scenic views, plentiful birdwatching and diverse habitats.
  • Store Creek walking track Explore interesting rock formations on Store Creek walking track, only 30 minutes from Griffith. The track is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a wildflower wonderland in spring.
  • Woolshed Falls walking track Woolshed Falls walking track, near Griffith, is located in Cocoparra National Park, close to Woolshed Flat campground. It’s great for walking with kids.

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