Norfolk Falls walk
Coolah Tops National Park
Overview
Norfolk Falls walk starts from Norfolk Falls picnic area, near Coolah. This short, steep walk ends at a lookout with stunning views of the largest waterfall in Coolah Tops National Park.
- Where
- Coolah Tops National Park in Country NSW
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 1.1km return
- Time suggested
- 45min - 1hr
- Grade
- Grade 3
- What to
bring - Drinking water, suitable clothing, sturdy shoes, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, raincoat, snacks
- Please note
- Please take extreme care as some areas at the top of Norfolk Falls are unfenced.
- Stay back from cliff edges at all times and ensure children are supervised.
- Temperatures in Coolah Tops are about 5 degrees cooler than valleys below, bring appropriate clothing.
This 1.1km return walk is easily reached from Coolah, but will make you feel a million miles away.
Starting from Norfolk Falls picnic area, you’ll soon be surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the open forest with its rich birdlife. There are lots of steps as the track descends through the tall ribbon gums and grassy understorey, but there are plenty of places to rest along the way.
After around 20mins, you’ll reach Norfolk Falls lookout, perched atop the falls at the end of the track. The air fills with the sound of cascading water and you’ll be treated to stunning views of Norfolk Island Creek plunging 35m down black basalt cliffs into a natural pool.
The best spot to drink in the impressive views and take photos is the fenced lookout platform.
This area is brimming with wildlife. Look for bearded dragons sunning themselves on rocks, and crimson rosellas or red wattlebirds in the trees. You may even see a wedge tailed eagle. Keep an eye out for the wombat hole beside the track.
If you’re hungry for more, continue 1.4km along the track to Bald Hill Creek waterfall, then set up camp for the night at nearby Cox’s Creek or The Pines campground.
Also see
-
Norfolk Falls picnic area
Norfolk Falls picnic area is in Coolah Tops National Park near The Barracks and Coxs Creek campgrounds. It’s a lovely rest stop when exploring the park’s beautiful waterfalls, walks and lookouts.
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Norfolk Falls lookout
Norfolk Falls lookout is located at the end of Norfolk Falls walk, in Coolah Tops National Park. It’s a great spot to view the cascading waterfall along Norfolk Island Creek, plunging 35m into a pool.
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Bald Hill Creek Falls picnic area
Bald Hill Creek Falls picnic area is in Coolah Tops National Park, near The Pines campground. It’s a great stop on the walk to Bald Hill waterfall, which cascades over basalt rock formations.
Map
Map legend
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/norfolk-falls-walk/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Coolah Tops National Park in the Country NSW region
Coolah Tops National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, fire danger or management operations. The eastern end of the park is regularly closed during wet weather due to slippery road conditions.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Norfolk Falls walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
1.1km return
Time
45min - 1hr
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Many steps
Quality of path
Formed track
Getting there and parking
Norfolk Falls walk is in the western area of Coolah Tops National Park. To get there from Coolah:
- Take Coolah Creek Road towards Coolah Tops National Park
- After around 19km turn right onto The Forest Road and follow the unsealed road 11km to the park entrance
- Continue along The Forest Road another 3km then turn right on to Norfolk Falls Road
- Drive 1km to Norfolk Falls picnic area, where this walk starts.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads suitable for 2WD vehicles
Parking
Parking is available at Norfolk Falls picnic area, where this walk starts.
Facilities
Picnic tables, wood barbecues and non-flush toilet facilities are available at Norfolk Falls picnic area.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Permitted at the picnic area outside a park fire ban or total fire ban periods.
Gathering firewood
You can collect firewood that is lying on the ground.
Generators
Generators are permitted at Norfolk Falls picnic area only.
Prohibited
Camping
Cycling
Horses
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
Norfolk Falls walk is in Coolah Tops National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Get active in the bush
Pack your hiking boots and your mountain bike and be ready to get active in the bush at Coolah Tops. There are plenty of great walking tracks and trails to experience the bush on your bike. Make your way to lookouts like Shepherd's Peak or Breeza lookout for spectacular views to the north over the Liverpool Plains and the sheer escarpment. You'll also find several waterfalls along the escarpment where the creeks plunge over the plateau edge.
Wildlife haven
Looking out across the beautiful landscape of Coolah Tops National Park, it's obvious why you'll find so much wildlife here. Wander quietly along one of the walking tracks and you'll probably have a close encounter with red-necked wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos. You might also find a wombat waddling through the campground. Coolah Tops has some of the highest population densities of greater gliders in Australia. At night, keep your torch handy to see greater gliders, ring-tailed possums and possibly feather-tailed gliders or a sugar glider in the nearby trees.
- Grass Tree walking track Grass Tree walking track is a great way to explore a magical landscape of ancient grass trees in Coolah Tops National Park. A must-do for visitors, this easy walk starts at The Barracks campground.
- Shepherds Peak walking track For experienced bushwalkers, Shepherds Peak walking track in Coolah Tops National Park is a great way to explore sub-alpine forest. Come prepared for a steep scramble up the peak’s volcanic dome.
- Snow Gum walking track Snow Gum walking track in Coolah Tops National Park is an easy way to experience some of the largest known snow gum trees in a beautiful old-growth forest setting, near Coolah.