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Somersby Falls walking track

Brisbane Water National Park

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Overview

Somersby Falls walking track in Brisbane Water National Park runs through rainforest to the bottom of Somersby Falls. It starts at Somersby Falls picnic area, a popular Central Coast rest stop near Gosford.

Where
Brisbane Water National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
0.8km return
Time suggested
30 - 36min
Grade
Grade 3
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

7am to 8pm daylight savings time, or 7am to 6pm at all other times

What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen

Somersby Falls walking track winds down to the bottom of the falls, along a graceful 800m return path. There are lookout stops along the way that take in views of the 3 levels of cascading waterfalls. This is a great walk at any time of year, but it really shines in the summer months, when the cool spray offers a respite from the heat, and after heavy rains, when the falls are particularly striking.

Be sure to bring your camera and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including water dragons, frogs and goannas. There are gymea lilies and rainforest plants as well. If you look up, you may even spot a kookaburra – birdwatching is terrific here, so bring binoculars if you have them. During spring and summer, keep and eye out for water dragons, skinks and brush turkeys around lunch time. If you’re there early in the morning, you may see local lyrebirds.

This walking track is great for families and school groups. It’s quieter and less crowded on weekdays and outside of peak school holiday periods.  After visiting the bottom of the falls, return to the picnic area and enjoy the rest of the day in the cool shade of a tree over a long lunch.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see:

  • A family shares a picnic lunch on the grass at Somersby Falls picnic area, Brisbane Water National Park. Credit: Stuart Cohen, Bottle Brush Media © DCCEEW

    Somersby Falls picnic area

    A great place to picnic on the Central Coast, Somersby Falls picnic area is wheelchair accessible and offers barbecues and picnic tables in a lush rainforest setting, with waterfalls and a walking track.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

 

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General enquiries

Operated by

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
See more visitor info

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Tours (5)

School excursions (2)