Ellenborough Falls
NSW's tallest waterfall, a 200m cascade through rainforest, with a challenging 641-step descent to its base.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More powerful falls
Ellenborough Falls
Best Time
More powerful falls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
NSW's tallest waterfall, a 200m cascade through rainforest, with a challenging 641-step descent to its base.
"The 641 steps are tough, but the view from the bottom of Ellenborough Falls is absolutely worth it!"
👟 Conquer the Stairs
Wear sturdy shoes! The 641 steps are steep and can be slippery. Take your time on the climb back up.
🚗 Drive with Caution
The unsealed road can be challenging. A 4WD is recommended, especially after rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Cascade
Base of the falls
Witness the breathtaking 200-meter single drop, the tallest in NSW and one of the highest in the Southern Hemisphere.
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The 641 Steps
Trail to the base
Descend this iconic, steep staircase through lush rainforest for an immersive experience and stunning views.
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Upper Viewing Platforms
Top of the falls
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the falls and surrounding rainforest from accessible lookouts without the strenuous descent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Steps!
+2Road Conditions & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Conquer the Stairs
Wear sturdy shoes! The 641 steps are steep and can be slippery. Take your time on the climb back up.
🚗 Drive with Caution
The unsealed road can be challenging. A 4WD is recommended, especially after rain.
💧 Pack for the Mist
The spray from the falls can be significant. Bring a waterproof jacket if you plan to get close.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
There are picnic tables and BBQ facilities. Pack a lunch to enjoy amidst nature's beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Conquer the Stairs
Wear sturdy shoes! The 641 steps are steep and can be slippery. Take your time on the climb back up.
🚗 Drive with Caution
The unsealed road can be challenging. A 4WD is recommended, especially after rain.
💧 Pack for the Mist
The spray from the falls can be significant. Bring a waterproof jacket if you plan to get close.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
There are picnic tables and BBQ facilities. Pack a lunch to enjoy amidst nature's beauty.
📸 Drone Views
Capture stunning aerial perspectives of the falls and surrounding landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ellenborough Falls is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty and the impressive scale of its waterfall. Visitors appreciate the challenging but rewarding hike down the 641 steps and the scenic rainforest surroundings. However, the steep climb back up and the sometimes challenging road conditions are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"Beautiful place, check your maps before going as ours took us through the middle of national park. We didn't have a caravan, if you do this road is not suitable. Inhook and head on up. Definitely go and buy a cuppa from the kiosk. Great service, good coffee. Sit and take in nature's beauty, the waterfalls are a must see. Absolutely stunning."
Nikki Wicks
"Good tarred road with a few km of dirt then tar again to the top. General store a km or two before reaching the falls. Absolutely beautiful scenety with a very well laid out and comprehensive Information board. One walking trail of 500 mtrs second trail 700 mtrs and a stairway of 631 steps to reach the bottom. Easy access to lookout with clean toilet facilities. No ticket required for entry. A nature lovers paradise❣️"
Sharan Lillian
"Absolutely gorgeous place to spend a day or part there of. Take a picnic or cook a BBQ lunch whilst you explore the Ellenborough reserve. The hike to the bottom and back up can be done in 45mins but be warned, the well defined track is steep and can be a bit slippery in parts when leaves and debris collect on the track mesh. And the climb back up is not for the faint hearted or at least if you are short on time. Slow and steady, take your time and enjoy the scenery, of which there is much. Beautiful giant trees, fungi, lichen, tree ferns and a chorus of birds to keep you company, if you can hear them over the roar of the waterfall.
There is also an easy walk around the rim of the gorge that provides a picture perfect view of the falls which is well worth doing and is not difficult if you're able bodied. Unfortunately neither track is suitable for wheelchair access."
Naomi Case
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Port Macquarie, Ellenborough Falls is approximately a 1.5-hour drive. The road is mostly sealed, but the final stretch is unsealed and can be challenging, with some sections being single-laned. A 4WD is recommended for a smoother journey. +1
The unsealed sections of the road are not suitable for caravans. It's best to leave them at a designated parking area if you're traveling with one.
The drive involves a mix of sealed and unsealed roads. Some parts are steep and winding, and can be muddy after rain. Be prepared for a potentially adventurous drive.
There's a general store located a kilometer or two before reaching the falls, which is a good place to grab a coffee or supplies.
Ellenborough Falls is located within the Ellenborough Reserve, which is managed by the local council.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee required to visit Ellenborough Falls. It's a free natural attraction.
Ellenborough Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Ellenborough Falls site, including facilities like clean toilets. +1
Swimming is possible in the pool at the base of the falls or in a swimming hole at the top, but caution is advised due to currents and slippery rocks.
While generally accessible, the steep stairs and unsealed roads mean it's not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk down the 641 steps to the base of the falls can take around 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace. The climb back up will likely take longer, potentially 45 minutes or more.
The hike down is moderately challenging due to the steepness of the 641 steps. The climb back up is considered difficult and is not for the faint-hearted or those short on time.
Yes, there are easier walking trails around the rim of the gorge that offer excellent views of the falls without the strenuous descent. +1
Expect a lush rainforest environment with giant trees, fungi, lichen, and tree ferns. The roar of the waterfall is a constant companion.
While the stairs are challenging, parents can take children if they are patient and prepared with breaks and snacks. The upper viewing platforms are more accessible for younger children.
📸 📸 Photography
Misty afternoons can create a dramatic and atmospheric scene. After rain, the falls are at their most powerful, offering dynamic photo opportunities.
Yes, drones are permitted and can capture spectacular aerial views of the falls and the surrounding rainforest.
At the base, you can capture the immense scale of the waterfall, the mist rising, and the power of the water hitting the pool below.
The upper viewing platforms offer excellent vantage points for capturing the full height of the falls. The trail to the bottom also provides unique perspectives. +1
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the grandeur of the falls. A tripod can help with long exposures, especially in lower light conditions. Consider a waterproof bag for your gear due to the mist.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a less strenuous option, the upper viewing platforms offer stunning views without the demanding climb. These areas are more accessible and still provide a great appreciation for the waterfall's grandeur. Remember to supervise children closely, especially near the viewing areas and along any trails.
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Hikers
For an extended adventure, explore the surrounding rainforest trails. The combination of the challenging stairs and the natural beauty of the area makes Ellenborough Falls a great destination for active travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature.
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
Drone pilots will find the aerial views particularly spectacular, capturing the scale and beauty of the falls from above. Remember to check local drone regulations before flying. The upper viewing platforms provide excellent wide-angle shots, while the base offers a more intimate perspective of the water's power.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Ellenborough Falls
+2The journey to the falls is part of the adventure. While the final approach can be on unsealed roads, the destination is well worth the effort. The area is surrounded by lush rainforest, offering a serene and verdant backdrop to the dramatic cascade. The temperature in the area tends to be cooler, even on sunny days, adding to the refreshing atmosphere.
Whether you're admiring the falls from the upper viewing decks or embarking on the challenging descent to the base, Ellenborough Falls offers a memorable encounter with nature's grandeur. It's a place that truly lives up to its reputation as a must-see destination in the Barrington Coast region.
+1Navigating the 641 Steps
+2While the descent offers incredible views and a closer perspective of the falls' power, the ascent back up is where many visitors find their challenge. It's crucial to be prepared for this climb, especially if you have any fitness limitations. Taking frequent breaks, staying hydrated, and pacing yourself are key to a successful and enjoyable experience.
For those who prefer to avoid the strenuous climb, the upper viewing platforms provide spectacular panoramic views of the falls. These accessible lookouts still offer a breathtaking perspective of the waterfall's height and the surrounding landscape, making the visit enjoyable for a wider range of visitors.
Roads and Accessibility
It's important to note that the road conditions are not suitable for caravans. If you are traveling with a caravan, you will need to make alternative arrangements for parking before proceeding to the falls. This is a crucial piece of advice for those planning a road trip with larger vehicles.
While the main viewing areas and upper platforms are generally accessible, the steepness of the stairs and the nature of the trails mean that Ellenborough Falls is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging to reach the base of the falls, but the upper viewpoints still offer a rewarding experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit