Clover Hill Trail Rainbow Falls
Discover cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest on the Clover Hill Trail in Macquarie Pass National Park. A rewarding hike for nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Clover Hill Trail Rainbow Falls
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest on the Clover Hill Trail in Macquarie Pass National Park. A rewarding hike for nature lovers.
"The last waterfall was definitely worth the scramble."
🚗 Small Car Park Alert!
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the car park is small and fills up quickly.
👢 Muddy Trails Ahead
Wear waterproof boots or shoes you don't mind getting muddy, particularly for the final stretch.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 60 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rainbow Falls
End of the trail
The ultimate reward! A challenging scramble leads to this spectacular waterfall, perfect for a refreshing, albeit icy, dip.
Mulangong Falls
Mid-trail
A beautiful cascade offering a great spot for a swim, making it a popular stop on the hike.
First Waterfalls
Beginning of the trail
Easily accessible cascades that offer a pleasant introduction to the natural beauty of Macquarie Pass.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Navigation Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Small Car Park Alert!
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the car park is small and fills up quickly.
👢 Muddy Trails Ahead
Wear waterproof boots or shoes you don't mind getting muddy, particularly for the final stretch.
🚶♀️ Hiking Pole Recommended
A hiking pole can be very helpful for the more challenging, unmarked sections of the trail.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
The hike can take around 1.5 hours without stops, so stay hydrated and fueled.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Small Car Park Alert!
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the car park is small and fills up quickly.
👢 Muddy Trails Ahead
Wear waterproof boots or shoes you don't mind getting muddy, particularly for the final stretch.
🚶♀️ Hiking Pole Recommended
A hiking pole can be very helpful for the more challenging, unmarked sections of the trail.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
The hike can take around 1.5 hours without stops, so stay hydrated and fueled.
🏊♀️ Swimwear for Falls
Bring your swimmers if you're brave enough for the cold water – the second waterfall is great for a dip!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular waterfalls, particularly Rainbow Falls, which is considered worth the challenging final scramble. The well-maintained initial trail is appreciated, though the latter part requires navigation skills and can be muddy. The opportunity for a refreshing swim at Mulangong Falls is a highlight for many.
"The first two waterfalls were pretty easy to get to. Then it got progressively harder to hike to the last one; it was very muddy and leafy, and was somewhat hard to figure out the right path there, but there were some markers tied onto the trees to help us out. The last waterfall was definitely worth the scramble."
Cindy Nguyen
"This is a relatively well maintained trail through the Macquarie Pass National Park. The first 75% is pretty easy, but it gets a little more challenging in that last 25% as you near Rainbow Falls.
I recommend bringing a hiking pole if you're going to go all the way to the end.
Approximately a 1.5hr round trip if you're only walking without stopping to see the sights."
Gene Lehdey
"One of my favorite bushwalks. Start early as the car park is pretty small. Track to the first 2 waterfalls (Rainbow falls and Mulangong) are pretty straightforward. However you will need to bush bash and do some freelance navigation to find Clover falls. It will be hot and sweaty, and very much so worth the trek.
Bring swimmers, waterproof boots, bit of h20 and snacks."
Roz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Enter 'Clover Hill Trails' into Google Maps. The trail starts at a gate near a small car park. Be mindful of the turn-off, as it's easy to miss on the exciting drive up Macquarie Pass.
Yes, there's a small car park, but it gets severely congested on Saturdays. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Yes, pets are allowed on the Clover Hill Trail, making it a great option for a hike with your furry friend.
The drive up Macquarie Pass is described as exciting. Ensure you don't miss the turn for the trail, as you might have to drive a while to find a safe place to turn back.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic bushwalk adventure perfect for a day out from Sydney, offering beautiful scenery and waterfalls. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Clover Hill Trail is located within Macquarie Pass National Park, which generally does not require an entry fee for day use. However, it's always best to check the official NSW National Parks website for any updates or specific regulations.
Macquarie Pass National Park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. The trail itself is accessible during these hours.
Generally, there is no entry fee for day visitors to Macquarie Pass National Park.
There is no need to book time slots for Clover Hill Trail. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, especially for parking.
For general day hiking on Clover Hill Trail, no special permits are usually required.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately a 1.5-hour round trip if you're walking without stopping. However, it can take longer if you stop to enjoy the waterfalls or swim.
The first 75% of the trail is relatively easy. The last 25% to Rainbow Falls becomes more challenging with bush bashing and some scrambling. +1
The first part of the trail is well-maintained. For the final section to Rainbow Falls, there are some markers tied onto trees, but it still requires some freelance navigation.
Yes, the second waterfall is a good spot for swimming, though the water is described as painfully cold by some.
It's highly recommended to wear waterproof boots or shoes you don't mind getting muddy, as the trail can be very wet and leafy.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfalls themselves are the main photographic subjects. Rainbow Falls, Mulangong Falls, and the initial cascades all offer stunning opportunities. +1
While drone usage might be restricted in national parks, if permitted, the aerial views of the waterfalls and the lush rainforest canopy could be spectacular. Always check park regulations.
Early morning light can be beautiful for capturing the mist rising from the waterfalls and the vibrant green of the rainforest. Midday sun can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfalls and the surrounding rainforest. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
The areas around each waterfall offer natural viewpoints. For Rainbow Falls, the rocks at the end provide seating and good vantage points.
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