New South Wales, Australia, is a land of incredible natural beauty, and amongst its hidden gems lies Ellenborough Falls, one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere. Our recent visit was an adventure marked by persistent rain, endless steps, and the rewarding sight of a truly majestic cascade.
The journey to the trailhead was an adventure in itself. As we navigated the rural roads, the pavement grew narrower and eventually became a dirt road and the signs of civilization became sparse. We started to wonder if we were truly on the right track; the road seemed hardly traveled, giving us a genuine sense of venturing into the wild.
The weather, which had been on-and-off drizzly, decided to go full on rain just as we arrived at the parking area. But thanks to a valuable lesson learned on a previous trip to Spain, we were prepared! Rain pants had become an essential item in our travel gear, and they proved invaluable that day. With limited vacation time, a little rain certainly wasn’t going to deter us from chasing waterfalls.
The walk down to Ellenborough Falls is renowned for its impressive staircase – all 641 steps of it! These steps descend a remarkable 1,312 feet (400 meters). Going down was surprisingly easy, even with the rain. We took our time, perhaps a little over half an hour, being cautious on the wet surfaces. However, the steps and grating were remarkably well-made and provided excellent traction, so there was no real sense of slipping.
As we reached the bottom, the sheer scale of Ellenborough Falls unfolded before us. This enormous waterfall, plunging dramatically over the cliff face, was a powerful and mesmerizing sight. For a brief window, the rain slowed to a gentle sprinkle, allowing us to gaze upwards without our eyes being pelted by raindrops. It was a moment of pure awe, standing at the base of such a natural wonder. (can you see Justin in the photo — he looks so small next to the 656 foot waterfall)
But, as often happens, the rain soon picked up its intensity, signaling it was time to begin the ascent. The walk back up those 641 steps was, as expected, a significantly more strenuous affair than the descent. We took a few strategic breaks along the way, catching our breath and enjoying the sounds of the rainforest. Throughout our entire journey down and back up, we only passed two other small groups, highlighting the secluded and peaceful nature of this incredible spot, even in the rain.
Our visit to Ellenborough Falls was a testament to the beauty of being prepared and the rewards of venturing off the main road. The journey was challenging, and the weather didn’t cooperate, but the majestic waterfall at the bottom was absolutely worth every step. We love waterfalls. It was a memorable adventure into Australia’s wild beauty, leaving us with tired legs but incredibly vivid memories. And best of all, it was free!
Read about other Australia Posts from this trip: