Third time's a Charm!

Ellenborough Falls has been on the waterfall radar for many months now. However the two previous times we had set our alarms for 4am (cue biigggg yawns ) we were thwarted by weather. The first time there was too much rain and the second the cloud had cleared by the time we got there, so we journeyed to Diamond Head instead. Even this time luck still wasn’t great, as we slept through the alarms and weren’t on the road until 8am…Goodbye soft morning light!


Three hours later we arrived. The memory of the army of leeches that attacked our vulnerable ankles last time we visited, still strong in our minds. No one likes leeches it’s a given, our dislike is a whole other level though. Major paranoia for every tingle of the skin and after brushing past ferns, there is flurry of limbs and swatting with hands that we have affectionately dubbed the “Leech Boogie”. Squeals and swearing often accompanies this crazy dance routine. Happy to say on this trip though, while seeing lots, the only one that made contact was the one Marty found in his boot after coming back from his swim.

The long drop! From the opposite lookout...

Anyhoo, leeches aside. If you are in this area you simply must pay these falls a visit. One of the longest drops in the southern hemisphere, accompanied by insane views down the valley make for one serious feast for the eyes! There are two easy lookouts, one straight from the carpark and the other a ten minute walk from the carpark to the opposite side are great or those short on time. The jewel in the crown of this area though is the 612 step walk way to the base of the falls. Perhaps not so awesome on the way back up, if you’re unfit like me anyways. Marty however had no problem bounding back up (curse his superior cardio vascular system ). The path is well designed and there is no chance of becoming lost, unlike its close neighbour the Potaroo Falls in Tapin Tops. It takes a surprisingly short time to get down to the base. The sign says 30 minutes for the descent I would say it only took us about 15.

No trolls here...

Once at the bottom the best part is sitting on the big boulders and looking up at these magnificent falls while the mist and spray float over you. Sooooo refreshing! After we did that for about ten minutes Marty went for a splash while I did the photo thing. If you’re a keen waterfall swimmer it’s perfect, if you’re keen on photography it’s just as perfect. So many compositions between the falls, the pool and the valley.

Spot the swimmer...Marty cooling off...

What a view...This gorge makes you feel so tiny!

After about an hour of waterfall bliss we puffed our way back up (we as in me). Stopping to take in all the beautiful views on the way (as in catching my breath while vowing to exercise more regularly and trying not to whack Marty for giving me advice to just push through the pain in the midst of my hyper ventilating).

Remember to look up! And wipe your lense often!

Do I have to??? Heading back up...

All in all it was a beautiful day out as the drive from Wingham to this area is just gorgeous. Beautiful rural properties dotted with bright purple from the flowering jacarandas and the magnificent mountain ranges that seem to rise up out of nowhere accompany you all the way.  It’s a walk for all seasons so make sure this is on your list for NSW waterfalls to see. You won’t regret it, even with all those leeches and stairs ; )

P.s On the weekends there is a cute little Kiosk open and they have very yummy cakes and pies! Cash only though folks.

The beautiful Ellenborough Falls...