On our way from the Waterfall Way to Barrington Tops National Park, we stopped at Ellenborough Falls and Tapin Tops National Park. We were seeking less-visited destinations during the peak Christmas season, and this turned out to be the perfect choice. Ellenborough Falls and Tapin Tops National Park offer the perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquillity.
Lookouts and walks at Ellenborough Falls
Ellenborough Falls, standing at an impressive 200 meters, is the tallest single-drop waterfall in New South Wales and one of the tallest in the southern hemisphere. The viewing platform near the car park is easily accessible and provides breathtaking views of the fall and surrounding gorge. There, you’ll find signs with information about the falls and the surrounding walking trails. It took us one hour to complete them all, but many people will need more breaks than we did. While we explored all the trails, if you’re short on time, here are some helpful tips and recommendations to make the most of your visit.
If you’re visiting with a group and not everyone is keen on walking, there’s a kiosk at the car park (though it’s not open every day) offering coffee, food and drinks to make your wait more enjoyable.
The Knoll
The Knoll provides a closer, front-facing view of the waterfall, allowing you to take in more intricate details. The walk to the Knoll is relatively easy, with mostly flat terrain and just a few steps and a light gradient. This trail shares its starting point with the path leading to the base of the falls. We chose to visit the Knoll first as a warm-up and to ensure we wouldn’t skip it later if we felt too tired after the more challenging walk to the base.
The base of the falls
The highlight of Ellenborough Falls is undoubtedly the view from the base of the falls. This is what makes Ellenborough Falls truly special, as we get a unique perspective to fully appreciate the impressive height of the falls from below.
However, getting there involves descending a long staircase (more than 600 steps) – manageable but not without effort. If going up and down stairs isn’t an issue for you or if you’re prepared to take it slow (I managed it without much trouble with a recovering meniscus injury and a ruptured ACL), the journey is well worth it. There are many benches to take breaks along the way. Be careful if it’s humid, as it can be slippery.
At the base, the falls are truly breathtaking. We saw many waterfalls during our trip on the Waterfall Way but did not get an opportunity to see the tall ones from the base. The mist rising from the plunge pool, combined with the roar of the water, creates a special atmosphere. It’s a refreshing spot that makes every step of the descent worthwhile. If you leave the path to get closer to the waterfall, be careful as the rocks can be very slippery.
Responsible travel tip: If you decide to swim in the pool at the base of the falls, avoid sunscreen and mosquito repellent as they can harm the water and wildlife. Wearing long sleeves is a better option for protection.
Head of the falls lookout
While the view from the bottom is stunning, the lookout at the top of the falls is less impressive. It’s quick to reach but offers a view of the rocks and river rather than the falls themselves. If you’re out of time, don’t be too sad about skipping this one.
Accommodation and camping near Ellenborough Falls
Camping near Ellenborough Falls
While they share the same name, it takes more than one hour to drive to the free camping at Ellenborough Reserve. It’s basic, you cannot book in advance and doesn’t have the best reviews, but it’s free. We looked for something closer to the falls and the alternatives we found were private camping options using Hipcamp*.
If you’re new to Hipcamp*, here’s a coupon code that will give you (and me!) $10 credit for your first stay: ELOISET668EFD.
Dingo Forest Campground
We chose to stay at Dingo Tops campground in Tapin Tops National Park, about a 1.5-hour drive from Ellenborough Falls, which turned out to be perfect for avoiding crowds during peak season. We had the entire place to ourselves!
This campground provides a true back-to-nature experience, but it’s not for everyone. There are no showers or water, though toilets, tables and fire pits are available. You’ll need to bring your own firewood. The unsealed forest roads are 2WD accessible, making it an adventurous yet manageable choice.
Other options for non-campers
If camping isn’t your style, check out this peaceful cottage in Comboyne*, about 40 40-minute drive from the waterfalls. You could try Cascades Cottage and Tirrintippin Farmstay to be closer.
You’ll also find a few accommodations options in Ellenborough*, about one hour away from the falls, and many more on the coast near Laurieton* or Port Macquarie*, both about a 1.5-hour drive.
Tapin Tops National Park
Rowleys Rock lookout: A steep but rewarding hike
We almost skipped Rowleys Rock Lookout because it was described as very steep, but I’m so glad we gave it a try. The trail is indeed steep but wide and free of obstacles, making it manageable with a walking stick at a slow pace. The 1-kilometer return walk took us about 40 minutes.
From the top, the view is incredible. Not only can you see the rolling hills and dense forests, but on a clear day, you can even spot the ocean in the distance. It’s a reward that more than justifies the climb.
The walking track is accessible via a 2WD unsealed road, which was in good condition during our visit. However, the final stretch is quite steep and can become accessible only to 4WD vehicles after heavy rain, so plan accordingly based on the weather conditions.
Potoroo Falls
The walk to Potoroo Falls is a short 1-kilometre return trail that follows the creek. However, it does require some rock-hopping and creek crossings, which can be slippery, especially after rain. With my injured knee, I decided to skip it this time. The waterhole at the base of the falls is said to be excellent for swimming and is often described as the best way to fully appreciate the beauty of the waterfall.
Other waterfalls near Ellenborough Falls
We didn’t add these ones to our itinerary as we were heading to Barrington Tops National Park and not the coast, but there are other waterfalls nearby that you may want to check out: Rawson Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
Where Are Ellenborough Falls and Tapin Tops National Park?
Ellenborough Falls is located in New South Wales, near the town of Elands, approximately 1.5 hours from Port Macquarie for those travelling from the coast. Be prepared for winding roads and a brief stretch of unsealed road as you approach the falls.
For those looking to explore further inland, Tapin Tops National Park and Dingo Tops National Park are located slightly south of Ellenborough Falls. They are accessible only via dirt roads in the forest, which were in good condition and suitable for 2WD during our visit.
Have you visited Ellenborough Falls or Tapin Tops National Park? Share your experience in the comments below!
