big crystal creek waterfall queensland

Share

Let's go chasing waterfalls: 10 of Australia’s most incredible cascades


Is there a better reward for a full or half-day hike than standing in front of a waterfall in full flow?

Surely one of nature’s greatest wonders, waterfalls have that rare ability to captivate and entrance us. Aside from being hypnotic viewing and a great excuse to get outside, they never look bad on your Instagram feed!

CREDIT: Tourism Australia

With 85+ holiday parks around Australia, you are never far from some of Australia’s most amazing waterfalls when you stay with Discovery Parks. Here’s a list of 10 you might like to plan your next trip around!

Ethel Falls, Paluma Range National Park, QLD

CREDIT: Tourism Queensland

Tucked away in the lush rainforest of Paluma Range National Park, Ethel Falls is a hidden gem perfect for nature lovers and hikers alike.

Surrounded by the ancient Wet Tropics and the rich biodiversity of the region, Ethel Falls is reached via scenic walking tracks that wind through vibrant tropical vegetation. The falls reward hikers with tranquil pools, cascading waters, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from the everyday. With moderate tracks and fewer crowds than its more famous neighbours, Ethel Falls offers a more serene and intimate experience with nature.

Where: Approx. 85km north of Townsville (about 1.5 hours’ drive)
Stay: Discovery Parks – Townsville is the perfect base for your waterfall adventure, offering a comfortable stay with family-friendly facilities just a short scenic drive from Ethel Falls.
 

BELMORE FALLS, NSW

CREDIT: Destination NSW

Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, these dramatic tiered falls plunge over 100m into spectacular rainforest from the Barrengarry Creek over a beautiful escarpment akin.

Easily accessible from the town of Roberston, an marked walking trail leads to several vantage points including Hindmarsh Lookout, where you can take in incredible views of the falls and across Kangaroo Valley. Best seen after heavy rain, don’t expect to be alone, but do expect to feel like you are miles from anywhere and surrounded by the very best of mother nature.

Where: 55km (approx. 55 minutes’ drive) from Gerroa.
Stay: Nestled between the beach and rolling hills, Discovery Parks – Gerroa is the ideal base to explore the South Coast’s natural wonders—including the breathtaking Belmore Falls, just under an hour away.
 

MORIALTA FALLS CONSERVATION PARK, SA

CREDIT: South Australian Tourism Commission

Three cascading falls appropriately named First, Second, and Third Falls can be viewed via several easily accessible and marked walking trails that showcase caves, views and a wide range of wildlife just 15 minutes from the city of Adelaide.

Popular with a regular crowd of runners, walkers, climbers and hikers, Morialta Falls offers a tranquil setting that has become a part of many South Australians' regular routine. Often at full flow during the wetter months, it’s not unusual for keen swimmers to take advantage of the pools below the falls on warmer days.

Where: Approx. 30km northeast of Hahndorf (about 35 minutes’ drive)
Stay: Make your waterfall escape even more memorable with a cosy stay at Discovery Parks – Hahndorf, nestled in the heart of the Adelaide Hills and just a short scenic drive from Morialta Falls.
 

KING GEORGE FALLS, KIMBERLEY, WA

CREDIT: Tourism WA

Western Australia's tallest twin waterfalls, King George Falls cascade over ancient red sandstone cliffs in spectacular fashion—especially during peak flow between April and May.

Located in one of the most remote corners of the Kimberley, the falls are accessible only by scenic flight from Kununurra or a boat cruise along the King George River. Whether you're witnessing their full thundering power or standing beneath a gentle misting trickle, the scale and isolation of this natural wonder is unforgettable. Just be sure to watch out for saltwater crocs if you’re visiting up close!

Where: Accessible via scenic flight or cruise, departing from Kununurra.
Stay: Discovery Parks – Lake Kununurra is the perfect base for your Kimberley adventure—just minutes from flight operators offering tours to the breathtaking King George Falls.
 

RUSSELL FALLS, MT FIELD NATIONAL PARK, TAS

CREDIT: Tourism TAS

With its tiered drop and lush mossy surroundings, Russell Falls is one of Tasmania’s most iconic and photographed waterfalls—an absolute must-visit in Mount Field National Park.

This stunning cascade is an easy reward after a short stroll through towering tree ferns and swamp gums. The falls' multi-tiered drop over horizontal sandstone layers create a magical scene, especially after rainfall. With well-maintained, family-friendly paths and abundant wildlife, it’s the perfect nature escape just outside the city.

Where: Approx. 70km northwest of Hobart (about 1 hour’s drive)
Stay: Discovery Parks – Hobart offers the ideal base to explore southern Tasmania’s wilderness, with Russell Falls just a scenic drive away—making day trips effortless and comfortable.
 

LESMURDIE FALLS, LESMURDIE FALLS NATIONAL PARK, WA 

CREDIT: Tourism WA

Just a short drive from Perth’s CBD, Lesmurdie Falls is one of the city’s best natural escapes—cascading 50 metres over the Darling Scarp with sweeping views across the Swan Coastal Plain.

Located in Lesmurdie Falls National Park, it’s a local favourite for sunset views, wildflower walks, and accessible trails. Whether you're hiking to the base or visiting the lookouts, it’s a refreshing bushland retreat just minutes from the metro area.

Where: 27km (approx. 25 minutes’ drive) from Perth city.
Stay: Perfectly positioned between the airport and city, Discovery Parks – Perth Airport makes it easy to explore Perth Hills—with Lesmurdie Falls just around the corner.
 

KILLEN FALLS, TINTENBAR, NSW

CREDIT: Destination NSW

Hidden within lush subtropical forest, Killen Falls is a magical spot where water plunges over a lava rock ledge into a deep, shaded swimming hole—just a short drive from Byron Bay.

This lesser-known gem offers a short walking trail through tall grass and rainforest to a viewing platform and the base of the falls. With its natural rock overhang and tranquil surroundings, it's a favourite with locals looking for a refreshing dip and a quiet escape into nature.

Where: 20km (approx. 25 minutes’ drive) from Discovery Parks – Byron Bay.
Stay: Tucked just outside the bustle of town, Discovery Parks – Byron Bay is the perfect coastal base for waterfall-chasing and hinterland exploring—with Killen Falls just 25 minutes away.
 

BIG MILLSTREAM FALLS, MILLSTREAM FALLS NATIONAL PARK, QLD

CREDIT: Tourism QLD

Located along the iconic Savannah Way, Big Millstream Falls is one of Australia’s widest single-drop waterfall, plunging powerfully over a basalt escarpment surrounded by rugged outback bushland.

A short and easy walk from the carpark leads to a viewing platform where you can take in the sheer width and flow of this volcanic-fed cascade. Particularly impressive during the wet season, it’s a must-stop for road trippers exploring the untamed beauty of Far North Queensland.

Where: 90km (approx. 1 hour’s drive) from Discovery Resorts – Undara.
Stay: Nestled within Undara Volcanic National Park, Discovery Resorts – Undara is just an hour away from the Big Millstream Falls, making it the perfect base to explore both lava tubes and spectacular inland waterfalls.
 

FLORENCE FALLS, LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK, NT 

CREDIT: Tourism NT

A must-see within the iconic Litchfield National Park, Florence Falls is a twin-segmented waterfall that plunges into a crystal-clear swimming hole surrounded by rich tropical forest and rugged sandstone cliffs.

An elevated viewing platform just a short walk from the car park offers sweeping views of the falls and surrounding bushland. Whether you descend via the gorge staircase or take the Shady Creek trail, a refreshing swim at the base awaits—making Florence Falls a favourite for locals and visitors alike.

Where: Approx. 95km (just over 1 hour’s drive) from Discovery Parks – Darwin.
Stay: Ideally positioned on the edge of the city, Discovery Parks – Darwin is the perfect base for day trips to Litchfield’s natural wonders—with Florence Falls just over an hour away for a Top End waterfall escape.
 

BUCKLEY FALLS, HIGHTON, VIC

CREDIT: Tourism VIC

Flowing gently over basalt rock ledges along the Barwon River, Buckley Falls offers a peaceful, scenic escape just minutes from central Geelong.

This local gem is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, with riverside trails, native bushland, and panoramic lookouts. While the falls themselves are modest in height, the surrounding landscape and birdlife make it a relaxing spot to unwind close to town.

Where: Located in Highton, approx. 5km (10 minutes’ drive) from Discovery Parks – Geelong.
Stay: Conveniently located by the Barwon River, Discovery Parks – Geelong is the ideal base to explore the city and Buckley Falls—just down the road.