By Sheriden Rhodes
King George Falls, the Kimberley, Western Australia.Credit: Alamy
You'll never regret chasing these 10 rainbow-cloaked, mist-shrouded and thundering waterfalls found across Australia.
Dangar Falls, Dorrigo NSW
Credit: Pat Suraseang/Destination NSW
Found along the enticingly named Waterfall Way are these ethereal falls. The 30m, mist shrouded Dangar Falls spills over basalt cliffs into a pool enclosed by mossy boulders. There's an elevated viewing platform or you can reach the falls via a walking trail. See visitnsw.com
Fitzroy Falls (NSW)
Plummeting dramatically into the untouched bushland of Morton National Park, Fitzroy Falls is one of NSW's grandest. Stop first at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre to learn about the local wildlife and Aboriginal culture before embarking on the short boardwalk to the 80 metre falls found in NSW's Southern Highlands. See
Buderim Forest Waterfalls, Buderim, QLD
Credit: iStock
This sub-tropical haven (also known as Serenity Falls) is found hidden away among the strangler figs and native vines of Buderim Forest Park. Access the falls either off Lindsay Road via Harry's Lane (this route has an elevated wooden boardwalk through tall trees and over babbling waterways) or via Quorn Close (a slightly steeper option). An arch bridge overlooking the falls and swimming hole is the ideal spot for capturing that perfect Insta-moment. See visitsunshinecoast.com
Millaa Millaa Falls, QLD
Credit: Peter Adams
Part of the Atherton Tablelands famous waterfall circuit, Millaa Millaa Falls is one of Queensland's most photogenic. Located high in the cooler climes of the Atherton Tablelands, the waterfall circuit comprises three falls - Millaa Millaa, Ellinjaa and Zillie Falls. To see Millaa Millaa in all its cascading glory, time your visit after rain; early morning to avoid the crowds heading for the waterhole. See queensland.com
Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu, NT
Credit: Jarrad Seng
When it comes to chasing waterfalls, the Northern Territory doesn't disappoint. Set within Kakadu National Park, Jim Jim Falls are Kakadu's largest and most famous. Cascading thunderously over the Arnhem Land escarpment, the falls plunge 200m into a deep pool shaded by dramatic cliffs. The falls are at their most powerful during wet season (November–March) when a scenic flight offers the best way to take in their full magnificence. If visiting during the dry season (April–October) hire a 4WD, book a tour or make the two-hour trek through monsoon forest and boulders. Pack your swimmers for a dip. See northernterritory.com
Purling Brook Falls, QLD
Credit: iStock
This magic horsetail waterfall (similar to a plunge fall) on the Purling Brook, is located in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gondwana rainforests of Springbrook National Park. Pass through old growth forest on the circuit trail to reach the falls before descending into the gorge to view the falls from beneath. Along the way, take in gob smacking views of Springbrook, the hinterland and the waterfall plummeting into the valley below from the lookout. If time permits, push on for the Warringa Pool track downstream from the base of the falls, a stunning waterhole hidden deep in a rainforest gully. See queensland.com
King George Falls, Kimberley, WA
Credit: Alamy
Western Australia's highest twin falls tumble over ancient red sandstone and are at their thundering best during the 'Big Wet' (April-May). When the falls are at a trickle you can take a refreshing fresh water shower at the base of the rock face (swimming not advisable due to salt water crocodiles). Due to its remote location, a cruise to King George River Gorge or a scenic flight over the north Kimberley coast is the only ways to access the falls. Flights depart from Broome and Kununurra; cruises from Kununurra or as part of Ponant's 'Iconic Kimberley' cruise. See westernaustralia.com
Gibraltar Falls, ACT
Credit: Jamila Toderas
Less than an hour's drive from the capital finds you at these magnificent falls at the edge of Gibraltar Creek Pine Forest. One of the ACT's largest, these falls drop spectacularly 50 metres over a granite outcrop. A shallow pool is also found in a rock shelf at the top of the falls. The falls are easily reached via a short walking track. See visitcanberra.com.au
Barron Falls, QLD
Credit: TEQ
The awe-inspiring Barron Falls is one to see after significant rain when water thunders through Barron Gorge near the townships of Kurunda. Barron Gorge is found around 45 minutes' drive from Carins and is beautiful in its own right - rugged, primitive and a landscape millions of years in the making. Some of the best ways to check out the falls and surrounding gorge is from above on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or from the Kuranda Scenic Railway (the train stops at a viewing point and allows passengers a stop to take photographs). See queensland.com
Belmore Falls, NSW
Credit: Kramer Photography
These thundering beauties are found just a two-hour drive from Sydney, offering dramatic plunge and tiered drops best seen after heavy rain. Featuring two free falls of the Barrengarry Creek, the water plunges more than 100m from the escarpment to the valley below. Accessible from the township of Robertson, a short walking trail takes you to several vantage points, including Hindmarsh Lookout. From there take in expansive vistas of the falls and over Kangaroo Valley. See visitnsw.com
See also: Secret's out: 18 of Australia's best hidden beaches
See also: For beach haters: Ten incredible lake experiences in Australia
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