Granite Falls is spectacular and definitely one of the more unusual looking waterfalls in NSW. Thin ribbons of water cascade down a steep tiger striped granite cliff face. It feels dainty rather than roaring, even after flood conditions. And on that note: you need very heavy recent rain for the falls to be flowing well, as most of the time they are bone dry. I think that’s what makes it extra special when you do see it in full flow.
The setting is also gorgeous, with densely forested mountains and valleys as far as the eye can see. The walk is very easy and holds up well after rain, so this is your perfect rainy day excursion from Jervis Bay!
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Granite Falls.
The walk to Granite Falls
Distance: 1.1km return
Elevation gain: 25m
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Tin Mine Road, Twelve Mile Peg
The trail
From the Granite Falls parking area in Morton National Park, the trail heads into the bush and along a bridge over the creek. It’s a good dirt track after this and though there are a few stairs here and there, it is predominantly flat.
We visited two days after more than 200mm of rain fell in the area and we were surprised to find minimal mud and puddles.
The small bits of mud there were could easily be skirted around and nothing was slippery, so it really is the perfect walk after rain.
The walk itself is through the bush and pleasant enough, but not nearly as interesting as the nearby rainforest track, which we’ll come to next.
Just 480m from the car park you’ll come to a boardwalk and a couple of railed staircases leading down to the large viewing platform, which you’ll reach 550m into the walk.
Granite Falls
The Granite Falls lookout is large and there’s even a bench seat if you want to stay a while. The railings are quite high, which is a shame, though understandable given the huge drop down to the valley floor below!
Despite the railings it’s actually one of the better waterfall lookouts we’ve been to as you are very close to the falls.
Oftentimes in NSW you’re looking at a waterfall from quite some distance away, which never has that same mesmerising effect as up close.
At Granite Falls you feel like you are right beside the falls which makes it more special. At 63m high, the falls feel dramatic despite their fickle nature and the area has a particularly peaceful feel.
As we mentioned above, for the falls to be running you need some serious rain and it should be recent. Soon after a flood event is an ideal time to come - just make sure you check on the national parks website that the track is open and that conditions are safe.
The short and well maintained trail meant that on our visit the track was open even when almost all walks in other parks, such as the Blue Mountains and Royal National Park, were closed.
After visiting the falls, it’s well worth continuing for a few minutes further up the road to the rainforest walk, or if you don’t fancy another walk you can drive to the George Boyd Lookout, which offers sweeping views over the mountains and coast.
The George Boyd Rainforest Walking Track
The stats
Distance: 1.2km loop
Elevation gain: 55m
Difficulty: Easy, but not flat and manicured
The rainforest walking track is gorgeous, with huge rock faces, hanging vines and giant boulders that we didn’t expect to see on such a short walk. Though the walk is not difficult by any means, it does have some uneven terrain, such as rocks and tree roots, as well as stone steps which are not manicured in the way you’ll find at Granite Falls.
After crossing over the road from the car park the track heads uphill and then branches left after 30m, following the sign for the George Boyd Lookout via the Rainforest Track. Though there are stairs and some downhill sections, there is also a decent amount of flat track.
It starts off in a drier part of the forest before descending into a much wilder landscape, with towering cliff walls and jumbled rock formations that reminded us a lot of The Grotto in Nowra (a must do if you haven’t done that one yet!).
When you reach the mossy logs, hanging vines and Coachwood trees you really feel like you’re in the rainforest, despite the fact it’s such a short walk. We also heard several lyrebirds calling from the undergrowth.
After 600m you’ll reach a set of steeper stairs, this time heading back uphill, there are handrails if needed and they are in excellent condition. After 100m you’ll reach the top and head right onto a fire trail.
Roughly another 100m later you’ll turn onto another fire trail and this is signposted, you’re now following signs for the lookout, which is 150m away (950m into the walk).
The lookout offers a panoramic view of the coast and mountains and there’s an information board showing you the names of the features - we were happy to see the little peak of Pigeon House Mountain, one of our favourite walks in NSW.
The trail continues past the lookout and down some stairs inbetween the rock walls - it’s not obvious until you’re on top of it. You’ll then continue through the forest, slightly downhill and arrive back at the car park again after 250m.
Getting to Granite Falls
The last 7km of the road to the Granite Falls car park in Morton National Park is unsealed. When we visited the road was in excellent condition - you’d never even know it had rained, let alone that there had been a flood. It was suitable for any car, though if you are visiting in a small car after heavy rain, it is worth double checking with the parks service that it is still in good condition.
The road between the waterfall car park and the lookout or rainforest walk car parks was uphill. Again in excellent condition, but could potentially become more difficult for small cars after heavy rain.
The Granite Falls car park is 36km and a 35 minute drive from Huskisson in Jervis Bay and 46km and a 40 minute drive from Nowra.
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