Kalang Falls is a spectacular waterfall accessed via a very short walk in Kanangra-Boyd National Park. As well as the glorious falls, you’ll also pass one of the most beautiful lookouts in the mountains, and the combination of both makes for a wonderful short walk.
The only thing that could make it better? A secret swimming hole just minutes from the main falls, but hidden away and known to very few people! And that’s exactly what we’re going to share in this post.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Kalang Falls and the surrounds.
Kalang Falls
A note on the falls
Before we get into the details, it’s important to know that like many waterfalls in the Blue Mountains, Kalang Falls reduces to a mere trickle during long dry spells. It’s best to visit after heavy rain or at least not during a particularly dry patch.
The great thing about the falls is that even after a lot of rain, the water still runs clear, which is perfect for swimming.
We’d seen many a brown waterhole in the same time period we visited Kalang Falls and were delighted to find the water at Kanangra was high but crystal clear. That means there’s no compromise, you can have a full waterfall and a fab clear swimming hole at the same time.
The Kanangra Waterfall Walk
The stats
Distance: 1.8km return
Elevation: 80m
Difficulty: Easy but not flat
Starting the trail: to Kanangra Walls Lookout
The walk begins on a flat sandy path through low heath. The first 500m is entirely flat and you’ll then come to a couple of stairs on your right which lead down to the jaw-dropping Kanangra Walls Lookout.
No matter how many times I visit this viewpoint it always takes my breath away. It’s truly staggering to look out over the steep jagged mountains, which extend as far as the eye can see.
It’s just layer after layer of mountains and ridge lines and the longer you stare, the more you’ll see. It’s ridiculously easy to reach, yet one of the most dramatic lookouts in the mountains.
There are plenty of rocky crags where you can sit and take it all in. The view is so good you’ll want to factor in extra time here, we spent an hour and were still reluctant to leave!
To Kalang Falls
Once you can tear yourself away from the view, continue along the main path and you’ll quickly come to a signpost for the waterfall walk.
It mentions that the walk is one hour return from this point - that estimate most definitely includes significant time at the falls, as they are less than 400m beyond the lookout!
Just beyond the signpost you’ll begin your descent to Kalang Falls. It is steep, but the track is well maintained and there are some fabulous views when you can see out between the trees.
Roughly 250m into the descent you’ll come to a short 20m section of track where the stairs give way to a rocky slab.
There is a handrail for stability and then you’ll quickly pick up the stairs again for the last few minutes to the falls.
You’ll arrive at a wooden viewing platform, which in all honesty does not offer the best of views.
To see Kalang Falls in all its glory you’ll need to walk behind the viewing platform. You can walk down the rocky slab and into the creek for a great view of the falls head on.
I also loved the view from the far end of the slanted rock (up by the wooden platform) - you can carefully skirt the edge right to the end and then get a wonderful view of the falls up close.
This angle is nice for photography as you can avoid capturing the log that has fallen across the pool.
The waterfall itself is truly beautiful and sits inside a picturesque gorge, with tall walls that make it feel wild and secluded. If you are lucky enough to see it in full flow you are going to be blown away.
When it comes to the walk back up, the stairs only take around 10 minutes, and less if you’re really going for it, so don’t be put off by that initial signpost!
Swimming at Kalang Falls
Kalang Falls is a gorgeous wild swimming spot. The pool is not large, but it’s incredible to swim and look up at the towering falls above you.
The water is very cold as it is under shadow for much of the day. That means that unless you’re really comfortable in cold water you’ll want to come on a hot day, or just take a short dip.
Getting into the pool is easy, but making your way into the deeper water for swimming (past the log) does mean walking on lots of small rocks, which isn’t always the easiest balance-wise.
Still it’s very much worth it to get to the deeper water, which is just magical for a swim.
The only thing to note is that this is one of the most popular walks in Kanangra and if you want to get it to yourself, you’ll want to come early or late in the day.
Having said that, most people come and take a look for five minutes before moving on, so you could end up having it to yourself in bursts, even in the middle of the day.
The secret swimming hole
If you’re happy to walk for a few minutes off track you’ll find a wonderful hidden waterhole which offers a totally different swimming experience to Kalang Falls.
Here you’ll swim in a clear green pool beside a gorgeous cascade, which is framed by rock and soaring gum trees.
Whilst Kalang Falls feels secluded due to its setting, it’s not secluded in reality due to its popularity. This pool is different, it really is off the beaten track - albeit just a few minutes walk away!
The pool sits above a huge waterfall that tumbles into the gorge and it’s almost like an infinity pool when you’re lying by the edge.
The water is warmer here than in the main falls as it gets more sun. Still not warm, but noticeably warmer and on a nice sunny day it’s absolute paradise.
The pool is small and the water is only deep enough for a swim in sections, but this is the perfect spot to laze around in and there are large rocks you can relax on between dips.
Finding the secret swimming hole
From the Kalang Falls viewing platform, walk towards the creek in the opposite direction to the falls (heading downstream). You can follow the rocks for 50m before you’ll come to the pool.
At points it’s a dirt track, and you don’t have to walk in the water until you’re just above the pool.
It’s very easy to follow and not difficult if you’re ok that it’s not a maintained path and there are some rocks and tree roots to negotiate. It narrows just before you get to the small pool above the main pool.
From here it’s easy to walk through the water of the small top pool and climb down into the main pool on the left side. There are large grippy rocks and it’s very straightforward. The whole walk only takes around five minutes.
The only time this could be tricky is if the falls were in flood, and in that case you wouldn’t even attempt it.
Keep them wild
Please remember to always leave the swimming spots and any wild places as good or better than you found them. Don’t leave any litter or mark the rocks.
Let’s keep these places beautiful for generations to come.
Facilities at Kalang Falls
The whole Kanangra Walls area has very limited facilities. There is a long drop toilet at the car park for Kalang Falls but no rubbish bins. Please remember to take all litter out with you.
There is also a campground nearby if you want to extend your stay or catch a sunrise in the park.
Getting to the Kanangra Waterfall Walk
The parking area for Kanangra Walls and Kalang Falls lies down a long unsealed road (27km). The road is flat and generally speaking, suitable for all vehicles. The state of the road varies with weather conditions and when it was last graded, but we’ve taken a normal (non 4WD) car down here many times. Just go slowly as we have popped a tyre here before!
If you’re worried about the road, give the parks service a call ahead of time and see if they can give you an update on the current conditions.
The journey from Sydney to the car park takes around four hours, Google maps sometimes says less, but that would mean going pretty fast along that unsealed stretch of road. There are two routes to reach this area, the quickest is via Jenolan Caves, but that road is notorious for closures so check in advance.
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