Katoomba Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. It cascades down a huge cliff side and has multiple levels, all of which would be a waterfall worth seeing in their own right. There are a number of different vantage points you can enjoy it from, each offering a unique perspective on the falls.
There’s a viewpoint for everyone from an easy couple of minutes stroll to a slightly longer, steeper walk which takes you up to the middle of the falls.
The Katoomba Round Walk offers the easiest and loftiest views of Katoomba Falls, and whilst we’d recommend walking the whole 2km circuit, it isn’t the only way to get a good view of the falls. We’ll take you through the whole trail, with the distance to each lookout so you don’t need to walk the whole thing if you don’t want to.
Here are all the best viewpoints of Katoomba Falls and how easy they are to access.
A note on water flow
Before we get into the viewpoints, it’s worth noting that as with all waterfalls in the mountains, Katoomba Falls is at its best after rain, and the more the better.
During dry spells the flow will be dramatically reduced. It’s worth saving this special walk for after some decent rainy days.
Katoomba Falls Round Walk
The stats
Distance: 3km (including all side trails)
Elevation: 137m
Difficulty: Easy but not flat
The Katoomba Falls Round Walk is an easy trail that is approximately 3km long (if you stop at every viewpoint and side trail like we do!). It takes under an hour to do and is easy going. There are stairs, and the path isn’t paved for the whole walk, but it’s generally leisurely. It’s definitely one of the best easy walks in the Blue Mountains.
Scenic World to Vaniman’s Lookout
Distance: 180m
Starting at Scenic World (which has free parking) you’ll walk along the boardwalk and turn right after 120m onto the Round Walk.
Head down the staircase and just 60m later you’ll get your first view of the falls, from Vaniman’s Lookout.
It offers a lovely view of the upper falls, as well as the Three Sisters, and it’s also a good place to photograph the cable car as it makes its way across the valley.
Vaniman’s Lookout to Juliet’s Balcony
Distance: 100m
You’ll continue along the trail through a lush ferny forest, it’s particularly beautiful straight after rain when the whole cliff side becomes a weeping rock.
You’ll descend several more staircases before you come to a side trail on your right. Walk up the slightly worn set of stairs to arrive at Juliet’s Balcony.
You can see the upper and lower falls from here and it tends to be much quieter than the lookouts on the cliff top.
Juliet’s Balcony to the Underfalls Walk Lookout
Distance: 440m
This next section is a slight diversion from the normal Round Walk route, but it offers one of the very best views of Katoomba Falls and is well worth it. This is the closest you can get to the falls and if the water flow is heavy, this is where you will feel the spectacular power of the waterfall.
From Juliet’s Balcony you continue on the main trail, along more fern covered cliffs. After 120m you turn right for the Underfalls Walk and then take a left 80m later - it’s all signposted.
It requires descending several more staircases which you only really notice when you have to climb back up them afterwards! You will also pass the pretty rainforest lookout from which you can hear, but not yet see the falls.
Along the way is a small cascade the runs under a bridge, which is very picturesque - especially after rain.
You’ll soon arrive at the lookout, and this one definitely has the wow factor. You can see the upper falls and the very top of the lower falls, and the valley view is also fabulous.
If you want to get some close up photos of the waterfall, this is your spot.
Underfalls Walk Lookout to Witches Leap
Distance: 380m
This next section doesn’t offer any views of Katoomba Falls but does take you to another waterfall, Witches Leap.
The walk continues to be absolutely beautiful, along the shady forest, with moss and vines galore.
Witches Leap is only really impressive after seriously big rainfall, but even though the waterfall itself reduces to a mere trickle in normal times, the setting is very dramatic.
It’s a huge cliff covered in dense vegetation and if you’re lucky there may be a lyrebird scratching around the undergrowth.
Witches Leap to the cliff top lookouts
Distance: 400m
The next section takes you on a zig zagging path to the top of the cliffs. It’s a bit of a climb but never too steep, and it doesn’t take long. You get to admire Witches Leap from several different perspectives along the way.
After 300m you take a right turn up to the cliff top lookouts. This is where the walk often gets busier.
The cliff top lookouts
Distance: All the cliff top lookouts are within minutes of each other.
Solitary Lookout
The first lookout on your left is Solitary Lookout. You can’t see the falls from here, although you do get a lovely view of Mount Solitary.
It’s not the best of the cliff top lookouts, but then it only takes 30 seconds to reach so you may as well pop by!
Katoomba Falls Lookout
Katoomba Falls Lookout offers one of the most spectacular views of the falls in the whole park. You could also access this one within a couple of minutes from the road if you didn’t want to walk along the Round Track.
You’ll be able to see almost all of Katoomba Falls, as well as the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary and Orphan Rock. It’s a must do.
Orphan Rock Lookout
Orphan Rock Lookouts is just minutes away and whilst you can no longer see the falls, you get a closer up view of Orphan Rock.
If you haven’t seen it before, it’s basically like one of the Three Sisters, but all alone. To get to the lookout you have to walk through a gap in the rocks which kids will love.
Witches Leap Lookout
Another minute on will take you to Witches Leap Lookout. The forest views are great and you’ll see the top of Witches Leap too, assuming it’s running.
There’s a handily placed bench here to sit and soak up the serenity. As you can’t see Katoomba Falls from this spot, it tends to be nice and quiet.
Witches Leap Lookout to Katoomba Cascades - optional detour
Distance: 1km return
Technically the Katoomba Cascades are not part of the Round Walk but the path to get there is flat and easy, and the cascades are well worth seeing.
Along the way you’ll pass another couple of lookouts, which are nice, but not as good as any you’ve seen so far.
Watchman’s Lookout
Duke & Duchess of York Lookout
Just past the second one, The Duke and Duchess of York Lookout, you’ll walk along a section of track which is lined with gorgeous tree ferns and you will also get the odd glimpse out to the river on your right. It’s such a gorgeous part of the walk.
You’ll then arrive at the cascades which are really impressive after rain.
As they are so easy to reach they tend to be a family favourite and you’ll often find kids splashing around in the falls.
It’s the only part of the track where you can walk right up to the waterfall, so it’s a lovely place to go for a paddle or just enjoy being closer to the action.
Completing the Round Walk
Distance: 400m
Once you’re back at the junction with the cliff top lookouts, you have just 400m left to complete the circuit back to Scenic World. There isn’t much to see along this stretch. It’s a narrow bush track, which can get a bit muddy after rain.
If you’re lucky you might bump into some Yellow tailed black cockatoos - we’ve seen them here a few times. Otherwise, it’s a pleasant if uneventful return to the car park.
Overall this walk is fabulous and definitely one of the best things to do in Katoomba.
The Katoomba Night Walk
If you’re looking for a unique way to view Katoomba Falls, why not see it at night? Between dusk and 10.30pm (spotlights to navigate the paths remain on until 11pm) various points along the route are flood lit, enabling you to see the waterfall under the stars! it’s a pretty special experience, particularly if you manage to go on a quiet evening.
You can read more about the experience here.
Getting to the Katoomba Falls Round Walk
We always start the walk at Scenic World where there is an abundance of free and unlimited undercover car parking. You can also start at the Katoomba Falls Kiosk, which also has free parking, but spaces are more limited.
If you don’t have a car you can also walk from town if you don’t mind a few hills on the way back!
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