Maddens Falls was the last stop of a day spent visiting some of the highlights of Wollongong. We were expecting it to be pretty, but what we definitely weren’t expecting was for it to be quite as spectacular as it actually was.

And it wasn’t that the falls were powerful and dramatic, we actually visited after a dry spell and they were only moderately running. It was the whole feel of the place. It was our first foray into Dharawal National Park, but it won’t be our last.

Here’s what to expect on a trip to Maddens Falls, one of our favourite waterfalls close to Sydney.

Maddens Falls

The walk to get there

Distance: 600m each way
Difficulty: Easy
Time needed: 10 minutes each way

The walk to get to Maddens Falls is incredibly easy and an absolute delight after coming from Kellys Falls, where the ‘trail’ leaves a lot to be desired!

To get to Maddens Falls requires a short bush walk, which begins on a wide path, which is a mixture of sand and stones.

The majority of the rest of the trail is on metal boardwalk, with pretty bush on both sides, as well as what looks like hanging swamp along one section, so the boardwalk is especially handy!

It’s a peaceful and relaxing walk and you’re at the viewing platform in no time.

The viewpoint and picnic ledges

Despite the fact there wasn’t a huge amount of water in Maddens Falls on our visit, it was an absolutely beautiful sight.

Several drops cascade down the rocky cliffs into a pool below and there is also a gorgeous hanging garden in the middle, which really added to the scene.

The views from next to the platform at Maddens Falls

You get a good view from the railed lookout, but we loved the rocky ledges just to the right of the viewpoint.

You can see a distinct track to the right, just before the railed area, and you can easily get to a number of ledges, which made a great spot to just sit and soak up the serenity.

It would also make for a very special picnic spot, which is what we’d do next time.

The top of the falls

Unless there’s been a lot of rain, you should be able to walk across the top of the falls without getting your feet wet. The water levels are normally pretty low, so it’s easy.

To walk across the top of the falls, you will need to head back on the boardwalk. You’ll see a distinct track off to the right, less than 30 seconds from the railed lookout.

It’s very obvious and in less than a minute you’ll be walking along the rocks on the top of the falls.

This rocky platform is huge with lots of little rock pools, which would make a nice place to soak your feet if you’re here on a really hot day.

It also offers a wonderful view, not so much of the falls themselves, but of the bushland beyond, which is just spectacular.

The second level

To get to the second level of the falls - which offers another nice perspective - you walk across the top of the falls and into the bush. Within a minute you’ll see a path which leads briefly between the vegetation, and then you can see some large rocks on the right.

You can easily hop down onto them - it’s not a scramble as there are no big drops or tricky bits - and then follow the path straight ahead towards the sound of the falls. This whole walk takes less than five minutes from the top of the falls.

You then have another fantastic view, and there is plenty of space to sit and relax. We had the falls to ourselves on our visit, so I loved both spots equally, but if it’s busy you’ll probably find the first ledges we mentioned earlier (the ones right next to the railed viewing platform) to be more private for a picnic.

Whichever spot you pick it’s a gorgeous place. There is just something about it, it has a great feel to it.

It reminded me of Kakadu, I can’t even put my finger on why, but all the rocks and the stunning bush views, and of course the falls were very special. It isn’t the most impressive waterfall we’ve seen, yet there’s just something about it that we just loved.

We’ve heard about people going down another level to the base of the falls. We took a look and decided there was no chance we’d try it.

There was no obvious route and the drops would be too big. No doubt lots of people do it but we wouldn’t recommend it unless you see it and feel really comfortable with that level of scrambling!

The secret that made our visit extra special

Normally we’re all about timing, and try hard to visit spots at sunrise or sunset for beautiful light and less crowds. However, this time was a total fluke.

We were actually much later visiting Maddens Falls than we thought we would be after a bit of a hair raising experience trying to reach the base of Kellys Falls (more on that another day)!

It turned out to have worked perfectly in our favour and would be our top tip for your visit.

Visiting later in the day meant not only was there virtually no one around (despite it being a Saturday), but by sunset everyone had gone and we suddenly realised we were in the most magical place to watch the sun go down all by ourselves.

It was good from level two but head back up to the top of the falls for a truly spectacular sight. It was simply mesmerising, listening to the sound of the falls as well as the chirping of the frogs and then the spectacular colours over the bush. It was the perfect end to the day and we can’t recommend it more highly.

Walking back in the dark was easy because it’s a short walk with no difficult terrain, so as long as you have a phone with a torch you’ll be fine. Enjoy, and maybe we’ll see you there next time!

Other things to do near Maddens Falls

You can visit Stanwell Tops which is a ten minute drive away and Kellys Falls is also a ten minute drive. You’re also in the vicinity of the Sea Cliff Bridge and Royal National Park, which has several other great waterfalls.

Parking near the falls

The car parking by the trail to Maddens Falls is both free and unlimited, there aren’t a huge amount of spaces but they were virtually all empty when we visited late on a Saturday afternoon.

There are no options for getting to Maddens Falls by public transport.

Packing suggestions

Having the right gear can make a huge difference. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:

Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon

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