The Falls Water Falls is the most beautiful wild swimming spot in Orange (with perhaps the most unoriginal name!). A series of picturesque cascades creates a number of good dipping spots, though the largest and best pool is the one directly beneath the main waterfall. It’s a short and relatively easy walk to get there, so it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
The pool is nestled between craggy grey rocks and tall eucalyptus trees, creating a quintessential Aussie scene. Even on a hot day in summer our only companions were butterflies and dragonflies. Even if you don’t fancy a swim the falls are well worth a visit and make for a great picnic spot, or simply somewhere to relax and admire the scenery.
Here’s everything you need to know about The Falls Water Falls, one of our favourite places to visit in Orange.
The walk to the bottom of Falls Water Falls (Mullion Creek)
The stats
Distance: 1.5km return to the base of the falls
Elevation gain: 45m
Difficulty: Easy to the lookout, easy but uneven to the base of the falls
The walk to the falls lookout
The walk to the lookout for the falls is all on a really well maintained sandy dirt track. It’s almost entirely flat and takes you through a pretty patch of bushland.
After a 500m leisurely stroll you’ll take the left fork leading towards the lookout and then come to a set of stairs heading down to a rock platform.
The stairs are slightly uneven, but generally pretty good and after just 50m you’ll be standing on a large rock platform with plenty of room to spread out a picnic blanket directly in front of the view.
The main waterfall with the largest cascades does appear somewhat distant from this spot, but you do get a beautiful view of the overall falls.
The first time we visited this lookout was shortly after a flooding event and the whole thing looked like a scene from the Amazon jungle, it was wild.
The second time was after some good rainfall, but only enough for the falls to be running nicely - as Orange can be very dry, the falls can recede to a mere trickle in times of low rainfall.
If you don’t want to do any rock hopping, which is required to get to the base of the falls, you would stop here and then retrace your steps back to the car park again after enjoying the views.
The walk to the base of the falls
It’s only a 300m return walk from the lookout to the base of the falls, and the largest swimming hole. However, after the lookout there’s no official path as such and you do have to climb over some rocks. When the rocks are dry, they’re grippy and it’s very easy.
The easiest route is to take the little bush track heading left from the rock platform, which will head gently downhill.
It will lead to a rock slab which you walk down and onto the rocky area below. From here you have a 100m rock hop to the largest pool, there’s no scrambling involved, so you can just pick your way along, taking the route that looks easiest to you.
Around 50m in you’ll pass a pool, which is pretty, but a bit smaller than the main pool. You’ll then arrive at a large rocky area beside the main falls and the biggest pool.
Wild swimming at The Falls Water Falls
The Falls Water Falls is the perfect place for a dip and whilst it’s by no means big enough for lengths, it’s great for a few strokes and lazing around in the water.
The rocks on the edge of the pool are very grippy when dry, but the ones inside the water are pretty slippery. It’s easy enough to slide in, but watch your footing on those first rocks under the water.
Once inside the pool, it’s deep in places, though there are also lots of shallow areas, including right by the largest cascade so you can have a proper waterfall shower.
Recent rainfall does affect the clarity of the water so that’s one thing to be mindful of. The waterfall looks best after some good rain, but the water in the pool will be less clear.
It can be a dark greeny/grey colour after rain but is clear in drier times. If the rain has been really heavy it does pick up sediment and turn brown - though it’s not too often that Orange gets that kind of rain.
The water is cool but not freezing, though definitely on the colder side compared to some of the swimming holes in the national parks very close to Sydney.
Keep them wild
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.
Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the area, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.
Getting to and parking at The Falls Water Falls Orange
The Falls Water Falls is located on Mullion Creek around 16.5km outside of Orange. There is a small parking area, but it’s generally a quiet place, so you’re unlikely to have trouble getting a spot. The road is paved all the way.
There are no facilities whatsoever at The Falls Water Falls, but there are long drop toilets 5km further down the road at the picnic area.
Where to stay in Orange
Mayfield Vineyard
Mayfield Vineyard offers that quintessential Orange experience - a beautiful setting, traditional rural cottages and (of course) a vineyard! All of the accommodation options here have their own private kitchen and living areas, so it’s perfect if you don’t want to eat out for every meal.
It’s a great rural setting but just a short drive from Orange.
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West End Motor Lodge
The West End Motor Lodge is the best budget option in Orange, with clean and comfortable rooms, a great location and even an indoor pool. If you’re looking to spend most of your time in the vineyards or exploring the local area, the West End Motor Lodge is a great place to stay without having to splurge.
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