Upper Gledhill Falls is one of our favourite wild swimming spots in Ku-ring-gai. The deep emerald pool lies at the bottom of a picturesque waterfall, and the surrounding cliff walls give it a feeling of seclusion. Despite being just below the road, it feels a world away.
It’s a very short walk to get there, but does involve a scramble, which we’ll detail in this guide.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Upper Gledhill Falls.
Visiting Upper Gledhill Falls
The stats
Distance: 110m each way
Elevation gain: 20m
Difficulty: Easy but requires a scramble
The walk to the falls
The walk to Upper Gledhill Falls is so short, it’s almost not a walk at all and only takes five minutes each way. From the parking area, you’ll see a well worn path into the bush. The first 60m are on all formed track, heading gently downhill. You can have a look at the pool from above, and then follow the trail that bends to the right, which will take you to the bottom.
There aren’t any signposts, but it’s very easy to follow. You’re either walking along large rock slabs or on a dirt track.
After a minute you will arrive at a rocky ledge and this is where the scramble begins.
The first bit is very easy, you just climb down from one rock onto the next and head left. The following bit is where it’s slightly trickier.
It’s literally just a few steps, but it involves walking along a ledge which has a bit of a drop to the right.
Unless it’s been really dry for a while, it will be wet and muddy here (which is how it’s been every time we’ve visited). It’s not as slippery as it might look, but you’ll want to take care.
The exposed bit lasts for about three steps and then it’s just a few more steps through a muddy patch of track before you’re on a good path again.
It’s now just a few seconds walk to reach the base of the falls.
When it comes to walking back from the falls, the ledge is easier because you’re going slightly uphill, which feels more secure. Most people won’t mind this section of track, but I didn’t want it to come as a surprise for anyone that isn’t a fan of scrambling.
Although we’ve never tried it, you could probably head right rather than left at the first rock platform and go through the creek if you’re really not a fan of the ledge.
Swimming at Upper Gledhill Falls
Upper Gledhill Falls is a dream swimming spot. Not only is it gorgeous, but there is very little in the way of submerged rocks to worry about, so you can have a proper swim right the way across the pool.
The water isn’t warm, but it’s also not freezing cold (in summer!) which makes it pretty much my perfect temperature!
Although the water appears dark green in photos, once in the pool, you’ll see it’s lovely and clear. The waterfall really adds to the wild feel, particularly after rain when it’s really pumping!
The rushing of the water also shields you from the noise of passing cars, which keeps it feeling wild and masks the reality that you’re just below the road.
If the waterfall isn’t flowing much, you will hear the odd car go past, but it’s quite easy to zone out when your surroundings are so beautiful.
Getting into the water is also really easy, from the trail you just need to step over one rock and you’re in. The water then deepens quickly, making it ideal for swimming.
If you’re not looking to swim there are plenty of rocks to laze around and relax on.
The best time to visit the falls
Although the falls are not signposted and don’t have an official track, over recent years they have become incredibly popular. It’s not hard to see why when it’s such a short walk to this gorgeous spot.
As the pool is relatively small, it’s the kind of place that feels quite crowded with only a few people there and does lose some of its magic.
In summer even on weekdays it can be hard to get this spot to yourself. For that reason the best time to come is early mornings and very late afternoons - with early mornings usually being quietest of all.
Getting to Upper Gledhill Falls
The falls don’t really have a car park, it’s more a flat rocky area with room for around three cars or so.
The car park is located on McCarrs Creek Road (approx 30km from Sydney), just before the junction with West Head Road and it is best approached from the south. If you’re travelling from Sydney, look for the pullouts on the side of the road after the final barriers before the junction with West Head Road (see the images below). We recommend having a look on the way there, and then turning at West Head Road and parking on the way back - otherwise you’ll have to do a crazy u-turn to park.
When leaving, be aware that you are pulling out on a very blind corner and cars do come round the corner quite quickly. Make sure you’re really listening out for oncoming traffic.
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