Check out the New Wildwalks site -- This site is no longer maintained and is just for archive

Home arrow Hiking near Sydney arrow Somersby Falls     

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Somersby Falls are found in each of the tabs below
Somersby Falls
Time: 20 mins Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
4 km SSW of Somersby
Length: 0.4 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 0.4 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Brisbane Water National Park
Climb: 39 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 39 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk
Style: Return
Track: Moderate

This short walk starts from the Somersby Falls picnic area and follows the series of waterfalls along Floods Creek. The picnic area provides barbeques, picnic tables, toilets and ample parking. This walk could make part of a great family day out in the area. The main falls drop onto a large rock platform and are best viewed after rain. (open in app)


Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Somersby Falls

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Somersby Falls bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Somersby Falls
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 500 meters
Picnic Area
Int with 1st Falls lookout
Int with 1st Falls lookout
Int with side falls track
Int with side falls track
Int of Top fall and Bottom Fall tracks
Int of Top fall and Bottom Fall tracks
Starting point for this hiking track: Picnic Area

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Gosford 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91312S 
 Gosford 1:100 000 Map Series 9131 

Photo Gallery

 
Toilets in Picnic area
 
Toilets in Picnic area +
 
Somersby Falls picnic area
 
Somersby Falls picnic area +
 
Path to Somersby Falls
 
Path to Somersby Falls +

 
Track to Somersby Falls
 
Track to Somersby Falls +
 
Looking towards 1st Falls Lookout
 
Looking towards 1st Falls Lookout +
 
View from 1st Falls lookout
 
View from 1st Falls lookout +

 
View from 1st Falls lookout
 
View from 1st Falls lookout +
 
Track below 1st Falls lookout
 
Track below 1st Falls lookout +
 
Stone steps
 
Stone steps +

 
Dirt Path
 
Dirt Path +
 
Unnamed Side falls
 
Unnamed Side falls +
 
Intersection near top falls
 
Intersection near top falls +

 
Somersby Falls
 
Somersby Falls +
 
Bottom of the top Somersby Falls
 
Bottom of the top Somersby Falls +
 
Somersby Falls
 
Somersby Falls +

 
Walkway leading to bottom falls
 
Walkway leading to bottom falls +
 
Steps to bottom falls
 
Steps to bottom falls +
 
Sharp switchback of bottom falls track
 
Sharp switchback of bottom falls track +

 
Slippery track
 
Slippery track +
 
Bottom Falls
 
Bottom Falls +
 
Bottom Falls
 
Bottom Falls +

 
bottom Somersby Falls
 
bottom Somersby Falls +
 
Bottom of Somersby Falls
 
Bottom of Somersby Falls +
 
Somersby Falls - bottom falls
 
Somersby Falls - bottom falls +

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the Somersby Falls bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Somersby Falls bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Somersby Falls bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Somersby Falls bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 430m
Time 20 mins
.


Grade 3/6

Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1 Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
Around 120m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 90m has short steep hills.

Quality of track
Around 180m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 30m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs
Around 180m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 30m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
Around 120m of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 90m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 120m of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 90m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 120m of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 90m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Drive to Picnic Area
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk Parking fees apply in the area.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Somersby Falls Picnic Area Alt = 0 m
Somersby Falls Picnic Area is located at the end of Somersby Falls Rd, inside Brisbane Water National Park. There is parking (and coach parking), gas BBQ's, picnic tables and bench seats, toilets (include wheelchair accessible) garbage bins, recycling bins, tap water (not for drinking) and information signs. This is a great and popular spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and the waterfalls. A national Park entry fee applies for cars driving in.

(0 km) Picnic Area to Int with 1st Falls lookout
Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 32 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -7 m
From the information board at Somersby Falls Picnic area (at the end of Somersby Road), this walk follows the 'To the Falls' sign down the stone, then timber stairs. At the bottom of the timber staircase the walk comes to an intersection with a short path leading to the 1st Fall Lookout.

(0.03 km) Int with 1st Falls lookout to 1st Falls lookout
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 18 m Time =
Climb = 0 m Descent = -2 m
Turn right: From the bottom of the stairs, this walk follows the flat path down a couple of steps, keeping the fence to the left. The path soon leads to the fenced and signposted '1st Falls' lookout.
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)

1st Falls lookout Alt = 162 m
The 1st Falls Lookout at Somersby Falls is the upper most lookout. The fenced and signposted lookout provides a view down onto the top Somersby Fall. The lookout is a short walk from the picnic area and provides good but limited view compared to the lower view points.

(0.03 km) Int with 1st Falls lookout to Int with side falls track
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 39 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -7 m
Veer left: From the bottom of the stairs, this walk follows the stone stairs down the hill (keeping the valley to the right). The track passes through some pleasant bush, past a metal arrow post to come to a faint 'T' intersection with a dirt track.

(0.07 km) Int with side falls track to side falls
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 13 m Time =
Climb = 1 m Descent = -1 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the narrow flat track keeping the gully on the right. The track soon leads to a small waterfall and sandstone overhang.
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)

side falls Alt = 156 m
Side Falls is an informal name for a small horseshoe shaped falls near the main Somersby falls. The waterfall is on a small tributary of Floods Creek. The water flows over a sandstone overhang onto the slippery rock platform. The creek then heads into the gully and heads underground for a while.

(0.07 km) Int with side falls track to Int of Top fall and Bottom Fall tracks
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 19 m Time =
Climb = 0 m Descent = -4 m
Veer right: From the bottom of the stone steps, this walk follows the timber steps and track down the hill. The track soon leads to a 'Y' intersection with a 'Top Fall / Bottom Fall' sign.

(0.09 km) Int of Top fall and Bottom Fall tracks to Bottom of Top falls
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 46 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 6 m Descent = -1 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Top Falls' sign to the visible rock platform. (The rock platform can be slippery and there is an unfenced cliff, care is needed). Once on the rock platform, the walk turns right to visit the falls.
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)

Somersby Falls (top) Alt = 0 m
The main Somersby Fall is signposted at 'top falls' in the Brisbane Water National Park. The water cascades steeply down the jagged rock face onto a large rock platform. The unfenced rock platform at the base of the falls is interesting to explore. The water continues its flow across the rock and over another ledge to form the 'bottom falls', then down to Mooney Mooney Creek.

(0.09 km) Int of Top fall and Bottom Fall tracks to Bottom of Bottom Falls
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 123 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -18 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bottom Falls' sign down the hill (keeping the main valley on the right). The track soon heads along a sandstone platform (passing a metal arrow) and down the stone steps to come to a timber platform. The walk follows the platform and heads down the staircases. At the bottom of the timber staircases, the walk turns sharply right to follows the stone steps down to the creek (On the way the track passes over a slippery unfenced rock ledge, care is needed). Just before the creek there is a 'No Track Beyond this point' sign. The steps then lead to the rock platform at the base of the falls. (The rock platform can be slippery and there is an unfenced cliff)

Somersby Falls (bottom) Alt = 137 m
The bottom Somersby Falls (signposted 'Bottom Falls') in Brisbane Water National Park, is found in Floods Creek. Here the water cascades down the cliff and through the mossy boulders to the rock platform. The falls are particularly specular after rain and tranquil most of the time. A great spot to rest and enjoy the cool of the rainforest before climbing back up the hill.

Drive from Picnic Area
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk Parking fees apply in the area.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by



Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
BCF Australia Pty Ltd 354 Manns Rd , Gosford West (02) 4322 5833 6 km
Camping World Shop 18, 482 Pacific Hwy, Wyoming (02) 4324 6515 7.4 km
Mannings Sports 172 Mann St , Gosford (02) 4325 1617 7.2 km
Boots Great Outdoors 201 The Entrance Rd , Erina (02) 4367 0396 11.3 km
Kangaroo Tent City & BBQs Homemakers Supa Centre Cnr Wyong Rd & Bryant Drv , Tuggerah (02) 4353 4335 17.2 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Somersby Falls.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Somersby Falls
Click to re-center search
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 5 km (to the SSE)
3 VMB2 Tower Street BATEAU BAY 18 km (to the E)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 27 km (to the SSW)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
40 km (to the SSW)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 54 km (to the SW)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 8 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      30°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu19°|26°Possible shower.
Fri18°|31°Partly cloudy.
Sat17°|25°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Brisbane Water National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page
Brisbane Waters National Park is situated south west of Gosford perched on the Hawkesbury River. The park is characterised by sandstone features, Aboriginal engravings, flowery heaths, bird life and spectacular water views. Brisbane Waters NP has many bushwalks through the are with the Great North Walk passing through the middle of the park.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping Facilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
robert nemeth - track info IP:121.217.231.xxx | 2009-09-20 07:09:38
:cry: HI im just inquiring if your allowed to bring dogs or not. thank you.
admin - Dogs Super Administrator | 2009-09-21 00:13:57
Hi Robert

Sorry dogs are not permitted in National Parks. National Parks are areas set aside for special protection. Dogs are often allowed in State Forests, Council reserves and some Regional Parks.

Matt :)
rockterrigal IP:58.107.135.xxx | 2010-03-24 08:37:45
did this walk the other day. the place is so tranquil and peaceful.

according to rangers there is a 'track'leading down either side of flood creek to mooney creek. follow mooney creek on the eastern side and there is a ridge track leading up to the end of the gravel road or go further along mooney creek and cross to the western side and join up with the great northern walk. thereby creating a loop track back to the carpark.

will explore this option next time i'm up there.
Jo - things to do at somersby falls IP:120.22.8.xxx | 2011-01-20 11:05:04
hi - we are planning to visit soon. just wondering if we can splash around or swim at the falls? can you suggest anything that may keep the kids interested besides bushwalking and seeing the falls?
admin - re: things to do at somersby f Super Administrator | 2011-01-21 00:45:44
Jo wrote:
can you suggest anything that may keep the kids interested besides bushwalking and seeing the falls?

There are some shallow pools at the bottom of the top falls (and above the falls. Be mindful that there are unfenced cliffs and that after rain the water is particularly powerful.
There are some open grassy areas in the picnic area so the kids can run around a bit. You may also want to checkout the http://www.reptilepark.com.au which is a short drive away.
Enjoy
Matt :)
Vanessa IP:175.39.12.xxx | 2011-03-30 01:07:50
Is smoking permitted throughout the park?
admin - re: Super Administrator | 2011-03-30 01:24:38
Vanessa wrote:
Is smoking permitted throughout the park?

Hi Vanessa, I am not aware of any general ban on smoking in any national park.
There is ban on smoking in enclosed places so there should be no smoking in toilet buildings for example. http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=383
Is should go without saying that people smoking (as with everyone else visiting the park) should take care to not litter, cause a bushfire, or impact on other peoples enjoyment.
Hope that helps.
Matt :)
Alex Portnoy - Mother's Day is full - BEWARE IP:220.236.0.xxx | 2011-05-15 03:52:04
Beware of going to Somersby Falls, and Girakool Picnic Area, on Mothers' Day!

We could not even get a parking spot.

We were thinking "We'll be the only ones there". Yeah, right! Everyone had the same idea!

Plenty of Rangers about, fining people $200 NSW SDRO Fine, for not paying their $7 Entrance Fee.

We're going to try Strickland State Forest next time.
Jo Preston - Adjoining walks IP:121.212.117.xxx | 2013-02-15 06:19:31
The walk to the Falls is quite short, are there other walks in the area that we could do that would extend our day? Say 2-3 hours roundtrip.
admin - re: Adjoining walks Super Administrator | 2013-02-17 23:20:16
Jo Preston wrote:
are there other walks in the area?

Hi Jo
There are some great walks in the area, but you need to travel to them, nothing starting from the falls carpark.
Check the walk on this map.
http://www.wildwalks.com/walk_search.html?&park=hide&limt_to_map=0&lat=-33.4029&lng=151.2606&zoom=12
Happy walking
Matt :)
Andre - Walker IP:203.45.85.xxx | 2013-08-02 02:35:11
Hi

How would I get therefrom Sydney...assuming I have no car?
admin - re: Walker Super Administrator | 2013-08-30 05:03:31
Andre wrote:
Hi

How would I get therefrom Sydney...assuming I have no car?

Catch the 33 bus from Gosford to Somersby Falls Rd Near Ace Rd. Then is it is a 2.5km walk along the Somersby Falls Rd to the start of this walk.

Hope that helps.

Matt :)
Only registered users can write comments!
 
Loading the images not too much longer now :)


-server web1.wildwalks.com- Page was generated in 0.032287 seconds Copyright | Privacy | About us | Disclaimer | Contact Us | Sponsorship | Newsletter