How to Find Buddong Falls in Kosciuszko National Park

As far as secret waterfalls in off the beaten track locations go, Buddong Falls in Kosciuszko National Park is the place for you. Here’s everything you need to know.

Quick Overview

Located in Kosciuszko National Park, the trip to Buddong Falls can be combined with other spectacular sights along the fringes of the Snowy Mountains. With a campsite close to the falls, only a short walk to the lookouts, and the promise of no phone reception, Buddong Falls is the perfect weekend escape.

Make sure to check the NSW Parks Website before you head out for any track updates or relevant safety warnings.

Quick Facts Buddong Falls

Distance: 400m to the first falls, 1.5km to the second waterfall
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation: Not sure exactly, but it’s definitely a lot steeper heading downhill to the second waterfall!
Closest town: Talbingo

About Buddong Falls

Buddong Falls rests alongside the Hume and Hovell track, with hikers dedicated to the 440km walk coming across this spectacular sight on approximately day fourteen. The alternative access, if you aren’t hiking in, is to drive down to the campsite and complete only a short walk to view the falls.

On your visit you can expect to see beautiful cascades and two incredible waterfalls. Fresh running water is available so make sure you bring your filter tablets or filter bottle.

Read more: Overnight Hiking With my Dog on the Hume & Hovell

How to Get To Buddong Falls

The drive is about an hour from Tumbarumba on mostly 4WD only track. Note that it’s very poorly signposted (most of the old signage is broken and pointing in strange directions).

At Laurel Hill, follow the signs for the Sugar Pine Walk at Knopsens Road. At the end of Knopsens Road, turn right at the Bago Forest Way fork.

Not long after this, turn left at Snubba Road. Turn right off Snubba Road on to Browns Road. Follow Browns Road until the turn off for De Beauzevilles track, take the left at the fork here. Continue along this track until you arrive at the campground.

There is also an alternative route from Talbingo.

Skill Level

Intermediate

The walk itself is easy and well maintained. But getting there is not so easy and involves steep terrain, and slippery surfaces. Basic confidence in navigation and map reading is a nice-t0-have but not essential, especially if you’re tracking your walk with a smart watch.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Essential Gear for Buddong Falls

• Only accessible with 4WD (unless you’re doing the big hike in)
• Good walking boots or solid runners
• Water and snacks
• First aid kit (you are in an isolated location with no reception, it’d be silly not to)
• If camping, bring your regular camping gear

Read more: Packing List for Day Hikes

What It’s Like to Walk to Buddong Falls

Following only a faintly dotted line on an old, photocopied, hand-drawn map from 1990 on a rainy day, we were never sure if we had taken the right turns until we arrived at a small well-marked campsite for Buddong Falls.

From there the track is clear into the bushland, and you will start to hear the falls within a few minutes of walking. Coming around the bend you will see the first drop of the falls. Continue on downhill to reach the much more impressive second drop.

It appears as though the falls continue further downstream, however the track bends away from this.

Although we tried on numerous occasions, it is difficult to reach the actual falls and you may have to make do with the view (especially on a rainy day). The creek further upstream is more accessible if you need water.

If you are desperate for a dip, drive on to Paddy’s River Falls (about an hour away) or the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool (about an hour and a half away).

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