Quick Guide to Find Woy Woy Hidden Waterfall in NSW

There’s nothing more satisfying than chasing waterfalls, especially when they’re a lil bit harder to get to and you actually find them. Woy Woy Hidden Waterfall might not be so secret anymore but with a 4km walk to take a dip, this odd little trough pool has that exclusive feel when you get there.

Quick Overview

Woy Woy Waterfall is located inside Brisbane Water National Park on the NSW Central Coast. It’s less an infinity pool and more a water trough, but after heavy rainfall, there’s just enough water for a delightful hidden swim. The trail can be a little tricky for some visitors to navigate but take it slow and you’ll be fine.

Phwoar! Pretty unique spot

Wow Woy Waterfall Quick Facts

Distance: 3-4km one-way
Duration: 1.5-2 hours one-way
Elevation Gain: 133m approx.
Nearest Town: Woy Woy

About Woy Woy Waterfall

The Woy Woy Waterfall pool water level is notoriously quite low. The water is contained by a man-made wall – hence the description of the pool below as a trough. In hotter months the shallow creek isn’t flowing enough to feed the waterfall shower, so not much water actually flows into the pool itself, let alone the rocky ponds further down.

There’s a lot of wildlife about if you’re patient and can walk quietly. Keep an eye out and you’re likely to spot lyrebirds, kookaburras, and possibly wallabies. As you head along the creek you might also see small reptiles and goannas. Leeches will be about after rain too.

Read more: Leeches: How to Remove, Avoid, & Appreciate Them

Big bath vibes

Woy Woy Waterfall History

Woy Woy and its surroundings are rich in Aboriginal history, and the Darkinjung and Guringai peoples are the Traditional Custodians here. The area is dotted with rock carvings and ancient sites, though there aren’t any widely known specific Indigenous stories about Woy Woy Waterfall in particular.

The name ‘Woy Woy’ comes from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘deep water’, referring to the deep tidal waters found in the area’s estuaries, but this doesn’t apply to the swimming hole (bit of a stretch really, it’s more like a bath) at Woy Woy Waterfall. It’s quite shallow typically – it’s got wild float feels, not infinity pool vibes.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

How to Reach Woy Woy Waterfall Trailhead

By Car

Woy Woy Hidden Waterfall is located near Woy Woy on the NSW Central Coast in Brisbane Water National Park and is about 80km north of Sydney. This means you’ll be in the car for about 90 minutes max.

If you’re super keen and want to visit from Brisbane, you’re looking at a hefty 900km and ten hours in the car. There are a lot more waterfalls closer to home and easier to get to Brisbanites! Suss out your options at our list of the best waterfalls near Brissie.

By Train

As a bonus, you can also reach Woy Woy by train from Sydney on the Central Coast and Newcastle lines. From Woy Woy Train Station walk or take a short taxi ride to the trailhead.

Skill Level

Intermediate

From the car park, it’s a relatively easy stroll along the tunnel fire trail to reach the waterfall pool, but the subsidiary track to get down to the creek is more narrow and rocky with some chunky boulders.

If you follow the advice to visit after wet weather, be mindful that the path along the fire trail tunnel track will be muddy, and you’ll encounter a slippery rock or seven at some point.

The drop off is preeeeetty steep so play it safe when taking photos and getting in/out

Essential Gear for Hiking to Woy Woy Waterfall

• First aid kit
• Water
• Towel
• Bathers
• Hiking boots or trail shoes
• Hat
• Day pack
• Snacks

How to Find Woy Woy Waterfall

Finding the Trailhead

The first tricky bit of hiking to Woy Woy Falls is finding the trailhead. It’s not exactly a secret way or unmarked track but it isn’t well signposted so following these tips will save you a lot of stuffing around. First thing you want to do is plug ‘Tommos Fire Trail’ into Google Maps and follow it to reach the trailhead.

Navigating a Couple of Trails

From here you’re walking on a tunnel fire trail used by emergency vehicles and bushwalkers. Tire tracks are pretty wide so it’ll be muddy after rain. Wear boots! Keep your eyes peeled for the narrow unmarked access track down to the waterfall itself. It’ll appear around 1.5-2km into your walk along the trail.

This path down to the secret waterfall is narrow and becomes rugged as you get closer to the dead end that’ll signal your arrival. You’ll come across the odd narrow ledge, small rock formations, and the very occasional steeper climb (though it’s steeper on the way back!).

Cute Creek & Hopefully Full Falls

A small creek is your natural signpost that you’re close to the falls and 10-15 minutes later you’ll arrive at the popular spot you’ve heard so much about. It’s a gorgeous spot to spend a hot day.

The shallow plunge pool at the path’s dead end is the base of the waterfall. Assess the depth before racing into the water and remember that wet rocks equal slippery rocks! It’s a tricky location to get out of if you injure yourself.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

Oce you’ve had your fill of natural waterways, it’s time to head back the way you came, leaving the pretty trough pool behind for someone else to discover and enjoy.

Or just stay all day, no judgment

Tips for Finding Woy Woy Waterfall

• When you suss out your route to get to Woy Woy Waterfall you’ll notice there’s a waste management facility near the trailhead (good spot to park the car too!). This is not a toilet. I repeat – not a toilet! It’s a commercial waste management facility so plan on hitting up the public toilets in Woy Woy before you head out instead
• As much as I recommend visiting this walk on a hot day after heavy rainfall, they don’t come along every day! Be mindful of sunburn risk on hot days (even when you’re in the not-so-deep pool!), and of the slippery rocks if you’ve chosen to visit the falls after recent rain
• While you’re on your way from Woy Woy to the falls, stop off at Staples Lookout only ten minutes out of town
• Always let someone know where you’re headed so they know when to expect you home
• Leeches are common during wet weather, so it’s good to wear long pants and bring insect repellent

See you out there!

FAQs Finding Woy Woy Hidden Waterfall

What other waterfalls are in Brisbane Water National Park?

This national park is home to some stunning falls. Don’t miss the walk to Somersby Falls, Girrakool Waterfall, or the cascades along Piles Creek.

Is it safe to swim in a waterfall pool?

Yes, it’s generally safe to take a dip in most waterfall pools, including Woy Woy Hidden Waterfall, but it’s all about using a bit of common sense and being careful. First off, check the depth before you jump in — some pools are shallow, and there could be submerged rocks. It might look like an infinity pool but water is notoriously deceptive.

Is the swimming hole at Woy Woy an infinity pool?

Don’t believe everything you read, people have been wildly exaggerating about the magnitude of this pool. If there’s been an enormous amount of rain such that the trough is overflowing, and you’re in the pool with your eyes just poking out of the water facing the overhang, then sure, this would look like an infinity pool.

In reality, this little swimming hole at Woy Woy is way shallower than what people normally associate with catalogue-worthy water falling off a ledge. No dramatic drops here!

Love the thrill of the chase? Keep searching the Central Coast

• The 20 Best Beaches on the NSW Central Coast (According to a Local)
• Best Stops on a Central Coast Hinterland Road Trip
• 10 Lesser-Known Experiences on the Central Coast
• The 19 Best Waterfalls in NSW

All photos shot by @d.r.adventures