If you happen to be in Katoomba or Leura region on a wet and rainy day- don’t miss the Leura Cascades and for some of the most incredible views in NSW, you can’t look past the Gordon Falls Lookout.

Highlights

  • Tarpeian Rock intersection
  • Elysian Lookout
  • Jamison Valley
  • Leura Cascades

Leura Cascades and Gordon Falls Lookout

It’s time to strap on those hiking boots because it’s about to get real outdoorsy up in here. Exercise your right to wanderlust by capturing a waterfall. After all you’re in the Blue Mountains, you’re intrepid, you’re an outdoors explorer!

Michelle Sales-Valderrama blue mountains gordon falls lookout leura cascades waterfalls wild swimming rain nsw photography hero

With the end of the week fast approaching, instead of sitting at home feeling disappointed I decided to embark on a trip to the Gordon Falls Lookout, accompanied by my camera and a couple of mates. It’s a pretty cruisy 90 minute drive from Sydney via the M4, easy to find and access. As soon as we arrived in the little carpark we were greeted by the sound of rushing water.

The first stop was the Leura Cascades, where the dense topography is abundant and plenty of hidden gems to be uncovered and Instagrammed relentlessly. Entering a new trail with zero expectations is my default setting yet somehow these waterfalls were everything I hoped for and more.

Michelle Sales-Valderrama blue mountains gordon falls lookout leura cascades waterfalls wild swimming rain nsw

Within 5 minutes of the walking trail, we reached a fork in the road and without hesitation we began towards the Gordon Falls. The hike starts off easy, with a few loose rocks on the trail to watch out for.

We passed some incredible views, walking under cantilevered stone where the side of the mountain had been carved out. Towards the end, a set of narrow metal stairs became our biggest challenge. The steep incline had us huffing and puffing, internally thinking that we deserved a feast after this.

Michelle Sales-Valderrama blue mountains gordon falls lookout leura cascades waterfalls wild swimming rain nsw photography hero

Essential Gear

  • Closed in shoes
  • Lots of water
  • Light backpack Jacket

How To Get There

The Leura Park to Gordon Falls Lookout walk starts and ends at the Leura Cascades Picnic Area

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Activities

  • Hiking
  • Photography

Skill Level

Beginner

Distance covered / Elevation Gain

2 hour hike- 3.6 km Return/ 380m

 

More Blue Mountains microadventures…

Camping On Top Of Mount Solitary // Blue Mountains (NSW)

High Above The Treetops on Malaita Wall // Blue Mountains (NSW)

Pulpit Rock Walk // Blue Mountains (NSW)

Tarros Ladder to the Explorers Tree // Blue Mountains (NSW)