Upper Gledhill Falls is Sydney’s Best Kept Secret Waterfall

Upper Gledhill Falls in the north of Sydney is the perfect pick-me-up for an otherwise sloth-like Saturday. Round up your mates, pile in the car, and head out on a quick adventure to this mini-oasis less than an hour from the CBD.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Guringai Nation, the traditional Country of the Guringai people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Upper Gledhill Falls is a waterfall located in the Ku-ring-gai National Park in New South Wales. Driving from Sydney, it should take around 45 minutes to reach. It’s the perfect secluded spot to relax and swim on a hot summer’s day and puts you in perfect position to explore neighbouring Ku-Ring-Gai hotspots.

Remember that as it’s in a national park, dogs are not allowed at Upper Gledhill Falls.

Read more: Are These The Best Waterfalls in NSW?

Shot by Andrew Harvey via Flickr | License

Quick Facts Upper Gledhill Falls

Distance from Sydney: 30km
Driving time from Sydney: 45 minutes
Swimming options: Yes!
Walk distance: 500m
Walk duration: 5 minutes

How To Get To Upper Gledhill Falls Trailhead

About a 45 minute drive from the heart of Sydney, type in Upper Gledhill Falls into Google Maps and follow it into Ku-Ring-Gai National Park. Once on Mccarrs Creek Road, drive down for 4.7km where you’ll see an opening for Duckholes Trail on the right.

Slow down because just as you pass it, the parking spaces for the falls will be on your left. Once parked, follow the obvious trail down to the top of the falls and veer right to find the trail to the bottom. Chasing waterfalls has never been so easy.

Skill Level

Beginner

It’s a very short walk to reach Sydneys best hidden waterfall, although it does involve the tiniest bit of rock scrambling. This just means that as much as it’s as easy walk, it’s not a boring walk!

What It’s Like Finding Upper Gledhill Falls

This particular weekend started quite late for me. I slept through my alarm and woke to a message from my friend itching to get out and adventure somewhere. Too late to really get out of Sydney and too overcast to hit up the coast, I decided that we’d go out chasing waterfalls!

@jeremylamx

I’d had my eye on Upper Gledhill Falls for a few weeks already after stumbling upon it on Google Maps and this seemed like the best day to get what was reportedly one of the best waterfalls in NSW out of the way!

An easy 45 minute drive later and I’d missed the apparent ‘car park’ located on my GPS. Turns out, the only place to park is an unpaved two to three car section on the bend of a blind corner. Little bit sketchy; but luck was on our side that there was one free spot for me to squeeze into!

It’s a quick and easy two-minute walk to the top of the stunning waterfall where you can see some ‘No Cliff Jumping’ signs slapped to the side. From there give yourself about three minutes to walk around to the calm waters at the bottom of the falls with some easy rock scrambling.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

With its close proximity to the city and easy approach, it feels like your own private oasis to sit back in and relax all day. There’s a beautifully turquoise/blue swimming hole that the falls plunge into, lush vegetation framing the scene, and even some interesting rock painting to admire.

We ended up spending about an hour here, relaxing, taking photos, writing, and wandering into the small cave behind the falls.

Is it the best waterfall you’ll ever see? No, and it’s not the highest waterfall or the largest waterfall either, but if you’re in Sydney it’s definitely a contender for the closest waterfall you can visit.

With its blissful beauty, Upper Gledhill Falls definitely satiated our desire to add a little adventurous spice to our lazy Saturday afternoon.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

@jeremylamx

Essential Gear For Waterfall Chasing

• Your favourite speedos
• Towel
• Camera
• Hat
• Water
• First aid kit
• Luck (Hope that you’ll nab one of the three car spots)
• Plastic bag (for your rubbish and any that you find)

Read more: Guide to the Hiking Dress (And Why I Love Mine)

Tips For Visiting Upper Gledhill Falls

• This waterfall is in a national park, and therefore dogs are not allowed
• This is a good waterfall to visit if you’ve got young kids as it’s not too far away and the falls only a short walk away
• Arrive early to have the most chance to spot birds and small wildlife on the walking track through the national park
• Check NSW park alerts before you head out for updated warnings and potential trail closures

FAQs Upper Gledhill Falls

Where else can I read about the best waterfalls in NSW?

Check out this list of the best waterfalls near Sydney, or this chonky list about all the best hidden waterfalls in New South Wales.

Can I swim at Upper Gledhill Falls?

Absolutely! The waterhole below the falls is a beautiful spot for a dip, especially on a hot day. Just like at Fitzroy Falls or South West Arm Creek, make sure to check conditions before jumping in!

How far is Upper Gledhill Falls from Sydney?

It’s about a 45-minute drive from Sydney, so whether you’re heading here or to the Royal National Park, it’s an easy day trip.

What other national parks have a few waterfalls worth visiting?

You’ve got plenty of options to visit national park waterfalls! If you live in Sydney you’re in a great position to access both bigger and smaller waterfalls pretty easily. The Blue Mountains National Park, Sydney Harbour National Park, Royal National Park, and even Morton National Park if you’re up for a longer adventure, all have plenty of waterfalls worth chasing.

Can I visit Upper Gledhill Falls with kids?

Definitely! The walk to the falls is pretty easy, but just watch the little ones around the water. Budderoo National Park and Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre are other family-friendly spots to explore.

Are there other waterfalls nearby?

You bet! Aside from the other falls within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park like Paradise Falls, you could also visit Kariong Brook Falls and Somersby Falls in Brisbane Water National Park. Visit

Does Royal National Park have good picnic spots or lookout points?

Yes! As well as being an iconic park in New South Wales, Royal National Park is a great place to spend an afternoon to up your adventure-ante! From Wattamolla Beach to Ironbark Flat and the Garie Beach Lookout there are plenty of scenic lookouts and places to base yourself for an arvo of chillaxing in the outdoors.

Waterfalls in NSW Won’t Chase Themselves

• Descending Maddens Falls Near Sydney
• Did You Know Sydney Has Its Very Own Waterfall Way?
• Wildflowers And Waterfalls At America Bay (NSW)
• Ebor Falls and Waterfall Way – Dorrigo National Park (NSW)

Table of contents image by Andrew Harvey