There’s more to Wattamolla than meets the eye. You’ll find six layers of waterfalls before reaching a magical, icy lagoon at the bottom. Definitely worth the extra climb down.

Highlights

  • Hearing the waterfalls for ages before you can see them; building anticipation!
  • Walking past the weir and seeing the valley open up in front of you
  • Arriving at the edge of the cliff for the best view of the valley and realising there are six layers of waterfalls before a lagoon at the bottom!

The Lowdown

Once you’ve picked up your parking permit from the Bundeena park centre (a whole $11 for one of the best afternoons of your year) it’s a short 20 minute drive through the picturesque Royal National Park before you reach Wattamolla.

An area which requires an entry in itself; boasting a six metre jump rock (which is ‘banned’, yet finding a park on a Sunday is a Herculean effort), a lagoon, a beach, and if you’re more in the know, waterfalls!

After a 10 to 15 minute walk from behind the jump rock at Wattamolla along a fairly easy path to trek, you’ll arrive at the highest point of the falls. I had a brief chat with an older couple at the top of the falls, who lamented being too old these days to get to the bottom.

One of the best things about these hikes is you can always find some cool people to talk to on the way; the other outcome, you have the whole spot to yourself! Win-win really.

I slowly made my way down each of the six levels, taking photos along the way. I made it to the second-last level before I turned around to take a winning snap. What a view!

 

Wattamolla Lachy JF Royal National Park NSW

 

I’ll definitely be returning in summer sometime to take a dip in the lagoon at the bottom level. As it’s winter, the views were enough for the day.

Read more: Eagle Rock and Curracurrong Falls in Royal National Park

Essential Gear

  • Comfortable and grippy shoes
  • Water
  • Camera
  • Swimmers and towel
  • Snacks

How To Get There

Drive to Wattamolla and walk down from the car park to the fenced-off jump rock. Instead of jumping the fence, look to your left and you’ll see some running water and a tucked away path. Walk down the path, and you’ll find the top level of the falls!

Skill Level

Beginner

Distance Covered

1-2km. There’s a hill up to the falls and most of the walk is uphill. I’ve seen seniors walk it though so it’s not too intense.