Curracurrong Falls – the only tidefall in NSW

While it’s easy to walk past the Curracurrong Falls in the Royal National Park without really noticing it, the waterfall has some characteristics that make it unique. Firstly, it has the distinction of being one of a very small number of waterfalls that plunge directly into the ocean (the only one in NSW and one of only three in Australia, according to Wikipedia).

Secondly, with the right weather conditions, it’s one of the rare “reverse waterfalls” where the wind blows the water back into the air. (Behind Curracurrong Falls is Eagle Rock, a sandstone formation that looks the shape of an eagle’s head.)

You can get a view of the Curracurrong Falls from both the north and south, although to get the best views you need to leave the track.

Curracurrong Falls from Eagle Rock (north)

There 82m high waterfall is hard to see its entirety, because Curracurrong Creek plunges straight down off the edge of the tall cliff. The best vantage point is from the top of Eagle Rock; there’s no formal track (and leaving the Coastal Track boardwalk is discouraged), but you can easily cross the low heathland to reach the top of the rock formation. (Continue a few hundred metres past the Curracurrong Creek crossing, then head through the low heath towards the edge of the cliff.)

Curracurrong Falls from the south

Near the junction of the Royal National Park Coast Track with the Curra Moors Trail North), there’s an easy scramble down from the boardwalk to the top of the cliffs. Here you can see most of the Curracurrong Falls, as well as Eagle Rock to the right of the falls.

A few different viewpoints and angles give you slightly different views of the waterfall.

Upper Curracurrong Falls

These smaller cascades don’t have a name; they are just upstream of the main waterfall (and below where the Coast Track crosses Curracurrong Creek). After heavy rain, multiple waterfalls form across the wide ledge.

If it’s been dry and the volume of water is lower, you ledges and overhangs make a nice, sheltered spot for a break.

Curracurrong Creek

Originating below Sir Bertram Stevens Drive in the Royal National Park, Curracurrong Creek has a relatively small catchment area – but no sources of pollution, so the water is pristine. Above the track are the creeks forms some wide but shallow pools. Not deep enough to swim, but a nice spot to cool off on a warm day.

Getting to Curracurrong Falls

It’s about 8km (return) to Curracurrong Falls from Garie Beach, Wattamolla or Sir Bertram Stevens Drive via the Curra Moors Firetrail. The easiest and quickest way to the waterfall (and Eagle Rock) is from Wattamolla, where there is a large carpark, kiosk and toilets. An entry fee applies (if you don’t have a National Parks pass).

A few popular bushwalks that pass the falls (and Eagle Rock):

• Royal National Park Coast Track (30km, Moderate
• Curra Moors Loop (10.2km, Easy/Moderate)

More information

• Wikipedia – List of waterfalls that empty into an ocean
• BBC News – Stunning ‘reverse waterfall’ filmed near Sydney
• The Wildlife Diaries – Curracurrong Falls