Somersby Falls is (deservedly) one of the most popular waterfalls on the Central Coast, and one best avoided during peak times. Visit very early or late on a weekend (which is also the best time for photographing the falls) or during the week to avoid the crowds. It’s well worth the steep but short bushwalk along the Somersby Falls Walking Track to explore the multiple tiers of the waterfall.
Top of the Falls
There’s not a lot to see at the top of Somersby Falls, which is right next to the carpark. You can look over the valley below the falls, and explore the shallow rock pools along Floods Creek. Even after a few days of rain, the creek is not very deep.
Look carefully, and you can see many Aboriginal axe grinding grooves in the sandstone along the edge of the creek.
A signposted walking track from the carpark heads down to the base of the falls, offering a glimpse through the trees of the Upper Falls.
Side Falls
At the base of the first set of steps and stairs is a small waterfall, which is reached via a very short, unofficial track to the left (as you’re descending).
MIddle Falls
The Somersby MIddle Falls are perhaps the most impressive, with Floods Creek cascading over multiple tiers into a shallow pool.
At the bottom of the pool is another small waterfall, which plunges a couple of metres over a wide rock ledge.
An informal track takes you to the base of this small waterfall (the Lower Middle Falls!).
While much less tall than the main Middle Falls, this is also a very photogenic waterfall – and much less busy as most people stick to the main track.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb behind the waterfall. The easiest approach is by crossing the creek a bit further downstream and finding a route along the edge of the creek. Take care near the waterfall as the rocks can be a bit slippery.
Bottom Falls
The track continues to descend steeply to the Bottom Falls, with both wooden stairs and a long set of stone steps.
The waterfall cascades over multiple tiers, similar to the the Middle Falls but not quite as picturesque.
Below the waterfall is another small cascade, before the creeek flows into a wide pool. The pool is not very deep and a bit tricky to get to, but you could cool off here on a hot day. However, while the water looks fairly clean, Floods Creek flows through an industrial area so it’s likely to be a little polluted from urban runoff.
Getting to Somersby Falls
Somersby Falls is located at the end Somersby Falls Road, which is off Wisemans Ferry Road. It’s about 15min from Gosford and an hour north of Sydney via the M1. There’s a large parking area at the top of the falls (National Parks fee applies) and parking along the road (free). There’s a picnic area with toilets, tables and barbecue facilities.
More information
- National Parks (NPWS) – Somersby Falls Walking Track
For more waterfalls in the area visit Waterfalls of the Central Coast. The short Girrakool Loop is likely to be a lot less busy, and also has a number of nice waterfalls.
0 Comments