Belmore Falls is hands-down one of the most spectacular waterfalls in New South Wales. The waterfall is one of the most popular natural attractions to visit in the breathtaking Kangaroo Valley in the Southern Highlands. But, exploring Belmore Falls isn’t quite what it used to be. Bans on accessing the base of the waterfall and the top of the waterfall mean a visit to Belmore Falls looks very different than back in the day.
Despite this, you can still enjoy an awesome time at Belmore Falls. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit to this awe-inspiring waterfall.
Table of Contents
About Belmore Falls
Belmore Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls in the Kangaroo Valley area. Located along Belmore Falls Road in Morton National Park, the plunge waterfall drops majestically from Barrengarry Creek into the northern end of Kangaroo Valley.
From most of the lookouts, you’ll swear that the waterfall is a two-drop waterfall. But, in fact, it’s a three-drop waterfall. The first and main tier is around 100 metres, the second tier is around 35 metres and the third tier, which is hidden from sight, is around 10 metres.
Read about Fitzroy Falls and Carrington Falls
Belmore Falls History
Belmore Falls is located on Dharawal Country, which is the traditional land of the Dharawal people. In the 1870s, the waterfall started to become a tourist destination to visit. Around this time, the waterfall was named after Somerset Lowry-Corry (the Earl of Belmore) who was the Governor of New South Wales at the time.
Best Accommodation in Robertson
- Hotel: The Robertson Hotel
- Holiday home: Wallaby Cottage
- B&B: Greengate Bed and Breakfast
- Motel: Robertson Country Motel
Prohibiting the Hike to the Bottom of Belmore Falls
Until 2017, Belmore Falls was truly free to explore. It was possible to follow a trail to the base of the main fall. If you were daring enough, you could even scramble to the base of the second fall. Additionally, It was possible to access and swim at the top of the falls.
But, after numerous accidents, and, sadly even deaths at Belmore Falls, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services really had no choice to but close access to the base and top of the falls. So, in 2017, the trail to the base of the falls was prohibited and access to the top of the falls was closed. These days, if you’re caught on the trail to the base of the waterfall, you’ll be heavily fined (around $450 per person).
So, no, we’re not going to provide instructions on how to get to the bottom of Belmore Falls!
Despite these closures, thankfully, it’s still very much worth visiting Belmore Falls. Below, we’ll talk about what to expect during a visit these days and how to get the most out of your trip!
What to Expect at Belmore Falls
Despite access closure, you can still enjoy a wonderful visit to Belmore Falls. Essentially, there are two main ways to enjoy the stunning waterfall. You can do the Belmore Falls Walking Track to enjoy some of the best views of the waterfall. Otherwise, you can visit a viewing area at the top of the falls. Both activities are easy-going and leisurely, that are suitable for the whole family!
Let’s look at some details about the Belmore Falls Walking Track.
Belmore Falls Walking Track
Also known as the Belmore Falls Hike, the Belmore Falls Walking Track is a short and easy walk that visits three main lookouts. Indeed, following this walking track is the most popular way to see and enjoy the waterfall.
Belmore Falls Walking Track: Details
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 1.5km
- Time: 20–30 minutes
- Accumulated elevation gain: 60m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Hindmarsh Lookout Car Park
- Map: AllTrails
How Long Is the Belmore Falls Walk?
The out and back walk is around 1.5km and only takes around 20–30 minutes to do.
Belmore Falls Walking Track: Difficulty
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services have given the walking track a Grade 3 score. This would suggest the walk is of moderate difficulty. But, in reality, the walk is very short and easy. Sure, there are some steps involved. But, overall, in the grand scheme of walks, we think it’s fairly easy.
Belmore Falls Walking Track: Trail Description
Below, we’ll talk about the lovely Belmore Falls Walking Track. As mentioned, there are three main lookouts to enjoy along the route. There are two main lookouts, that provide great views of the waterfall. Whereas, the Hindmarsh Lookout doesn’t provide any views of the waterfall. Yet, it’s still a worthwhile lookout to visit as it provides glorious views over Kangaroo Valley.
The Two Main Lookouts
After parking at the Hindmarsh Lookout Car Park, we suggest heading straight to the first waterfall lookout. After all, we’re sure that’s the reason you’ve come all this way – to see Belmore Falls! From the get-go, you’ll walk among typical sandstone flora, including flowers such as banksia, wattle and tea tree.
In just a few minutes, you’ll reach the first lookout and your first glimpse of this magnificent waterfall. Even though you’re quite some distance away, you’ll be blown away by the magnitude and grandeur of the falls. If you’ve timed your visit after decent rainfall, expect to feel blown away by the force and energy of the 100-metre-plus waterfall.
As mentioned, from the first lookout, you’re quite far away from the waterfall. From the second lookout, which is just a few minutes away, you’ll enjoy a viewpoint that’s slightly closer to the waterfall. Definitely, from the second lookout, you’ll really appreciate the power of the falls. Unfortunately, despite the closer viewpoint, your views of the lower falls in sight will be more obstructed.
After visiting the second lookout, you’ll simply retrace your steps and head back towards Hindmarsh Lookout.
Hindmarsh Lookout
From the Hindmarsh Lookout, you’ll enjoy impressive views of Kangaroo Valley. As mentioned, you won’t be able to see the falls from this lookout. Nevertheless, it’s still worth visiting to enjoy the sublime views of the valley.
Other Belmore Falls Lookouts
After doing the Belmore Falls Walking Track, there is one more lookout to visit! The lookout at the top of the falls isn’t along the official walking track. It’s actually over the other side of Barrengarry Creek! So, you’ll have to drive to this viewpoint after finishing the walk.
The Lookout at the Top of Belmore Falls
The lookout at the top of Belmore Falls (located here) is a stellar viewpoint. From this viewing area, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the top of the waterfall plummeting over the cliff’s edge.
As mentioned, you’re not allowed to swim at the top of the falls. Access to the pools at the top of the falls is closed with fencing preventing entry. But, it’s still worth visiting the viewpoint to enjoy unique views of the waterfall.
You won’t find any car parks near the top of the falls. Along Belmore Falls Road, you’ll arrive at a ford, near the top of the falls. You can simply park on the side of the road at either end of the ford. Keep in mind, that after heavy rain, the level of water cascading over the ford can be quite high. So, if you’ve driven up from the Hindmarsh Lookout Car Park and are driving a low-clearance 2WD, you may want to reconsider crossing! In this case, simply park by the ford and wade across the ford on foot to access the small trail to the lookout.
If the ford is in spate and you don’t feel comfortable (or it’s not safe) driving over it or crossing it by foot, thankfully, there is another option. Essentially, you’ll have to access Belmore Falls Road from a different entry point to arrive at the other side of the ford.
In reality, this does add quite a bit of driving as it takes 25–30 minutes to drive from the Hindmarsh Lookout Car Park to the other side of the ford via Robertson and Wildes Meadow. But, at least it’s an option! In case you find yourself in this position here’s a map showing the driving route.
Planning Your Visit to Belmore Falls
Now, we’ll cover some practical tips and details for visiting Belmore Falls.
How to Get to Belmore Falls
The only way to get to Belmore Falls is to drive there as there is no public transport access. If you don’t have a car, we recommend hiring one for the day or hiring one for your trip to the Southern Highlands. After all, you’ll need a car to visit most of the main attractions in Kangaroo Valley and the Southern Highlands.
Just so you know, the road you’ll need to drive on to access the waterfall (Belmore Falls Road) is a mostly unsealed dirt road. Thankfully, a low-clearance 2WD vehicle will be fine, as long as you drive slowly and watch out for potholes. Of course, as mentioned, your only limitation will be crossing the ford on Belmore Falls Road, near the top of the falls, if the water level is high.
Car Hire
If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.
To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.
Belmore Falls Parking
The main car park is located near Hindmarsh Lookout and is located here.
Accommodation Near Belmore Falls
There are so many lovely accommodation options in the Southern Highlands. If you’re looking for accommodation near the falls, you may want to consider staying in Robertson. It’s a charming little town with some excellent accommodation options. Below, we’ve handpicked the best options for staying in Robertson!
Best Hotel: The Robertson Hotel
If you’re looking for the best hotel option in Robertson, look no further than the superb Robertson Hotel
Best Holiday Home: Wallaby Cottage
The Wallaby Cottage is an excellent choice for a holiday home
Best B&B: Greengate Bed and Breakfast
For the ultimate romantic weekend getaway not too far from Sydney, book yourself a room at the Greengate B&B
Best Motel: Robertson Country Motel
One of the most budget-friendly non-camping options is the Robertson Country Motel
Unfortunately, there are no Belmore Falls camping options, nor any campgrounds on Belmore Falls Road. If you want to camp near the waterfall, we recommend the nearby Carrington Falls Campground in Budderoo National Park.
Where to Eat Near Belmore Falls
If you’re feeling a bit peckish after seeing the waterfall, you’ll have to visit the famous Robertson Pie Shop. It definitely makes for the perfect lunch spot! A delicious hot pie here will set you back around $6–8AUD. There are many flavours on offer. So, you might even be tempted to splurge and buy two pies each!
What Gear to Pack and Wear
Here are our hiking gear essentials for exploring Belmore Falls.
Osprey Skarab 30
The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.
Osprey Ultralight Raincover
A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.
BUFF Original Ecostretch
The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.
To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.
Other Southern Highlands Waterfalls Nearby
There are plenty of other fantastic Kangaroo Valley waterfalls. The two other most popular waterfalls to visit in the area include Carrington Falls and Fitzroy Falls. But, in reality, there are loads of other awesome Southern Highlands waterfalls to chase. Below, we’ll list some of the other lesser-known waterfalls to see in the Southern Highlands.
- Nellies Glen
- Gerringong Falls
- Forty Foot Falls
- Sixty Foot Falls
- Erith Coal Mine Falls
- Fairy Bower Falls
- Mermaid Pools and See Thru Pools
- Granite Falls
- Macquarie Pass National Park Waterfalls (including Cascade Falls)
Read more: The 23 BEST Southern Highlands Waterfalls Near Kangaroo Valley
DJI Air 2S
Capture breathtaking aerial photography and videography with the DJI Air 2S. The DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo comes with all of the necessary accessories such as the remote controller, spare batteries and battery charger.
Belmore Falls FAQs
Below, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about Belmore Falls.
Where Is Belmore Falls?
The waterfall is located in Morton National Park in the Southern Highlands. To help get your bearings, please click on the image below to access an interactive map of the area on Google Maps.
What Is the Belmore Falls Height?
In total, the three tiers of the waterfall measure around 135 metres.
Can You Get to the Bottom of Belmore Falls?
Yes, it’s possible. But, since 2017, the trail has been prohibited.
Can You Swim at Belmore Falls?
Belmore Falls swimming is no longer possible as access to the pools at the top of the falls is closed.
Do You Need a 4WD to Get to Belmore Falls?
No.
Is Belmore Falls Dog Friendly?
No, dogs aren’t allowed in Morton National Park.
Is Belmore Falls Open?
Make sure to check the local alerts for Morton National Park on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services website to ensure the area is open. Whether it’s track maintenance, bushfire or flood damage, the area may close sometimes.
Bonus Tips
- Arrive early, especially on the weekends: beat the crowds and enjoy the lookouts to yourselves.
- Best time to visit: try and time your visit after a decent bout of rain. That way, the waterfall will look even more impressive.
- Best time for photography: morning and midday photography is tricky as you’ll be battling intense light from the sun. Photography later in the day, in the afternoon, approaching sunset, is ideal. Otherwise, photographing on a cloudier or overcast day may help.
We hope you enjoyed our Belmore Falls NSW guide. You may also be interested in our Sydney guides and other Australia guides.
We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.
Leave a comment