Elvina Waterfalls is a spectacular series of cascades and falls in the West Head area of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Located next to a pristine swimming hole called Lovetts Pool, Elvina Waterfalls is formed by two main tiers of falls, with the main fall tumbling around 25 metres down a sheer cliff. By following a combination of trails, mainly including the Elvina Trail and Fredricks Track (AKA the Elvina Bay Loop), you can explore both Elvina Waterfalls and Lovetts Pool.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Elvina Waterfalls and Lovetts Pool. This will include details about how to get to the top and bottom of Elvina Waterfalls.
Table of Contents
About Elvina Waterfalls
West Head, in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is home to many bay-side waterfalls. Alongside America Bay Waterfall and Refuge Bay Waterfall, Elvina Waterfalls is yet another spectacular waterfall in West Head, perched right next to an outstandingly beautiful bay. In this case, Elvina Waterfalls overlooks the immaculate Lovett Bay.
As mentioned, Elvina Waterfalls consists of several falls. From Lovetts Pool, a stream runs over a creek bed with multiple levels of small platforms. This culminates in two main tiers.
The top tier of Elvina Waterfalls features several levels of rock, with water cascading around five metres onto a flat platform. Then, the water flows over the cliff’s edge, forming the main Elvina Waterfall, dropping approx. 25 metres onto a sandy area with large boulders and dense vegetation. The water eventually reaches Lovett Bay.
Undoubtedly, exploring Elvina Waterfalls involves doing one of the most adventurous and fun walks in Sydney.
So, exactly where in Sydney are the Elvina Waterfalls located?
Where Is Elvina Waterfalls?
The Elvina Waterfalls and Lovetts Pool are located in the West Head area of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in New South Wales. West Head is located north of the Sydney CBD, near Mona Vale and Terrey Hills. To help you get your bearings, please click on the image below to access an interactive map of the area.
Elvina Trail and Fredricks Track Overview
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 6.2km
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 190 metres
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trailhead: Elvina Trailhead
- Map: AllTrails
By walking along a combination of trails, you can see both Lovetts Pool and Elvina Waterfalls. This combination of trails is also known as the Elvina Bay Loop, Elvina Bay Circuit Walk and the Elvina Waterfalls Hike.
Basically, from the Elvina Trailhead, you’ll initially follow the Elvina Trail (AKA the Elvina Track) towards Elvina Bay. But, well before reaching Elvina Bay, you’ll turn left onto Fredricks Track. This will lead you to both Lovetts Pool and the top of Elvina Waterfalls.
You’ll then continue along Fredricks Track to reach Elvina Bay. From Elvina Bay, you’ll follow Sturdee Lane, to reach the bottom of Elvina Waterfalls. To complete the circuit walk, you’ll then return to Elvina Bay, and follow the Elvina Trail back to the trailhead.
Elvina Trail and Fredricks Track Highlights
During this walk, there are several points of interest, other than just Lovetts Pool and Elvina Waterfalls. Below, we’ll cover all of these highlights.
Aboriginal Site Conservation
Not far from the Elvina trailhead, you’ll find the first attraction along Elvina Trail. At an area called the Aboriginal Site Conservation, you’ll find several Aboriginal engravings and an area rich in Aboriginal rock art. Astonishingly, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is home to over 800 Aboriginal rock art sites. The Aboriginal Site Conservation area along Elvina Trail is certainly a fine example of Aboriginal rock art.
Lovetts Pool
After visiting Aboriginal Site Conservation, you’ll walk around 200 metres to reach the turnoff for Fredricks Track. Compared with the wide and open Elvina Trail, Fredricks Track is narrow and slightly overgrown. It’s not a bush bash, but, you’ll want to wear long sleeves to avoid getting too scratched up.
You’ll follow Fredricks Track for around 1.1km, where you’ll reach a turnoff for Lovetts Pool. Turn left, and, very soon, you’ll arrive at the immensely beautiful Lovetts Pool. The natural swimming hole is definitely one of the best wild swimming spots in Sydney. At the pool, you’ll enjoy a small yet serene cascade flowing into it.
Top of Elvina Waterfalls
From Lovetts Pool, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the top of Elvina Waterfalls. From Lovetts Pool, you’ll take a faint trail, through the bush, to descend closer to the top of the falls. At the top of Elvina Waterfalls, you won’t get to see much of the main fall and you’ll only get a glimpse of the top tier. But, you’ll enjoy stellar views of Lovett Bay, which is yet another picture-perfect bay in Pittswater.
Near the top of the waterfall, we even managed to spot a Red-Bellied Black Snake. It was resting on the small rock platform, that divides the two main tiers of Elvina Waterfalls.
Bottom of Elvina Waterfalls
To get the best views of Elvina Waterfalls, you’ll want to visit the bottom of the falls. To do so, you’ll retrace your steps, back past Lovetts Pool, to return to Fredricks Track. You’ll then follow a steep trail that steers you down to the picturesque Elvina Bay. Along the way, we spotted several wallabies!
Once you arrive at Elvina Bay, turn left to follow Sturdlee Lane to reach the bottom of the falls. From the base of the waterfall, you’ll get to truly appreciate its height and magnificence. Elvina Waterfalls is a seasonal waterfall. When we visited, the waterfall was running, but fairly minimally. We recommend visiting after a good spell of rain, so you can enjoy this waterfall in all its glory.
Elvina Bay
After visiting the bottom of Elvina Waterfalls, you’ll retrace your steps to return to Elvina Bay. It’s a lovely secluded bay, surrounded by gorgeous Australian natives such as jacarandas.
Once you’ve soaked in the beauty of Elvina Bay, you’ll pick up Elvina Trail, passing several bay-side properties. Eventually, you’ll turn right to continue along Elvina Trail. It’s quite a steep climb to depart Elvina Bay, so prepare to get your sweat on! Thankfully, Elvina Trail soon flattens and merely gently undulates back to the trailhead.
How to Get to Elvina Waterfalls
The only way to get to West Head to do the walk to Elvina Waterfalls is to drive. There is no public transport to West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. If you don’t have a car, we recommend hiring one for your adventure!
A fee of $12 per vehicle applies when entering the West Head area. But, if you have a NSW National Parks Annual Pass, entry is free. Indeed, if you explore NSW National Parks often, we recommend buying an annual pass. That way, you don’t have to pay for parking when you visit NSW National Parks where parking fees apply.
In terms of Elvina Waterfalls parking, there is a small car park at the Elvina Trailhead. This car park is located off West Head Road and has spaces for around a dozen vehicles.
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.
Hiking Essentials For Elvina Waterfalls
Here are our hiking gear essentials for exploring Elvina Waterfalls.
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.
Elvina Waterfalls FAQs
Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about Elvina Waterfalls.
How to Get to Elvina Bay?
The only way to get to Elvina Bay is to walk there or get a ferry. If you want to get a ferry to Elvina Bay, you’ll alight at the South Elvina Wharf.
How Long Is the Elvina Trail?
The Elvina Trail, on its own, is a 3km track.
How Hard Is the Elvina Bay Loop?
We think the Elvina Bay Loop is fairly hard. That’s because Fredricks Track, Lovetts Pool and Elvina Waterfalls aren’t signposted. Also, Fredricks Track is fairly overgrown and the trail sharply descends to Elvina Bay. While, emerging from Elvina Bay, along the Elvina Trail, is also quite physically demanding. For the experienced bushwalker with reasonable fitness, the walk is probably only moderately challenging.
Can You Swim in Elvina Bay?
Yes, you can swim at Elvina Bay. It’s also possible to swim at Lovetts Pool. Swimming specifically at Elvina Waterfalls isn’t possible as there isn’t a pool at the base.
Is There Camping at Elvina Waterfalls?
No, there is no camping at the waterfall or at Elvina Bay.
Is the Elvina Trail Dog Friendly?
No, you can’t take pets into NSW National Parks.
Read about other great bushwalking trails and walking tracks in Ku-ring-gai Chaser such as the America Bay Track and Mackerel Track in our Best West Head Walks Guide.
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.
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