Fitzroy Falls is a well-known waterfall in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. Despite the magnificence and natural beauty of Fitzroy Falls, there’s more to see during a visit than just the waterfall itself. At Fitzroy Falls, there are three superb walks to do, which help you explore three other waterfalls and a whopping 14 lookouts (although there are many more unofficial and unnamed lookouts too).
In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Fitzroy Falls. This will not only include details about the main showstopping Fitzroy Falls but will include details about the three walks, the other waterfalls and all of the best lookouts.
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About Fitzroy Falls, Morton National Park
Fitzroy Falls is an approx. 80 metre single-drop waterfall that dramatically plunges into the immense Yarrunga Valley. The source of the waterfall is Wildes Meadow Creek, which is fed from the Fitzroy Falls Reservoir (Dam). The waterfall is found in Morton National Park, which is an area managed by NSW National Parks.
It’s one of the best waterfalls in New South Wales and a star natural attraction in the Southern Highlands. Undoubtedly, any first-time visitor to the Upper Kangaroo Valley area will have the waterfall high on the to-do list.
Thankfully, there’s much more to see during a visit to Fitzroy Falls than just the waterfall itself. Rather than just quickly stopping at the Main Lookout to see the waterfall and leaving, you can easily spend a whole day exploring the surrounding area. After all, there are three walks, three other waterfalls and loads of awesome lookouts.
Before we detail all of the walks, waterfalls and lookouts, let’s talk about where Fitzroy Falls is located.
Read about Gerringong Falls, Belmore Falls and Carrington Falls
Where Is Fitzroy Falls?
Fitzroy Falls is not only the name of the waterfall but is the name of the village where it’s located. The village was once known as Yarrunga but was confusingly re-named after the waterfall. Both the village and waterfall fall within the Wingecarribee Shire. You’ll find the waterfall is located near Moss Vale and Robertson in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales.
Accommodation Near Fitzroy Falls
- Hotel: The Robertson Hotel
- Holiday home: Wallaby Cottage
- B&B: Greengate Bed and Breakfast
- Motel: Robertson Country Motel
Fitzroy Falls Map
To help you get your bearings, we’ve included a link to an interactive map showing the location of the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre. Indeed, you’ll need to get yourself to the visitor centre to commence all of the walks, waterfall chasing and lookout seeking in the area.
Best Things to Do at Fitzroy Falls
The best things to do at Fitzroy Falls, other than visiting the main waterfall, include exploring the three main walking tracks. By doing so, you’ll see three other waterfalls and a tonne of epic viewpoints. Regardless of what activity or walk you start with, all the fun starts at the visitor centre.
Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
When it comes to the best NSW National Parks visitor centres, the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre has got to be up there! After all, it’s an award-winning information centre. Certainly, before you go off exploring the walks, waterfalls and lookouts at Fitzroy Falls, head inside the visitor centre, where you’ll find loads of fantastic exhibitions and information. By visiting, you’ll learn more about the region’s Aboriginal culture, flora and fauna.
At the visitor centre, you’ll also find a cafe called Falls Cafe, which has a large outdoor seating area next to it. Also, you’ll find a large toilet block next to the visitor centre.
Fitzroy Falls Walks
Once you’ve scoped out the visitor centre, you’ll follow a paved path, which eventually forks into two separate trails. This is the starting point for the two main Fitzroy Falls walking tracks. You’ll turn right to do the West Rim Walking Track or you’ll turn left to do the East Rim Walking Track.
1. West Rim Walking Track
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 4km
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 150m
- Difficulty: Grade 3 (Moderate)
- Trailhead: Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
The West Rim Walking Track (AKA the West Rim Track) is the most popular of the Fitzroy Falls hikes. By doing the West Rim Walking Track, you’ll enjoy the best views of Fitzroy Falls. But, you’ll also get to explore three other waterfalls – Twin Falls, The Grotto and Lady Horden Falls. We’ll talk about all of the outstanding lookouts along the West Rim Walking Track here.
2. East Rim Walking Track
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 6.3km
- Time: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 300m
- Difficulty: Grade 3 (Moderate)
- Trailhead: Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
The East Rim Walking Track (AKA the East Rim Track), which also encompasses the East Rim Wildflower Walk, is another exceptional walk to do in the area. Along this walk, you’ll enjoy a unique view of Fitzroy Falls, but most of the lookouts provide stellar views of the Yarrunga Valley. Overall, this walk offers more in the way of seeing native plants and animals, rather than chasing waterfalls.
We’ll talk about all of the excellent lookouts along the East Rim Walking Track (and East Rim Wildflower Walk) here.
3. East Rim Wildflower Walk
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 2.4km
- Time: 30 minutes
- Accumulated elevation gain: 65m
- Difficulty: Grade 3 (Moderate)
- Trailhead: Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
The East Rim Wildflower Walk is a short walk along the East Rim Walking Track. Essentially, by doing the East Rim Walking Track, you’ll also cover the East Rim Wildflower Walk, which is a 1.2km walk from the visitor centre to Warragong Lookout.
Along this trail, you’ll find information boards, detailing native fauna found along the trail. If you only want to complete the East Rim Wildflower Walk and not the entire East Rim Walking Track, you’ll simply retrace your steps after reaching Warragong Lookout.
Waterfalls at Fitzroy Falls
Many people are surprised to hear that there are three other waterfalls to be found in the immediate area near Fitzroy Falls. Of course, Fitzroy Falls is the main attraction and by far, the best waterfall in the area.
For your convenience, we’ve made an interactive map showing the location of all of the waterfalls.
1. Fitzroy Falls
Spellbindingly plunging into the Yarrunga Valley, Fitzroy Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in New South Wales. For maximal enjoyment, we recommend doing both the West Rim and East Rim Walking Tracks to enjoy different views of the waterfall.
Bear in mind, that the last lookout along the East Rim Walking Track, which provides views of Fitzroy Falls, is the Warragong Lookout. So, if you’re only interested in visiting lookouts with views of Fitzroy Falls, you’ll only want to complete the East Rim Wildflower Walk, which ends as Warragong Lookout.
2. Twin Falls
Along the West Rim Walking Track, you’ll first set eyes on Twin Falls at the fenced viewpoint at Twin Falls Lookout. Bear in mind, that Twin Falls is a seasonal waterfall, so it sometimes runs dry. But, when it’s flowing, Twin Falls is very much an excellent cascade waterfall, which is fed from Yarrunga Creek. During the West Rim Walking Track, you’ll get to walk on a track over the top of the waterfall!
3. The Grotto
The Grotto is a small waterfall that you’ll see along the West Rim Walking Track. Sure, The Grotto isn’t the biggest and best waterfall, but it’s an extremely tranquil drop, falling over a small rock overhang. After heavy rainfall, The Grotto looks even more impressive. While similar to Twin Falls, it has the potential to run dry.
FYI – The Grotto is a great place to see glow worms at night!
4. Lady Hordern Falls
Lady Hordern Falls is a magnificent waterfall that’s far less known than Fitzroy Falls. Falling around 75 metres into the Yarrunga Valley, you’ll see Lady Hordern Falls further downstream from Fitzroy Falls along Wildes Meadow Creek. From both Starkeys Lookout and Renown Lookout, on the West Rim Walking Track, you’ll enjoy great views of both Lady Hordern Falls and Fitzroy Falls.
As you’ve probably gathered, you won’t get anywhere near the base of Lady Hordern Falls (nor Fitzroy Falls, for that matter). You’ll simply enjoy Lady Hordern Falls from afar along the West Rim Walking Track.
Fitzroy Falls Lookouts
Along both the West Rim and East Rim Walking Tracks, there are numerous official and unofficial lookouts to visit. Generally speaking, the lookouts provide exceptional views of Yarrunga Valley (AKA the Yarrunga Creek Gorge). Many lookouts also provide views of Fitzroy Falls and other waterfalls in the area.
West Rim Walking Track Lookouts
There are seven official lookouts along the West Rim Walking Track. Each of these lookouts provides a different perspective of Fitzroy Falls or the beautiful surrounding valley and mountains. But, there are also loads of unofficial and unnamed vantage points along the West Rim Walking Track – too many to describe!
Below, we’ll briefly detail the official lookouts. But, certainly, keep your eyes peeled the entire walk to avoid missing out on any of the unnamed vantage points.
1. Main Lookout
Main Lookout (AKA Fitzroy Falls Lookout) is the most well-known viewpoint at Fitzroy Falls. From the visitor centre, an elevated boardwalk steers you directly to the immense viewpoint, which provides nearly birds-eye views of the waterfall. You’ll find many people simply visit the Main Lookout and then head back to the visitor centre. But, we highly recommend continuing along the West Rim Walking Track to scope out the other excellent lookouts.
2. Jersey Lookout
After Main Lookout, you’ll arrive at one of the best lookouts at Fitzroy Falls – Jersey Lookout. This lookout faces directly opposite the waterfall, so it provides the best unimpeded view of it. Indeed, if you’re only going to visit one extra lookout, make it Jersey Lookout.
3. Richardson Lookout
Following Jersey Lookout, you’ll soon arrive at Richardson Lookout. From this lookout, you can still see Fitzroy Falls. But, this lookout is more about the tremendous panoramic views of Yarrunga Valley.
4. Twin Falls Lookout
As mentioned, from Twin Falls Lookout, you’ll enjoy a view of Twin Falls, if it hasn’t run dry. Right next to Twin Falls Lookout, there is another unnamed fenced lookout overlooking Yarrunga Valley. From Twin Falls Lookout, you won’t be able to see Fitzroy Falls.
5. Paines Lookout
Similar to Twin Falls Lookout, you won’t be able to see Fitzroy Falls from Paines Lookout. But, that’s not to say the views aren’t sublime. From Paines Lookout, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Yarrunga Valley, where you’ll get to truly appreciate the rugged sandstone cliffs and rainforest canopy.
6. Starkeys Lookout
As mentioned, from Starkeys Lookout, you’ll see both Fitzroy Falls and Lady Hordern Falls. Albeit, your views of Lady Hordern Falls will be impeded by the rainforest. We recommend heading to Renown Lookout for the best double waterfall view.
7. Renown Lookout
Renown Lookout is the last lookout and final stop along the West Rim Walking Track. From the lookout, you’ll enjoy a unique view directly opposite both Fitzroy Falls and Lady Hordern Falls as they run down the Yarrunga Valley. Personally, Renown Lookout was one of our favourite lookouts in the area.
East Rim and Wildflower Walking Tracks Lookouts
Sure, the West Rim Walking Track receives the plaudits for having superior views of Fitzroy Falls. But, there are still fantastic lookouts to visit along the East Rim and Wildflower Walking Tracks too. Below, we’ll talk about five official lookouts and two unnamed lookouts worth visiting too.
1. Honey Tree Lookout (Unofficial)
For some reason, the first fenced lookout along the East Rim Walking Track is unnamed. Next to the lookout, you’ll find an information board about honey trees. So, it only makes sense that this lookout should be called Honey Tree Lookout. From this lookout, you’ll enjoy far-reaching views of Yarrunga Valley. Certainly, from lookouts along the East Rim Walking Track, you’ll be able to see deeper into the tremendous valley.
2. May Lookout
The first official lookout along the East Rim Walking Track is called May Lookout. From this viewpoint, you’ll look across Yarrunga Valley, while nestled among native shrubs, trees and wildflowers.
3. Warragong Lookout
The Warragong Lookout is the only lookout along the East Rim Walking Track, which provides views of Fitzroy Falls. Certainly, the Warragong Lookout is one of the best vantage points to see and enjoy the waterfall. One of the upsides of this lookout is that it’s much quieter than the lookouts along the West Rim Walking Track. So, you’ll likely enjoy the views without the crowds.
Alongside Main Lookout and Jersey Lookout, Warragong Lookout is one of the best lookouts in the area.
4. Lamond Lookout
The remaining lookouts along the East Rim Walking Track don’t provide views of any waterfalls. But, you’ll enjoy increasingly better views of the mountains in the Upper Kangaroo Valley area. From Lamond Lookout, you’ll enjoy stellar views of the Mount Carrialoo plateau.
5. Valley View Lookout
Given the East Rim Walking Track is a quieter trail than the West Rim Walking Track, you’re more likely to see wildlife along the East Rim. During our visit, we saw a few lyrebirds in between Lamond Lookout and Valley View Lookout.
From Valley View Lookout, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the orange-tinged cliff face of the valley. You’ll also get to admire the denser valley vegetation.
6. Yarrunga Lookout
Yarrunga Lookout is the last officially named fenced viewpoint along the East Rim Walking Track. From this lookout, you’ll enjoy particularly extensive multi-directional views of the valley. There are also amazing rock formations (which reminded us of Drawing Room Rocks) positioned next to the lookout.
7. End of East Rim Walking Track Lookout (Unofficial)
At the end of the East Rim Walking Track, you’ll find an unnamed fenced lookout. Given this lookout is the furthest south along the walking track, you’ll enjoy some of the most sweeping views across the Yarrunga Valley. Certainly, don’t begin the return walk after reaching Yarrunga Lookout. Make sure to go right to the end of the walking track to enjoy this hidden lookout.
Watch Out For Lyriebirds
Before we look at useful things to know before you go, it’s worth mentioning that Fitzroy Falls is a hotspot for lyrebirds. During each visit over the years, we’ve managed to see plenty of lyrebirds. On our last trip alone, we saw around a dozen of them, spread across both the West Rim and and East Rim Walking Tracks!
Things to Know Before You Go
Now you know all about the best walks, waterfalls, lookouts and wildlife at Fitzroy Falls, let’s go through some practical tips to help you plan your visit.
How to Get to Fitzroy Falls
There is no public transport to Fitzroy Falls. So, you’ll have no choice but to drive there yourself. If you don’t have a car, we recommend hiring one. In fact, if you’re exploring more of the Southern Highlands, you’ll definitely need your own vehicle as public transport is lacking in the area.
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.
Next to the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, you’ll find a huge car park. Parking costs $4 per vehicle unless you have a NSW National Parks Annual Pass, which means parking is free.
FYI – to reach the visitor centre, you’ll drive along Tourist Drive 8, which passes many beautiful places such as Macquarie Pass National Park.
Accommodation Near Fitzroy Falls
There are so many great accommodation options in the Southern Highlands. If you’re looking for accommodation near Fitzroy Falls, you’ll find excellent options in Robertson, which is a charming little town. For your convenience, we’ve handpicked the best accommodation 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 if you want to stay in a holiday home
Best B&B: Greengate Bed and Breakfast
For a 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
Otherwise, there is one well-known accommodation option in the village of Fitzroy Falls called Twin Falls Bush Cottages.
FYI – there are no Fitzroy Falls camping options. If you want to camp near a waterfall in the Southern Highlands, you may want to consider staying at the Carrington Falls Campground.
Hiking Gear For Fitzroy Falls
These are some hiking gear essentials for the Fitzroy Falls walks.
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.
Fitzroy Falls FAQs
Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about Fitzroy Falls.
Who Is Fitzroy Falls Named After?
The waterfall is named after Sir Charles Fitzroy. He was the Governor of New South Wales who visited the area in 1850. Before this, the waterfall was named Throsby’s Waterfall after the explorer Charles Throsby.
What Is Fitzroy Falls Famous For?
The village is famous for its magnificent waterfall.
How Far Is Fitzroy Falls From Sydney?
It’s around a two hour drive away.
Where Can You See Fitzroy Falls?
You can see the waterfall from various lookouts along the two main walks called the West Rim and East Rim Walking Tracks.
How High Is Fitzroy Falls?
It’s around 80 metres high.
How Long Are the Fitzroy Falls Walks?
The West Rim Walking Track involves a 4km out and back walk, while the East Rim Walking Track involves a 6.3km out and back walk. The East Rim Wildflower Walk, which is found along the East Rim Walking Track, involves a 2.4km out and back walk.
Are Dogs Allowed at Fitzroy Falls?
No pets are allowed in NSW National Parks.
Is Fitzroy Falls Pram Friendly?
The boardwalk from the visitor centre to the Main Lookout is pram-friendly. Otherwise, the West Rim Walking Track beyond that and the entire East Rim Walking Track aren’t pram-friendly.
Can You Swim at Fitzroy Falls?
No, it isn’t possible to access the base or top of the waterfall to swim.
Is Fitzroy Falls Open?
Check the local alerts for Morton National Park on the NSW National Parks website to ensure it’s open before you visit.
Is Fitzroy Falls Worth Visiting?
Yes, not only for the brilliant Fitzroy Falls but for the sensational walks, lookouts and other waterfalls in the area.
Bonus Tips For Visiting Fitzroy Falls
- Opening hours: although the visitor centre has opening hours (9am–4pm), you can visit the waterfall and do the walks any time of day.
- Fitzroy Falls weather: check the forecast before you go to help plan your visit.
- Cycling: the Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo Valley cycling route is a popular option for cyclists.
Want to chase other epic waterfalls near Sydney? Read our Southern Highlands Waterfalls 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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