Wattamolla Falls is a small yet serene waterfall in the Royal National Park. The seasonal waterfall is easy to see from the Wattamolla Picnic Area. Exploring Wattamolla Falls is one of the most popular things to do at the Wattamolla Visitor Precinct. But, there are many other great things to do and see during a visit to Wattamolla. In the precinct alone, you have the breathtaking Wattamolla Beach and Lagoon to visit. Additionally, there are several sublime beaches, waterfalls and lookouts near Wattamolla.
In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Wattamolla Falls. We’ll then detail all of the best things to do in and near the Wattamolla Visitor Precinct. That way, you can make a full day out of exploring Wattamolla Falls and its surroundings.
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Table of Contents
About Wattamolla Falls (AKA Wattamolla Waterfall)
Wattamolla Falls is a well-known waterfall in the Royal National Park in Sydney. Given that Wattamolla is the main hub of the Royal National Park, the waterfall sees plenty of visitors. Best of all, seeing the waterfall doesn’t take much effort at all. A simple stroll from the Wattamolla Car Park and you’ll reach a mighty viewpoint of the waterfall from the Wattamolla Picnic Area.
At around six metres high, Wattamolla Falls majestically drops over a sandstone rock platform. No, it isn’t the biggest and best waterfall in the Royal National Park. But, it’s definitely one of the most convenient and easiest to reach. Plus, there are loads of outstanding natural attractions near Wattamolla Falls to enjoy too.
Before we dive into all of the best places to see near the waterfall, let’s see exactly where it’s located.
Where Is Wattamolla Falls?
Located around 50km south of the Sydney CBD, Wattamolla Falls is located in Wattamolla in the Royal National Park – the second most visited national park in New South Wales.
Wattamolla Falls Map
To help you get your bearings, please click on the image below to access an interactive map of the Wattamolla area.
Visiting Wattamolla Falls
There are many ways to soak in the beauty of Wattamolla Falls. As mentioned, from the Wattamolla Picnic Area, you’ll enjoy stellar side-on views of the waterfall. Beyond this viewpoint, you can explore the area near the top of the waterfall. Near the top of the falls, several lovely cascades and streams are flowing along Wattamolla Creek. Beck and I highly recommend checking out the area near the top of the falls, which many people miss out on seeing.
It’s even possible to explore further up the creek to see even more cascades and waterfalls. Unfortunately, we didn’t hear about this until after we visited. So, no doubt we’ll have to return to explore these extra falls!
Back in the day, Wattamolla Falls (AKA the Wattamolla Rock Jump) used to be a popular spot for cliff jumping. These days, the top of the waterfall is fenced off to ensure safety. Sadly, deaths have occurred from people cliff-jumping there. Of course, this won’t stop some daredevils. But, we don’t recommend it.
Other than exploring the top of the falls, we recommend heading down onto Wattamolla Beach and Lagoon to see the waterfall from a different angle. It’s actually possible to enjoy a waterfall shower by swimming underneath the falls in the lagoon. This is certainly one of the best ways to experience and enjoy the waterfall. Personally, soaking under the waterfall is one of my earliest memories of exploring the Royal National Park from many moons ago!
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The Top 13 Things to Do Near Wattamolla Falls
So, what next after visiting Wattamolla Falls? Well, there are plenty of things to do near the falls during a visit to the area. Let’s start with the obvious activities and things to see at Wattamolla, before looking at some awesome attractions slightly further afield. Let’s start with Wattamolla Beach.
1. Wattamolla Beach: A Royal National Park Favourite
When it comes to Royal National Park beaches, Wattamolla Beach has to be one of the best. Unlike other beaches in the national park, Wattamolla Beach doesn’t require any long-distance walks to reach. It’s quick and simple to reach from the nearby car park. Despite its closeness to the Wattamolla Visitor Precinct, Wattamolla Beach still feels like a supremely natural haven.
Admittedly, the beach can lack serenity when it’s crowded on the weekend. But, if you can visit during the week, Wattamolla Beach comes to life with a newfound sense of tranquillity. From the beach, you can enjoy views of Wattamolla Falls and explore the neighbouring lagoon.
2. Wattamolla Lagoon
Wattamolla Lagoon makes for a truly splendid spot for swimming. As mentioned, to feel the full force of Wattamolla Falls, you can swim underneath it by swimming in the lagoon. Otherwise, the calm lagoon is quite large, bending around and away from the beach. So, there is plenty of the lagoon to swim and explore.
Also, from the Wattamolla Picnic Area, you can enjoy stunning views of the lagoon and the beach.
3. Wattamolla Picnic Area
The Wattamolla Picnic Area is a beautifully landscaped area near Wattamolla Falls. In 2022, upgrades to the picnic area were completed, giving it a brand-spanking new feel. At the picnic area, you’ll find gas BBQs, sheltered picnic tables and a large toilet block. On the weekend, you’re bound to find plenty of families and groups using the facilities and picnicking on the grass.
4. Wattamolla Dam
Also known as Wattamolla Creek Dam, Wattamolla Dam is an excellent swimming hole near Wattamolla Falls. Found along the Royal Coast Track, the shallow rock pool is the perfect place to enjoy a soak in a quieter setting compared with Wattamolla Lagoon and Beach.
5. Providential Point Lookout
Just beyond Wattamolla Falls, you’ll find an excellent viewpoint called the Providential Point Lookout. From the Wattamolla Picnic Area, you’ll briefly join the Royal Coast Track, before joining the Providential Point Lookout Track. Along the track’s boardwalk, you’ll enjoy brief glimpses of views of Wattamolla Beach. Eventually, you’ll pass the coastal bushland and enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Wattamolla Beach.
6. Curracurrang Cove
If you’re keen to explore further beyond Wattamolla, we recommend heading to Curracurrang Cove. To get to this immaculate cove, you’ll need to follow the Royal Coastal Track. You can join the Royal Coastal Track from the Wattamolla Picnic Area. Alternatively, you can rejoin the Royal Coastal Track from the Providential Point Lookout Track.
At Curracurrang Cove, you can enjoy a calm and sheltered bay. Also, near the cove, you’ll find a waterfall called Curracurrang Falls.
7. Curracurrang Falls
From Curracurrang Cove, you can follow a fairly hidden yet well-defined path alongside Curracurrang Gully. After a short distance, you’ll pass an undercliff rock formation, which is located close to Curracurrang Falls.
Opposite the waterfall, you’ll find a level rock platform, where you can sit and enjoy the magnificent waterfall. Otherwise, the platform creates the perfect entry point to access the base of the Curracurrang Falls if you want to enjoy a spot of wild swimming.
8. Curracurrong Falls
Not far from Curracurrang Cove, you’ll find another waterfall, which is similarly named – Curracurrong Falls. This waterfall is brilliantly located next to the Royal National Park’s iconic Eagle Rock. So, it’s two birds one stone when visiting Curracurrong Falls.
This waterfall is well-known for its rare phenomenon of flowing upwards during windy conditions! Otherwise, the waterfall is just as memorable to visit as it does its usual thing, pouring directly into the ocean.
Read more: Curracurrong Falls – Wattamolla to Eagle Rock, Royal National Park
Best Walks From Wattamolla Falls
With many attractions at the Wattamolla Visitor Precinct itself, we don’t blame you if you simply spend the day at Wattamolla. But, if you’re keen to explore further afield, there are plenty of great walks to do from Wattamolla Falls. Certainly, Wattamolla is a great base for exploring the Royal National Park. Below, we’ll look at the two best walks starting from Wattamolla Falls.
9. Wattamolla to Eagle Rock
The Wattamolla to Eagle Rock Walk is one of the most popular walks in the Royal National Park. By doing this 9km out and back walk, you’ll visit many of the attractions we’ve mentioned already – Curracurrang Cove, Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock. It’s also possible to add detours to both Providential Point Lookout and Curracurrang Falls along the way.
10. Wattamolla to Little Marley Beach
From Wattamolla, you can head in a northerly direction along the Royal Coast Track towards Little Marley Beach. Certainly, the Wattamolla to Little Marley Beach Walk is another excellent coastal walk. From Wattamolla, you’ll pass Wattamolla Dam, before walking by a series of marvellous multi-coloured sandstone cliff formations. After being mesmerised by the coastal geology, you’ll eventually arrive at the pristine Little Marley Beach.
If you want to visit another beach (Marley Beach), you can simply extend the walk a little further along the Royal Coast Track.
Best Walks to Wattamolla Falls
Other than walks starting from Wattamolla, there are also great walks that reach Wattamolla. Below, we’ll look at a couple of trail options for reaching Wattamolla.
11. Bundeena to Wattamolla via Wedding Cake Rock
By walking from Bundeena to Wattamolla, you’ll cover a large section of the Royal Coast Track. From Bundeena, you’ll pass many natural wonders, such as Wedding Cake Rock, along the approx. 20km walk to Wattamolla.
Unless you plan on walking back to Bundeena from Wattamolla, you’ll need to consider car shuffling or doing the walk on a day when public transport is running.
12. Royal Coastal Track
Why not go the whole hog and do the entire Royal Coastal Track? Whether you start from Bundeena or Otford, you’ll inevitably pass Wattamolla and all of its nearby attractions along the route. You’ll also see plenty of other coastal attractions along the iconic overnight hike, which, if you’re up for it, is possible to do in a day!
Read more: Hiking The Royal National Park Coastal Walk In One Day
Useful Information Before You Go
So, that’s 12 awesome places to visit near Wattamolla Falls! Below, we’ll look at some useful things to know before you go to help plan your trip to Wattamolla.
How to Get to Wattamolla Falls
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Wattamolla Falls is to drive. If you don’t have a car, we recommend hiring one for your trip to the Royal National Park. Especially if you want to explore other areas in the national park, it’s best to have your own vehicle.
To get to Wattamolla, you’ll turn onto Wattamolla Road from Sir Bertram Stevens Drive. You’ll find a large car park at the end of Wattamolla Road.
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.
Wattamolla Falls Parking
At Wattamolla, you’ll find plenty of parking. During the recent upgrades, additional parking areas were added to the pre-existing car park. Bear in mind, that along Wattamolla Road, you’ll pass the Wattamolla Entry Station, where you’ll pay $12 per vehicle. That’s unless you have a NSW National Parks Annual Pass. In this case, parking is free.
During the week and sometimes outside of office hours, the Wattamolla Entry Station won’t be staffed. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t pay for parking. You’ll still have to pay the vehicle entry fee using the pay machines or the Park’nPay app. Otherwise, you’ll risk getting fined.
Wattamolla Public Transport
It’s possible to use public transport to get to Wattamolla Falls. The Royal National Park uses Park Connections to run a shuttle service from Sutherland Station to Wattamolla. Albeit, this shuttle service only runs on the weekend (usually two daily departures on Saturday and Sunday) and on public holidays (excluding Christmas Day). Given the limited availability of this service, we recommend driving to ensure more flexibility with your trip.
Gear Essentials
If you plan on doing some coastal walks to or from Wattamolla, we recommend being properly prepared with hiking gear. With this in mind, here are some of our hiking gear essentials below. Otherwise, make sure you’re sun safe and deck yourself out in long sleeves, a hat and sunscreen.
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.
Wattamolla Falls FAQs
Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about Wattamolla Falls.
How High Is Wattamolla Falls?
The falls are approx. six metres high.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Wattamolla Falls?
It’s best to visit after some decent rainfall to ensure the waterfall isn’t running dry. With this in mind, it may be best to visit outside of summer, when rainfall is more likely.
When Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Wattamolla Falls?
It’s best to visit during the week to avoid the crowds on the weekend or during the summer holidays. If you do visit on the weekend or during the summer holidays, make sure to visit earlier or later in the day.
Can You Swim at Wattamolla?
Yes, swimming at Wattamolla Falls is certainly possible. Take a waterfall shower by swimming in Wattamolla Lagoon.
Is There Camping at Wattamolla?
There are no Wattamolla Falls camping options nor any camping at Wattamolla Beach. The nearest camping area in the Royal National Park is the North Era Campground.
Camping Gear
Bonus Tips For Visiting Wattamolla Falls
- Wattamolla Falls opening hours: on the NSW National Parks website, you may have noted that the opening hours for Wattamolla are 7am–8:30pm. But, technically this isn’t true. The Wattamolla Entry Station doesn’t have a locked gate. So, in reality, you can arrive and leave at whatever time you like.
- Arrive early on the weekend: access to Wattamolla can close when the car park is full. This means that on the weekend, and even during summer holidays, you’ll want to arrive as early as possible to avoid missing out.
- Utilise the newly built amenities block: the large block makes it super convenient and comfortable for getting changed in and out of your swimwear!
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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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