Waterfalls in Australian Capital Territory

Planning a waterfall trip in Australian Capital Territory

Gibraltar Falls is the easiest waterfall to reach from Canberra. It is off Corin Road in the Brindabella foothills, with a short walk from the car park to a lookout over the main drop. The creek above it is a popular spot for a picnic, although swimming near the top of the fall isn’t safe.

Namadgi National Park, in the south of the territory, has smaller cascades on creeks that run off the Brindabella and Bimberi ranges. Most are on walking tracks or fire trails rather than signposted short walks, so they suit people happy with a longer day out. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, next door, is better known for wildlife than waterfalls, but its creek walks are pretty after rain.

The falls here depend almost entirely on recent rain. Late winter and spring usually give the best flow. After a dry spell, Gibraltar Falls can slow to a thin stream, so check the flow badge before driving out. Snow sometimes falls on the higher ranges in winter, and the roads into Namadgi can be icy or closed. Carry water and a paper map, because mobile coverage drops out soon after you leave the main roads.

Entry to Namadgi National Park and the Gibraltar Falls area is free. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve charges a vehicle entry fee, with day and annual passes available. The Getting there section on each waterfall page notes when a fee applies.

Many Canberrans head over the border for a bigger day out. Fitzroy Falls and Belmore Falls in the NSW Southern Highlands are about two hours away, and the Capital Country region around Canberra has more falls on the escarpments to the east.

We don’t yet have a live park-alerts feed for the ACT, so the access badge reads Check park alerts. Parts of Namadgi have closed for long periods after bushfires, so check the ACT Parks website before you go.