Ellenborough Falls, NSW: Big waterfalls, winding roads and a little adventure in the rain!
Some places are worth going a little further for, and Ellenborough Falls was one of them!
At an incredible 200 metres high, Ellenborough Falls is the second-tallest single-drop waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere and the tallest in NSW. That’s quite a natural wonder, and I knew I had to see it for myself!
Getting There
Ellenborough Falls is around an hour’s drive from Taree or 1.5 hours from Port Macquarie.
I set off from Taree, travelling through Wingham before heading up the winding road to Elands on the Bulga Plateau.
As I climbed higher, the rain began to fall. No problem while the road was sealed, but then came the final 18 kilometres of unsealed gravel road!
There are narrow sections where passing can be tricky, and parts of the road have steep drops along the side. Definitely a road to take your time on!
But here’s a little reassurance for fellow travellers: my Nissan Elgrand 2WD van made it up without any trouble.
Of course, road conditions can change, particularly after rain, so check before you go and drive to the conditions.
Arriving at the Falls
Arriving at the falls, I found a sealed car park, picnic areas, BBQs and toilet facilities. There’s even a little bonus for those travelling with furry companions — dogs are permitted on a lead!
I was glad I hadn’t brought Bonnie along, though, because once the heavens opened, the paths quickly became awash.
Did that stop me? Of course not! I’d come all this way.
With my hooded jacket on, I headed out to explore.
The Main Lookout
The main viewing platform is wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for visitors who can’t manage the longer walking trails.
One thing I wasn’t expecting was the height of the safety fence! I actually had to stand on a step to see over it.
The fence has vertical railings to help prevent climbing while still allowing shorter visitors to look through.
And the view? Absolutely worth braving the weather for!
The Crest, The Knoll & A Little Rainforest Adventure
Now, here’s a little confession!
There’s another lookout at Ellenborough Falls called The Crest, an easy 80-metre walk that takes you directly to the top of the waterfall.
You’d think I’d have checked that out first, wouldn’t you? But in my excitement and anticipation of exploring The Knoll, I completely forgot about The Crest!
Instead, I pulled on my hooded jacket and headed off through the beautiful, lush rainforest towards The Knoll.
The well-formed trail winds through gorgeous greenery, with sections of wooden stairs, steps and uneven ground. The rain made parts of the track a little slippery, but the rainforest looked wonderfully fresh and vibrant.
There’s something special about being surrounded by all that greenery, listening to the rain and breathing in the fresh forest air.
641 Steps? Maybe Another Day!
I also checked out the track leading to the bottom of the falls.
But with 641 wooden steps to the bottom, an estimated time of 30-mins down and 45-mins back up, rain pouring down and slippery conditions underfoot, I decided this wasn’t the day for that adventure.
I was travelling solo, and descending hundreds of wet steps simply wasn’t worth the risk.
There’s always another day! And I now have two good reasons to return: to visit The Crest and, hopefully, to see Ellenborough Falls in better weather.
Because that’s what Roam with No Regrets is all about — embracing the unexpected, knowing when to play it safe and always having another adventure to look forward to!
A Little Treat After Your Adventure
One thing worth knowing about Ellenborough Falls is the little kiosk at the car park.
Run by volunteers, it’s known for homemade cakes, pies and traditional Devonshire tea. Just imagine finishing your rainforest walk with a cuppa and a slice of homemade cake!
The kiosk is generally open from 10 am to 4 pm on weekends and during school holidays, although times can vary.
It’s worth checking ahead if you’re planning your visit around a well-earned treat.
The Practical Details
Location: Ellenborough Falls, near Elands, NSW
From Taree: Approximately 1 hour
From Port Macquarie: Approximately 1.5 hours
Road access: Includes approximately 18 km of unsealed gravel road on the route from Wingham via Elands
Parking: Sealed car park
Accessibility: Main viewing platform is wheelchair accessible
Dogs: Permitted on a lead
Walking: Short 700m walk to The Knoll (10-mins each way), plus a much longer descent involving 641 steps to the bottom of the falls (allow 30-mins down and 45-mins back up)
Kiosk: Generally open 10 am–4 pm on weekends and school holidays; times may vary
💡 MY TRAVEL TIP: Don’t underestimate the weather. Even if you’re only planning a short walk, wet conditions can make tracks slippery. Wear shoes with good grip, take a rain jacket and check the road and walking conditions before setting off.
Would I Recommend It? Absolutely!
Despite the rain, Ellenborough Falls was well worth the drive. From the winding country roads to the lush rainforest and the sheer scale of this spectacular waterfall, it’s a beautiful part of our NSW backyard.
I didn’t tackle the 641 steps, and I didn’t get perfect weather, but I still had an adventure.
Because that’s what Roam with No Regrets is all about — getting out there, discovering new places, embracing the unexpected and making the most of the journey.
And Bonnie? She can come along next time, when hopefully the sun is shining!
Have you visited Ellenborough Falls? Did you brave the 641 steps to the bottom, or were you happy to admire the falls from above? Tell me about your experience!
📌 Save this post for your next NSW road trip!
