Winifred Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Royal National Park that you can swim in, and you can reach them by a short, 2-kilometre return Winifred Falls trail from Warumbul Road carpark. And if you feel like a longer walk, you can take the Audley to Winifred Falls trail, a 7-kilometre rerun track.
It’s a good idea to bring a packed lunch with you. There are plenty of inviting perches on the rock shelf at the top of the falls that are perfect for a picnic.
Trail at a Glance
Distance: 2 km return
Time: 1 hr
Grade: Easy, but there is a steep section near the falls
Walking Winifred Falls Trail
Winifred Falls trail starts from the carpark on Warumbul Rd, and the beginning of the trail is clearly signposted. The trail itself is nothing to write home about. At first, it follows a flat and wide fire trail, but soon it starts to descend steeply until it teaches a flat area at an intersection. Take the trail heading left.
Take it easy going steeply downhill, the trail is covered by loose stones and dead leaves and can be slippery, especially after rain.
Of course, this is exactly when you want to visit the falls – after a few days of rain, to see a decent flow. So it’s best to wear hiking boots for this short walk.
You’ll hear the falls before you see them. And after a few more minutes, the top of the falls comes into view.
If you brought a snack, head for the top of the falls and pick a spot for a picnic. But if you are looking for a good spot for photography, head to the left, around the pool, until you find yourself across from the falls. Make your way to the edge of the pool, and you’ve got the best view of Winifred Falls.
The falls are quite a popular swimming hole in the summer months. It is one of the few waterfalls around Sydney that you can swim under. Another is Curracurrang Falls along the Wallamolla to Eagle Rock trail on the coast.
Anice Falls Extension
If you feel like extending the walk, keep following the trail and cross the creek. The trail continues on the other side, but it may just take a few minutes to find it. Keep heading up the hill for about 15 minutes, and you’ll hear another waterfall – Anice Falls. It’s not as pretty as Winifred Falls, but it feels quite special because you had to work harder to get to it. And chances are, you’ll be the only person here.
More Adventures in Royal National Park
- Werrong Beach – the best-kept secret in Royal National Park
- Karloo Pools and Uloola Falls – A beautiful walk in Royal National Park
- Secret swimming hole on Kangaroo Creek, Royal National Park
- Birds and Waterfalls of Curra Moors Loop Track in Royal National Park
- Lady Carrington Drive Walk: rainforest and lyrebirds
- Hidden Gems on Bundeena to Marley Beach Walk
- Forest Path in Royal National Park – a Tranquil Rainforest Track
- Bulgo Beach – a unique fishing shack village in Sydney
- Garawarra Farm Carpark to Burning Palms Beach Track
- Wattamolla to Curracurrong Falls Walk, Including a Tranquil Hidden Gem
