Sydney has some incredible wild swimming spots, and Curracurrang Falls has to be one of the best. The first time we saw it we couldn’t believe such a beautiful spot existed just minutes off the famous Coast Track and yet nobody else was there!
The deep emerald pool is big and deep enough for a proper swim, and the setting is absolutely idyllic. The waterfall running into the pool is the icing on the cake.
Add to that it’s incredibly easy to reach and it’s hard to believe this spot is not more well known. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Royal National Park’s secret waterfall.
Curracurrang Falls
The two possible routes to get there
There are two ways to reach Curracurrang Falls, the first is along a picturesque walk via Providence Point (2.4km each way).
The second is a quicker route (1.8km each way) which uses a fire trail and then briefly meets the Coast Track before you make the turn off to the waterfall.
We’d recommend taking the most beautiful route first, and then the quick route back forming a loop (4.2km total).
The longer, prettier route
We recommend taking this stunning route to get to the pool if you don’t mind walking around 600m extra and climbing a few staircases.
Starting at Wattamolla Beach car park follow the signs for the Coast Track and you’ll quickly hit the picturesque boardwalk.
You have glimpses out to the ocean and cliffs on one side and pretty bush on the other. After 600m you’ll reach the lookout at Providential Point which offers a wonderful unobstructed view of the ocean and craggy cliffs.
After the lookout, you have a couple of staircases to climb and then the track flattens. All the way along you have truly magnificent views, some of the best in the whole park.
The boardwalk makes this section a breeze in any weather and the odd bits which aren’t boardwalked drain really nicely.
There is one other gradual uphill section but for the most part it’s fairly flat. Once you’ve been walking for 2.2km you’ll reach the Curracurrang Gully. It’s a set of steps which cross the creek.
This is the crucial turning for the falls, so don’t cross here. Instead take the unmarked path on the right which heads into the bush. It’s right next to a NSW Parks Post with “Curracurrang” written on it.
You will see a beaten down trail that goes inland with the creek to the left. It looks slightly overgrown but it’s not too bad.
After 50m you’ll come to a little palm jungle which is just gorgeous. You cross over the creek (where there are stepping stones) and then you’ll soon come to a large overhang.
You’ll be able to hear the falls and catch a glimpse of them through the trees. One minute later and you’re there.
The shorter route, which can form a loop
The shorter route begins at car park 5. In the corner you’ll see a gate with a white paved path heading into the bush. Follow this trail and after a few hundred metres it becomes an unpaved fire trail.
You’ll then soon come to the junction with the Coast Track, you need to turn right and then you’ll hit the metal boardwalk.
There is one gradual hill but the majority of the path is flat. You’ll have 1.5km to walk along this track before you reach Curracurrang Gully and follow the instructions to the waterfall as above.
If you take the longer route on the way you can use this shorter route on the way back. Just watch out for the fire trail on your left, which is 1.4km after you leave Curracurrang Waterfall.
Curracurrang Falls
You’re first sight of Curracurrang Falls will be just through the trees and you can already see you’re in for a treat.
It feels like you’ve arrived at one of those resort waterfalls where everything has been made picture perfect and the whole setting has that magical secret garden vibe.
From the walking track you’ll find yourself on a number of large flat rocks with easy access into the swimming hole.
The water is shallow at first and then quickly becomes deep enough to swim properly, and through the middle of the pool there are no submerged rocks, which makes a dip here incredibly relaxing.
You can stand on the rocks beside the waterfall and have a proper waterfall massage too. The falls will be at their best after rain.
Karloo Pools has always been my favourite swimming spot in Royal National Park (providing it’s midweek and not busy) but Curracurrang Falls is now joint top! It really is that good!
Facilities at Curracurrang Falls
Curracurrang Falls is not a well known spot by any means and there are no facilities there whatsoever. Please take out any trash with you and dispose of it back at Wattamolla.
There are also toilets at Wattamolla. Let’s make sure this spot remains pristine for everyone to enjoy.
Getting to Curracurrang Falls
The closest car park to the falls is at Wattamolla Beach. Car park 5 is closest to the fire trail route, but any of the car parks will do.
You’ll have to pay the $12 daily vehicle entry fee unless you have an NSW Parks Pass. The parks pass is better value if you plan on visiting any of the NSW national parks (except for Kosciuszko which is not covered by the pass) more than six times in a year.
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