I think this may be the most unusual name for any waterfall we’ve ever visited, and nope, we didn’t make it up! Sweet Potato Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall with deep red rock and million dollar views. It’s said to have an infinity pool, but I have to say ‘pool’ is really stretching it!
In my opinion it’s more a beautiful spot to lay out a picnic blanket and paddle your feet, and for that you probably won’t find a more alluring spot close to Coffs.
It’s also a great place to watch the sunset, though alas, we came a couple of hours too early for that. Maybe next time!
Visiting Sweet Potato Falls
The access roads
I don’t usually like to start a guide with information on the roads, but in the case of Sweet Potato Falls it’s a must. Whichever route you choose to access the falls, it will be via dirt roads and at time of writing the route via Waihou Road (Nana Glen) is closed due to a bridge being washed out (if you’re reading this some time down the line and know the bridge has been fixed, we’d be very grateful if you would let us know so we can update the article).
We also wouldn’t recommend going from the northern end of Sherwood Road (near Scouts Falls). The junction of Sherwood Road and Sherwood Creek Road is pretty washed out, making it unpassable unless you’re a keen 4 wheel driver who is confident on ruts and steep climbs.
That leaves you with taking the Sherwood Road from the southern end, all the way from Bucca (click here to see the the start of the route on Google Maps).
This route necessitates driving for 28km on a dirt road which is generally in decent condition, but does have a stony surface at times and one or two slightly steeper sections. In an AWD or 4WD the road never feels hairy, but in a small low clearance 2WD it might.
It’s not an actual 4WD road, but having a bit of oomph and clearance helps. I have no doubt gung ho drivers in a 2WD would make it just fine, but a word of warning if that’s not you.
The journey time from Coffs Harbour is around 50km and takes an hour.
The walk to Sweet Potato Falls
The stats
Distance: 450m each way
Elevation gain: 50m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate, inc some light scrambling
Trailhead: Falls Trail, Sherwood Nature Reserve
You used to be able to drive a little closer to the top of the falls than you can now, but the last part of the fire trail has been closed to vehicles (but is open to walkers).
The closest parking point you can reach is at these coordinates: -30.067031, 153.019489
From here you are 450m from the infinity pool, so it really is just a very short section of road that’s been closed and when you see the rusted out car a little further down you’ll probably understand why!
From the parking point you need to climb through the wire fence to the left (not the point which has a signpost about the road being closed).
The fire trail is relatively steep, but footing is good and after 250m you need to look for the worn trail leading into the bush on your right (it was just after a huge puddle on our visit, but I guess it could dry up during a very dry spell - although you don’t really want to visit the falls during a dry spell anyway!).
Once you’ve turned off the fire trail you are 80m from the top of the falls, but this isn’t the most scenic bit, you want to climb a little lower for that.
To climb lower, you need to continue left and you’ll see a cairn after 30m.
Cross the creek (an easy crossing with rocks to use as stepping stones) and then follow the worn trail to the rock platform.
This final 25m stretch to the rock platform is very boggy and it’s pretty hard to avoid the mud entirely, though it’s not deep.
You’ll arrive at the rock platform 400m after leaving the car park. This next 50m to the infinity pool area is a bit of a scramble, but an easy one.
The scramble begins just after some tree fall at the southern end of the platform. The rock is very grippy when dry and it’s well tiered, allowing you to climb down easily.
You’ll reach a mid level after 25m and this has a nice view of the upper falls and a cool jutting out rock which has great views.
There’s a little paddling pool here, well set back from the edge and a great spot to dip your toes or have a bit of a plunge if it’s really hot - it’s small though, definitely not a swimming spot!
The infinity pool is on the next tier down, another 25m away. Again the route down is on the left side and it’s basically just walking down some rocks.
You could probably continue all the way to the bottom of the falls, but personally we were here for the views so went no further.
The Sweet Potato Falls Infinity Pool
As mentioned in the intro, I personally wouldn’t consider the pool an infinity pool. The water is very shallow and also has a shallow lip which makes it a dodgy pool to ‘swim’ in.
Despite the fact there wasn’t a huge amount of water coming over the falls on our visit, I wouldn’t have swum here. The surface of the pool had a fine layer of mud which usually means it’s pretty slippery.
However, it is a gorgeous spot with stunning views over the escarpment, rolling hills and lush green farmland. The view in the other direction looking back over the cliffs and cascades is also beautiful and in the late afternoon light the rock looks burnt orange, reminding me a lot of the NT.
It’s worth coming for the view alone, but if you happen to bring a picnic with you, It would be even better. I’m not sure you could find a better picnic spot close to Coffs.
The larger rock platforms for picnicking are on the tier above the infinity pool, but there’s a small area beside the pool too if you don’t need to spread out too much.
I would recommend bringing a blanket in the warmer months though because the rocks get very hot and you’d want something inbetween them and your skin!
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and leave the area pristine for the next people lucky enough to enjoy spending time here.
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