Upper Gledhill Falls is one of our favourite wild swimming spots in Ku-ring-gai. The deep emerald pool lies at the bottom of a picturesque waterfall, and the surrounding cliff walls give it a feeling of seclusion. Despite being located just below the road, it feels a world away.
It’s a very short walk to get there, but does involve a minor scramble, which we’ll detail in this guide.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Upper Gledhill Falls, which is easily combined with the even more impressive Lower Gledhill Falls.
Visiting Upper Gledhill Falls
The stats
Distance: 120m each way
Elevation gain: 20m
Difficulty: Easy, but requires a scramble
The walk to the falls
The walk to Upper Gledhill Falls is so short, it’s almost not a walk at all and only takes five minutes each way. From the parking area, you’ll see a well worn path into the bush.
The first 60m are on all formed track, heading gently downhill. You can have a look at the pool from above, and then follow the trail that bends to the right, which will take you to the creek, at which point you go left to the falls.
There aren’t any signposts, but it’s very easy to follow. You’re either walking along large rock slabs or on a dirt track.
After a minute you will arrive at a rocky ledge and this is where the scramble begins.
The first bit is very easy, you just climb down from one rock onto the next. At this point you used to bear left, walking along a narrow ledge which has a bit of a drop on one side.
However, as of our most recent visit in October 2025, this route is now quite choked up with debris.
Instead of using this route, you want to bear right and then climb down the rocks, aided by some logs which have been jammed into place halfway down the little scramble.
This still involves a slight leg stretch but makes getting up and down relatively easy.
You will then reach the creek and need head left, rock hopping your way to the base of the falls.
Though there are a few largish rocks to climb over, they are fairly grippy when dry, though watch for any that have a light covering of sand which can make them slippery.
You’ll arrive at the base of the falls 100m after leaving the parking area.
Swimming at Upper Gledhill Falls
Upper Gledhill Falls is a dream swimming spot. Not only is it gorgeous, but there is very little in the way of submerged rocks to worry about, so you can have a proper swim right the way across the pool.
The water isn’t warm, but it’s also not freezing cold (in summer!) which makes it pretty much my perfect temperature!
Although the water appears dark green in photos, once in the pool, you’ll see it’s lovely and clear. The waterfall really adds to the wild feel, particularly after rain when it’s really pumping!
The rushing of the water also shields you from the noise of passing cars, which keeps it feeling wild and masks the reality that you’re just below the road.
If the waterfall isn’t flowing much, you will hear the odd car go past, but it’s quite easy to zone out when your surroundings are so beautiful.
Getting into the water is relatively easy, from the trail you just need to step over a couple of rocks and you’re in. The water then deepens quickly, making it ideal for swimming.
If you’re not looking to swim there are plenty of rocks to laze around and relax on.
The best time to visit the falls
Although the falls are not signposted and don’t have an official track, over recent years they have become incredibly popular. It’s not hard to see why when it’s such a short walk to this gorgeous spot.
As the pool is relatively small, it’s the kind of place that feels quite crowded with only a few people there and does lose some of its magic.
In summer even on weekdays it can be hard to get this spot to yourself. For that reason the best time to come is early mornings and very late afternoons - with early mornings usually being quietest of all.
If you arrive to find it’s busy, try nearby Lower Gledhill Falls, which is also absolutely stunning.
Getting to Upper Gledhill Falls
The falls don’t really have a car park, it’s more a flat rocky area with room for around three cars or so.
The car park is located on McCarrs Creek Road (approx 30km from Sydney), just before the junction with West Head Road and it is best approached from the south.
If you’re travelling from Sydney, look for the pullouts on the side of the road after the final barriers before the junction with West Head Road (see the images below).
We recommend having a look on the way there, and then turning at West Head Road and parking on the way back - otherwise you’ll have to do a crazy u-turn to park.
When leaving, be aware that you are pulling out on a very blind corner and cars do come round the corner quite quickly. Make sure you’re really listening out for oncoming traffic.
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We’re sharing our favourite Ku-ring-gai National Park walks with options ranging from easy to hard, all of which are totally spectacular. From a jaw dropping secret viewpoint to wild jungle to a picnic spot on a waterfall - you won’t want to miss any of these amazing tracks.