The best waterfall hikes and walks in Terrace Falls Reserve

Terrace Falls is one of a handful of waterfalls along the more southern loop in Terrace Falls Reserve. It's a beautiful seasonal waterfall, best seen after some rain. On a bushwalk it can be paired up with its neighbours Pyramid Falls, Victor Falls, and stunning jungle pools like Salote Pool, Bedford Pool, and Willawong Pool.

The thick forests of Terrace Falls Reserve open up to Bedford Pool, not covered by trees but instead open to the sunshine. The bushwalk to arrive here is lush and abundant with tall trees, vegetation, and rocks. Since the descent to the pool is steep, bring good shoes and plenty of drinking water.

Junction Falls are two closely spaced cascades that look like a staircase, created where Ridge Creek meets Lawson Creek. Easily accessible via a short detour, the falls tumble through a lush forest of blue gum trees and ferns. A charming footbridge and scattered rocks at its base add to its layered beauty. The split streams and the stepped drops offer a more intricate, multipart view compared to the nearby single-drop falls.

Cataract Falls is the largest and most intricate waterfall along the circuit, cascading in several tiers down Cataract Creek. A network of trails provides access to various viewpoints, including a lower plunge pool and a mid-level platform where the water flows over beautiful orange-stained rock slabs. The multiple layers and changing perspectives make this stop particularly captivating, as the water splits and reunites as it descends.

Federal Falls is a charming waterfall on Cataract Creek with a curtain-like flow and nestled within a narrow canyon lush with ferns. A short side trail leads to its base, where the water cascades over a low ledge into a sandy area bordered by rocks beside the creek. The surrounding overhangs and the intimate setting create a peaceful, secluded atmosphere, providing a nice contrast to the more open sections of the trail.

Oakland Falls is a tucked-away waterfall off a short spur trail, under a canopy of trees and ferns. Be careful, as the rocks near the falls can get slippery. Oakland Falls is usually less crowded than Horseshoe Falls and other falls near the park entrance.

Burgess Falls sits the farthest east on this lovely string of waterfalls along Burgess Falls Walking Track. Water cascades over a sandstone ledge into a shaded gully in a eucalyptus forest. The waterfall is seasonal, flowing best after rainfall, is not the most frequented falls so the track to get there get a bit overgrown.

Horseshoe Falls is very accessible from the Horseshoe Falls Reserve entrance, sitting less than 200 meters from the parking area. The falls drop over a curved rock formation and can be seen from the front as well as the back. Horseshoe Falls sits on Burgess Falls Walking Track, which is also home to 8 other named waterfalls, all unique and fun to explore.