Somersby Falls: A Serene Oasis Just Outside Sydney

Tucked away in the lush heart of the Central Coast, Somersby Falls is the kind of place that makes you exhale the second you arrive. Just an hour’s drive from Sydney and a quick hop from the Australian Reptile Park, this bushland retreat offers the kind of serenity you usually have to hike for hours to find — but here, it’s just a 5-minute stroll from the car park.

On a recent visit, I took a short drive to this enchanting spot and found a waterfall gently cascading through rainforest mist, birds calling overhead, and moss-covered boulders glowing under a light drizzle. Just a stone’s throw from Sydney, yet it feels worlds away.

Wet Steps, Dry Humor - And a Sideways Shuffle

Somersby Falls is at its best after rain, and that’s exactly what I got. Despite the drizzle, I had no trouble navigating the stone steps that lead down past the upper and middle falls — just a little sideways shuffle here and there to keep things upright.

My tip? If it’s wet, walk like a crab. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective. And honestly, the soundtrack of the cascading falls, rustling tree canopies, and lyrebirds singing in the background more than makes up for damp socks.

Somersby Falls is a photographers delight - just perfect for long exposure shots!

Wine, Wildlife, and Waterfalls — My Kind of Happy Hour

Somersby Falls isn’t just another tour stop — it’s an experience. When I bring guests here on a private Nature and Wildlife tour, we visit late in the day to avoid crowds. I also bring along a little surprise: a complimentary bottle of Hunter Valley wine, chilled and ready to enjoy beside the falls.

There’s something magical about sipping a crisp white while watching the mist rise from the rocks, surrounded by the chatter of cockatoos and the occasional appearance of an eastern water dragon sunning itself on a boulder. You might even spot a cheeky brush turkey sneaking around, eyeing off your snacks with that unmistakable “don’t mind me” strut.

A Note on Respecting Somersby Falls

Somersby Falls lies within Brisbane Water National Park, on Darkinjung Country. This land is rich in natural and cultural significance, with ancient stories carved into its sandstone and carried on the wind. Please tread lightly.

There are no concrete paths here. Just real bush, real beauty, and a few muddy spots to remind you that you're not in a theme park.

If you’re after waterfalls, wildlife, and wine in one perfect afternoon—Somersby Falls delivers. It's wild without being remote, beautiful without being crowded, and simple without being boring.

Want to see it for yourself? Let’s make it part of your private Sydney wildlife tour. I’ll bring the wine. You bring your camera.

While Somersby Falls remains a constant source of natural beauty, it's wise to check for any updates or changes in accessibility before your visit. Consult the official website of the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service for the latest information.