Hell Hole Falls Guide: Nowra’s Hidden Rainforest Waterfall
Don't let the name fool you. Hell Hole Falls, tucked away in the bushland of Parma Creek Nature Reserve south-west of Nowra, is a slice of pure paradise. The Shoalhaven is famous for white sand beaches like Jervis Bay, but its hinterland holds secrets that are just as breathtaking, and far less crowded.
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This double waterfall has a gentle upper basin and a deeper, wilder lower pool, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and ferns. If you're after a wild swim that feels like a prehistoric escape, this is the one. It's one of the swims in Swim New South Wales. For more waterfalls further north, try Gerringong Falls in Budderoo National Park or Nellies Glen near Robertson.
Hell Hole Falls Quick Stats
- Distance: Approx 4km return
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Grade: Medium (the track is unsigned and can be slippery and steep in sections)
- Facilities: None
- Best for: Bushwalkers, solitude seekers and photography
How to Get to Hell Hole Falls
Finding the trailhead is half the fun. Hell Hole Falls is in Parma Creek Nature Reserve, off Turpentine Road south-west of Nowra, and the track isn't marked on many tourist maps.
- Parking: There's only informal parking on the fire trail. If it's wet or full, park on Turpentine Road instead.
- The trailhead: Bring a topographic map or a GPS app, as there are several intersecting tracks.
- The descent: The trail winds through dry bushland before dropping into a damp, shady gully.
Swimming at Hell Hole Falls
The pool at Hell Hole Falls is famously cold, even in the height of summer, thanks to the canopy that shades the gully floor.
- The pools: The upper basin is gentle, and the lower pool is deeper and wilder. Check the depth before you get in, and don't dive or jump.
- The atmosphere: Enclosed by high rock walls, the sound of the waterfall echoes through the gully, creating a truly immersive swim.
- Rainforest vibes: Keep an eye out for giant stinging trees (look, but don't touch!) and beautiful native orchids clinging to the rocks.
Tips for Visiting Hell Hole Falls
- Leech alert: Like most damp gullies in the Shoalhaven, leeches love this spot after rain. Wear long pants or bring some salt just in case.
- Best time to visit: To see the falls at their best, visit a day or two after moderate rain. In long dry spells the flow can drop to a trickle, though the pool is still a beautiful place to sit. Don't swim or cross the creek while it's flooding after heavy rain, and watch your footing on wet rocks.
- Leave no trace: There are no facilities, so take all rubbish home and help keep this quiet gorge pristine.
- Combine your trip: If you're heading back through Nowra, the Cambewarra Mountain Lookout to the north makes a great stop for a coffee and a big view over the Shoalhaven.
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Hell Hole Falls FAQs
Where is Hell Hole Falls near Nowra?
It's in Parma Creek Nature Reserve, off Turpentine Road south-west of Nowra. Parking is informal on the fire trail, or on Turpentine Road if it's wet or full.
Can you swim at Hell Hole Falls?
Yes. There's a gentle upper basin and a deeper lower pool, and the water is cold even in summer. Don't dive or jump in.
How long is the walk to Hell Hole Falls?
About 4km return, taking 1.5 to 2 hours. The track is unsigned, so bring a map or GPS app.
Are there toilets at Hell Hole Falls?
No, there are no facilities, so bring everything you need and take your rubbish home.
