Lower Gledhill Falls – A Hidden Waterfall in Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Lower Gledhill Falls – A Hidden Gem in the Northern Beaches
Tucked away in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Lower Gledhill Falls is one of the most underrated waterfalls in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. This peaceful spot has a cascading drop into a wide pool below, a beautiful find for nature lovers looking for somewhere off the beaten path. For more Northern Beaches swimming spots, explore Whale Beach Rockpool or discover Wattamolla in Royal National Park.
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If you’re keen to find more hidden waterfalls and swimming holes like this one, my guide Swim New South Wales includes detailed directions, maps and insider tips.
Safety at Lower Gledhill Falls
Lower Gledhill Falls is stunning, but it’s also a place that needs extra caution. At the track entrance you’ll find a warning sign noting that several deaths have occurred here, and NPWS says people have died and been injured at the falls. The lower pool can only be reached by scrambling down steep, uneven rock, which becomes extremely slippery after rain.
Because of this, I only recommend visiting if you are experienced and confident with bushwalks and rock scrambles. Wear sturdy shoes, avoid the descent in wet conditions and never jump from the rocks. Climbing and abseiling are prohibited at the falls.
This is one of those hidden waterfalls that rewards careful exploring, but your safety always comes first.
Exploring Lower Gledhill Falls
The main attraction is the larger lower pool, where the waterfall drops into a natural basin surrounded by bushland. On calm days the water has a turquoise hue, but after heavy rain it often turns a deep brown as runoff flows through the gorge.
Above the main waterfall is a smaller tier with a mini waterfall and a shallow pool that’s about shin-deep at its deepest. You can’t really swim here, but it’s a beautiful place to sit, dip your feet and listen to the water spilling over the sandstone.
Can You Swim at Lower Gledhill Falls?
NPWS doesn’t recommend swimming here, particularly after rain. There are no lifeguards, emergency access is difficult and mobile reception is unreliable.
Conditions also change with the seasons. After spring rain the water can look dark and murky, while in drier summer weather the pool often clears to an aqua tone, which is why locals love it. If you do get in, enter slowly, never jump or dive, and stay out after heavy rain when the rocks are slippery and the creek is high.
How to Get to Lower Gledhill Falls
Lower Gledhill Falls is in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, around 45 minutes north of the Sydney CBD. NPWS directs visitors to reach the lower falls from Duckholes picnic area, near the intersection of West Head Road and McCarrs Creek Road. Parking there is limited and there are no toilets.
Don’t park on the side of McCarrs Creek Road: NPWS says there’s no safe place to park there, and illegal parking risks fines and injury. Park entry fees apply in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
For entry fees and current alerts, check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service page before you go.
Waterfalls in the Northern Beaches
Lower Gledhill Falls is just one of the waterfalls around Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Others nearby include:
- Upper Gledhill Falls, upstream on McCarrs Creek. There’s no approved walking track or safe roadside parking, and NPWS doesn’t recommend swimming there.
- Irrawong Waterfall, tucked into bushland near Warriewood.
- Flat Rock Waterhole, a quiet, lesser-known swimming spot in Ku-ring-gai Chase. Check current NPWS alerts for track closures before you go.
These hidden gems make the Northern Beaches a great place for waterfall chasing, whether you’re after a scenic bushwalk or a place to cool off. Discover more NSW swimming spots in our complete guide.
Lower Gledhill Falls FAQs
Can you swim at Lower Gledhill Falls?
NPWS doesn’t recommend it, particularly after rain. There are no lifeguards, emergency access is difficult and people have died and been injured here.
Where do you park for Lower Gledhill Falls?
Use Duckholes picnic area near the corner of West Head Road and McCarrs Creek Road, where parking is limited. Don’t park on the side of McCarrs Creek Road.
Do you have to pay to visit Lower Gledhill Falls?
The falls are in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where NPWS lists a vehicle entry fee of $12 per day. Annual passes are also accepted.
Can you climb or abseil at Gledhill Falls?
No. Climbing and abseiling are prohibited at both the upper and lower falls.
