Scout Falls, Sherwood Nature Reserve: Rainforest Waterfall Swim

Scout Falls is a rainforest waterfall tucked up Middle Creek in Sherwood Nature Reserve, about 40 minutes north-west of Coffs Harbour near Glenreagh. There's no sign, no formed track and no facilities: just a 20 to 30 minute scramble upstream over boulders and tree roots to a deep, clear pool at the foot of the falls.

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That scramble keeps the crowds away, and on a weekday there's a fair chance you'll have the pool to yourself. It's one of our favourite finds on the Coffs Coast and one of the wilder entries in Swim New South Wales, our guide to the state's best swims.

Swimming at Scout Falls

The main pool sits in a small rock amphitheatre at the base of the falls. The water is clear, deep enough for a proper swim and properly cold, even in summer, thanks to the shade of the rainforest canopy. On the way up you'll pass a smaller plunge pool, which makes a good stop if anyone in your group would rather not go the full distance.

Above the main pool, on the left-hand side of the falls, a few small, shallow pools look back down the creek. Only go up there if you're steady on your feet: the rock is wet and slippery, and a fall here would be a long way from help.

Sherwood Nature Reserve moves from dry eucalypt forest into subtropical rainforest along its creeks, and the gully around Middle Creek is busy with birds, frogs and reptiles. The creek banks are fragile, so step carefully around the ferns and keep the water clean by skipping sunscreen and insect repellent before you swim.

The best time to go is a warm, settled day after a dry spell, when the creek is running clear and the rocks are easier to hop. Avoid it after heavy rain.

How to Get to Scout Falls

From Coffs Harbour, take Coramba Road onto Orara Way and head to Glenreagh, then turn onto Sherwood Creek Road. There's a stretch of gravel on the way. Park safely on the roadside near the bridge over Middle Creek; there's no car park, toilets or signage.

From the bridge, a small informal path drops down to the creek. From there you follow the creek upstream, crossing back and forth over the bed, climbing banks, ducking under roots and hopping across smooth boulders until you hear the falls. Allow 20 to 30 minutes each way, and 1 to 1.5 hours all up with a swim. There's only one way in and out, so retrace your steps to get back.

Know Before You Go

• No formal track, signs or facilities. Follow the creek line and the sound of the falls, and bring everything you need.
• Wear grippy shoes that can get wet. Boulders, roots and muddy banks are slippery throughout.
• Never jump or dive. There are no lifeguards, and depths and hidden rocks vary.
• Don't go after heavy rain. Flash flooding and strong currents are real risks in the creek.
• Mobile reception is patchy or absent. Tell someone your plans before you go.
• Not suited to young children or unsteady walkers. Watch for leeches, snakes and sharp rocks.
• Don't trample ferns, pack out all rubbish, and leave the sunscreen and repellent off before swimming.
• NPWS can close the reserve in poor weather, fire danger or after damage to tracks, so check alerts first.

Scout Falls FAQs

Where is Scout Falls?

Scout Falls is on Middle Creek in Sherwood Nature Reserve, near Glenreagh, about 40 to 45 minutes' drive north-west of Coffs Harbour.

How long is the walk to Scout Falls?

About 20 to 30 minutes each way, but it's a scramble rather than a walk: rock-hopping and climbing up and down creek banks with no marked track.

Can you swim at Scout Falls?

Yes. There's a deep, clear pool at the base of the falls. The water is cold and there are no lifeguards, so ease in and never jump or dive.

Is Scout Falls suitable for kids?

Not for young children. The route has slippery boulders, steep banks and no formed path, and there's no phone reception in many sections.

More Swims on the North Coast

• Best Beaches & Swims from Byron Bay to Crescent Head: our North Coast roundup, including Scout Falls.
• Red Cedar Falls: another rainforest waterfall up the range at Dorrigo.
• Dangar Falls: Dorrigo's best-known waterfall swim, much easier to reach.
• Angourie Blue and Green Pools: deep freshwater quarry pools on the coast near Yamba.