Somersby Falls Guide: Best Family Waterfall on the Central Coast
If you're after a high-reward, low-effort nature escape about an hour north of Sydney, Somersby Falls is the gold standard. In Brisbane Water National Park, this series of cascades drops through a lush rainforest gully across three distinct levels.
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Whether you want shallow wading pools for the kids or a moody, fern-draped backdrop for photos, Somersby Falls gives you a tropical feel without a long hike. It's one of the swims in Swim New South Wales. For more family-friendly NSW waterfalls, try Lower Gledhill Falls on Sydney's Northern Beaches or Wattamolla Beach in Royal National Park.
Somersby Falls Quick Stats
- Distance: 0.8km return (to the bottom falls)
- Time: 30 to 60 minutes, plus time for exploring
- Grade: Easy to medium (lots of stairs, which can be slippery)
- Park fee: $8 per vehicle per day
- Best for: Families, picnics and rainforest photography
How to Get to Somersby Falls
Somersby Falls is just a few minutes off the M1 Pacific Motorway, making it a perfect pit stop or day trip.
- The drive: Take the Somersby/Peats Ridge exit from the M1 and follow the signs for Somersby Falls Road.
- Parking: There's an NPWS car park at the trailhead. A vehicle entry fee applies ($8 per vehicle per day at the time of writing) unless you have an annual pass. The gates are open 7am to 8pm in daylight saving time and 7am to 6pm the rest of the year.
- The picnic area: The top of the falls has a grassy picnic area with tables, barbecues, toilets and bins. There's no café or kiosk, so bring your lunch.
Exploring the Three Levels of Somersby Falls
The beauty of Somersby is that it's not just one waterfall; it's a staircase of them.
- The top falls: Just metres from the picnic area. The most accessible and great for a quick look, but usually the busiest.
- The middle falls: The most photographed section. The water spreads out over wide sandstone ledges, creating a curtain effect. This is the best spot for a shallow nature shower.
- The bottom falls: Continue down the stairs to reach the base. It's often much quieter here and feels like a deep jungle sanctuary.
Tips for Visiting Somersby Falls
- Go after rain: Somersby Falls is rain-fed. In a long dry spell the flow can drop to a trickle. For the most dramatic photos, visit 24 to 48 hours after moderate rain, but stay out of the water if it's flowing hard.
- Slippery rocks: The sandstone here is notoriously slick when wet. Wear shoes with good grip and don't jump between rocks. The pools are shallow, so it's a wade and paddle spot, not a place to dive.
- The early bird rule: Because it's so close to the M1, the car park often fills by 10:30am on summer weekends. Aim for an 8:30am start to beat the heat and the crowds, or come on a weekday.
- Etiquette: Stay on the track and take your rubbish home.
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Somersby Falls FAQs
Can you swim at Somersby Falls?
Somersby Falls has shallow wading pools rather than deep swimming holes, so it's best for a paddle or a nature shower under the middle falls. Don't dive or jump.
Do you have to pay to visit Somersby Falls?
Yes, a vehicle entry fee applies in this part of Brisbane Water National Park ($8 per vehicle per day at the time of writing).
How long is the Somersby Falls walk?
It's 0.8km return to the bottom falls with plenty of stairs, taking 30 to 60 minutes depending on how long you stop.
What time does Somersby Falls open?
7am to 8pm during daylight saving time, and 7am to 6pm the rest of the year.
