🌳💧 Locations to visit after lockdown: Part Two: Bush Walks and Waterfalls
- Reneelouise
- Oct 8, 2021
- 7 min read
Every time I post a Waterfall photo I get at least 10 people asking me where it is (Even though I post the locations on all my posts). So for our second location post, today we're going to look at some of my personal favourite waterfalls and bushwalking spots that I've visited during my explorations. Please note that most of these are a short drive away from Sydney 😊
Again, don't forget to check the weather every time you go out. Although more beautiful waterfalls can be quite dangerous if you embark on a day of heavy rain. Please also be aware most of these places DO NOT HAVE FACILITIES so make sure you pack enough food and water and stop off at McDonald's for a wee break on the way.
One other big tip that I have is to download the 'All Trails App' from the App Store. This can help you plan your adventures and also helps you find secret trails and shortcuts!
1. Maddens Falls, Darkes Forest
(Take the Helensburgh exit from the M1 )
This would definitely have to be one of my favourite Waterfalls, photoshoot wise. The photo above is taken from the viewing platform, but if you veer off to the left before you reach the end of the platform theres a small bushwalk you can do to get to the top of the falls. You can them carefully scale your way across and follow the bush track straight ahead down to the bottom of the falls.
While here, I decided to get some photos under the falls and although they weren't my best works, standing under the waterfall was pure bliss.
To get to the falls you park at the location provided before and need to walk around 200m to get to the falls themselves. Not a hard walk but it is a slight incline to walk back up after adventuring.
Address for your GPS:
Madden Falls Track, Darkes Forest, 2508
You can also go to this address which is for an apple farm, the opening for the track is across the road from here. 259 Darkes Forest Road, Darkes Forest, 2508
My photos - Taken by Australian Raw Photography - Kyle Hands
2. Carss Bush Park, Carss Park
One of the first places I ever shot outdoors and there was so many stunning settings to get photos!
Not only does the park have its own little beach but up the top of the hill there is a beautiful park with some lovely trees throughout, beautiful views and also an old cottage where you can get some photos or have a picnic too.
We took all the photos up the top of the hill but down the bottom of the hill near the park is a kiosk, bathrooms and also a playground.
The easiest place for parking to get shots at the top the hill is at Carss Cottage Museum.
Address for your GPS: 80 Carwar Ave, Carss Park, NSW, 2221
My photos - Taken by Kingsphotography and A1 photography
3. Georges River National Park and Lake Gillawarna
Henry Lawson Drive
It doesn't look like the most beautiful spot, but being that its close-ish to my house, my dog and I have found so many beautiful spots down here for shoots and walking alike.
The combination of both river, small beach areas and beauitiful bushland gives you so many different options and spaces.
Some of the top places I've found for bushwalking around the area include;
Lambeth Park - A small picnic area and playground but if you continue straight through the park there is a board walk along here where you can get photos in the flora that surrounds
Yeramba Lagoon Walking Track - This walking track is stunning! Natural rock steps lead you up to the choice of two tracks, continue around the lagoon or head up into the bush.
Cattle Duffers Flat Picnic Area - this space is great for your typical river shots and is pictured above
The Ridge track - A track up into and around the bush, you can do a return loop by returning via the river.
East Hills Park - With beautiful jetty and grassed area, this spot was popular with the girls from my area for their formal photos
Mickeys Point Trail Loop - So this one is heading back toward Padstow Heights direction but is a great walking trail and a long looping track. I found this one on all trails and theres so many different tracks!
A bit further down the road is Lake Gillawarna, where there is a plethora of gross ibis birds but theres also some beautiful parklands to take photos in with some terrific lighting.
4. Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney City
If you love plants and harbour and city views, this is your place. I know it sounds so obvious but how often have you actually gone and looked at the beautiful flowers and scenery around the area.
With different events happening all the time, make sure to check the website linked below to try to find your best day to go.
Address for your GPS: Mrs Macquarie's Rd, Sydney, NSW, 2000
5. Belmore Falls. Near Kangaroo Valley, Southern Highlands
This one is absolutely stunning! It is by far the biggest walk I have ever done for a photoshoot but it was worth every step. The beautiful waterfall is surrounded by a beautiful cavern of colours of green and when looking from the top you can see the multiple waterfalls falling beautifully below. There is several signed walking tracks that you can take to see multiple lookouts stationed around the top.
And I mean, I'm not saying we break rules around here, but the climb to the bottom is definitely not signed. It is a walking track, but it dangerous so has been closed off to the general public for that reason.
To get down to the bottom we did have to climb a fence, however there were multiple others that we saw walking up and back, so its not completely forbidden.
Address for your GPS: Hindmarsh lookout track, Barrengarry, NSW, 2577
6. Lennox Bridge, Glenbrook (Blue Mountains)
If you love a bit of old architecture, sandstone and creeks you will love Lennox Bridge. Upon arrival at the top you can see how beautiful the bridge is in itself but after parking and beginning the walk down you're met with beautiful flora surrounded stairs and a beautiful creek running beside.
Once you get under the bridge, dependent on the time day, you're meet with beautiful soft lighting and so many different spots for photo opportunities.
The stillness of the ponds near the top provide beautiful reflections where the rocks and creek themselves are beautiful, lush and green.
Address for your GPS: 88 Mitchells Pass, Glenbrook, NSW, 2773
My Photos - Taken by Jorge Colvin
7. Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains National Park
Another lot of falls with a big walk to get down to the bottom. The stairs to get down ARE VERY STEEP so make sure you only go if you're okay with stairs. The best thing about this location though is that there is literally multiple falls around the place.
So if you have the time to spend there or to spend the weekend up in the Blue Moutains, at Wentworth Falls alone, there is 7 different waterfalls that you can see by going via the "Wentworth Falls Track".
On the day I went, I saw 4 of the 7 Waterfalls and each was different to the next! If there was one thing I didn't, enjoy about Belmore falls it was that the rocks around the bottom of the fall were too slippery to clamber so impossible to take a photo underneath. However, each of these waterfalls has its own pool at the bottom making it way easier for photos!
Address for your GPS: Falls Road, Wentworth Falls, NSW, 2782
Photos of me - Photographer remains un named for safety reasons
8. Camden Town Farm, Camden
This is a beautiful shoot location more then anything. With it's beautiful farm setting, rolling sparse grasslands, old wooden shed and flower areas, this place is perfect for all your farm shoot needs!
There is usually hire fees so make sure you check before you go but we were able to use the barn area with no issues.
Address for your GPS: 40 Exeter Street, Camden, NSW, 2570
9. Karloo Pools, Sutherland Shire (Small Falls and Creeks)
So this ones not so much a big waterfall spot as it is a quiet bushwalk, some vast natural pools and dependent on the weather, you can also see some small waterfalls if you explore around the pools more. I would count these as mini falls and also theres a few sloping creeks that give a waterfall-esque look.
It's a long walk to get down here though so make sure you've got water, food etc.
I haven't done a photoshoot down here yet but me and my dog have visited a few time so I will post a video of my dog there to give you a better idea.
8. Somersby Falls, Somersby (central coast)
The one time that I have travelled up here for a shoot was straight after a week of solid rain so when I went the falls were pumping!
One of the great things, again, about Somersby is the multiple waterfalls to see and shoot at. By following the walking trail down you're able to find three different waterfalls. The first waterfall can be busy as it is the easiest to get to so make sure you venture down and check out the other two.
The second waterfall is off the track and I'm not going to tell you exactly how to get there but if you do find it, let me know 😏
The third waterfall is down the bottom and includes a small almost like beach area. The different tiers of the waterfalls rocks makes for many different posing opportunities and photos. It also makes for a great day out hiking.
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