South Lawson Waterfalls & Terrace Falls Reserve

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Route: Addington Road, Railway Parade, Coates Park, Baths Road, Honour Avenue, South Lawson Park, Adelina Falls, Lawson Creek, Junction Falls, Federal Falls, Cataract Creek, Cataract Falls, South Lawson Firetrail, Victor Falls, Terrace Falls, Little Terrace Falls, Bedford Creek, Terrace Falls Road, Landseer Road

Date: 16/10/2021
From: Hazelbrook

Parking: Hazelbrook
Start Point: Hazelbrook Station
Finish Point: Addington Road
Region: Blue Mountains

Route length: 10.6km
Time taken: 02:03
Average speed: 5.5km/h
Ascent: 425m
Descent: 432m

Points of Interest: Adelina Falls, Junction Falls, Federal Falls, Cataract Falls, Terrace Falls

Lawson is one of several small towns dotted along the Great Western Highway - the arterial road the links Sydney to the high plateau in the Blue Mountains. It spent many years being called Christmas Swamp until the name 'Blue Mountain' was adopted by the locals in 1848. However, when the Blue Mountain railway arrived in 1867, the presence of Blue Mountain on the Blue Mountains became so confusing that the authorities renamed the village Lawson in honour of William Lawson who, alongside William Wentworth, were the first Europeans to cross the Blue Mountains in 1813.

It is home to South Lawson Park, an area of bush to the south of the village. Within the park are several small creeks and charming waterfalls. A circuit of the South Lawson Falls is just over 5km - so I decided to add on the neighbouring Terrace Falls Reserve to make a day of it. Armed with my camera, tripod and trusty hiking pack, I set off in search of the waterfalls. I should point out that this hike is not within the national park, so you can bring your dog along as well.

I had parked on the roadside towards the north end of the loop, close to the railway station in Hazelbrook so a few kilometres of hiking was required to reach the waterfalls. I followed Railway Parade away from the station until it becomes Reserve Avenue. Here, there is a track that makes its way through the bush of Coates Park to Baths Road and Honour Avenue where you can access South Lawson Park.

Heading through the bush towards South Lawson Park

The bush track close to Honour Avenue

Entering South Lawson Park

The start of the South Lawson Waterfalls circuit is well sign-posted at the corner of Honour Ave and Livingstone Street. A bush track leads a short distance through the trees and down some wooden steps to the first of four waterfalls on the circuit, Adelina Falls. 

The old steps that lead down to Adelina Falls

Lawson Creek

Adelina Falls is probably the smallest of the falls on the circuit but it is pretty, especially if it has been raining recently. You may find yourself disappointed if you arrive on a hot, dry day. After a few photos, I pressed on.

Adelina Falls

The track follows Lawson Creek downhill through the bush to the top of Junction Falls (largely obscured). A steeper section of track with some steps descends to the foot of the falls. A bench and a wooden footbridge complete the scene.

Continuing through South Lawson Park

The track descends steeply towards Junction Falls

Junction Falls

Junction Falls

Two down, two to go (at least in South Lawson). Federal Falls is next, further along Lawson Creek. You will pass the continuation of the circuit before you get to the falls themselves as they sit along a small side track. They are similar to Adelina Falls, if not slightly larger.

Following Lawson Creek towards Federal Falls

Federal Falls

Federal Falls

Returning to the track junction, a painted sign points the way to Cataract Falls up a set of stone steps. The track leads to a point where you need to cross the creek so be mindful if you do visit on a wet day. Once across the water, the track continues alongside Cataract Creek.

The route to Cataract Falls

Above Cataract Creek

Crossing Cataract Creek - this can be a little tricky if the has been raining heavily

Cataract Creek valley

Cataract Falls lie at the top of the track and they are arguably the largest and most impressive of the waterfalls within South Lawson Park. They consist of the lower and upper falls, with the upper series just visible when you are standing at the bottom. A short climb (still on the circuit track) will take you to the upper falls but be warned there is no railing guarding the top of the lower falls so, take care if you enter the creek. Cataract Falls is also home to a glow-worm colony so it's worth a visit after the sun goes down.

Cataract Falls

The upper falls

The upper falls once again

Cataract Falls completes the South Lawson Circuit and most people will head back to their cars from here. I opted for more hiking, this time into the neighbouring Terrace Falls Reserve which features another series of fine waterfalls, including Terrace Falls themselves.

After leaving Cataract Creek, I reached the South Lawson Firetrail which does most of the hard work getting you from Cataract Falls to the other reserve. It's a number of kilometres of easy, quick hiking. 

South Lawson Firetrail

Before long I reached the link trail that leads to the creek and the first waterfall, Victor Falls. A short hike along the creek (which you will need to cross) leads to a short, awkward little scramble down a sandstone outcrop before descending to the falls. These were probably the most underwhelming of the waterfalls as it was largely dry - best saved for a wet day.

Terrace Falls Creek

The short scramble - trickier than it looks

Victor Falls

Victor Falls

The trail continues along the creek before making its way to Terrace Falls. It's a little indistinct in places, especially where you have to cross the creek. When you emerge at the bottom of Terrace Falls they may look a little small, however, if you cross the creek towards the tall rock overhang you'll see how large the falls really are, falling over a series of terraces (hence the name). The whole setting of the waterfall is quite beautiful.

The bottom part of Terrace Falls

Terrace Falls

Terrace Falls

Terrace Falls

After several minutes of photographing the falls, it was time to continue. The track follows the creek along the valley - for me, this is the highlight of the hike and came as a pleasant surprise. For those who are familiar with the Blue Mountains, it is very reminiscent of parts of the Grand Canyon, near Blackheath, with cascading waters hemmed in by steep-sided walls. Salote Pool in particular is a beautiful spot.

The track leading away from Terrace Falls

Salote Pool

Terrace Falls Reserve

Terrace Falls Creek

Terrace Falls Reserve

Terrace Falls Reserve

Following the track towards Little Terrace Falls

After crossing the creek partway along, I reached Little Terrace Falls, a smaller waterfall set above an idyllic pool -  the perfect spot for a summer swim. 

Above Little Terrace Falls

Little Terrace Falls

Little Terrace Falls

Unfortunately, this is the last highlight along the hike (aside from a couple of large pools) and, Lower Terrace Falls is pretty much the lowest part of the hike. It's all uphill from here along Terrace Falls Road, back to the car. So-much-so, I only took a couple more photos.

The continuation of the hike through Terrace Falls Reserve

Emerging onto the fire trails above the reserve

Despite the fact that the South Lawson Waterfall circuit has been around for more than a century, it is still very much unspoiled. It’s not a walk for the tourists, so it usually doesn’t get too busy. Although not overly challenging, this circuit walk is very pleasant. Extending the hike to Terrace Falls is highly recommended - it's arguably the best waterfall in the area. It's an amazing place to spend the day with just as many waterfalls as the popular Lawson track with a fraction of the people. Just bear in mind the hike back to the car at the end.