South Lawson Waterfall Circuit

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Route: South Lawson Park, Adelina Falls, Lawson Creek, Junction Falls, Federal Falls, Cataract Creek, Cataract Falls, South Lawson Firetrail

Date: 27/11/2021
From: Lawson

Parking: Lawson
Start Point: Honour Avenue
Finish Point: Honour Avenue
Region: Blue Mountains

Route length: 3.3km
Time taken: 00:49
Average speed: 2.16km/h
Ascent: 178m
Descent: 178m

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 ground in the Blue Mountains. To its detriment, it spent many years being called Christmas Swamp until the name 'Blue Mountain' was adopted by the locals in 1848.

The Blue Mountain Hotel - Lawson, 1917

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.

The Blue Mountains Hotel after renovations in 2011

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. Given the wet weather we have been experiencing lately, it makes an obvious candidate for a hike as the waterfalls would be at their best. Also, this is one of few dog-friendly hikes in the Blue Mountains.

The start of the South Lawson Waterfalls circuit is well sign-posted at the corner of Honour Ave and Livingstone Street, where a small car park exists (if the car park is full, street parking is available). 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. 

South Lawson Park

Descending the steps towards Adelina Falls

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. For us, however, the waterfall was in fine voice after several days of heavy rain. After a few photos, we pressed on.

Adelina Falls

Adelina Falls

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

The waterfall circuit

Starting the trek down to Junction Falls

 A steep, winding descent leads to Junction Falls

The bridge over Lawson Creek

Junction Falls

Junction Falls

Two down, two to go. 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 and can be missed if you are not paying attention. They are similar to Junction Falls, if not slightly smaller.

Federal Falls

Federal Falls

Returning from Federal Falls to the track junction, a painted sign points the way towards Cataract Falls, up a set of stone steps guarded by a metal rail. The track leads to a point where you need to cross the creek so be mindful if you do visit on a wet day as the water levels can get quite high. Once across the water, the track climbs to a dry overhang before continuing alongside Cataract Creek.

Continuing the circuit from Federal Falls

Crossing Cataract Creek

The track continues alongside Cataract Creek

A few waterlogged sections needed to be negotiated

Cataract Creek

Approaching Cataract Falls

Cataract Falls 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 view of the upper falls

Upper Cataract Falls

Upper Cataract Falls

Cataract Falls completes the South Lawson Circuit. The narrow path climbs away from the falls to a lookout (though the view is largely obscured by trees). From here, it's a short hike back along a fire trail to the parking area. 

Heading back towards the parking area

A well-earned drink at the excellent Mountain Culture brewery in Katoomba