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: 03/11/2025
From: Lawson

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

Route length: 3.3 km
Time taken: 00:49
Average speed: 3.9 km/h
Ascent: 178m
Descent: 178m

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

Lawson is one of several small towns along the Great Western Highway, the main route linking Sydney to the Blue Mountains plateau. For many years, the area was known as Christmas Swamp, a name thought to reflect the boggy ground encountered by early travellers. In 1848, locals adopted the name Blue Mountain, but when the railway arrived in 1867, the duplication caused confusion. The village was subsequently renamed Lawson, in honour of William Lawson—one of the three explorers, alongside William Wentworth and Gregory Blaxland, who first crossed the Blue Mountains in 1813.

The Blue Mountain Hotel — Lawson, 1917

The arrival of the railway transformed Lawson from a small wayside settlement into a popular stop for travellers and holidaymakers. Guesthouses, hotels, and walking tracks soon followed, catering to Sydneysiders escaping the heat and bustle of the city. Many of the walking routes through the surrounding gullies and creeks were established during this period, forming part of the area’s long association with bush walking and nature-based tourism.

The Blue Mountain Hotel after renovations in 2011 (now 'The Henry')

Just south of the village, South Lawson Park offers a compact bushland retreat centred on a short circuit walk that links several creeks and waterfalls. The track is particularly rewarding after rain, when the cascades are flowing well, and is also one of the few dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains. Much of South Lawson Park preserves bushland that once lay on the fringe of early farming and timber-getting activity. Over time, the steep gullies and creek lines proved unsuitable for development, allowing the area to remain largely intact and later be set aside for recreation and conservation.

The hike begins at a small car park on the corner of Honour Avenue and Livingstone Street. A narrow bush track quickly ducks into the trees, descending a set of wooden steps to the first waterfall, Adelina Falls. Though the smallest on the circuit, it’s particularly attractive after rain and is a popular spot for photos.

The historic walk is well-signed

Beginning the waterfall circuit

The upper track

Adelina Falls

Adelina Falls

The track follows Lawson Creek downhill to the top of Junction Falls, largely hidden from view, before a steeper section with steps descends to the base of the falls. A bench and a wooden footbridge complete the serene scene. Lawson Creek and its tributaries were an important water source for early settlers and railway workers, and the surrounding gullies offered cooler refuge during summer months. Today, these same shaded creek lines form the backbone of the waterfall circuit, linking several cascades in quick succession.

Junction Falls

Junction Falls

Lawson Creek

Next is Federal Falls, further along Lawson Creek. A small side track leads to the falls themselves, which can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. They are similar to Junction Falls, though perhaps slightly smaller.

Federal Falls

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.

Following the signs to Cataract Falls

There's a nice waterhole along the way

Waterfall Circuit Track

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.

Glow-worm colonies have long fascinated visitors to the Blue Mountains. These delicate larvae thrive in damp, sheltered environments and were often noted by early bush walkers exploring the region’s creeks and overhangs by lantern light.

Cataract Falls

Cataract Falls

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.

The mid-tier of Cataract Falls

South Lawson Firetrail

The South Lawson Waterfalls Circuit is a short but rewarding hike, showcasing four charming waterfalls amid peaceful bushland. From the petite Adelina Falls to the impressive Cataract Falls—and even a glow-worm colony (if you are lucky)—every step offers something a little different. Easy to access and dog-friendly, this loop is perfect for a quick escape into the Blue Mountains’ natural beauty.