Waterfall Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 15 mins

5.8 km Circuit

205 m

Moderate track

This walk explores the upper section of Sawpit Creek from the Sawpit Creek picnic area beside Kosciuszko Road. You will follow a circuit track visiting the main highlight, a small but lovely cascade near the halfway point. The walk guides through the tall eucalypt forest, exploring the sides of the valley and passing some frost hollows and large granite boulder outcrops. An enjoyable way of exploring this pocket of Kosciuszko National Park

Waterfall Track trackhead at Sawpit Creek Picnic Area

Walking through Kosciuszko National Park

Posts beside track in Kosciuszko National Park

Tree hugging in Kosciuszko National Park

Icy plants beside Sawpit Creek falls in Kosciuszko National Park

Snow & Ice on walk

This walk leads through an alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, there is a much higher change of snow, ice and extremely cold conditions.

Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat

The 'Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat' is a caravan park about 1km further into Kosciuszko NP from the paystation on Kosciuszko Rd. The retreat provides cabins and chalets as well as powered and un-powered camping sites. The retreat has a public phone[1], a small kiosk[2], drying room[3], laundry and kids playground. Dave and Gina welcome guests all year round, with many guest skiing in winter and walking in the warmer months. More info.

Sawpit Creek Picnic Area

Sawpit Creek Picnic Area is found beside Kosciuszko Rd, and is accessed through the 'Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat' driveway[4]. The picnic area is about 1km further into the park from the NPWS pay station. A great starting point for several popular walks, this is also a pleasent spot to just stop and rest. Sawpit Creek[5] runs along the side of the open area and there are also several picnic tables[6], wood BBQs[7] and a non-flush toilet[8]. There are information signs about the area, explaining that the creek is named for the Alpine Ash that were milled in the area during the 1860s [9].

(0km) Waterfall trackhead → Tunnel intersection

60 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

From the 'Waterfall Track' sign[10] (on the western side of Sawpit Creek Picnic Area), this walk follows the paved footpath upstream through the underpass[11], under Kosciuszko Rd. The underpass may become impassable after rain, in which case you can walk around and cross over the road. The walk passes through the tunnel[12], then leads across the clearing[13] a short distance to find an intersection marked with a National Parks arrow[14] (and a footbridge a short distance to your right).

(0km) Tunnel intersection → Waterfall Lookout

2.5 km

48 mins

103m

-24m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the track into the bush following the National Parks sign[15], directly away from the road[16]. The track leads up along the side of the hill, keeping Sawpit Creek a short distance to your right. After walking through the wooded forest[17] for about 400m, the track crosses a small gully on a metal grate[18], then about 300m later crosses a wider open area[19] on a longer metal path[20]. The track then leads through the forest for about 500m, passing another clearing before crossing an old management trail marked with a series of white and blue posts[21] (marking a buried water main). About 300m further along, the track passes the same series of white and blue posts[22] again, before climbing up a short but moderately steep climb[23] and wandering along the side of the steep valley[24] among the tall alpine ash[25] (Eucalyptus delegatensis). The track then leads up a some timber steps[27] (with a revegetating trail crossing the track[28]) and, about 150m later, comes to the top of some metal steps[29] and the lookout at the waterfall[30].

Waterfall Lookout

This waterfall on upper Sawpit Creek is not formally named, but is the focal point of the waterfall track that passes just in front of the falls. The water cascades down these fairly wide falls to a shallow pool below[31]. The main fall is about 4m high but the overall cascades are taller. NPWS have installed a metal bridge[32] for crossing the creek, and a small platform[33] on the south side that provides the best view of the falls.

(3km) Waterfall Lookout → Granite Outcrop

1.6 km

36 mins

97m

-55m Moderate track

Turn right: From the waterfall lookout[34], this walk heads down the metal stairs[35] and crosses the creek just below the waterfall. This walk then follows the metal path and steps[36] to the right as they lead up and out of the valley. The metal path soon stops and the dirt track leads along the side of the hill before climbing a last set of metal steps[37]. The track continues to lead further away from the main valley through the eucalypt forest and about 300m after crossing Sawpit Creek, this track leads past a '3K' timber milestone[38]. The track then heads down to cross a gully[39], then about 200m later crosses another gully with a metal erosion control grate[40]. From here, the track meanders through the forest for about 800m to come to a large granite outcrop[41] (mostly on your right). Here the walk continues down for another 150m through a series of granite boulders[42] to another even larger and clearer granite outcrop[43] (on your right). There is a clear view down over Lake Jindabyne[44] from the top of these boulders - much care is needed if climbing them.

Granite Outcrop

This granite outcrop is perched on the northern side of Sawpit Creek. The track passes by the rocks[45], but in favourable weather and with great care, walkers can climb up on some of these rocks[46] to enjoy the view down the valley. The view extends down Sawpit Creek valley to Lake Jindabyne and parts of the Jindabyne township.

(4km) Granite Outcrop → Waterfall trackhead

1.7 km

32 mins

-125m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the granite outcrop[47], this walk follows the track gently downhill, keeping the main valley to your right. The track leads past a few more granite boulders then, after about 700m, passes a '1K' timber milestone[48]. About 500m further downhill, the track turns right at an interesting burnt tree[49] before passing between two large split granite boulders[50]. The track continues to lead through the wooded forest towards the sound of the road and, about 500m after passing between the split rocks, the track leads down some stone steps[51] and across a metal bridge[52] spanning Sawpit Creek. Just after crossing the creek, the walk comes to an intersection on the edge of a large clearing, next to the Kosciuszko Rd embankment[53].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads across the clearing[54] then through the underpass[55], under Kosciuszko Rd. The underpass may become impassable after rain, in which case you can walk around and cross over the road. The walk continues a short distance along the paved path[56] on the other side of the tunnel to the 'Waterfall Track' sign[57] (on the western side of Sawpit Creek Picnic Area).

Maps for the Waterfall Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Kalkite Mountain	1:25 000 Map Series	86253N KALKITE MOUNTAIN	NSW-86253N
Tombong	1:50 000 Map Series	8624S TOMBONG	NSW-8624S
Numbla Vale	1:50 000 Map Series	8624N NUMBLA VALE	NSW-8624N
Berridale	1:100 000 Map Series	8625 BERRIDALE	8625

Cross sectional view of the Waterfall Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Waterfall Walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.8 km
		Time	2 hrs 15 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

3.2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.5km has short steep hills. The remaining (110m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 110m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 110m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 6km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 110m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 110m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Waterfall Walk walk.

Pallaibo Walk

5.5 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This wonderful walk explores the lower half of Sawpit Creek. Starting from high up on Kosciuszko Road at the Sawpit Creek Picnic Area, you will follow the well signposted track as it follows Sawpit Creek through the valley. You will explore various forest types as you make you way down to the Thredb

Total climbing: 114m

Hard track

Sawpit Walk

2.2 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short but popular walking track offers a great way to explore the middle section of Sawpit Creek in the Kosciuszko National Park. Start near Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat (or alternatively you can start from Kosciuszko Education Centre), you will cross Sawpit Creek a couple of times and explore

Total climbing: 67m

Moderate track

Rennix Trail

12.8 km Return, 5 hrs

This enjoyable walk follows an old management trail from Rennix Gap to the panoramic views from a granite outcrop, which is also home to a Snowy Hydro radio repeater. On this walk, you will visit a variety of environments from open grassy plains, wooded forest, exposed granite outcrops and alpine fe

Total climbing: 411m

Hard track

Rainbow Lake Trail

2.5 km Return, 1 Hr

This popular walk explores the snow gums and alpine grasslands between Kosciuszko Rd and Rainbow Lake. The lake is the main focal point for the walk and is a great place to rest or have lunch. The man-made lake was built in the early 1900's to provide water to the Hotel Kosciusko, it is now a natu

Total climbing: 109m

Moderate track

Munyang River Circuit

14.1 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores the alpine country and huts around the Munyang River. You will explore parts of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, starting with the Munyang /Guthega Power station, before climbing up the steep old road to find some great views down the valley. Optional side trips can take you to the Gat

Total climbing: 649m

Hard track

Schlink Hut Walk

22.4 km Return, 9 hrs

This full day (or overnight) walk visits a series of interesting huts whilst exploring some open alpine country and parts of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Starting at the Guthega / Munyang Power station, you climb up the steep old road to find some great views down the valley. Optional side trips visi

Total climbing: 918m

Hard track

Mount Piper Trail

5.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This winter-only snowshoe walk starts from the Smiggins Centre and follows a snow pole line and cross-country ski trail to Perisher Valley. Starting along the road, you soon follow a snow pole line up and behind Mt Piper. There are some wide vistas over Perisher Creek Valley along sections of this

Total climbing: 167m

Hard track

Guthega River Snowshoe

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This pleasant snowshoe walk starts from the car park at Guthega. You will wander down the gently hill following a wide trail, then cross Guthega Dam wall. There are great views over the pondage as you continue along the snow covered trail past Guthega Shaft. The flat trail soon ends and the more cha

Total climbing: 115m

Hard track

Guthega Trig

6 km Return, 3 hrs

On this walk, you will visit the old Guthega Trig station and its wide views over the Guthega Dam, the township and surrounding country side. The walk initially leads along management trails and across the dam wall before following a narrow foot pad up the ridge between Guthega River and Falls Cree

Total climbing: 377m

Very experienced only

Guthega to Blue Lake via Little Twynam

17.4 km Return, 8 hrs

This great walk starts at Guthega and explores the area east of Blue Lake. The walk heads to the Illawong Lodge, via the Blue Cow Creek flying fox, and then crosses the famous Snowy River at the suspension bridge. The walk then winds up the long ridge to the top of Little Twynam and down to Blue La

Total climbing: 1120m

Experienced only

Guthega to Thredbo camping overnight at Wilkensons Creek

25.8 km One way, 2 Days

This great overnight walk explores the Kosciusko National Park between Guthega and Thredbo, visiting some fantastic sights along the way like the Snowy River, Blue Lake and Mt Twynam, Lake Albina and Mt Kosiuszko. The Wilkinsons Creek camping area is a nice place to stop and reflect as the sun sets.

Total climbing: 1364m

Experienced only

Guthega to Charlotte Pass

15.2 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores the wonderful alpine country between Guthega village and Charlotte Pass at the end of Kosciuszko Rd. Starting with views of Guthega Dam, the walk visits Illawong Lodge and crosses the Snowy River suspension bridge before climbing up to Mt Twynam. Once on the Main Range track, you

Total climbing: 908m

Experienced only