Strickland Falls is a small but scenic waterfall in Strickland State Forest in Somersby, accessible via a short loop trail.
This 1.8 km dog-friendly bushwalk is a real treat, taking you through beautiful scenery with tall eucalyptus trees and patches of rainforest.
| Strickland Falls Loop Trail | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.8 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy (some steps) |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Getting There
The Strickland Falls Loop Trail starts at the Banksia Picnic Area in Strickland State Forest in Somersby.
To get there from Sydney, take the Peats Ridge exit off the M1 Pacific Motorway. Then follow Wisemans Ferry Road, Dog Trap Road, Mangrove Road, and Strickland Forest Road to reach the Banksia Picnic Area.
This picnic area has ample parking, in addition to picnic and toilet facilities.
Track Notes
The Strickland Falls Loop Trail is a short and fairly easy walk, but it still has all the features of a proper bushwalk, including uneven ground, exposed tree roots, and rocky sections. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
The map below gives you an overview of the route, from the car park at the Banksia Picnic Area to the waterfall and back.
1. Start of the Walk
Once you’re ready to begin the walk, look for the signpost at the southern end of the picnic area, where you can start the loop in a clockwise direction.
There are a couple of other walking tracks in Strickland State Forest, but for this walk, follow the yellow “Strickland Falls Track” signs.
The waterfall is located at the midpoint of the loop, and the first half of the walk follows a mostly narrow path through a scenic forest landscape.
Strickland State Forest is relatively small at five square kilometres, but it offers a wide variety of flora and fauna.
As you get closer to the waterfall, you’ll notice the vegetation gradually shifting from dry forest with tall trees to a more rainforest-like setting with ferns and palms.
2. Strickland Falls
Strickland Falls is a small but scenic waterfall on Stoney Creek that cascades over a cliff into a gully.
While it may not be the most impressive waterfall in New South Wales, it’s the rainforest-like setting around it that makes this spot worth visiting.
As with most waterfalls, it’s best to go after recent rain, when there’s more water flowing through the creek. Otherwise, it can often be little more than a trickle.
3. The Return
From the waterfall, walk up the small stone steps to continue the second part of the loop back to the picnic area.
This section is slightly easier than the first, with a more defined path that’s less overgrown. After about 20 minutes of walking, you’ll arrive back at the picnic area.
For a larger and more impressive waterfall, visit nearby Somersby Falls, just a 20-minute drive away.
