Fitzroy Falls - Morton National Park

The famous Fitzroy Falls.

A NATURAL WONDER Although long known to the aborigines, who passed by it on their migrations from the coast to the Highlands, the falls were 'discovered' in the 1820s by Charles Throsby, pioneer settler of Bong Bong, whose property extended as far as the falls itself. Its spectacular beauty made it a favourite place for the Throsbys to bring their many guests on picnics. One of these, NSW Governor Fitzroy, visited in 1850 and in typically modest manner named the falls after himself. Twelve years later, when the area was surveyed, they were still referred to as 'Throsby's waterfall', but the name Fitzroy was to win out. The falls lie in the path of the Yarrunga Creek, which drops over 80 metres down the escarpment, and flows on into the Kangaroo River. The water flow is not as massive, nor as irregular, as in the past due to a water catchment dam further upstream today. Long recognised for its natural beauty, 4000 acres was set aside as a reserve in 1882, and later attempts to 'develop' the area were thwarted by Highlands residents.

FITZROY FALLS TODAY Fitzroy Falls today owes its beauty to these far-sighted earlier settlers. The small, sleepy village of the same name lies astride the main road between the Highlands to Kangaroo Valley and the South Coast at Nowra, and is a favourite stopping off place on that journey, and for the thousands of tourists each year who come to the Highlands. The reserve became part of the Morton National Park in the 1960s when control over it was vested in the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, and who maintain the area around the lookouts and falls and operate a well-equipped visitors' centre.

HOW TO GET THERE. From Nowra and South Coast: Head north out of Nowra to Bomaderry; turn left at the roundabout for Kangaroo Valley; continue up and down winding mountain roads into and out of the valley until you reach Fitzroy Falls. The entrance to the falls is just past the village store on the right at the National Parks Visitors' Information Centre. From Wollongong: Head south out of Wollongong on the freeway until you get to the Albion Park turnoff. Turn right in Albion Park and head towards Macquarie Pass and Robertson. Drive through Robertson and several kilometres towards Moss Vale turn left at Pearson's Lane (see signs to Wildes Meadow, Fitzroy Falls). Continue along Myra Vale Road to Fitzroy Falls; turn right to Visitors' Information Centre. From Moss Vale: From the centre of Moss Vale turn east just before the overhead railway bridge (White's Menswear on corner); veer right at next junction and follow Throsby Street out of town. At the T intersection (several kilometres at end of road) turn left into Nowra Road. Visitors' Information Centre is on your left as you enter Fitzroy Falls (about 10kms).

Historic photo of Fitzroy Falls circa 1929. Taken before the catchment dam was built. The falls have only be known to dry up once in living memory.

From Bowral: Head out of Bowral towards Moss Vale. At roundabout take left turn to Kangaloon Road and Robertson. Follow this road straight through for 10kms (becomes Sheepwash Road) to intersection of Illawarra Highway. Head straight across highway to Fitzroy Falls. Visitors' Information Centre is on your left as you enter Fitzroy Falls.

View along the escarpment from the falls.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO The Visitors' Centre is situated in a wildlife reserve. There are displays of flora and fauna and the works of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, tourist information, picnic area, toilets, and a cafe. [Coach parking available.] Lookout. A boardwalk leads alongside the creek and through restored native bushland to a lookout at the top of the falls (about 100 metres). [Disabled Access.] The views from here are spectacular (see at left); you can see down the cliff along the falls, and out towards Kangaroo Valley.

Bushwalking trails. From the top of the falls there are a number of bushwalking trails along the escarpment to lookouts. The next nearest (no disabled access) is about 1.6kms round trip to a lookout from where you can see the full glory of the falls. There are other trails on the left and right side of the falls to other lookouts (from 3 to 5 kms round trip.) Paths are well cut and maintained, with frequent easy stairways. There are resting areas, and signs strategically placed identifying native fauna and flora. Lookouts are well fenced for safety.

The modern Visitor Information Centre.

The National Parks Visitors Information Centre is open 7 days from 8.30am to 5.00pm. The public are able to access the falls and lookouts during these times. For more information phone: (02) 4887 7270

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DISCLAIMER: This page is provided to promote tourism to the attractions of the Southern Highlands and is not associated - officially or unofficially - in any way with the work of the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.

Photos © 1999 Furry Software Pty. Ltd. and Berrima District Historical and Family History Society.