
Quick Facts
Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 656′ (200 m)
Hike: 0.1 miles (0.15 km) round-trip
The Record
A day trip to the Blue Mountains is a must-do for anyone visiting the Sydney area, and for navigating the vast park, I highly recommend using the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus. This hop-on, hop-off service is a great way to see the highlights without the hassle of driving and finding parking at crowded lookouts. The bus stops at dozens of the most scenic and interesting sites, allowing you to explore at your own pace and making for a stress-free day of sightseeing.
While the bus takes you to famous spots like the Three Sisters, one of its real advantages is discovering less-crowded gems. A perfect example is the stop for Gordon Falls, located in the charming town of Leura. When I visited later in the day, this spot was wonderfully peaceful. The walk from the bus stop to the lookout is very short and easy, leading you to a viewpoint that offers absolutely stunning scenery of the Jamison Valley, with its iconic sandstone cliffs and endless eucalyptus forests.
The waterfall itself is a tall, narrow ribbon of water that cascades down the immense rock face. While it may not be as powerful or voluminous as the nearby Wentworth Falls or Katoomba Falls, its beauty is still well worth a visit, especially given the ease of access. The panoramic view from the lookout is the main reward here. Keep in mind that the flow of Gordon Falls can vary greatly depending on recent rainfall, so it may be just a trickle in dry periods. Regardless, the breathtaking landscape makes this a convenient and rewarding stop on any Blue Mountains tour.
Directions
- You can access the falls from either Katoomba or Leura. If you’re driving, Leura would be the better choice, as then it’s a straight drive south on Leura Mall to Gordon Rd. You would then veer right on Lone Pine Ave to the parking area at the end.
- If you’re taking the Blue Mountain Explorer Bus, you’ll get off at Stop #18. This will be helpful even if you’re driving, as you can look for the sign.
- From the parking area, follow the short trail to the falls. I didn’t explore whether hiking further on the trail led to better views since I had limited time.

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