Located just an hour from the Sydney CBD in the eastern section of the Royal National Park, Wattamolla has absolutely everything you need for a day of fun in the sun. With not only a waterfall but a lagoon and a beach, this is your go-to spot for all water-based activities – we’re talking swimming, fishing and snorkelling! Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The Govetts Leap Lookout is one of the most famous viewing points in Australia and when you arrive at the stunning lookout and take in the breathtaking view, it’s not hard to see why the spot has earned this stellar reputation. Over to the falls themselves, the aptly nicknamed Bridal Veil Falls is a dramatic stream of water that drops a whopping 180 metres to the base of the cliff. Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hour and 50 minutes.

A waterfall that truly packs a punch, Fitzroy Falls is a truly magnificent waterfall located in the Morton National Park, south-southwest of Sydney. In Sydney’s Southern Highlands, 20 minutes from trendy Bowral (home to the cutest country cafes, oodles of homewares and wineries), this is one of the most accessible waterfalls near Sydney with a visitors centre, car park and a café, picnic tables and barbecue on site. Distance from Sydney CBD: 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Just a few kilometres from Fitzroy Falls, Belmore Falls is one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls near Sydney. With three tiers of cascading water that reaches a massive 130 metres at its highest point, this is a truly stunning natural landmark. To observe the falls in all their glory, start at the Hindmarsh Lookout Carpark and head down the Belmore Falls Walking Track. Distance from Sydney CBD: 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Located in the gorgeous Blue Mountains National Park, these waterfalls are the perfect spot for those looking to experience world class views not far from Sydney. The dramatic falls are 187 metre high and flow over three platforms into a gorgeous valley. Distance from Sydney CBD: 1 hour and 35 minutes.

One of the best-hidden waterfalls in Sydney, Gledhill Falls in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is the perfect secret swimming spot. After following a fairly steep trail down to the base of the falls, you’ll be rewarded with a swimmable 10-metre pool. With chilly but calm waters you can even swim directly under the falls. Distance from Sydney CBD: 45 minutes.

For our money, Carrington Falls is the most beautiful waterfall on the South Coast. A majestic stream of water from the Kangaroo River juts out over the cliff and tumbles 50 metres into the gully below. From the Carrington Falls picnic area, you’ll get a great view of the falls from three lookouts. Distance from Sydney CBD: 2 hours and 15 minutes

A two-for-one waterfall extravaganza, Kanangra-Boyd National Park is one of the best spots for waterfalls in New South Wales. Kanangra Falls is the bigger of the two waterfalls, flowing over two tiers and encompassing a major 225-metre drop, Kanangra is perfect for intrepid adventurers but an accessible lookout does offer views of the Kanangra Creek gorges and the whimsically named Mount Cloudmaker. Distance from Sydney CBD: 3 hours and 20 minutes.