Waterfalls Day and Night – A dog friendly adventure in the Blue Mountains

Our dogs are family and little angels that love us unconditionally. It is so nice to be able to involve them in the activities we love. I absolutely love bringing my girl on bush walks with me. Not only is it a great bonding experience but nature stimulates both of our senses, gives us that sense of curiosity and exploration, and brings us home to a life undomesticated.

So, into the wild we love to go.

Our dog friendly fire trails around home were starting to get tiresome and luckily, the ground around Sydney had started to dry out after intense rainfall. So, we adventured to the Blue Mountains for two special dog friendly walks: South Lawson Waterfall Circuit and the Katoomba Waterfall Reserve Night Lit Walk.

South Lawson Waterfall Circuit

Cataract Falls - South Lawson Waterfall Circuit

This walk was easy to get to with parking and the entry to the bushwalk on Honour Ave. The walk was still very muddy so hiking boots are recommended. Chloe, my kelpie, didn’t mind sloshing through the mud at all. There were signs stating that the Junction Falls to Cataract Falls part of the loop were still temporarily closed due to landslips after the torrential rain.

We began our walk down a path and some stairs to Adelina Falls. The scene was just spectacular. We were able to stand very close to the falls and admire the rush and force of the white water, pounding into the earth below. All around us, greenery and ferns lined the rocks and the forest walls, and water trickled down everywhere, creating ambient sounds. I thoroughly took in nature’s medicine as Chloe found a stick to chew on.

It was time to move on to the next waterfall. We made our way down a very muddy path and slope. Luckily, the walk was dry in some parts to provide a nice break from the mud. There were sounds of rushing water and birds all around us. I felt such peace and calm. I didn’t realise how badly I needed to immerse myself into the bush. 

About 10 or so minutes later we made it to the spectacular Junction Falls. They were trully amazing to view. Chloe even took a moment to stop hunting for sticks to admire the falls. There was a little rock bridge that provided another great vantage point of the falls.

Next, we walked to Federal Falls. It was an amazing spot with a little beach. Chloe dove right into the sand, dragging sticks and digging while I admired the view and the power of mother nature. She truly feeds my soul.

Federal Falls - South Lawson Waterfall Circuit

The final falls we visited were the Cataract Falls. Again, there was a little sandy beach and a stream here. The scenery looked like something right out of a set in a movie. Every plant, cave-like overhand, and detail such as a fallen log, were set up so perfectly, as if they were staged. The energy of these falls felt amazing and cleansing, so we spent a bit of time here.

Then we began our walk up some steep steps and enjoyed another vantage point of the falls from the top. I think what made this walk extra special was that we arrived later in the day, so it was quieter and easier to immerse yourself into the healing power of mother nature. The late afternoon sun shimmered its way through the trees as we made our way following the trail back to the car park.

Katoomba Waterfall Reserve Night Lit Walk

When I heard about this walk, I immediately imagined too many people cramming over light installations, but this walk was far from my imagination, and it totally exceeded my expectation.

On the way there, we stopped at Echo Point and bundled up for the cold. Dogs are allowed on the viewing platform to see the three sisters. The sun was nearly set but I was able to enjoy the silhouettes of the mountains and the Three Sisters with the hues of purple and pink behind them.

Katoomba Falls Reserve Night Lit Walk

What I did not know or realise was that you could walk from Echo Point to the Katoomba Falls Reserve. Instead, I used Google maps to Katoomba Falls Reserve. Google Maps did take me to the campground however, I think it was trying to take me to a car park next to it. It was very dark and hard to see the car park, but I figured it out after asking a couple who were walking back to the camp.

We walked across the street and into the reserve and I was immediately impressed. The reserve was well lit with fairy lights. The lighting was soft and not harsh white light. There were several directions and paths we could take ourselves so we followed one at a time. It wasn’t crowded at all. There were a few couples and families here and there but that was it. However, I was there on a Sunday night around 6pm.

It was quiet, and the rushing sounds of waterfalls were everywhere. There were a viewing vantage points. Main attractions such as the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, Katoomba Cascades, Orphan Rock and Witches Leap were lit up via spotlight. The light did not affect your ability to admire the stars and the moon. It was such a peaceful and romantic walk. Dogs are allowed on lead.

Katoomba Falls Reserve Night Lit Walk - One of the many stunning views

I sat at the Katoomba Cascades for a while and at another vantage point, taking in the sounds of the birds, insects, waterfalls and watching the stars. It was such a gorgeous and peaceful experience that I will highly recommend to anyone. To be able to admire waterfalls and the bush at night is truly special. And to be able to experience with your fur child, spirit animal, angel – whatever you want to call your dog, just added to the experience.

If you are looking for a day escape in nature outside of Sydney, these two spots in the Blue Mountains are full of great energy and will not disappoint.