Mabel Falls Reserve
📍 Woodford, NSW 2778
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Mabel Falls Reserve is a bushland nature reserve near Woodford, NSW 2778, in the Blue Mountains. Its standout feature is a waterfall you can walk behind into a large, cool, green overhang, where the falls spill into a sandy-bottomed pool. Visitors reach it via the Mabel Falls Walking Track, part of the Transit of Venus walk.
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About Mabel Falls Reserve
Walking Track at Mabel Falls Reserve
Mabel Falls Reserve has a walking track that forms part of the Transit of Venus walk, a roughly 3.5km circuit. Mabel Falls is the last of three falls on that walk, so visitors reach it after the other two waterfalls. The track is accessible, though sections can be steep and uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended. The area has native flora and fauna, so walkers pass through native bushland for the full approach. Mabel Falls Reserve can also be reached on foot from the end of Mount View Avenue in Woodford, where visitors follow a fire trail and then the signs to Mabel Falls.
The Falls and Pool at Mabel Falls Reserve
The waterfall at Mabel Falls Reserve spills into a large pool with a sandy bottom. Visitors can walk behind the falls at Mabel Falls Reserve into a large, cool, green overhang, which makes it more than a viewing spot. Remnants of a dam wall are on site at Mabel Falls Reserve, and the wall was built to create a larger bathing pool. The falls flow year-round, but they are most impressive after rainfall. Mabel Falls itself is named after Angelina Mabel Fairfax, linking the reserve to its historical namesake.
Getting to Mabel Falls Reserve and Parking
Mabel Falls Reserve has a small parking area at the trailhead, and parking there is free. The trailhead lot fills quickly on weekends, so visitors should arrive early. Limited on-street parking is available on the highway verge and in Glen Street, with a 30-minute time limit. By car, drive east on the Great Western Highway (A32) from Katoomba for about 14 km to Woodford, turn left onto Woodford Avenue, and continue about 1 km. By train, take a train from Sydney to Woodford Station, a trip of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, then walk north on Woodford Avenue for about 1 km, a 28-minute walk. Opal cards and contactless payment are accepted, with fares of $2.24 to $3.20.
Activities at Mabel Falls Reserve
Facilities at Mabel Falls Reserve
Visitor tips for Mabel Falls Reserve
- ✓Arrive early on weekends, because the small trailhead parking area fills quickly.
- ✓Visit in the early morning to avoid crowds.
- ✓Wear sturdy shoes, since sections of the track can be steep and uneven.
- ✓Check the weather forecast before heading out.
- ✓Plan a visit after rainfall to see the waterfall at its most impressive.
- ✓Consider the Mount View Avenue approach, which follows a fire trail to the track.
Getting to Mabel Falls Reserve
Mabel Falls Walking Track, Woodford NSW 2778. By car, drive east on the Great Western Highway (A32) from Katoomba for about 14 km, turn left onto Woodford Avenue, and continue about 1 km. Parking: a small free trailhead lot that fills quickly on weekends, plus limited on-street parking on the highway verge and in Glen Street (30-minute limit). By train, travel from Sydney to Woodford Station (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours), then walk about 1 km north on Woodford Avenue (28 minutes).
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Woodford
- 📍Woodford Station
- 📍Woodford Avenue
- 📍Glen Street
- 📍Hazelbrook
- 📍Woodford village
- 📍Waterhouse Park
- 📍Edith Falls
- 📍Mount View Avenue
- 📍Great Western Highway
Frequently asked questions about Mabel Falls Reserve
Where do I park when visiting Mabel Falls Reserve, and is parking free?
Mabel Falls Reserve has a small parking area at the trailhead, and parking is free. The lot fills quickly on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Limited on-street parking is available on the highway verge and in Glen Street, with a 30-minute time limit.
What walking paths are there at Mabel Falls Reserve, and how long are they?
Mabel Falls Reserve sits on the Transit of Venus walking track, a roughly 3.5km circuit. Mabel Falls is the last of three falls on that walk. The track is accessible but can be steep and uneven in places.
Is Mabel Falls Reserve wheelchair accessible or good for prams?
The walking track at Mabel Falls Reserve is accessible, though sections can be steep and uneven. Sturdy shoes are recommended for anyone walking the track. The trailhead parking area is small and fills quickly on weekends.
What's the best time of year to visit Mabel Falls Reserve?
The waterfall at Mabel Falls Reserve flows year-round. It is most impressive after rainfall, so visiting shortly after a wet spell gives the best views.
What's the best time of day to go to Mabel Falls Reserve to avoid crowds?
Visiting early in the morning helps avoid crowds at Mabel Falls Reserve. The trailhead parking area fills quickly on weekends, so arriving early is also advisable.
Are the falls at Mabel Falls Reserve safe to swim in or get close to?
Visitors can walk behind the falls at Mabel Falls Reserve into a large, cool, green overhang. The falls spill into a large, sandy-bottomed pool at the base of the waterfall.