The easy and rewarding Cascades walk will take you through rainforest and tall eucalypt forest along a creek to the beautiful cascades. This rainforest haven is home to lyrebirds, platypus and goannas, as well as large native figs, lilly pillys and lianas. Wander through the fern understorey. With lizards skittering about and birds darting through the shafts of sunlight, this is a delightful experience all year-round, but is a special treat in summer when the rainforest canopy provides shade and protection.
Children will love the variety of this walk. Why not bring a book of local birds or plants so that they can identify what they're seeing? Bring binoculars for birdwatching, and they can take a good look into the canopy for surprises. Then, finish up with a relaxing lunch at Cascades picnic area after you've all had enough walking for the day.
Protect against leeches and ticks with insect repellent
Please leave wildflowers and other plants as they are
Tall forest is best avoided when there are strong winds
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
It looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one to share, please email it to me! I’ll verify it against official maps before adding it to help other hikers have a safer, easier experience. Thanks for contributing to a better hiking resource.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Albion Park, Dapto, Wollongong, Oak Flats, Berkelouw
How to get to Macquarie Pass National Park
The trackhead is at the northern edge of Cascades picnic area. From Sydney and Wollongong:Take the Princes Highway and Southern Freeway to the Illawarra Highway turnoff at Haywards BayTravel about 14km along the Illawarra Highway, which veers right in Albion Park, to Macquarie Pass National Park and the Cascades picnic area.From Robertson:Take the Illawarra Highway east to reach Macquarie Pass National Park and the Cascades picnic areaFrom Nowra:Head north along the Princes Highway and turn west into Tongarra Road at Albion Park RailTravel about 15km along Tongarra Road , which becomes the Illawarra Highway, to Macquarie Pass National Park and the Cascades picnic area. Parking Parking is available at Cascades picnic area, including limited bus parking. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Photo gallery
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About the region
Macquarie Pass National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions
Macquarie Pass National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Macquarie Pass National Park or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.
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Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.