Trail Fast Facts
Cascades walk is a 2km, grade 3 hike in Macquarie Pass National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
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.
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.
Tips
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.
Map and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Trailhead
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Getting there
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
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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 things to do in Macquarie Pass National Park? Try these hikes or bushwalks.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.