Mount Bass - Winifred Falls Hike (6.7km)

Mt Bass to Winifred Falls is a captivating 6.7 km hike located in the heart of the Royal National Park, New South Wales. Rated as a grade 4 trail, it generally takes around three hours to complete, offering a blend of scenic beauty and rewarding physical effort. This hike is an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a moderately challenging walk.

The journey begins along the Mount Bass Fire Trail, which gradually transitions into a bush track as you make your way towards Winifred Falls. As you approach the waterfall, you’ll be treated to the sight of South West Arm Creek cascading over a large rockshelf, creating a striking waterfall. The pool at the base of the falls is a perfect spot to cool off and dip your toes in, making it an ideal break in your adventure.

Expect to get your feet wet as you cross the upper section of Winifred Falls, a necessary part of the hike that adds to its charm. For those wanting to extend their hike, a brilliant side trip leads you down to the South West Arm pools. These tranquil pools provide a great opportunity for a refreshing swim or simply a quiet place to rest and enjoy a snack before continuing on your way.

The track continues from the falls, following a ridge that offers sweeping views in the distance, with Sydney's CBD visible far to the right. The trail veers right twice as it moves away from the valley, eventually descending into an area of tall vegetation. As you proceed, the path becomes rockier, leading you to the end of the management trail.

At this point, veer right and look for a pink ribbon marker that indicates a branch of the track. The path continues through the trees, staying relatively straight for about 100 metres, before you reach a signpost marking an intersection. Here, you’ll turn left, heading in a south-western direction towards Winifred Falls. The track descends to a creek, then climbs over a spur to reach a second creek. From here, the path takes a steep descent, bringing you closer to the falls.

When you near the waterfall, the track leads left onto a rockshelf that guides you to the creek and waterfall. After soaking in the views, continue straight across the shallows of the creek, heading downstream for about 10 metres. The track then leads to a clearing, where you’ll encounter the next intersection, completing this rewarding and scenic hike.

For those seeking to extend their adventure, an optional side trip begins at the intersection where the main trail diverges. From here, the track heads north, following the creek downstream. The path quickly descends into a steep, rocky section, leading you to a pool just below Winifred Falls within about 15 metres. This tranquil spot is perfect for a quick rest before continuing along the creek.

The track then continues, following the creek line or running slightly above it for approximately 300 metres. Along the way, you’ll come across a large pool, marked by three significant boulders on the left side. This area is a peaceful retreat, ideal for a longer break or just enjoying the serene surroundings.

Once you’ve explored the area, simply retrace your steps back to the main trail, where you can turn right to continue with the rest of the hike.