Walks & Waterfalls
Belmore Falls
Just a short scenic drive from Little Forest lies one of New South Wales' most breathtaking natural wonders — Belmore Falls. Nestled in the Morton National Park, this dramatic three-tiered waterfall plunges from the Illawarra escarpment into the lush depths of Kangaroo Valley, creating a spectacular display of nature’s power. With a drop ranging between 77 and 130 metres, it's no wonder Belmore Falls is considered one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Southern Highlands.
The adventure begins at Hindmarsh Lookout, a short walk from the carpark and a perfect vantage point for panoramic views over the valley. As you follow the well-marked trail along the escarpment, you’ll encounter multiple lookouts, each offering its own stunning perspective of the falls and surrounding landscape. The scale of the scene is truly awe-inspiring, and the trail makes it easy to soak it all in.
Beyond the views, the walk itself is a joy — especially in spring, when sandstone flora like banksia, wattle, honey flower and tea-tree burst into bloom, adding colour and fragrance to the journey. It’s an ideal outing for nature lovers, photographers and anyone craving a tranquil escape in the wild.
Cave Waterfall
Looking for an easy, family-friendly adventure close to Little Forest? Just a 13-minute drive away near the town of Hill Top lies the enchanting Cave Creek Walking Track — a short bushwalk that leads you into a cool, shaded gully and ends at a unique natural wonder: a small waterfall flowing through a cave.
The trail begins at a well-marked carpark on Wilson Drive and is perfect for all ages. Winding through lush bushland, the path takes you past native flora and local wildlife — if you’re lucky, you might even hear the incredible calls of a lyrebird echoing through the undergrowth. After about 900 metres, the track splits: take the stairs down to the cave entrance, or continue on to the cave’s exit and the picturesque waterfall beyond.
With picnic tables, barbecues, and bathroom facilities available at the trailhead, Cave Creek makes for a wonderful half-day outing from Little Forest — perfect for a relaxed walk, a bit of adventure, and a memorable taste of the Southern Highlands’ natural beauty.
Fitzroy Falls
Just half an hour’s drive from Little Forest, Fitzroy Falls is one of Australia’s most spectacular waterfalls. Dropping an impressive 81 metres into the untouched wilderness of Morton National Park, this dramatic cascade is a must-see for anyone visiting the Southern Highlands. From the escarpment lookouts, you can take in sweeping views of the gorge and surrounding rainforest, while the sound of the rushing water echoes through the valley below.
Begin your visit at the award-winning Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, where you can enjoy a coffee at the café, browse the souvenir shop, and learn more about the area’s unique wildlife. For a deeper cultural connection, join an Aboriginal Cultural Walk and gain fascinating insights into the region’s Indigenous heritage. From here, a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads to the main lookout, offering breathtaking views of the waterfall in all its glory.
If you have time, explore the park’s walking tracks. The East Rim and Wildflower tracks are particularly stunning in spring, when the landscape bursts into colour with native blooms. For even more spectacular vistas, the West Rim track reveals dramatic gorges and hidden waterfalls, while nearby Mannings Lookout offers a peaceful spot for a picnic with panoramic views across Kangaroo Valley.
For those seeking a challenge, the Fitzroy Falls to Kangaroo Valley cycling route is a thrilling 30km ride through some of Australia’s most beautiful countryside. Along the way, you might spot wallabies, kangaroos, and an abundance of birdlife, making it a truly unforgettable Southern Highlands experience.
Sixty Foot Falls
Just a 16-minute drive from Little Forest, Sixty Foot Falls offers a rewarding bushwalking adventure. Tucked away in the hills near Mittagong, this hidden gem features lush forest trails, cascading water, and natural swimming holes perfect for a mid-walk cool-down.
There are two walking tracks that lead to the falls. The easier option is a 3km return walk starting from the Mittagong pools carpark, following a clear fire trail alongside a river. This one-hour round trip is a relaxing stroll through rich bushland, with the sound of water guiding you all the way to the top of the falls.
For those after a bit more adventure, a more challenging 4km route begins from Mount Alexandra Lookout Road. Along this track, you’ll pass through the historic “Coke Tunnel” — a stone tunnel once used in local mining — and be treated to scenic views from Katoomba Lookout, just 500 metres from the carpark. This version of the walk takes about two hours.
Both tracks bring you to the top of Sixty Foot Falls, where the views are stunning. If you’re feeling sure-footed, you can carefully make your way down to the base of the falls. Once there, you’ll find a tranquil pool perfect for wading, as well as a second waterfall and rock pool just 50 metres downstream. It’s the kind of peaceful, off-the-beaten-track experience that makes a stay at Little Forest so memorable.
Nellies Glen
Located just 44 minutes from Little Forest, Nellies Glen in Budderoo National Park makes for an idyllic day trip destination. This tranquil picnic area, tucked away near Kangaroo Valley, is surrounded by lush eucalyptus forest and set beside a gentle waterfall — the perfect backdrop for a relaxed afternoon.
Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy here. Keep an eye out for native orchids, colourful fungi, and the cleverly decorated nests of satin bowerbirds, often marked by collections of blue trinkets. It’s a magical spot for birdwatching or simply sitting quietly and taking in the sights and sounds of the bush. With picnic tables under the trees, it’s easy to settle in and soak up the serenity.
After your picnic, take a short walk to one of the nearby lookouts. The Missingham Lookout, Warris Chair, and Carrington Falls tracks all offer stunning views of escarpments and gorges, while the Nellies Glen Lookout walk offers a brief but rewarding stroll through heritage-rich bushland. Whether you're dipping your toes in a natural pool or wandering through native forest, Nellies Glen is a refreshing escape into nature’s beauty.
Manning Valley
Just a short detour from Fitzroy Falls, the Manning Valley Lookout is a lesser-known gem offering serene views and a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track atmosphere. The turnoff is located 2.8km from Fitzroy Falls, followed by a 1.9km drive down an unsealed road. While there’s no formal carpark, a short 150-metre walk brings you to the lookout point — a tranquil spot where nature truly takes centre stage.
With picnic tables surrounded by bottlebrush and purple trigger plants, this is the perfect place to enjoy a packed lunch while soaking in panoramic views of the valley below. The area feels wonderfully secluded, with native birdsong filling the air and minimal crowds making it ideal for those seeking a quiet moment to reconnect with nature.
For those feeling a little more adventurous, there’s a hidden trail leading from the lookout to Manning Valley Falls. Though unmarked, the path begins just left of a sign warning about cliff edges — look for a worn footpath and stone steps. This easy 1.6km return walk takes around 45 minutes and leads to the base of a beautiful, secluded waterfall. It’s a little-known treasure of the Southern Highlands and well worth the effort if you’re up for a gentle adventure.
Jellore Lookout
Only an 18-minute drive from Little Forest, Jellore Lookout offers one of the most breathtaking vantage points in the Southern Highlands. Situated within the Mount Gibraltar Reserve near Bowral, it’s widely regarded as the finest view on the mountain.
From the lookout, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the Mittagong-Bowral Road and Main Southern Railway, with the dramatic peaks of the Blue Mountains and Kanangra wilderness areas visible in the distance. To the northwest, rolling farmland gives way to the rugged bushland of Mount Alexandra Reserve, while Mount Jellore itself rises strikingly from the plateau in the middle ground — a spectacular feature that gives the lookout its name.
Maps and additional information about the area are available from the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre, making it easy to pair Jellore Lookout with a visit to nearby reserves or walking trails. Whether you're stopping for a photo, a moment of quiet reflection, or simply to take in the expansive views, this short trip from Little Forest offers a stunning reward.
Cherry Tree Walk
Just 17 minutes from Little Forest, the Cherry Tree Walk in Bowral is a beautiful and meaningful way to spend a quiet afternoon. This five-kilometre memorial walkway meanders through a series of parks — Rivulet Park, Foley Park, Venables Park, and Shepherd Park — beginning at the Bowral Swimming Centre. Whether you’re out for a leisurely stroll or planning a peaceful picnic, the path offers both beauty and reflection.
Planted in 2000 to honour local veterans and bring comfort to their families, each Tai-Haki Japanese cherry blossom tree along the walk represents a community member who served their country. In spring, the blossoms transform the path into a tunnel of delicate pink, offering a stunning display of nature and remembrance.
To preserve this special place for future generations, careful conservation work has been undertaken to protect the trees from root rot and other challenges. Today, the Cherry Tree Walk continues to flourish as one of Bowral’s most touching and tranquil spots — a gentle reminder of resilience, legacy, and the beauty that can grow from remembrance.
Box Vale Walking Track
For a walk that combines fascinating local history with natural beauty, the Box Vale Walking Track is a must. Just a short drive from Little Forest, this 4.4km return trail follows the old path of a 19th-century railway line used to access the Box Vale Mine. Along the way, you’ll pass through rock cuttings, follow elevated embankments, and even walk through an 84-metre-long tunnel carved into solid sandstone.
Despite the steep and rocky surroundings, the main track is graded as easy and takes around three hours to complete at a relaxed pace. For those looking to extend their adventure, a 1.8km spur trail branches off through peaceful bushland, leading to the scenic 40 Foot Falls. A steeper, more challenging trail also offers access to a lookout below the falls for a different perspective and a great photo opportunity.
At the trailhead, you’ll find picnic tables and barbecues, making it a great spot to enjoy lunch before or after your walk. Maps and local advice are available from the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre to help you make the most of your visit.