Best waterfall destinations in Oceania
Best waterfall destinations in Oceania
Massive multi-tiered mountain drops and deep gorge water plunges in Oceania
New Zealand's South Island holds an unusually high concentration of waterfalls fed by glacial melt and heavy rainfall, including some of the tallest in the world. Australia's tropical north adds a warmer, rainforest-fed alternative further west.
The destinations on this list range from glacier-fed falls in dramatic alpine settings, often requiring a multi-day hike to reach, to shorter rainforest walks ending at swimmable plunge pools. Both vary considerably depending on recent rainfall.
Checking recent rainfall before a visit matters considerably here, since several of the region's most dramatic falls can shrink noticeably during dry spells. Local trekking companies can advise on current trail conditions. Wearing sturdy, waterproof footwear also matters considerably on the wetter trail sections. Most trails require sturdy, waterproof footwear.
Lists by region
Region in Australia
Victoria
Diverse Landscapes and Cultural Richness
Erskine Falls drops about 116 feet near Lorne and the Great Ocean Road. Steavenson Falls near Marysville has five cascades with a total descent of 400 feet. A turbine powered by its own water floodlights them at night. Hopetoun Falls in the Otway Ranges is reached by a maintained staircase to a viewing platform.
National Park in New Zealand
Fiordland National Park
New Zealand’s Wildest Water World
Covering 4,868 square miles, this is the largest of New Zealand's 13 national parks. Milford Sound is its most visited fiord. Doubtful Sound day tours cross Lake Manapouri by boat and then reach the fiord by bus over Wilmot Pass. UNESCO recognised the park in 1986 and folded it into Te Wahipounamu in 1990.
National Park in Australia
Kakadu National Park
Ancient Rock Art and Wild Wetlands
Jim Jim Falls drops 459 to 656 feet into a plunge pool on the Arnhem Land escarpment. It lies about 17 miles south of Jabiru. A dry season gravel road leads there. The last 7 miles need four wheel drive. The falls often stop flowing then. Wet season views are best from the air.
Fjord in New Zealand
Milford Sound
Breathtaking fiord of towering peaks
Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls are the two permanent waterfalls here. Temporary falls appear after heavy rain. The fiord is described as the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand, with about 252 inches of rain a year. Mitre Peak rises 5,550 feet above it. Boat tours last one to two hours.
Waterfall in New Zealand
Sutherland Falls
Majestic cascade plunges through lush rainforest
Fed by Lake Quill, the falls drop about 1,900 feet in three cascades. They are among New Zealand's tallest waterfalls. Donald Sutherland first recorded them for Europeans in 1880. He claimed they topped 3,280 feet, which later surveys showed was greatly exaggerated. The base is a 90 minute return walk on the Milford Track.
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