Bonnie Doon Reserve
Bonnie Doon Reserve is a nature reserve on Cliff Walk in Katoomba, best known for the Bonnie Doon Falls waterfall. The reserve also has a large detached pinnacle, North Lookout on the official track, and bushwalking links through open forest toward Nellies Glen in the Blue Mountains.
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About Bonnie Doon Reserve
Waterfalls and North Lookout at Bonnie Doon Reserve
Bonnie Doon Reserve has a series of waterfalls along its creek, and Bonnie Doon Falls is the lower fall in that series. Ethel Falls and Brides Veil Fall are named falls in the same rugged gorge country. A large detached pinnacle stands apart from the main cliffline. North Lookout sits on the official track and gives views over the major cliffline. Together, the falls and the lookout make Bonnie Doon Reserve a good day walk from Katoomba.
Bushwalking Tracks at Bonnie Doon Reserve
Bonnie Doon Reserve connects to a bushwalking route that starts near Bonnie Doon Falls and runs through fern-filled terrain toward Nellies Glen. The Six Foot Track through Nellies Glen links to old private tracks that the reserve's original owner, John Britty North, built in the late 19th century. Those old tracks are unofficial and not a marked route, running past waterfalls, along narrow ledges and up through a gorge to the top of the major cliffline. A moderate walk from Bonnie Doon to Katoomba via Devil's Hole takes about 4 to 4.5 hours.
Facilities at Bonnie Doon Reserve
Visitor tips for Bonnie Doon Reserve
- ✓Avoid the creek crossing on the old tracks during or after rain, when it becomes dangerous.
- ✓Take extra care at the slippery ledge crossing on the old tracks, which is poised above a precipice.
- ✓Watch for the iron spike part way up the Brides Veil Fall route.
Getting to Bonnie Doon Reserve
Cliff Walk, Katoomba NSW 2780. A carpark serves the reserve, and walks from the reserve return to it. A bus stop on the Great Western Highway is about 700 metres northeast of the reserve.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Katoomba
- 📍Nellies Glen
- 📍Six Foot Track
- 📍Devil's Hole
Frequently asked questions about Bonnie Doon Reserve
Where do I park for Bonnie Doon Reserve?
Use the reserve's own carpark, where the walks start and finish.
Is Bonnie Doon Reserve safe for walking?
Parts of the unofficial old tracks are dangerous, with narrow ledges and a creek crossing that turns risky in rain.
How long is the walk from Bonnie Doon Reserve to Katoomba?
Plan on about 4 to 4.5 hours for this moderate route through Devil's Hole.
What can I see at Bonnie Doon Reserve?
Highlights are Bonnie Doon Falls, Ethel Falls, Brides Veil Fall, a large detached pinnacle and North Lookout.