New and improved Somersby Falls Visitor Precinct opens

Located in the beautiful rainforest setting of Brisbane Water National Park on the NSW Central Coast, alongside waterfalls and viewing platforms, the new and improved Somersby Falls Visitor Precinct has officially opened thanks to a $4.4 million commitment by the NSW Government over 5 years.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP says that she was thrilled to represent NSW Minister for the Environment, the Hon Penny Sharpe MLC at the ribbon cutting last week, just in time for the school holidays.

“Somersby Falls is an absolute gem of the Central Coast, with cascading falls and stunning walking trails, it is the perfect place to visit with family and friends for a picnic or walk, getting back into nature.

“Our national parks are places to be in nature, to swim, to seek adventure, to understand Aboriginal heritage and to appreciate the beauty of our natural environment and the beauty of this location is definitely well recognised, with over 110,000 visitors to Somersby Falls recorded in 2021 drawing in visitors from our local community and from across NSW.

“I know that many across our community have memories from across their lives visiting this picturesque location. I am proud that our Government is ensuring that our national parks’ conservation values remain protected and cared for into the future for generations to come.

“Alongside improved visitor amenities and safety upgrades, I am so glad to see that this upgrade has focused on improving accessibility at the falls, ensuring that everyone across our community can enjoy the beauty that our national parks have to offer. With an average of 50-60 million visits to our NSW national parks across the year, it is so important that accessibility upgrades are considered in any future works to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits and beauty of getting out in nature.

“A special thank you to the team at the National Parks and Wildlife Service for achieving this fantastic outcome, after many years of hard work since the design phase started in 2019. Thank you to the teams that worked so hard on this project, in particular Laurie Pasco, Tim Woods, Rachel Kempers and Steve Atkins.”

Features of the new and improved visitor precinct include a new small bus drop-off and pick-up location, a new carpark with increased capacity, and improved accessibility across the site, including dedicated accessible parking spaces, improved accessible visitor amenities and accessible access across the precinct, including the new accessible viewing platform at the falls.

💦 An accessible viewing platform with incredible views of the falls
💦 Brand-new amenity building with wheelchair-friendly features
💦 Improved picnic area, with new BBQs, shelter, tables and seating
💦 50 car spaces, plus dedicated disability parking spots and a small bus drop off area
💦 Accessible paths throughout the Precinct.

Somersby Falls is for everyone to enjoy, but this site can prove very popular, especially during summertime and school holidays!

Plan your trip ahead and ensure you have a backup plan in case you arrive at a busy time. We suggest visiting nearby Girrakool Picnic Area and Falls, which is just 5 minutes drive down the road in Somersby and has its own picnic area, diverse walking track, swing bridge, stepping stones, lookouts and waterfall.

More information on Girrakool Picnic Area and Piles Creek Loop