How many waterfalls do you know about in Australia? On the world stage we've got to contend with such famous falls as Niagara in North America, Iguazu in South America, Victoria in Africa, and Angel in Venezuela.
However, apart from the gargantuan Angel Falls, Australia's five tallest waterfalls resoundingly beat the other three for height. So if you're looking for some falls to crane your neck and make you feel insignificant, there's no need to leave Down Under.
1. Wallaman Falls (268m)
Where to find it: Girringun National Park, Qld
Wallaman Falls (Image: Getty)
Located about 50 kilometres from Ingham, Australia's tallest waterfall features a series of small cascades before a 268-metre horsetail drop into a 20-metre-deep pool.
Wallaman is a huge focal point of the Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland region, receiving an average 100,000 visitors annually.
These visitors typically camp at Girringun National Park where you can find caravan sites, picnic tables, camp fires, showers and more facilities, along with walking trails through ancient rainforest.
2. Wollomombi Falls (260m)
Where to find it: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, NSW
Wollomombi Falls (Image: Getty)
Never one to let its rival Queensland take all the glory, New South Wales has its own behemoth in Wollomombi Falls.
Like Wallaman, Wollomombi also includes a number of cascades before its 260-metre horsetail drop. However, the upper cascades are much taller, giving the fall a total, but unofficial height of about 424 metres.
Visitors can choose to park at the Wollomombi Gorge and Falls Picnic Area or stay overnight at the nearby Wollomombi Campground. From the picnic area it's a grade-two, four-kilometre walk to Wollomombi and the smaller Chandler Falls.
3. Dandongadale Falls (255m)
Where to find it: Alpine National Park, Vic
Dandongadale Falls is often forgotten as Australia's third tallest waterfall, but with a 255-metre drop from Cobbler Plateau it's no slouch.
It's one of the many sights and experiences at Alpine National Park, a year-round adventure destination with fishing and hiking during summer, and skiing and snowboarding at winter.
Anyone visiting Dandongadale should aim for spring or summer, or right after heavy rainfall. The national park is very accommodating with camping facilities, and there are walking and four-wheel drive tracks to the falls.
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4. Ellenborough Falls (160-200m)
Where to find it: Elands, NSW
One of New South Wales' smaller towns is practically dwarfed by its premier attraction, Ellenborough Falls, which plummets between 160 and 200 metres from the Bulga Plateau. The waterfall varies greatly depending on rainfall, becoming a thunderous torrent of water after heavy rain.
Unless you're staying in Elands, Ellenborough isn't considered an overnight attraction. However, it caters well towards day visitors with a timbered walkway to its base, a barbeque area and kiosk. There's also a 10-minute walk to The Knoll lookout area.
5. Jim Jim Falls (140-200m)
Where to find it: Kakadu National Park, NT
Jim Jim Falls is situated in one of Australia's most alluring natural regions. The Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is home to an array of native wildlife, river rapids and scenic experiences, but for many it's Jim Jim Falls that leaves a lasting impression.
Jim Jim is best viewed during wet season when at its most powerful and impressive (it sometimes dries up altogether during dry season). Visit during this time to witness the almost 200-metre drop over the Arnham Land escarpment.
Plane and helicopter tours provide the best angle and accessibility, with many roads flooded during wet season.
kakadu national park new south wales northern territory queensland victoria
