Crystal Shower Falls – Your Complete Guide to One of Waterfall Way’s Best Walks

Where is Crystal Shower Falls?

Crystal Shower Falls is a beautiful waterfall walk located in Dorrigo National Park. It is one of many waterfalls along Waterfall Way in the stunning New England Region of NSW.

Crystal Shower Falls is located just 6.25 hours north of Sydney and is a fantastic place for an escape to the country.

Directions / Where to Park?

Directions: For directions to Crystal Shower Falls, please click the link to Google Maps.

Parking: When beginning the walk from the Glade Picnic Area, there is a car park at the end of Lyrebird Lane, but it can be quite busy in peak periods. For this reason, we suggest getting there early if you can.

What To Expect from Crystal Shower Falls?

Before you begin the walk, we recommend a visit to Dorrigo Rainforest Centre where you can retrieve a map and information about this amazing area. Or, if you want to skip this, you can grab a map here and start the trail from the car park near the Glade Picnic Area.

We started from the car park and headed down to the lovely, grassy picnic area complete with picnic tables and toilets.

From here, the Wonga Walk continues to the right of the picnic area heading into the trees. And from the moment you enter the dense canopy, you can’t help but feel that you have wandered back in time.

Fragments of the ancient Gondwana rainforest surround the trail, with towering trees and thick green ground cover lining the path. As you delve deeper in, the air cools, completely protecting you from the elements outside the canopy.

The path is easy… paved and comfortable to walk on with a relatively easy downhill gradient.

The only challenge you may come across is where the pavement has been lifted up by tree roots. But they present no obstacle, just a cause for attention to where you are walking.

But for the most part, this relaxing trail is the perfect place to unwind and take in the stunning scenery.

And if you love wildlife, the Wonga Walk has plenty of wildlife to see and hear. The dense canopy is the perfect home for birds, possums, frogs and reptiles, so if you are quiet, you may just be able to spot one.

Now, just a heads up if you are visiting in warmer months, snakes do frequent this area, so be on the lookout, but don’t be alarmed. They are more scared of you and will mosey on doing their own thing if you leave them alone.

After about half an hour of walking through the stunning rainforest, you’ll come out to one of our favourite attributes along the Wonga Walk… A suspension bridge that hangs high above the glen…

Giving you perfect, unhindered views of Crystal Shower Falls.

But if the view from here isn’t close enough for you, that’s OK, we have you covered.

Off to the right of the bridge, there is a set of stairs leading down to a path that takes you to the cavern behind the waterfall. (We will come back to that in a minute).

From the stairs, you can also scramble down to the waterfall base for incredible photo opportunities of Crystal Shower Falls.

We checked out the base first and quickly realised it wasn’t just a great place for photos. It’s also an excellent vantage point for looking back into the valley with the swinging bridge floating directly overhead.

This was a beautiful place to sit and relax on the boulders, just absorbing the stunning views. It was a lot quieter here as we sat watching the crowds line up for their turn walking behind the waterfall.

But eventually, we wanted our turn too!

This was an exciting moment for us as it was the first time we had the opportunity to walk behind a waterfall.

So, to get there, scramble back up the rocks to the path at the base of the stairs. Follow the boardwalk around to the right for roughly 30 metres… and WOW! Talk about leaving the best for last!

What an amazing scene! If you are fortunate enough to have this space to yourself, there is a sitting area where you can stop and have a picnic or just enjoy the sound of the water breaking gently against the rocks.

But truly, it doesn’t matter where you perch yourself at Crystal Shower Falls, whether on the bridge, at the base, or behind the falls, every vantage point is stunning.

The only downside… trying to take photos at this lovely place with crowds, especially in warmer months when it’s busier. But if you are patient, there is usually a break in the traffic for you to take your pics.

Once you have scoped out all there is to see at this lovely spot and you are ready to leave, simply return the way you came. Or, if you would like to explore further, the Wonga Walk doesn’t actually end here.

To continue the walk, instead of crossing the bridge leading you back the way you came, follow the path around past the bridge.

The trail will eventually lead you to Tristania Falls (another lovely, but not as impressive waterfall), before taking you back to the Rainforest Centre.

This addition to the walk is an extra 4.8km and will take roughly 1.5 hours to complete.

Just keep in mind that if you began the walk from the car park near the Glades Picnic Area, you will need to add an extra 1.2km to return to the car from the Rainforest Centre.

Key Information for Crystal Shower Falls

Is There Wheelchair Access on this walk?

Yes, there is wheelchair access along the Wonga Walk, but remember it is a sloped track.

However, there is no accessibility to the base of the falls or to the walk behind them.

Are There Amenities at Crystal Shower Falls?

Yes, there are amenities at the Glades Picnic Area and the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre.

Is Crystal Shower Falls Pet Friendly?

No, according to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services, pets are not permitted in the Dorrigo National Park.

Is There Phone Service?

There is limited phone service along the Wonga Walk.

Is Smoking Allowed?

Smoking is not permitted at Crystal Shower Falls as per NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services.

How Long is the Wonga Walk at Crystal Shower Falls?

The full Wonga Walk Circuit is 6km from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre return and takes between 2.5-3 hours.

However, the section of the trail that begins at the Glade Picnic Area return, is 3 kilometres and will take roughly 1 hour to complete, not including stopping time.

What is the Signage and Trail Quality Like?

The Wonga Walk at Crystal Shower Falls has clear signage all along the track.

And the path consists mostly of sealed pavement which is very easy to navigate.

What is the Track Difficulty?

The trail is an easy-grade path with a mild gradient which means it’s suitable for most fitness levels.

Is This Track Child Friendly?

Definitely! This is an easy walk that most children would enjoy. Although it is longer if you complete the Wonga Walk circuit, it’s a lovely, cruisy walk.

What Should I Wear?

In our opinion, closed-in shoes are very important on any Australian track, which is why we recommend hiking boots.

They offer extra protection against poisonous animals and plants, ensure strong ankle support, and are generally waterproof which is great for muddy areas.

If you are in the market for a pair of hiking boots, I personally recommend Kathmandu – Tiber ngx Women’s hiking boots which are durable, lite, waterproof and have amazing grip on slippery surfaces. (Purchase on Amazon).

But if you don’t have hiking boots, sneakers are fine as long as they have good grip.

If you would like a full list of what to wear hiking in Australia, we have created a full list for you.

Water, sunscreen, hat, snacks and insect repellent for ticks and leeches are essential.

If you would like more information on what to take please click here.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

Crystal Shower Falls is lovely all year round. But in warmer months the canopy creates a cooler walking environment which is absolutely lovely.

That said, you can’t beat the sounds of Spring when wildlife come out of their hidey holes from winter.

The only downside to heading out in warmer months, as previously mentioned, is the crowds. But if you can stay away from school holiday visits, it should be less busy.

Can You Swim at Crystal Shower Falls Falls?

Unfortunately no. The base of Crystal Shower Falls is nothing more than a shallow pond and not fit for swimming.

But the good news is, there is a perfectly good wild swimming spot only 10 minutes down the road at Dangar Falls.

Is Crystal Shower Falls Open Now?

Yes! The Wonga Walk to Crystal Shower Falls is open.

But for up-to-date information please check out NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for alerts and closures before setting out to avoid disappointment.

Is Crystal Shower Falls Worth the Trip?

Absolutely yes! This stunning walk is fantastic for families, offering loads of charm to melt even the hardest indoors lover.

And with the Glade Picnic Area and the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre cafe and gift shop, there are plenty of opportunities to hang around and soak up all this place has to offer.