Love chasing waterfalls? We’re avid fans of visiting popular and hidden gem waterfalls around the world during our travels and we never know what type of adventure comes with getting to the falls.
Whether there are hiking trails with waterfalls or seeing them from observatory platforms, it’s amazing to see the huge cascades from any viewpoints.
For our second part (out of four) of our waterfall bucket list series, we reached out to travel influencers to share their top 17 remarkable waterfalls in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Read more on why these waterfalls are recommended and how to get to these waterfalls.
If you’re planning to travel to these locations, add any of these majestic waterfalls to your upcoming travel itinerary or travel bucket list. We’re sure that there are a few of these falls that you may have never heard of.
In this post, we’re checking out the best waterfalls to visit. Click on the hyperlinks to jump to the sections.
- Africa Waterfalls: Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe/Zambia
- Australia Waterfalls: New South Wales and Queensland
- New Zealand Waterfalls: North Island and South Island
Check out the other waterfalls around the world posts for Asia, Europe, and North America and South America.
*Disclosure: Let’s see waterfalls! Yes, we have affiliate links in this post. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us.
Map of the Waterfall Locations
Click on the image to see a larger map of the locations of the waterfalls in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Credit: Map data: Google
Best Waterfalls in Africa
1. Manchewe Falls, Malawi
By Wendy, The Nomadic Vegan
The Manchewe Falls are the highest waterfalls in Malawi plunging 125 meters (410 feet) through the rainforest. That makes them even taller than the famous Victoria Falls! Though of course, they’re much narrower.
I recommend staying at the nearby Mushroom Farm Eco-Lodge and asking them to arrange a local guide to walk with you to the falls. Prices are reasonable and your money helps to support and employ local young people.
Our guide, Kennedy, took us to several different vantage points from where we could view the falls at different angles.
When we were ready to cool off, he showed us some natural swimming pools carved out of the rock by the flowing river. We spent the rest of the morning relaxing in the water and enjoying our packed picnic lunch.
Getting to Manchewe Falls isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. The falls are perched on top of the Rift Valley Escarpment, way up in the northern highlands of Malawi and outside the historic colonial town of Livingstonia. The only way up (other than walking) is a very bumpy ride in the back of one of the pick-up trucks that serve as public transport.
Manchewe Falls in Malawi is one of the best waterfalls in Africa to visit. Photo credit: The Nomadic Vegan
2. Ouzoud Falls, Morocco
By Bilyana, Owl Over the World
If you’re visiting Marrakech, I highly recommend you taking a day trip to the glorious Ouzoud Falls. The Ouzoud Falls are pretty amazing at 110 meters (361 feet) high and the walk to get to the waterfall is pleasant too.
There are a few spots where you can swim along the way, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuits.
You’ll also get to meet some cute but sassy monkeys. Be aware – they might climb on your head which happened to me! You also must take a boat to go behind the waterfall. It’s a very cool experience where you’ll get all wet, but who cares, it’s fun.
A day trip to the Ouzoud Falls in Marrakech would cost you around 20-25 EUR ($23-$28 USD) and it’s worth it. Another option is to travel to the waterfall by yourself via motorbike.
Ouzoud Falls nearby Marrakech, Morocco. Photo credit: Owl Over The World
Read More: Take a Cooking Class in Morocco
3. Epupa Falls, Namibia
By Campbell and Alya, Stingy Nomads
Epupa Falls on the Kunene River in Northern Namibia was one of the biggest surprises of our honeymoon road trip. After weeks of driving through the desert and savanna areas, we all of a sudden found ourselves at the huge waterfall surrounded by massive baobab trees.
Epupa isn’t a single waterfall but a group of big and small falls spread over 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) along the river with the highest single drop waterfall at 37 meters (121 feet).
The best way to see the waterfall and to explore the nearby area is to stay in one of the campsites at the Kunene River. Some places are located so close to the waterfall that you can actually see the falls from your cabin or a bar.
Needless to say, you can hear them very well and you fall asleep and wake up every day to the sounds of the waterfall.
There is no admission fee to see the waterfall.
The easiest way of getting to Epupa Falls and around Namibia, in general, is renting a car. A 4×4 will be the best option as the road to the waterfall is gravel. It’s possible to join one of the bus tours from Windhoek and explore Northern Namibia with a guide and a driver as this is a more relaxing way you don’t need to do any planning or driving.
Epupa Falls in Namibia. Photo credit: Stingy Nomads
4. Materuni Waterfall, Tanzania
By Alejandro, Please Live Your Dream
Materuni Waterfall is located outside of Moshi, Tanzania and is stunning. Moshi is famous for being the city closest to the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Pass by coffee farms that you can visit. Learn and participate in the process of coffee production from roasting, grounding, and even drink coffee that you saw from coffee bean to your belly! When you arrive, the nature around the waterfall is beautiful and very green sprouting with flowers. Do not miss it!
Materuni is 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Moshi and 30 minutes by cheap public transport from the Moshi bus terminal. When you arrive to the village, there is a kiosk where you’ll pay a fee of around $10 USD to the community. You can hire a guide or you can use GPS to get there. Different paths lead to the waterfall that takes around half an hour to hike.
Materuni Waterfall in Moshi, Tanzania. Photo credit: Please Live Your Dream
5. Murchison Falls, Uganda
By Esther, The Adventurous Feet
Inside the largest and oldest National park in Uganda lies the glorious Murchison Falls. Traditionally known as Kabalega Falls, it’s situated on the River Nile and geographically located inside Murchison Falls National Park. The park covers a whopping 4,000 square kilometers (1,500 square miles) and provides more wildlife to see besides the waterfalls.
A visit to Murchison Falls will leave you praising Mother Nature as you enjoy seeing high-speed water from River Nile gushing through an 8 meters (26 feet) gorge creating a thunderous magical sound that can be heard from a kilometer (.6 miles) away.
Unlike some waterfalls in the world where one can swim or dive in, it’s impossible to do that in Murchison Falls. The speed and magnitude of the falls make it even deadly to go too up close.
Reaching Murchison Falls in another bumpy ride that will take approximately 5 hours from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Since it’s far from the main road, it’s better to hire a tour company to take you directly but if you want to DIY, you can take a public taxi to Masindi and from there, hire a private taxi to take you to the falls.
The entrance fee is 20,000 UGX for the locals, 40,000 UGX for East Africans, and $70 USD for foreigners.
Murchision Falls in Uganda. Photo credit: The Adventurous Feet
6. Victoria Falls, Between Zimbabwe and Zambia
By Lena, The Social Travel Experiment
One of the three biggest waterfalls in the world beside Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Niagara Falls between the U.S. and Canada is Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is the biggest waterfall on the African continent and lies between the countries Zambia and Zimbabwe. With an impressive height of 100+ meters (328 feet) and width of 1700+ meters (5,577 feet), it’s the largest waterfall in the world.
When I visited during the dry season, the amount of water rushing down the cliff every second was impressive. You can visit the Victoria Falls from both countries and each has their own highlights. If you have time, visit both sides.
On the Zimbabwe side, enjoy 75% of the waterfall from 16 different viewing points on 1+ kilometer (.60 miles) course. Bring an umbrella or cape because even in the dry season you’ll get wet from the spray in some parts and during the wet season it’s like taking a shower.
The entrance fee to the Victoria Falls National Park is a hefty $30 USD price tag for non-African foreigners but it’s worth it.
Victoria Falls in the Zimbabwe side. Photo credit: The Social Travel Experiment
There is one amazing reason to access the falls from Zambia (even though you can only 25% of the falls from there): the chance to bath right at the cliff of Victoria Falls in the so-called Devils Pool. The once in a lifetime experience is something I wouldn’t have passed up for anything in the world.
It cost me quite a lot at over $100 USD.
You have to swim right across the Zambezi river to get to a small island next to the cliff where a natural pool lets you swim without being dragged to your death. The view from up there is unforgettable.
Victoria Falls in the Zambia side. Photo credit: The Social Travel Experiment
How to Get There
On the Zimbabwe side, access Victoria Falls on foot from the town appropriately called Victoria Falls. It’s a touristic small town offering all kinds of activities such as zip lining, helicopter flights, rafting, and more, but only if you have enough money because these experiences are expensive.
The closest city on the Zambia side is Livingstone. To get to the falls, you’ll need a taxi because they’re located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) outside of the town.
Reserve a Victoria Falls sunrise photograph tour here!
Best Waterfalls in Australia
7. Killen Falls, New South Wales, Australia
By Katie, The Accidental Australian
If you’re visiting Australia’s famous Byron Bay, don’t miss an afternoon at Killen Falls. This gorgeous waterfall and swimming lagoon is free to visit and accessible. From the parking lot, it’s a quick 10 minutes walk down to the falls.
Killen Falls is amazing as you can actually walk behind the waterfall and a lot of fun for photography. You can even stand under the downpour which offers a natural shower. It’s also a great place to visit on a hot day as the water is calm and perfect for swimming.
Families and groups of friends often come here for picnics and day trips to experience part of Byron’s Bay lush hinterland region.
Killen Falls is best accessed by car, and as it’s in the town of Tintenbar. The arrival point is clearly signposted, and it’s an easy drive from Byron Bay.
Killen Falls in New South Wales is a fabulous waterfall in Australia to visit. Photo credit: The Accidental Australian
8. Minyon Falls, New South Wales, Australia
By Rhianne, Wanderfully Living
Minyon Falls is nestled in the heart of the stunning Nightcap National Park in the Byron Bay hinterland. It’s a hidden gem in an otherwise crowded tourist destination and a breath of fresh mountain air amidst Australia’s densely populated East Coast.
Its water plunges some 100+ feet (30+ meters) into a refreshing natural pool perfect for swimming in the sweltering Australian heat.
Take your BBQ and picnic gear and make a day of it at the top of the falls where you can enjoy an impressive view over thousands of eucalyptus trees. Or take on the steep walking track to the bottom of the falls to take it all in from the bottom.
Bring plenty of water as the 13 kilometers (8 miles) track takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
Minyon Falls is about a 40 minutes drive from the busy seaside town of Byron Bay on Australia’s East Coast. The drive is not for the faint-hearted as the road climbs up into the mountains with sharp twists and turns. Once parked there is an easy 5-minute stroll to reach the lookout.
Minyon Falls in New South Wales, Australia. Photo credit: Wanderfully Living
9. Wattamolla Falls, New South Wales, Australia
By Emma, Emma Jane Explores
Wattamolla is located in the world’s second-oldest national park, Australia’s Royal National Park, outside of Sydney. It’s a spectacular spot for spending a lazy summer day or doing a spot of winter whale watching.
The Wattamolla area is so much more than a waterfall, with the cascade of water falling into a swimming lagoon that joins up with the golden sands of Wattamolla Beach and then heads all the way out to the ocean.
This is a favorite spot with swimmers, families, and people wanting to escape the city for a day. Often, people will jump from the top of Wattamolla Falls into the lagoon and while it’s technically prohibited, it’s quite amazing to watch.
The name Wattamolla comes from an Indigenous word meaning “place near running water,” so this waterfall also recognizes the traditional custodians of Australia in its name.
To get to Wattamolla, there are a couple of options. The easiest is to drive, although in summer months the car parks fill up quickly. Entry into the Royal National Park by car costs $12 AUD ($8.60 USD).
If you’re feeling up for a decent walk, you can also catch the ferry from Cronulla across to Bundeena and then walk for a couple of hours to get to Wattamolla. For that option, then you’ll definitely have earned your swim at the end!
Wattamolla Falls in New South Wales, Australia. Photo credit: Emma Jane Explores
Read More: Layover in Sydney
10. Protesters Falls, New South Wales, Australia
By Eloise, My Favourite Escapes
Named after a logging protest in 1979, Protesters Falls is an underrated gem that I recommend to anyone traveling through New South Wales in Australia.
Although it’s only a short detour on the way to the most popular day trip destination from Byron Bay, Nimbin, Protesters Falls doesn’t attract many visitors as there are a few waterfalls in the Byron Bay region.
The walk through the rainforest along the cascading creek is beautiful. If you manage to get there around midday, the sun will hit the falls for even more stunning views.
The mist from the 25 meters (82 feet) plunge is the only refreshing opportunity you’ll get as it’s forbidden to swim in this creek, the home for an endangered species of frog.
It takes 1.5 hours to drive from Byron Bay to Terania Creek picnic area in the Nightcap National Park on the way to Nimbin. Then, it’s an easy 700 meters (.4 miles) walk to reach Protesters Falls.
Protesters Falls in Byron Bay, Australia. Photo credit: My Favourite Escapes
11. Millaa Millaa Falls, Queensland, Australia
By Gordon, Short Holidays and Getaways
Millaa Millaa Falls is a heritage-listed waterfall found on Theresa Creek Road, in far north Queensland, Australia in the Atherton Tablelands above Cairns. These are one of the most photographed and visited waterfalls in Australia.
It’s considered to be a plunge waterfall as it falls into a pool that is amazing to swim or relax in. Millaa Millaa has appeared in many movies and TV commercials because they’re so picturesque and epitomize the lush scenery and rainforests that we associate with far north Queensland.
The falls have an 18 meters (59 feet) drop into the pool below, which is very cold by the way, but refreshing as you view the falls sitting amidst the rainforest listening to the Australian birds surrounding the waterfall.
It’ll take you 90 minutes to get to Millaa Millaa Falls from Cairns, 50 minutes from Innisfail, or 36 minutes from the town of Atherton. It’s part of a perfect road trip around far north Queensland.
Want an easier way to visit the Millaa Millaa Falls? Register for a tour which departs from Cairns.
Millaa Millaa Falls in Queensland, Australia. Photo credit: Short Holidays And Getaways
12. Purling Brook Falls, Queensland, Australia
By Kati, Queensland and Beyond
Australia has no shortage of spectacular waterfalls and Purling Brook Falls is just that. Located in Springbrook National Park in Queensland, Purling Brook Falls are a hop away from the glitzy Gold Coast. Visit mid-week if you don’t want to be surrounded by crowds.
The falls itself features a gorgeous 100 meters (328 feet) drop-down sheer cliffs and into rock pools that are surrounded by rainforest. You can opt to view the falls from the lookout platform, or if you’re a keen hiker, make the 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) trek down the stairs to the base of the falls.
Purling Brook Falls are best seen after some heavy rain or at the end of the wet season (March is a great time!) when they’re gushing down the rockface.
As there is no public transport to Springbrook National Park, you’ll need a car to see Purling Brook Falls. Access to the Springbrook plateau is via Highway 97, whether you’re coming from Brisbane (about 100 kilometers/62 miles) or the Gold Coast (about 50 kilometers/31 miles).
Purling Brook Falls in Springbrook National Park, Queensland, Australia. Photo credit: Queensland and Beyond
Read More: Amazing Caves Around the World in Africa and Oceania
Best Waterfalls in New Zealand
13. Franz Josef Car Park Waterfall, New Zealand
By Thais, World Trip Diaries
Right at the beginning of the track of Franz Josef Glacier, there is this stunning waterfall, called the Franz Josef Car Park Waterfall. The clear blue waters fall beautifully and it’s a magical fall. If you’re visiting the glacier, then you’ll see the waterfall. I do recommend you stop there when you’re returning to rest and enjoy a bit of the cool spray of water.
To be honest, I enjoyed the track and the waterfall a lot more than I did the glacier, which wasn’t too close and covered by grey rocks from the mountains surrounding it. There is no charge to the waterfall and the glacier but donations are appreciated.
How to Get There
It’s on the glacier track around 5 minutes from the glacier car park, so there is no way to miss it.
Consider taking a 3 hours guided walk of the Franz Josef Glacier valley.
Franz Josef Glacier Waterfall is a wonderful waterfall in New Zealand to add to the bucket list. Photo credit: World Trip Diaries
Read More: Amazing Hiking Trails in New Zealand’s North and South Island
14. Marokopa Falls, New Zealand
By Rhiannon, Wales to Wherever
If ever there was a waterfall taken straight out of a picture book, it’s Marokopa Falls. Surrounded by lush green bush and with an almost guaranteed rainbow reaching up from the base pool no matter what the weather, spend one minute at Marokopa Falls and you’ll instantly be transported back the Jurassic Period.
These 35 meters (115 feet) high falls are best admired from the viewing platform, located a short 10-minute walk from the main road. An alternative option reserved only for the most adventurous of souls is to walk down the steep, muddy embankment to the right of the platform and get right up close to the rocks at the base of the falls.
How to Get There
Located around 30 kilometers (19 miles) outside of Waitomo, unless you fancy a VERY long walk, Marokopa Falls is best reached by road. From Waitomo, you need to take SH-3 and then join on to SH-37. From here, you need to travel 37 kilometers (23 miles) down Te Anga Road until you see the sign for Marokopa Falls on the left. The signposting is quite subtle, so your best bet is to utilize GPS.
One of the lesser visited but most visually stunning waterfalls in New Zealand, Marokopa Falls really is a must see for anyone visiting the North Island.
Marokopa Falls in Waitomo, New Zealand. Photo credit: Wales to Wherever
15. Purakaunui Falls, New Zealand
By Susan, Thrifty after 50
On a recent New Zealand holiday we visited the beautiful Purakaunui Falls in the South Island of New Zealand. The waterfall is one of the many stunning sights along the Catlins Southern Scenic Route. The waterfall is located in a remote section of the Catlins Forest towards the southernmost tip of the Island. It’s a 2 hours drive from Invercargill and under 2 hours from Dunedin.
Once you arrive at the car park it’s an easy 10 minutes walk through the lush native forest. When you first step onto the viewing platform and take in the impressive 3-tiered waterfall, it’s easy to understand why Purakaunui Falls is said to be the most photographed waterfall in New Zealand.
Purakaunui Falls in the Catlins, New Zealand. Photo credit: Thrifty after Fifty
16. Stirling Falls, New Zealand
By Layla, Alial Travel Gal
Venture into the deep south of New Zealand’s South Island and into Fiordland National Park and you’ll find the area that Rudyard Kipling coined the 8th Wonder of the World, Milford Sound. Here is where the majestic Stirling Falls waterfall stands proudly.
Set deep in the heart of Middle Earth country and often shrouded in clouds of mist, Stirling Falls has a beautiful and ghostly presence. This plunge waterfall cascades down 155 meters (509 feet) over the top of a 1300 meters (4,265 feet) cliff, into the fiord below and is the 2nd highest waterfall in Milford Sound and the most photographed waterfall in New Zealand. It’s also the same famous waterfall that Hugh Jackman jumped from in his movie, “Wolverine.”
Milford Sound is around 2 hours drive from the picturesque town of Te Anau; you can drive yourself from Te Anau and follow the Milford Road (SH94) or join one of the many tours. Milford Sound is then accessed by a 2 hours cruise which introduces you to every aspect of this stunning natural wonder.
Tip: Milford Sound is one of the wettest regions on Earth, plus the cruise takes you next to and virtually under Stirling Falls to get an up-close and personal drenching from this gorgeous waterfall, so take your waterproof jacket and waterproof camera!
The journey to Milford Sound itself is visually stunning as it passes through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park. This is one of my favorite journeys through the country, offering two hours of misty mountain views and ice-blue glacial lakes, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s pristine and pure natural beauty.
Stirling Falls in Milford Sound, New Zealand. Photo credit: Alial Travel Gal
Read More: One Week Itinerary Road Trip through New Zealand’s South Island
17. Whangarei Falls, New Zealand
By Jub, Tiki Touring Kiwi
The Whangarei Falls reminds me a cenote with the 26 meters (85 feet) falls finishing in around cenote-like shape before flowing through the river towards the ocean. You can swim in the falls (it’s not a great cliff jumping spot) with the water getting deep at the base of the falls.
There is a picnic area at the bottom which makes for a good spot to hang out with a fall view of the curtain of water tumbling to the ground. Even in summer, there is a lot of water coming over the edge.
To get here, you can walk from the city along the streets to AH Reed Memorial Park where you’ll find signs that lead you along the trails to Whangarei Falls. This should take no more than 90 minutes. There is also a car park alongside the falls with a trail taking you from the top of the falls to the bottom.
Whangarei Falls in New Zealand. Photo credit: Tiki Touring Kiwi
We appreciate our travel influencers’ help with putting together this incredible list of waterfalls. Check out their website to learn more about the specific waterfall adventure. Stay tuned for the next part of our series and read about the waterfalls in North America and South America.
Which of these best waterfalls in the world in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand would you like to see? Share in the comments below.
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Featured photo credit (from left to right): The Accidental Australian, Wales to Wherever, and The Social Travel Experiment
