Cathedral Cascade

Mt WellingtonGPS Coords: -42.9328, 147.1959
Land Tenure: Wellington Park

Updated on 28 Dec 2024

Cathedral Cascade
© 2015 - 2025 Photography: Caedence Kuepper
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Grade 5 Hike
Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

7km's3-4 Hours returnRough unformed track No directional signage

No Modification of the natural environment.

Dogs are not allowed
Drones are not allowed
Suitable for caravans
Suitable for campervans and RV's
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About Cathedral Cascade

The North West Bay River drains the summit plateau of Mt Wellington and is home to many pristine pools and cascades, though perhaps none better than the unofficially-named Cathedral Cascade, a natural waterslide into an emerald green pool. 

The falls can be accessed from above via the Pipeline Track and a steep bushbash, though the easiest access is via the Cathedral Rock Track. Follow the Cathedral Rock Track for the first kilometre or so until it deviates away from the river, then head into the river itself and continue upstream from approximately 2.5km - though the river walking may be extended or shortened depending on where you actually leave the track. The rockhopping upstream is generally easy going by the standards of off track hiking with typically low flow and a wide, bouldery river bed, and passes numerous gorgeous green pools on the way up to the falls.

Cathedral Cascade is downstream of the water intake on the North West Bay River so is typically low flowing relative to the vast river bed, however it usually maintains enough flow for the slide to be functional through summer and the pool below is always pristine. The low flow of the river makes the rockhopping upstream relatively straightforward, though of course care must be taken on the large and slippery boulders of the river bed. There is also potential for rapid changes to the water levels if the intake system becomes overwhelmed so the hike is not recommended after heavy rain.

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