Name: Minnehaha Falls Track Katoomba: A Delightful Family And Dog-Friendly Blue Mountains Bushwalk
Rating: 5

Minnehaha Falls, Katoomba

Minnehaha Falls Track Katoomba (also known as Minni Ha Ha Falls) is a beautiful bushwalk in the upper Blue Mountains National Park that leads you 1.2km along Yosemite Creek to a majestic waterfall and ancient swimming hole. The easy-moderate return walk is around 2.4km and takes about 40 – 90 minutes to complete, depending on your pace.

What To Expect On The
Minnehaha Falls Track Katoomba

‘Minnehaha’ means “laughing water” which translates into “waterfall” or “rapid water” in the Native American language. This track was created over 120 years ago, in 1895! The Minnehaha Falls Track will enchant you with its native flora and the relaxing sound of trickling and rushing water that you can hear for much of the bushwalk, if there has been recent rain.

A little waterfall at the creek. Take care as some rocks are very slippery.

The Track

Minnehaha Falls track is easy to navigate. However, it is not always straight, flat or dry. Some parts require some vigilance on where you are stepping, but it is not too difficult. The path is obvious and clearly signposted. It is usually wide enough for people to pass one another.

Best Shoes To Wear

It is best to wear waterproof hiking shoes on this walk, as there are quite a few puddles and shallow water crossings to step across.

Waterproof hiking shoes would also help if you wanted to get closer to some of the smaller waterfalls and creeks along the way, without getting wet feet. It might be best to explore the creek on your return journey, as there is a good chance of curious children getting wet feet.

The kids will enjoy rock hopping across the creek!

In saying that, regular sports shoes with excellent grip are fine, as long as you avoid stepping in puddles and on slippery rocks.

This is one part where waterproof shoes are handy. One adult might need to carry little kids across this section if it has been raining.

Children who like to explore further may end up with soggy shoes and wet clothes, so be sure to pack spare warm clothing, socks and shoes in the car for your trip home, or if you plan on going elsewhere after your walk.

Is Minnehaha Falls Track Accessible?

The track is a little rough in parts.

Minnehaha Falls Track Katoomba is not a pram or wheelchair accessible bushwalk. There are quite a few sets of stairs, rocks along the path and tree roots to step over.

Are Dogs Welcome?

Yes! Dogs definitely enjoy this walk. Dogs should always be on a leash though and please remember to bring bags to pick up any doggy doo. Large dogs will manage the steps better than small dogs but all dogs will relish in the creeks and the main Minnehaha waterhole on a warm day!

Is This Walk Suitable For Children?

Yes, with careful supervision. This walk is generally considered easy to moderate for children, depending on their age and ability. Children enjoy this bushwalk because there are a few great spots to stop to explore and play.

Nature’s playground. Children enjoy exploring in and around the creek.

The little creek near the beginning of the track is especially fun to explore and play in. It is only about a one minute walk down to the creek, even though the sign estimates a 5-minute return walk. When there is water around, always remain arms distance from your children. Read more about water play safety here.

If you are walking with young children, you may choose to start your return journey once you have viewed Minnehaha Falls, before the steep metal stairs begin. The hand railings are not overly safe for young children and the stairs are quite steep.

We stopped our walk here because we had very young children and did not feel comfortable going down the steep metal stairs with them down to the waterhole. Keep children away from the edge. Hold your child’s hand – there is an unfenced cliff drop here.

Younger children may also tire a little on the slightly uphill return journey. A toddler may need to be carried most of the walk, whereas a preschooler should manage the distance quite well. Most primary aged children should be fine.

There are a few sets of stairs to climb and rocks and logs to step on and over. If there has been recent rain, there will be water and mud to contend with too.

When walking Minnehaha Falls Track with children you must read the following warning carefully:

IMPORTANT WARNING ABOUT MINNEHAHA FALLS TRACK KATOOMBA

There is a dangerous drop towards the end of the bushwalk to be mindful of, particularly if you are walking with children. The unfenced cliff drop is located on the left if you are walking to the falls, where the clearest view of Minnehaha Falls is located. It is just before the descent down the metal stairs to the swimming hole.

This is an unfenced cliff. Keep children well back from the edge.

This cliff edge is UNFENCED. It is about one metre wide and you should keep your children well clear of it. Never allow your children to run ahead of you on any bushwalk.

Always keep them near you and hold the hand of toddlers and other young children. Read our essential bushwalking safety tips here.

Minnehaha Falls are amazing!

Even though some parts of the walk you need to be mindful of with young children, it is a worthwhile bushwalk for families. Like any other bushwalk, there is no completely ‘child-safe’ walk, as you are out in untamed nature but with constant supervision, you can all enjoy this wonderful walk and create fun family memories.

Many people continue all the way down to the swimming hole to cool off. If you are not a strong swimmer, however, this is not recommended as there are no lifeguards. Also, if you have young children with you this may not be on your agenda, but is an adventure for another time. Please read our tips on water safety in the Blue Mountains.

How To Find
Minnehaha Falls Track Katoomba

You will find the small semi-circle carpark for Minnehaha Falls Reserve at the end of Minni-Ha-Ha Road, North Katoomba. Pop this road into Google Maps and follow the brown tourist signs all the way.

The beginning of the Minnehaha Falls track begins from the car park. The carpark does not fit many cars, so on a lovely weekend, you may find it difficult to find a spot close to the walk.

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy at one of the four sets of picnic tables.

There is plenty of street parking in surrounding streets, but please respect local residents by keeping noise to a minimum.

Near the car park, you will find a set of swings, four sets of picnic tables and a couple of horizontal trees (they are tempting to climb!). Unfortunately, there are no bathroom facilities or water bubblers here.

In front of the carpark, there is a large information sign for Minnehaha Falls Reserve, with a map and other useful information.

Head left of the sign, past the Stormwater Quality Improvement Devices and you will easily spot the sign to start the track.

Bushtrackers Map For Children

Print off this detailed Bushtrackers Map for children to bring on the walk. They will learn to read the key, know what to expect along the way and enjoy spotting and naming local flora and wildlife.

Relax and enjoy this magical walk in the Blue Mountains National Park! It is a great walk for families. Bring your pooch and get out into nature to enjoy life in the Blue Mountains on this wonderful, watery bushwalk.

Blue Mountains Mums

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Minnehaha Falls Track Katoomba: A Delightful Family And Dog-Friendly Blue Mountains Bushwalk

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Minnehaha Falls Track Katoomba: A Delightful Family And Dog-Friendly Blue Mountains Bushwalk

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