Witches Leap

Shaded gully falls with a witch's face in the rock

InsideBlue Mountains National Park

Overview

Witches Leap is a small, atmospheric waterfall tucked just off the Round Walking Track near Katoomba Falls. The draw is a rock wall behind the cascade that clearly resembles a witch’s profile—nose, brow, and lips—making this a fun, quirky stop if you’re exploring the Katoomba escarpment.

What You’ll See

Expect a shaded rainforest gully with mossy rock, ferns, and a multi-tiered trickle that comes alive after rain. The famous witch’s face is most obvious when water is flowing and you’re standing at the base, looking back into the rock recess.

Getting There & The Walk

It’s a quick detour from the Katoomba Falls Reserve area along the Round Walking Track. The most rewarding view is from the base of the falls. The signed “Witches Leap Lookout” on the upper concrete path doesn’t actually reveal the waterfall; you need to descend the rougher track and steps to the gully floor to see the face and cascade.

Crowd Factor

Because it sits close to Scenic World and the main Katoomba walking routes, it can feel busy and a bit noisy at peak times. If you want it quieter, aim for early morning or late afternoon on weekdays.

Wildlife

This cool, damp gully suits typical Blue Mountains birdlife—keep an ear out for lyrebirds and cockatoos—and you may spot small reptiles or mammals moving through the undergrowth.

Best Time to Visit

Right after decent rain is when the falls look their best and the witch’s face pops behind the water. Light is soft in the gully most of the day, so photography is forgiving; bring a tripod if you want longer exposures. Crowds thin on weekdays and toward late afternoon.

Pros

Quirky rock face that looks like a witch behind a small waterfall
Short walk from Katoomba Falls Reserve
Lit at night as part of the Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk [bluemountainsmums.com](https://bluemountainsmums.com/listing/katoomba-falls-reserve-night-lit-walk/) [bmcc.nsw.gov.au](https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/katoomba-falls-night-lit-walk)

Cons

Often a trickle unless visited after rain
Best viewpoint requires a steep, rough descent; the upper lookout doesn’t show the falls

Tips

Go after rain—the falls can be underwhelming in dry spells.
Skip the upper lookout if you want the waterfall; descend to the base for the view.
Wear shoes with grip; the gully track can be steep, muddy, and slick.
If visiting after dark during the Night-lit Walk, bring your own light and take care near cliff edges [bmcc.nsw.gov.au](https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/katoomba-falls-night-lit-walk).
Park at Katoomba Falls Reserve and follow the Round Walking Track signs.