Pros & cons
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
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.
Where it is
-33.7270, 150.3025Tips for Witches Leap
- 01Go after rain—the falls can be underwhelming in dry spells.
- 02Skip the upper lookout if you want the waterfall; descend to the base for the view.
- 03Wear shoes with grip; the gully track can be steep, muddy, and slick.
- 04If 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).
- 05Park at Katoomba Falls Reserve and follow the Round Walking Track signs.
Near Witches Leap
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayWitches Leap LookoutQuick waterfall lookout with a quirky rock witch, best after rainScenic Viewpoint
0.1 mi awayOrphan Rock LookoutShort walk to a quiet perch facing iconic Orphan RockScenic Viewpoint
0.1 mi awayOrphan RockHistoric sandstone spire best seen from Reid’s PlateauScenic Viewpoint · Parking
0.1 mi awayPrince Henry picnic areaHandy picnic spot at Katoomba Falls with birds and track accessTrailhead · Restroom
0.1 mi awayPrince Henry Cliff walkIconic clifftop stroll from Katoomba to Leura with nonstop valley views.Moderate · 4.3 mi · 3.5 hr
0.2 mi awayKatoomba Falls Round WalkCompact loop serving up Katoomba Falls from every angleModerate · 1.1 mi · 1 hr
0.2 mi awayFurber StepsSteep cliff-to-rainforest stairs with Jamison views and waterfallsChallenging · 1.4 mi · 1.5 hr
0.3 mi awayScenic WalkwayElevated rainforest boardwalk with mining relics and lyrebirdsEasy · 1.5 mi · 1 hr
