Details

1.8km

1 hr

Out and back

Waterfall

Getting to Erith Coal Mine

Erith Coal Mine walk is located in Bundanoon in Morton National Park. You can reach the start of the walk by parking at Gambells Rest picnic area just off of Gullies Rd. The National park is located roughly 1.7kms from Bundanoon train station. This walk is one of the first when you enter the park, at the start of the national. You will notice the sign for the trail to your right before the carpark entrance.
A park pass needs to be purchased and displayed on your car dash board. This can be purchased for a fee from inside the park. You can pay either with coins or use a credit or debit card for the parking ticket machine.

Starting the walk

The start of the walk is marked by a wooden sign at the trailhead displaying “Erith coal mine”. The trail begins very easy as you slowly make your way down to the Erith coal mine falls. Display boards give you snippets of history and plant descriptions along the journey. Many birds, bugs and native animals are found in this area which you are most likely to encounter. If you enjoy bird watching it may be a good idea to take some binoculars with you.

You continue to follow this direct path until you come to the top of the waterfall. To reach the Erith coal mine you need to cross at the top of the falls over the stone steps. This leads you to a metal stairwell that you follow to the entrance of the mine. After heavy rain it is sometimes hard to get to the other side so be prepared to get your shoes wet.

Follow the metal steps down and you will be able to take in the view of the waterfalls as well as look at the mines. Erith coal mine has been closed off, however the metal gates do allow for you to see into it as far as the light allows. It is rather dark so it is recommended that you have a phone with a light on it if you were hoping to get a better glimpse inside.
You can continue to the track down hill, which will lead you to the bottom of the waterfall. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to swim in the shallow waters of the waterfall.

Returning home

From this point you can explore on your own and take in the scenery or return the way that you came. Once reaching the top of the falls you will see a path that branches off to your right. Taking this path will take you to a little picnic area and loop you back to the rest area. It will bring you out at a different spot so once you reach the locked gate, you turn a slight left and it will return you to Gambells Rest car park.