The waterfall is located within the Dharawal National Park, which was reclassified from a State Conservation Area to a National Park in 2012.
The boardwalk system was specifically engineered to avoid disturbing the fragile hanging swamps and sandstone vegetation native to this plateau.
Maddens Creek, which feeds the falls, is a tributary that eventually feeds into the Georges River catchment.
The area is home to the endangered Prickly Bush-pea, which is often found in the scrublands surrounding the track.
The sandstone geology at the falls provides evidence of ancient river systems that once carved deep channels across the Illawarra escarpment.
Maddens Falls is a distinctive waterfall located within the Dharawal National Park, characterized by its wide, tiered rock ledge over which the Maddens Creek flows. The site is accessed via a 1.2-kilometer return walking track that features a elevated boardwalk section to protect the sensitive surrounding heathland. Visitors reach a purpose-built viewing platform that provides a direct vantage point of the falls and the deeper valley below. The area is situated on the Woronora Plateau, which is known for its diverse sandstone flora, including various banksia species and wildflowers. The waterfall is a perennial feature, though flow volumes fluctuate significantly depending on recent rainfall in the Sydney basin. The track is relatively flat and designed to be accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.
The main viewing platform provides a framed, head-on view of the falls and the layered rock face.
Visit immediately after a period of moderate rainfall to ensure the falls are flowing at their highest volume.
Carry insect repellent, as the damp heathland environment often hosts mosquitoes and midges.
Stay strictly on the boardwalk to avoid damaging the rare and fragile plant life of the Dharawal heath.
Attempting to find unofficial paths down to the base of the falls, as the terrain is unstable and environmentally sensitive.
Open year-round, but access may be restricted during extreme bushfire danger ratings or park maintenance.
No swimming or climbing on the cliff edges; carry all trash out as there are no bins on site.
