Federal Falls is spectacular, and easily one of the best things to do when visiting nearby Orange. It cascades over the side of a towering cliff and thunders through the picturesque valley beyond. It’s an amazing sight and reaching the bottom of the falls is relatively easy. Whilst the trail does involve a bit of a climb on the way back up, the path is well maintained and very much worth the effort.
There are a couple of different ways of getting to the falls, and we’ll detail both below.
Know before you go
It’s best to visit Federal Falls after some good rainfall: the more rain, the better. They can reduce to a mere trickle during long dry spells.
Whilst the bushwalk is nice, it’s the falls that make this trail a must-do, so you will want to try and go when they are at their best.
Also, unless you have a 4WD and a desire for off-roading, ignore Google Maps’ suggestion of where to drive to! If you type in “Federal Falls”, it will take you the most direct, but roughest route (see below for more on that). If you fancy an easier drive - but longer walk - then head to the Federal Falls Campground. This is where our track notes start from.
The Federal Falls Walk
The stats
Distance: 4.2km circuit, or 3.7km return
Elevation gained: 275m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
The Federal Falls Track has two different trails that leave the Federal Falls Campground: the northern and southern routes. It’s best walked as a circuit for variety, but if you want a slightly shorter option you can use the northern trail as a return walk, which knocks off 500m.
We read that the northern route is the easier of the two, but having done both I don’t think there’s much in it. It’s shorter, but it’s not really shallower in my opinion, or it’s not noticeable enough that I would recommend not doing the full loop.
The southern trail is also a bit more scenic, so skipping it seems a shame.
Starting the trail: the northern track
We started the walk on the northern track - this is the opposite direction to most people, because I’d heard the northern trail was easier and I wanted a shallower descent. Having now done it, I don’t think there’s much in it, but I still liked our route because it saved the prettier side of the loop for the return.
There’s also a fair amount of flat track scattered along the southern route, which I personally think broke up the climb nicely.
The northern trail begins on a narrow, flat path through the bush for the first 600m.
You then begin descending through the forest towards the falls and though there are short flat sections, it is mainly downhill.
The path is in great condition with either well maintained wooden steps or dirt track, and despite all the recent rain there was barely any mud. It’s lovely and peaceful with plenty of birdlife and for the most part, the forest canopy provides some good shade.
After 1.5km you will come to a junction (which is signposted) and head right towards the falls.
Descending to Federal Falls
The final 350m to the base of the waterfall are a little steeper. At first the trail is still on the same wooden steps, but then there are a couple of sections where it has eroded a little and it’s a bit rougher.
There are handrails installed, so despite the change in terrain it doesn’t feel difficult. The less manicured path only makes up around 100m of the track. Edit for 2023: the path has now been upgraded with new staircases and handrail.
Just as you come to the second railing, 1.8km into the walk, you’ll see Federal Falls ahead of you. It’s a captivating sight and we felt incredibly lucky to see it with so much water!
You can walk right the way to the very base of the falls, which is just 50m away. It gets rockier but it’s not difficult.
There’s nothing like standing right beside such a powerful waterfall to make you feel small.
It’s quite an intimate spot and it’s especially magical if you get it all to yourself, so if visiting on a weekend you might want to go early or late in the day.
Climbing back up: the southern trail
The first 350m of track back to the junction are probably the steepest, and then you can decide which route you want to take.
Along the southern trail you’ll head very briefly downhill, before the path flattens and you begin following the river for 150m.
If the water flow is good there will be lots of pretty cascades and it was my favourite part of the whole walk (minus the waterfall obviously!).
We hiked in November and there were plenty of wildflowers scattered along the path and riverbank, which added an extra something special to the walk.
As you leave the river you will begin ascending. The path is a mix of steps, sloped track and the odd few rocky patches.
I would say it’s slightly less manicured than the northern track and has less steps, but it’s still an easy trail. Roughly 1km into the track you’ll come to a picturesque bridge over another small set of cascades.
It’s just after this that you have a short (100m) stretch of rocky path. The path then gets better again and you continue walking up through the forest.
The last 600m to the campsite are almost flat, or so gradually uphill that you barely notice.
The back route to Federal Falls
There is a second way of getting to the falls but it does require a 4WD, or at least an SUV. We tried this route and got to within 1.3km of the end before the road became a little too much for our car - or probably my nerves, but either way we backed out!
The first part of the back route, which takes you along Federal Falls Road, is on forestry roads which are dirt, but in very good condition. It’s when you get to the final 3.5km that the road deteriorates. It narrows and becomes rockier, and after rain, a bit muddy.
For experienced four wheel drivers it would be a piece of cake, but that’s not us, so we didn’t complete the last section of road.
If you do, you will come out at a parking area below the base of the falls and there’s a rough bush track up to the falls. It’s beaten down, but it’s a social trail, not a maintained track and it’s steep.
It’s not far at all to the falls, we were told 10 minutes, but it’s a bit of a bush bash. We saw the trail and met people who had just done it, so it’s certainly possible if you have the right car to get you there.
Getting to Federal Falls
Federal Falls is located in the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area and unless you have a 4WD and take the back route, you will start the trail from Federal Falls campground. The northern route lies to the right of the car park and the southern to the left.
There is water (as long as the tanks are full) and long drop toilets at the campground. The campground is located just under 20km and a 25 minute drive from Orange. The road is a little windy and potholed, but sealed all the way.
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