Important safety notice: While waterfalls are often safe places to swim, travellers must follow the directional signs when visiting these areas. As Tourism Australia is encouraging travellers to Holiday Here This Year, there is a huge focus on getting travellers to try out a few local tourism experiences and ensure these communities receive the boost they need to bounce back. Here are some key waterfalls that are only short drives from key cities:

Described by David Attenborough as “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”, Horizontal Falls in the Kimberley region of Western Australia is a natural phenomenon that is as intriguing as it is beautiful. There are two horizontal waterfalls in and both can be found in Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. These incredible natural wonders are the work of some of the largest tidal movements in the world, the first and most seaward is about 20-metres wide, while the second is about 10-metres wide. The powerful tides in the Kimberley can reach more than 10-metres and the direction of the flow reverses ensuring the water flows two different ways each day, and a unique waterfall effect. You can join a scenic flight or sea safari to the Horizontal Waterfalls.

Just a 1.5-hour drive from Adelaide is Deep Creek Conservation Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula. If you’re up for a challenge, you can partake in the 3.5-hour return Deep Creek Waterfall hike to see Deep Creek Waterfall. The waterfall usually flows in the winter months or after it rains, however the waterhole is permanent and inviting for a swim.

Less than an hour’s drive from Canberra city, you will find yourself at the edge of Gibraltar Creek Pine Forest, where Gibraltar Falls is. Descending a vertical distance of 50 metres, it is one of the largest waterfalls in the ACT and can be easily found via a short walking track. Be sure to pack a picnic and make use of the barbeque amenities near the car park.

Fitzroy Falls is one of New South Wales’ most grand waterfalls, dropping dramatically over 80 metres into the untouched bushland of Morton National Park. Be sure to stop into the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre to learn about the wildlife and local Aboriginal culture ahead of embarking on the short boardwalk to the falls. The falls are located in the Southern Highlands just two hours from Sydney or Canberra, so make a weekend of it by staying in the region overnight to visit the heritage villages along the way.

Tropical North Queensland boasts many wondrous waterfalls, but Josephine Falls is said to be one of the most beautiful in Australia. Better yet, there is a natural rock slide nearby easily accessible and a definite bucket-list item you have to tick! Just over an hour’s drive from Cairns, be sure to allocate a full day for the visit, as you can also book into a day tour around the area, or set up a picnic to enjoy the surroundings.

The Northern Territory doesn’t disappoint for those looking to chase waterholes and waterfalls. Set within Kakadu National Park, Jim Jim Falls are the region’s most famous and are at their most powerful in the tropical summer months (November – March). If you’re visiting within those months, admire the falls from air and book into a local operators that offers scenic flights. If visiting during the dry season (April – October), hire a 4WD or book into a tour to get yourself to the base of the falls which is open for swimming.

Tasmania has over 200 known waterfalls to discover, with the most-photographed waterfall being Russell Falls just over an hour west of Hobart. However, for those hoping to go a bit more off the beaten track, you can find the lesser-known Dip Falls, located three hours from Launceston by car. The Dip Falls are most powerful during the winter, and boast unique basalt rock formations that make it truly a remarkable sight.

Located just over three hours from Melbourne in the Grampians National Park is one of the largest waterfalls in the state – Mackenzie Falls. Flowing all year round over huge cliffs and into a deep pool, access to the falls is easy via a one-kilometre path.

These magnificent waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest are located on the Waterfalls Circuit, along with Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls. The falls cascade perfectly to a pristine waterhole below where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool water and a picnic on the grassy banks. Millaa Millaa Falls are one of the most photographed in all of Australia, so make sure you bring your camera.

Two kilometres north of Dorrigo town centre is Dangar Falls, a beautiful 30-metre waterfall set amidst scenic agricultural and dairy farmland. There’s a car park, a viewing platform, picnic tables and a walking trail that leads you to the river at the bottom of the waterfall. The viewing platform offers a great vantage point and excellent photo opportunity of the falls. Dangar Falls is signposted from Dorrigo town.

Around 30km east of Queenstown, Tasmania on the Lyell Highway, you’ll find the picturesque Nelson Waterfalls, surrounded by lush rainforest. Like many waterfalls in Tasmania, Nelson Waterfalls is best seen during the Winter and Spring Months (June – October). The waterfall trail is incredibly well maintained, and it’s one of only a handful that also has wheelchair access.