Waterfalls · Indigenous forest
Hogsback’s largest waterfall drops across a broad exposed rock face into the indigenous forest below.
The waterfall
Madonna & Child falls roughly the height of a ten-storey building. Water spreads across the exposed face before reaching rocks and shallow pools at the bottom.
The flow changes considerably through the year. After good rainfall, water covers more of the face; in drier periods it separates into narrower streams and reveals more of the rock beneath.
What’s in the name?
The name comes from shapes people recognise in the waterfall and surrounding rock face. Some see a mother holding a child in the stone; others see the waterfall as the Madonna, with water flowing around a central formation representing the child.
It takes a little imagination. Once you find the figures, they become much easier to recognise.
On the way
The Wolfridge entrance opens over the valley before the path descends into indigenous forest towards the waterfall.
Walking routes
Each colour represents a different path. You’ll find a short description of each one below the map.
Plan your visit
The route may be short or substantial, but every approach includes uneven forest terrain and a climb back to higher ground.
Start at the informal Wolfridge Road parking and information boards. The signposted distance is approximately 460 metres to the waterfall. Returning by the same path is about 920 metres in total. It is short but steep.
Yes. Join from Main Road or the Away with the Fairies side for a longer indigenous-forest walk. The Wolfridge information board gives 2.7 km to Big Tree and 5 km to the Main Road village exit.
Expect roots, rocks, leaf litter, mud after rain and steep sections. Timber steps, walkways and handrails help in places, but wet wood and rock can be slippery.
No permit is required for the recognised Madonna & Child routes described here.
Yes. Keep dogs under control around other walkers, wildlife, steep ground and water.
No. There are no toilets or visitor facilities at the waterfall or Wolfridge trailhead. Carry your own drinking water.
Children accustomed to uneven forest walking can enjoy it. They need close supervision around steep slopes, streams, timber structures and wet rocks.
This is not a deep swimming hole. Depending on rainfall, shallow pools can be suitable for splashing and cooling off. The water is cold and surrounding rocks can be slippery.
Keep exploring
Madonna & Child is one part of a wider network of forest paths, cascades and landmark walks around the village.
Nearby detour
A neighbouring waterfall reached by a separate branch from the forest route.
Explore the waterfall →Forest detour
Follow a quieter detour through the forest from the connected trail network.
Guide coming soonVillage walk
A waterfall visit paired naturally with a walk through the Hogsback Arboretum.
Explore the walk →Longer outing
Another of Hogsback’s distinctive waterfall walks, with its own landscape and approach.
Guide coming soon
A different perspective
Walkers arrive at the base and experience the waterfall from the bottom up. Hogsback Adventures offers a guided descent from above alongside the waterfall.
The abseil is a separate activity, must be booked in advance and depends on conditions.
View Hogsback Adventures →