Every now and then, the Blue Mountains puts on a show that feels unreal. Phantom Falls is one of those rare moments where the clouds turn into what looks like a waterfall, spilling gently over the cliffs and disappearing into the valley below.
How It Happens
Phantom Falls isn’t a typical waterfall. It’s a rare natural phenomenon where clouds spill over the cliffs like water. Warm air rising from the Jamison Valley meets cooler air drifting across from the Megalong Valley. When the humidity is high and the morning is still and clear, often after a night of rain, fog begins to form along the ridge.
As the sun rises, it warms the eastern slopes, clearing parts of the fog, while the cooler air keeps flowing over from the Megalong side. The result is a slow, misty cascade that looks just like water spilling off the cliffs.
When to See It
- Best time: Early morning after rain
- Conditions: Clear skies, high humidity, and calm winds
- Season: Most common in autumn and winter when temperature contrasts are stronger
Where It Happens
Phantom Falls takes place along Narrow Neck Plateau, a long sandstone ridge that separates the Jamison and Megalong Valleys in Katoomba. The phenomenon can be seen spilling off the cliffs when fog and air currents meet at just the right angle. It’s one of those natural events you can’t plan perfectly for, but when it happens, it’s one to remember.
My Experience
I’d seen photos of Phantom Falls before, but witnessing it in person was something else. The clouds were moving like liquid, folding over the cliffs and dissolving into the valley. It felt completely still, the light changing every second, and I remember just standing there in awe. Capturing it felt like a dream come to life.
