The valley of Jamison Creek above the waterfall was known as Jamison Valley until about 1834.

Governor Macquarie wrote in his journal, 16 May 1815 “a very extensive pretty valley, with a sum of very fine fresh water, with tolerable good Feed for Cattle, … I have this day named this place Jamison’s Valley” (Blue Mountains Geographic Encyclopaedia p.275). Sir John Jamison was a friend of Macquarie, and a pioneer pastoralist.

Charles Darwin wrote of the view from the waterfall:

‘About a mile away there is a view exceedingly well worth visiting. Following down a little valley and its tiny rill of water, an immense gulf unexpectedly opens through the trees which border the pathway, at the depth of perhaps 1500 feet. Walking on a few yards, one stands on the brink of a vast precipice, and below one sees a grand bay or gulf, for I know not what other name to give it, thickly covered with forest. The point of view is situated as if at the head of a bay, the line of cliff diverging on each side, and showing headland behind headland, as on a bold sea coast.’