Start | (-33.7096169,150.3763989) |
Mode | Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train |
Directions | From The Northern Road, A9
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Turn map | Directions & comments |
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After another 10 m find the "Weeping Rock" (9 m on your left).
Weeping Rock is a waterfall on Jamison Creek, upstream of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park. The water falls over the wide circular top overhang, to then cascade down the rocks to a pool below. A staircase beside the falls helps walkers view this waterfall from different angles. This is a nice cool spot on hot days. The rocks are slippery and there are no fences, care is needed.
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At the intersection of Wentworth Falls Track & Weeping Rock Circuit continue straight, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 10 m find the "Queen's Cascades" (5 m on your left).
Queen's Cascades are a lovely set of falls on the Jamison Creek at the top of Wentworth Falls. The creek heads down the wide, two-stage cascades into a sandy pool. From the pool, the water flows between the stepping stones, under the fence and down the very tall Wentworth Falls. There are also great views to Sublime Point across the valley.
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At the intersection of National Pass Track & Wentworth Falls Track continue straight, to head along National Pass Track.
After another 15 m find the "Grand Stairway" (6 m on your left).
The Grand Stairway is a very memorable section of the National Pass in the Blue Mountains National Park. The stairway is reported to be 'the tallest outdoor staircase in Australia' and was built in the early 1900's by hand (and dynamite). This stairway, and the rest of the National Pass, was built by a team nicknamed 'the Irish Brigade' for the cost of £430 . Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls.
Then find the "Rocket Point Lookout" (8 m on your left).
Rocket Point Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, high on the cliff south-west of Wentworth Falls, in the Blue Mountains National Park. The lookout provides a good view down Wentworth Falls and into the valley. There is also a great view of the Sublime Point escarpment. The lookout itself has an interesting sandstone wall and is just down from a natural rock arch.
After another 250 m find the "Middle of Wentworth Falls" (on your left).
The National Pass crosses Wentworth Falls halfway down its long drop. At this crossing, NPWS have installed sandstone block bridges to improve access for walkers. There are a few side tracks that have been used to explore the area - beware of the slippery rocks and unfenced ledges. There is also a great view into the valley from where the water continues to fall on it long journey further into the valley. This is a lovely spot to cool down on a warm day.
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After another 35 m (at the intersection of National Pass Track & Wentworth Pass) veer left, to head along National Pass Track.
After another 50 m find the "Lodore Falls" (25 m on your right).
Lodore Falls are a lovely set of falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek. The narrow falls have a staircase on one side and stepping stones (and handrail) crossing the bottom, making it easier for walkers to appreciate this waterfall from many angles. Just beyond the handrail, the water falls over another cliff, providing a great view down the valley.
After another 85 m find the "Sylvia Falls" (30 m on your right).
Sylvia Falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek is a lovely tall cascade. The falls are in a deep sandstone canyon with mossy walls. The stairs and handrail pass closely to these falls, helping walkers get nice and close. From near the top of the falls, there is a great view down the valley looking between the canyon walls.
After another 15 m find the "Empress Falls" (on your left).
Empress Falls is a spectacular waterfall in the Valley of the Waters. The Valley of the Water Creek comes out of the slot in the cliff and tumbles down a series of cliffs to a sandy pool. The fall is the site of the last abseil in a popular canyon, making a great site for walkers in the area. Stepping stones help walkers cross below the falls. There is a small overhang next to the falls, giving the area shade and offering a great place to rest.
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After another 20 m find the "Empress Lookout" (10 m on your left).
Empress Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, perched on a sandstone overhang above the Valley of the Waters Creek. There is a view down to part of the Empress Falls and into the canyon. The views are filtered through the surrounding trees. It makes for a good spot to catch your breath when walking into, or out of, the Valley of the Waters.
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
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After another 155 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Short Cut Track) turn around, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
Then find the "Conservation Hut" (40 m on your left).
Conservation Hut is a small cafe perched above the Valley of the Waters, Blue Mountains National Park. The hut was opened in 1963 as a meeting place for the local conservation movement. Rebuilt, Conservation Hut opened as a cafe in 1993, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Around the Conservation Hut is a small parking area, public toilets, picnic shelters, town water and B&B's. For further information or bookings call (02) 4757 3827.
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
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After another 145 m (at the intersection of Nature Track & Grand Cliff Top Track) turn right, to head along Nature Track.
Then find the "Lillian's Glen" (8 m on your left).
Lillian's Glen is a moss and fern filled section on the 'Valley of the Waters' Creek (where the Nature Track crosses the creek, south of Edinburgh Castle Rock). There are stepping stones to help cross the creek. Lillian's Glen is a great spot to rest and enjoy the area, especially on warmer days. For the sure-footed, a short clamber upstream to Asmodeus Pool at the bottom of a waterfall, is worthwhile - a very nice spot at the end of a narrow canyon.
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Then find the "Edinburgh Castle Rock" (25 m on your right).
Edinburgh Castle Rock is a signposted, unfenced viewpoint on the Nature Track, in the Blue Mountains National Park. The rock platform has an interesting formation, with an uneven surface of circular lines. From Edinburgh Castle Rock, there is a view left, up the valley towards the houses on the ridge. Looking right, down the Valley of the Waters, it is possible to see the escarpment of Kings Tablelands.
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Class 4/6 Hard track |
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Length | 10.4 km |
Time | 5 h to 5 h 30 min |
Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) |
Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
Signage | Directional signs along the way (3/6) |
Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Experience Required | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) |
Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) |
Item | From Start | Name & link to notes |
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Seat
| 105 m | [seat] |
Toilet
| 165 m | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 6.3 km | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 9.9 km | [toilet] |