National Pass

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.7199986,150.3629813)
Mode	Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Turn on to Valley Road then drive for 1 km Turn right onto Fitzgerald Street and drive for another 90 m Turn right onto Fletcher Street and drive for another 130 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Conservation Hut, this walk follows the 'Valley of the Waters' sign down some timber and dirt steps passing a couple of picnic shelters. The track soon leads to the signposted intersection with the 'Short Cut Track' (still in view of the Conservation Hut).
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Valley of the Waters' sign down the steps, passing an information sign. After the handrail and more signs, the track passes a couple of faint tracks (on the left, leading to an old picnic area). Further down the steps, the walk comes the end of another handrail and a three-way intersection (signposted 'Overcliff Track' and 'National Pass').
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Valley of the Waters' sign down the timber steps. The track passes a few faint tracks (on the left, that lead to an unfenced view point). The walk continues down the steps, soon coming to an unsignposted intersection with the Lyrebird Cliff track (on a small sandstone rock platform).
From the intersection, this walk heads down the wooden steps to almost immediately come to the signposted intersection with 'Queen Victoria Lookout' track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. There is a toilet (about 6 m back from the start).
	After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Fletcher Street. After another 35 m find the "Conservation Hut" (5 m on your right). Conservation Hut 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. After another 8 m pass the car park (30 m on your left).
	At the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Nature Track turn right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track (a walking track). After another 30 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your left). Then pass the picnic table (8 m on your left).
	After another 9 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Short Cut Track) continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
	After another 155 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Overcliff Track) veer left, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
	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. After another 130 m turn sharp right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. After another 70 m turn right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. Then find the "Empress Lookout" (10 m on your left). Empress Lookout 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.
	After another 90 m (at the intersection of Nature Track & Valley of the Waters Track) turn left, to head along National Pass Track. After another 60 m pass the "Isobel Falls" (15 m on your left). Then pass the picnic table (35 m on your right). Then cross the stepping stones. After another 40 m find the "Empress Falls" (on your right). Empress Falls 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. After another 9 m cross the stepping stones. After another 80 m find the "Sylvia Falls" (30 m on your left). Sylvia Falls 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 75 m find the "Lodore Falls" (25 m on your left). Lodore Falls 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. Then cross the stepping stones.
	After another 30 m (at the intersection of Wentworth Pass & National Pass Track) continue straight, to head along National Pass Track. After another 580 m cross the stepping stones. After another 80 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your right). After another 20 m pass a seat (7 m on your right)., has a backrest. After another 470 m cross the stepping stones. Then find the "Den Fenella falls (National Pass)" (20 m on your left). Den Fenella falls (National Pass) The Den Fenella Creek falls down the cliff to this halfway point on the National Pass. Here, the timber platform and handrails, installed by the NPWS, allow walkers to cool off at the pass under the dripping water. As with much of this pass, there are great views into the valley. After another 350 m come to the viewpoint. After another 70 m cross the stepping stones.
	After another 65 m (at the intersection of Slacks Stairs & National Pass Track) continue straight, to head along National Pass Track. After another 305 m pass the "Lower Wentworth Falls" (40 m on your right). After another 15 m find the "Middle of Wentworth Falls" (on your right). Middle of Wentworth Falls 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. After another 95 m head up the rock steps (about 145 m long) After another 110 m pass the "Upper Wentworth Falls" (20 m on your left).
	At the intersection of Rocket Point Circuit & National Pass Track continue straight, to head along Wentworth Falls Track. After another 20 m find the "Grand Stairway" (6 m on your right). Grand Stairway 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 Ã‚Â£430 . Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls. After another 10 m cross the stepping stones. After another 9 m find the "Queen's Cascades" (5 m on your right). Queen's Cascades 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.
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Weeping Rock Circuit & Wentworth Falls Track) veer left, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
	After another 45 m (at the intersection of Undercliff Track & Wentworth Falls Track) turn sharp right, to head along Wentworth Falls Track. After another 40 m find the "Fletchers Lookout" (35 m on your left). Fletchers Lookout Fletchers Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout off the side of the Undercliff Walk, just north of the Wentworth Falls. The lookout provides a fairly close view of the top of Wentworth Falls and a great view into the Jamison Valley. There is a good distant view of Mount Solitary and Narrow Neck, and also great views of the surrounding escarpments. Then head up the steps (about 7 m long) After another 50 m find the "Weeping Rock" (35 m on your right). Weeping Rock 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.
	At the intersection of Weeping Rock Circuit & Wentworth Falls Track veer left, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
	After another 185 m turn sharp right, to head along Wentworth Falls Track. After another 10 m come to the viewpoint (60 m on your left). After another 20 m pass a seat (on your right).
	After another 140 m continue straight.
	After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Princes Rock Lookout Track. Then find the "Wentworth Falls Lookout" (10 m on your left). Wentworth Falls Lookout Wentworth Falls Lookout, in the Blue Mountains National Park, is beside Sir H Burrell Drive. The lookout is fenced and has a large information sign about the area. There are some bench seats and great vistas. There is a view to Wentworth Falls (in the valley to the left), but the most captivating view is across the Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary. There are also great views of the Kings Tableland (left), Sublime Point (right) and Narrow Neck (far right) escarpments. This is a great place to enjoy the scope of this World Heritage listed area. After another 25 m pass the sign (5 m on your left).
	After another 65 m continue straight, to head along Princes Rock Lookout Track.
	After another 70 m veer left. After another 105 m pass the shelter (60 m on your right). After another 10 m pass the BBQ (60 m on your right). Then find the "Wentworth Falls Picnic Area" (60 m on your right). Wentworth Falls Picnic Area The Wentworth Falls Picnic Area is in the Blue Mountains National Park on Sir H Burrell Drive (Wentworth Falls). The picnic area is host to a couple of wonderful lookouts and some good facilities. A large car park, toilets (wheelchair accessible), picnic tables, free electric BBQs, town water and information signs. This is a great spot to relax between walks in the area.
	After another 7 m turn right.
	After another 4 m turn left, to head along Sir H Burrell Drive. After another 50 m find the "Jamison Lookout" (8 m on your left). Jamison Lookout The recently renovated Jamison Lookout is on Sir H Burrell Drive, in the Blue Mountains National Park. The lookout has a wonderful view to the south, down the Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary and beyond. This is a great wheelchair-accessible viewpoint with a large information sign and bench seats. The lookout is fenced, and is located just below the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area.
	Turn right, to head along Sir H Burrell Drive. After another 50 m continue straight, to head along Sir H Burrell Drive. After another 80 m pass the "Wentwarth Falls Parking" (15 m on your left).
	Veer left. After another 20 m pass the toilet (40 m on your right).
	After another 1 m turn right, to head along Short Cut Track.
	After another 430 m continue straight.
	After another 60 m turn left.
	After another 120 m turn right, to head along Short Cut Track.
	After another 100 m continue straight, to head along Short Cut Track. After another 90 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
	After another 180 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Short Cut Track) turn sharp right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
	After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. After another 6 m pass the "Conservation Hut" (6 m on your left).
	After another 70 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 25 m continue straight. After another 10 m come to "Queen Victoria Lookout". Queen Victoria Lookout The Queen Victoria Lookout is perched above the Valley of the Waters, south-west of Conservation Hut. The fenced lookout has views into the narrow section of the valley. The views are made more dramatic by the roar of the waterfalls below and the mists which frequent the area. Empress Falls are only just visible - the main views extend down Jamison Valley. Kings Tableland (left) and Sublime Point(right) dominate the views and the eastern edge of Mount Solitary and beyond is also visible.
	Continue another 0 m to find Queen Victoria Lookout at the end. About 85 m past the end is "Lodore Falls". Lodore Falls 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 35 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

National Pass

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	5.1 km
Time	4 h to 5 h

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)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 3.9 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.7 km apart with the largest gap of 4 km.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.7 km apart with the largest gap of 2 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	8 m	[toilet]
Seat	1.5 km	[seat]
Seat	3.5 km	[seat]
Shelter	3.9 km	[shelter]
Toilet	4 km	[toilet]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Tuesday 15 July
  
  7°C
  Cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers in the north, medium chance elsewhere. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending west to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the afternoon and evening. Daytime maximum temperatures between 6 and 11.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 11:20am to 12:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Wednesday 16 July
  
  1°C → 12°C
  Morning frost. Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Areas of morning frost. The chance of morning fog in the west. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the late afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 1 and 2 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 10 and 15.
  
  Thursday 17 July
  
  2°C → 12°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Areas of morning frost. The chance of fog in the morning, mainly in the west. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 3 and 1 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 10 and 16.
  
  Friday 18 July
  
  2°C → 10°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost. Slight chance of a shower on and east of the ranges, near zero chance elsewhere. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 2 and 2 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 11 and 16.
  
  Saturday 19 July
  
  2°C → 13°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Sunday 20 July
  
  3°C → 13°C
  Sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Sunny.
  
  Monday 21 July
  
  4°C → 12°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Blue Mountains National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure repairs, upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.
  The following tracks are closed:
  Katoomba and Leura
  
  Leura Cascades track (bottom section) is closed until the end of 2025 for track upgrade works. There is no access to Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Clifftop walk) between the top of Leura Cascades and the Amphitheatre junction. Short detour via Cliff Drive.
  
  Leura Cascades parking area and toilets are closed. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to landslides and associated repairs.
  
  Glenrapheal Drive (Narrow Neck fire trail) is closed to vehicles near Cliff Drive due to a road subsidence. Walkers and cyclists permitted.
  
  Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  
  Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.
  
  Wentworth Falls and Woodford
  
  Charles Darwin walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
  
  Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to elevated boardwalk repairs. There's no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  
  Valley of the Waters is closed below Sylvia Falls. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Bells Line of Road
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and part of the walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  
  Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides.
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes may be closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
  
  Closed areas: Link walking track temporary closure
  Link walking track is closed from Friday 9 May 2025 until further notice.
  This is to allow for ongoing track works. For your safety, please follow all signs and instructions of NPWS staff.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Safety alerts: Remote walking track conditions
  Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area including Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail have been impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage.
  In some places, tracks are no longer visible and are not easy to navigate, taking longer to traverse than expected. Limited to zero water sources are currently available along routes.
  If you plan to walk in the area, please ensure you have an appropriate level of experience, navigation skills and equipment including Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
  Mobile reception is limited so alternative communication methods are strongly recommended.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Friday 2 May 2025 to Friday 1 May 2026 in the following areas:
  
  Abercrombie River National Park
  
  Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
  
  Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  
  Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
  
  Wollemi National Park (Wolga)
  
  Gardens of Stone National Park
  
  Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  
  Turon National Park
  
  Marrangaroo National Park
  
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Narrow Neck - Glenraphael Drive closed due to landslide
  Glenraphael Drive at Narrow Neck is closed to all vehicles until further notice. This road has been impacted by a landslide. Walkers and cyclists are permitted. Please follow directions of park signage and NPWS staff.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Woodford Oaks and Saint Helena trails - Weekday closure
  Woodford Oaks and Saint Helena trails in Blue Mountains National Park will be closed for maintenance and repairs on weekdays from Monday 26 May 2025 to Friday 18 July 2025 inclusive. The affected areas include:
  
  Woodford Oaks trail from Taylor Road at Woodford to the intersection of the Oaks/Nepean lookout trails
  
  Saint Helena trail.
  
  Please follow all signs and directions of NPWS staff. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Fern Bower walking track closed
  Fern Bower walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to multiple landslides. There's no access to Leura Forest and Leura Cascades via Fern Bower. Alternative access is via Amphitheatre track.
  For more information, call the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed
  Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed until further notice. This includes Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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