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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for The Charles Darwin Walk are found in each of the tabs below
Charles Darwin Walk
Time: 2 hrs Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
1 km NW of Wentworth Falls
Length: 5.6 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 5.6 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 189 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 189 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a train station near the start and end of this walk
Style: Return
Track: Moderate

The Charles Darwin Walk follows the beautiful Jamison Creek south, arriving at the top of Wentworth Falls. Walkers can enjoy the beauty of the creek as it cascades down the frequent small waterfalls. The top of Wentworth Falls is a fantastic spot to rest, taking in wonderful views of the Jamison Valley and water tumbling over the cliffs. Well-managed and signposted, this track has bridges and boardwalk to help keep walkers' feet dry. It is a great walk for those visiting Wentworth Falls by public transport. (open in app)


There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park
Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for The Charles Darwin Walk

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of The Charles Darwin Walk bushwalking tracknotes
Map of The Charles Darwin Walk
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 500 meters
Wentworth Falls Railway Station
Wilson Park
Int of Charles Darwin Track and Page Ave Tracks
Int of Charles Darwin Track and Wentworth Falls Fire Station Trail
Int of Charles Darwin and Parkes St Tracks
Int of Charles Darwin and Fletcher St Tracks
Int of Charles Darwin and Weeping Rock Tracks
Weeping Rock waterfall
Int of Weeping Rock and Wentworth Falls Tracks
Starting point for this hiking track: Wentworth Falls Railway Station

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Katoomba 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-89301S 
 Katoomba 1:100 000 Map Series 8930 

Photo Gallery

 
The Archway in Wilson Park
 
The Archway in Wilson Park +
 
Just south of Wilson Park
 
Just south of Wilson Park +
 
One of the smaller sections of boardwalk
 
One of the smaller sections of boardwalk +

 
Very well managed the track weaves its way beside the creek
 
Very well managed the track weaves its way beside the creek +
 
Bridge across Jamison Crk
 
Bridge across Jamison Crk +
 
The pipeline that the track goes under
 
The pipeline that the track goes under +

 
Jamison Crk
 
Jamison Crk +
 
Some of the larger sections of boardwalk and infrastructure
 
Some of the larger sections of boardwalk and infrastructure +
 
As the water cascades down the rocks it is very beautiful
 
As the water cascades down the rocks it is very beautiful +

 
Weeping Rock
 
Weeping Rock +
 
Jamison Crk
 
Jamison Crk +
 
Queen's Cascade
 
Queen's Cascade +

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the The Charles Darwin Walk bushwalking track

Cross Section of the The Charles Darwin Walk bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Charles Darwin Walk bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the The Charles Darwin Walk bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 6km
Time 2 hrs
.


Grade 3/6

Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1 Gradient Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
Around 2.3km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 490m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track
1.9km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 840m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (75m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs
Around 2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 780m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
Around 2.7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 140m requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 2.7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 140m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
This whole walk, 2.8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Catch the train to Wentworth Falls Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Wentworth Falls Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Wentworth Falls Railway Station
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

(0 km) Wentworth Falls Railway Station to Wilson Park
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 485 m Time = 9 mins
Climb = 13 m Descent = -15 m
From Wentworth Falls Railway Station, this walk exits the station on the western side, on Station St, and turns left to head down to the Great Western Highway past the shops. At the highway, the walk crosses at the lights and turns right, heading down the hill along the foot path. This walk then turns left into Wilson Park soon after the colourful bus stop. The walk follows the footpath through Wilson Park. At the toilet block in the centre of the park, the walk tends slightly more to the left until coming to a large archway entrance to the Charles Darwin Walk, near the tennis courts.

(0.49 km) Wilson Park to Int of Charles Darwin Track and Wentworth Falls Fire Station Trail
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 216 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 4 m Descent = -9 m
Continue straight: From the south-east corner of Wilson Park (near the tennis courts), this walk heads under the large wooden archway signposted as 'Charles Darwin Walk'. The walk follows the track passing a blue sign pointing to 'Wentworth Falls Waterfall' and soon after crosses the creek on a small wooden bridge. On the other side of the creek the track meanders through the open pine forest. After heading up some steps the track comes to an intersection with a sign pointing back to 'Wilson Park' (the steps on the left head up to Page Ave).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk passes the blue sign (on the right) and turns right down the steps to immediately come to an intersection just before the bridge (and a 'Charles Darwin Walk' sign).

(0.7 km) Int of Charles Darwin Track and Wentworth Falls Fire Station Trail to Int of Charles Darwin and Fletcher St Tracks
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 1.17 km Time = 25 mins
Climb = 38 m Descent = -68 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Charles Darwin walk' sign downstream, keeping the creek on the right. The track meanders alongside the creek over some timber platforms and through a lovely Banksia grove. Soon the track heads under a pipe bridge and comes to a clearing and intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection near the pipe bridge, this walk follow the 'Wentworth Falls Waterfall' sign downstream (keeping the creek on the right). The walk soon passes another track (that crosses the creek using a small bridge on the right) and then passes a bush regeneration sign to leave the clearing. The track meanders alongside the creek for a while before heading down some stairs and crossing the creek on a bridge. On the other side the walk passes a bench seat and then comes to an intersection with the signposted 'Parkes Street' track (on the right).
From this intersection, this walk heads downstream (keeping the creek to the left). The walk crosses the creek on a foot bridge and follows the creek closely soon passing a beautiful set of cascades.
After cascades, the walk goes down a steep section of stairs and once again crosses the creek. The track continues along a section of boardwalk before joining up with a track that continues beside the creek. This goes along a mixture of boardwalk and bush track until coming to an intersection with a track, with 'Fletcher St' and 'Falls' signs.

(1.87 km) Int of Charles Darwin and Fletcher St Tracks to Int of Charles Darwin and Weeping Rock Tracks
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 780 m Time = 13 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -24 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the creek downstream along a mixture of bush track and boardwalk. The track continues down until crossing two small creeks. Soon after these two small creeks, the track comes to an intersection, with 'Wentworth Falls' and 'National Pass Trail' signs.

(2.65 km) Int of Charles Darwin and Weeping Rock Tracks to Weeping Rock waterfall
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 35 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -2 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps following the 'Weeping Rock Circuit' sign to the creek a short distance away. Soon the track comes beside Jamison Creek, a lovely flat section of the creek on top of the waterfall. The track continues downstream and across a slippery rockshelf and down a staircase beside the falls. At the bottom of the stairs is another slippery rock platform and a pool at the bottom of Weeping Rock waterfall.

Weeping Rock Alt = 804 m
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.

(2.69 km) Weeping Rock waterfall to Int of Weeping Rock and Wentworth Falls Tracks
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 41 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -8 m
Continue straight: From the bottom of Weeping Rock waterfall, this walk heads downstream (keeping the creek to the left), up some steps and passes another great view of Weeping Rock. After passing between some large rocks, the walk comes to a 3-way intersection, with a sign pointing back to 'Weeping Rock Circuit' and 'Darwins Walk'.

(2.73 km) Int of Weeping Rock and Wentworth Falls Tracks to Top of Wentworth Falls
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 61 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -2 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Wentworth Falls' and 'Wentworth Pass' signs down the steps. The track soon comes to a nice view of Jamison Creek, where it continues to wind down the hill and open up at a fenced rock platform at the top of Wentworth Falls. Here the walk crosses Jamison Creek using the stepping stones, to reveal a lovely waterhole and Queen's Cascades(the creek may be impassable after rain). This is the top of the Wentworth Falls.

Queen's Cascades Alt = 799 m
Queen's Cascades[1] 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.

Catch the train from Wentworth Falls Station
Public transport (train) available from this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Wentworth Falls Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip from the end of the walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Wentworth Falls Railway Station
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by


Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Summit Gear 80- Bathurst Rd , Katoomba (02) 4782 3018 6 km
Paddy Pallin 166 Katoomba St , Katoomba (02) 4782 4466 6.1 km
Summit Gear 11 Ross St , Glenbrook (02) 4739 4373 23.6 km
Boots Great Outdoors Shop 25 Home Centre Wolseley St , Penrith (02) 4733 5744 28.1 km
Kangaroo Tent City Cnr Mulgoa & Blaikie Rds, Penrith (02) 4733 4111 28.5 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to The Charles Darwin Walk.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from The Charles Darwin Walk
Click to re-center search
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 24 km (to the E)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 29 km (to the NE)
6 LGW06 Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS 31 km (to the NW)
5 BIN05 Fire Tower MT BINDO
Emergency use only
34 km (to the W)
7 VMC7 Fire Tower MT BINDO 34 km (to the W)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      27°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu16°|26°Shower or two.
Fri15°|28°Mostly sunny.
Sat12°|22°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Blue Mountains National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page
Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping Facilities
Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park
Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM
Closed areas: Grand Canyon walking track
The Grand Canyon walking track will be closed from Wednesday 14 October 2015 to mid-June 2016. The closure is necessary to allow work to continue on improving the walking track. Access for canyoners will be on weekends only. Access from Evans Lookout via Beauchamp Falls to the Grose Valley will remain open. Evans Lookout carpark, Loop carpark, and Neates Glen carpark will remain open. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 47878877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens
Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed for maintenance. This includes the Gorge Walking track. No access to the area is permitted.Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Hawkesbury area office on (02) 4588 2400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Prince Henry cliff walk, Leura
Blue Mountains City Council wishes to advise that Prince Henry cliff walk between Majestic lookout and the junction with the Leura Cascades walk is currently closed due to a landslip. Detours will be in place and clearly signposted around the affected area. Access from the Leura picnic area to the cascades is unaffected. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Tourism on 1300 653 408 or Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Butterbox Swamp track
The traditional access to Butterbox Canyon via the endangered swamp is now closed and rehabilitated. No access permitted. Canyoners should use the new track provided. Temporary signage is in place.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Claustral canyon access change
Access to Claustral canyon via the previous route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land. Alternative access from the west side of Mount Bell has been identified. For more information, please contact the Blue Moauntains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Cahills lookout - Katoomba
As a result of a recent bushfire, Cahills lookout remains closed until further notice. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Council on (02) 4780 5000.

Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens
Waratah Native Gardens Some areas of this park are closed due to a major landslip event occurring across The Gorge Walking Track. Closed areas include The Gorge Walking Track in the Blue Mountains National Park. A full assessment is underway to determine the extent of damage and to ensure the area is made safe. The Gorge Walking Track is closed at the entry trackhead however the Waratah Native Gardens Day Use and Picnic Area located off Valley Ridges Road Berambing (west of Bilpin) has now been reopened. This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. For more information, please contact NPWS Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines


Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Anonymous IP:124.171.51.xxx | 2009-05-17 13:15:54
:D
so boring - so boring IP:202.93.171.xxx | 2012-05-29 05:02:44
it is sssssssssssssssssoooooooooooooooooo
bbbbooooorrrriiiiiiinggggggggggggggg
Mike Cuming - Mr IP:58.173.42.xxx | 2013-02-05 10:48:07
This is a delightful walk, and in my case provided the link from WF station to the top of the falls. One then has the option of continuing via Wentworth Pass, the
National Pass, or in my case the Undercliff Walk. A loop took me on to Empress Falls and the Nature Track back into WF in time for a coffee and the train back to Sydney. Another magic day in the Blue Mountains.
Tamara R IP:58.106.200.xxx | 2013-07-13 04:30:28
Took this walk with the family today and it was so worth it! The views and scenery were amazing. We saw several kinds of birds, including rozella, black cockatoos and heard many more.
The track was a little muddy but contrary to to the warning signs not at all dangerous.
For drivers there is plenty of parking at Wilson Park on Falls rd.
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Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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