Walk CLOSED Starting at Wentworth Falls picnic area, this scenic and historic walk explores many waterfalls, lookouts and cliff edges. The walk covers a large number of steps and runs beside fenced cliff edges, so walkers will need to be fit, and also comfortable with heights. After visiting some grand waterfalls, this walk follows the cliff line, then visits another series of lovely falls in the upper Valley of the Waters. After a few more lookouts, this walk brings you to the Conservation Hut, a great spot for a picnic or cafe meal.
(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 National Pass from Wentworth Falls to Conservation Hut
Cross sectional view of the National Pass from Wentworth Falls to Conservation Hut bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the National Pass from Wentworth Falls to Conservation Hut 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
3.6km
Time
3 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
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
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*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
2.1km of this walk has short steep hills and another 830m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 490m is very steep and the remaining 250m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
1.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (280m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 1.9km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.8km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 2.5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 2.4km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 1.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 3.4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 270m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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Catch the bus to Sir H. Burrell Drive Car Park (Nth)
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.
(0 km)
Sir H. Burrell Drive Car Park (Nth)
to
Jamison Lookout Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 86 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -6 m
From the 'Short Cut Track' sign, this walk heads to the far end of the car park. The walk then heads left along the footpath to come to the fenced and signposted Jamison Lookout.
Jamison Lookout
Alt = 858 m
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.
(0.09 km)
Jamison Lookout
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Int of Sir H. Burrell Drive and Princes Rock Track Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 137 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From Jamison Lookout, this walk follows the footpath along Sir H. Burrell Drive, past the information sign, keeping the Jamison Valley to the right. Soon the footpath leads to an intersection at the top of some steps (signposted as the way to 'Princes Rock Lookout').
(0.22 km)
Int of Sir H. Burrell Drive and Princes Rock Track
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Wentworth Falls Lookout Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 182 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -17 m
Turn right: From the top of the steps, this walk heads down the steps following the 'Princes Rock Lookout' sign. The track soon comes to a three-way intersection, with a 'Car Park' arrow pointing back up. Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Wentworth Falls Lookout' arrow up the steps as the track bends right. The track soon passes an old water trough on the left (not suitable for drinking). Soon after this, the track comes to Wentworth Falls Lookout (next to Sir H. Burrell Drive).
Wentworth Falls Lookout
Alt = 853 m
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.
(0.41 km)
Wentworth Falls Lookout
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Int of Wentworth Falls and Weeping Rock Tracks (Nth) Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 330 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -52 m
Veer right: From Wentworth Falls Lookout, this walk follows the 'Wentworth Falls Track' - 'To The Falls' sign down the hill (with the view to the right). The walk heads down the log steps, passing several information signs. The track soon heads through a sharp right-hand bend, then comes to an intersection (with a track closed at the time of writing) at the sharp left bend. There is a sign here, pointing back up to 'Wentworth Falls picnic area'. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill following the 'Wentworth Falls - National Pass' sign. The walk gradually descends the well-maintained log stairs, passing some views of the valley on the right. Soon the track comes to an intersection with another sign, pointing back up to 'Wentworth Falls Picnic Area'.
(0.74 km)
Int of Wentworth Falls and Weeping Rock Tracks (Nth)
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Weeping Rock waterfall Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 76 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -4 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Weeping Rock Circuit' sign down the steps, (with the valley to the right). Soon, the track comes to an intersection with 'Darwins Track' (on the left). Turn right: 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.
(0.81 km)
Weeping Rock waterfall
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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'.
(0.85 km)
Int of Weeping Rock and Wentworth Falls Tracks
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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.
(0.91 km)
Top of Wentworth Falls
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Rocket Point Creek Intersection Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 25 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the top of Wentworth Falls, this walk heads away from the falls (keeping the valley view to the right). With the handrail on the right, the track soon crosses a small creek and comes to a three-way intersection and a 'Rocket Point Circuit' sign.
Grand Stairway
Alt = 792 m
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' [2] 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 [3]. Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls.
(0.94 km)
Rocket Point Creek Intersection
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Middle Wentworth Falls Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 327 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 36 m
Descent = -98 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass To Wentworth Pass' sign along the clear track, keeping the handrail on the right. The track soon comes to the cliff. From here the National Pass heads though a series of sandstone caves and down plenty of stairs, most of which are cut into the stone. The views into the valley and of Wentworth Falls are stunning.
After passing a fairly long rock-shelf at the bottom of the timber stairs (and the square hole in the cliff), this walk heads down a long set of steep stone stairs to come to a fenced 'No Access Cliff Point' area. From here, the pass continues down more steep stone stairs until reaching the moister area at the bottom of the cliff. The track continues down the hill along the steps and stepping stones. As the track approaches the creek, it zigzags down to the stone-slab bridges and crosses Jamison Creek. From here, there is a small side track up to the pool, at the bottom of the falls (halfway down the main Wentworth Falls).
(1.27 km)
Middle Wentworth Falls
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Top of the Slack Stairs Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 269 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 117 m
Descent = -88 m
Continue straight: From pool and creek crossing (halfway up Wentworth Falls), this walk follows the track (keeping the main valley to the left) away from the falls. The track heads across the rock-platform and timber bridge, with the handrail on the left, then up a series of steep stairs. As the track flattens out, it winds around the side of the valley at the base of a large cliff (on the right). Following the stepping stones, the track heads under a low sandstone overhang (be sure to duck) - past this overhang, there are great views back to the waterfall. The track then rounds the corner to the right, coming to an intersection marked with a 'National Pass' sign and a sign pointing back to 'Wentworth Falls' (at the top of 'Slack Stairs').
(1.53 km)
Top of the Slack Stairs
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Int of Valley of the Waters and National Pass Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.45 km
Time = 1 hr 23 mins
Climb = 410 m
Descent = -411 m
Continue straight: From the intersection at the top of 'Slack Stairs', this walk follows the 'National Pass - Valley of the Waters' sign up the few steps, keeping the main valley to the left. The walk soon crosses a creek (and waterfall) using the stepping stones. The walk continues along the cliff-line, up the stairs and along more stepping stones to pass over a couple of smaller creeks. Soon after passing a great vantage point, the walk comes to a handrailed timber platform that passes behind a waterfall from Den Fenella Creek.
From the Den Fenella Creek waterfall, this walk heads along the path, keeping the valley views to the left. After passing a few open ledges with great valley views, the walk heads into another valley and crosses a small creek. The walk continues along the cliff line as it bends right, into the Valley of the Waters, passing a sandstone bench seat and few small creeks. The walk then crosses a timber platform through a sandstone overhang then heads down the stairs to a lovely ferntree valley. From here, the walk continues down the stairs, soon coming to an intersection with Wentworth Pass and a 'National Pass - Wentworth Falls' sign pointing back.
(2.98 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and National Pass Tracks
to
Lodore Falls Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 22 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Conservation Hut' sign up the steps, keeping the creek to the left. After heading under the overhang and up the timber steps, the walk crosses the Valley Of the Waters Creek in front of Lodore Falls (using the stepping stones). This creek may be impassable after rain.
Lodore Falls
Alt = 768 m
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.
Sylvia Falls
Alt = 778 m
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.
(3.01 km)
Lodore Falls
to
Empress Falls Crossing Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 73 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From Lodore Falls, this walk heads upstream, up the staircase, keeping the creek on the right. The steps climb to the base of a wider cascade - Sylvia Falls.
From Sylvia Falls, this walk heads up the stairs, keeping the handrail and creek to the right. The path heads up the hill, passing a 'Track' sign before coming to a creek crossing in front of the tall Empress Falls.
Empress Falls
Alt = 780 m
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.
(3.08 km)
Empress Falls Crossing
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Empress Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 179 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 34 m
Descent = -16 m
Continue straight: From the bottom of Empress Falls, this walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, keeping the handrail on the left. On the way up the hill, the walk passes closer to Empress Falls before zigzagging up to a sandstone overhang and timber staircase. At the top of the staircase, the walk crosses Isabel Creek using the stepping stones. The track then winds up the hill, soon coming to an intersection with the 'Nature Track' and a sign pointing back to 'National Pass - Valley of the Waters'. (These creeks may not be passable after rain) Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the wooden steps, following the 'National Pass - Tea Rooms' sign. The walk soon heads though a long rock overhang to the base of a metal staircase. The walk climbs the series of steep metal staircases zigzagging up the hill. After climbing some wooden steps, the walk comes to the fenced and signposted 'Empress Lookout'.
Empress Lookout
Alt = 801 m
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.
(3.26 km)
Empress Lookout
to
Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 57 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the Empress Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps away from the lookout. The walk heads up the hill, soon passing under a sandstone overhang then up more steps, coming to a 'Y' intersection with the signposted 'Queen Victoria Lookout' track (on the right).
(3.32 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks
to
Queen Victoria Lookout Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 24 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -17 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Queen Victoria Lookout' sign down the steps towards the handrail. Soon the track passes a small lookout on the left and, shortly afterwards, the fence leads to the rock platform and fenced 'Queen Victoria Lookout'. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Queen Victoria Lookout
Alt = 803 m
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.
(3.32 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks
to
Int of Lyrebird Cliff Track and Valley of the Waters Track Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 18 m
Time =
Climb = 4 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from 'Queen Victoria Lookout' up the set of stairs to almost immediately come to a 'Y' intersection with the unsignposted Lyrebird Cliff track (on the right).
(3.33 km)
Int of Lyrebird Cliff Track and Valley of the Waters Track
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Int of Valley of the Waters and Overcliff Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 93 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the timber and dirt steps, away from the valley views. The track passes a few faint tracks (on the right, that lead to an unfenced view point). The track soon comes to a signposted intersection with the 'Overcliff Track'.
(3.43 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Overcliff Tracks
to
Conservation Hut Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 213 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Tea Rooms' sign up the steps, with the handrail on the left. After a short time, the track passes a couple of faint tracks (on the right, leading to an old picnic area). Heading up the main steps, the walk passes another handrail (and signs) then an information sign, before coming to a three-way intersection with the 'Shortcut Track'. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the steps towards the building. The walk passes a couple of picnic shelters (on the right) before coming to the road and the front of the 'Conservation Hut'.
Conservation Hut
Alt = 893 m
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. More 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.
Blue Mountains National ParkLink 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 feesCampingFacilities 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
I did this walk in the opposite direction as a loop. Starting point was conservation hut, ending at wentworth falls car park and then taking the easy 1km shortcut back from wentworth falls car park to the conservation hut. This walk is perfect for anyone wanting to experience a little bit of everything. The grand staircase is not for those who don't have a head for heights as the angle is quite steep and being on the cliff edge could make some nervous. But it is worth it. Arriving at the foot of the main wentworth falls is quite a site and it gives you time to catch your breath after the climb down (or gather your breath if facing the stairs on your way up). From there the walk follows the cliff edge around towards the Valley of the Waters. Views of the Jamison Valley extend as far as your eyes, and the weather, permit. The track is flat and easy going during this part. Eventually you head in to the "valley" where the terrain changes from somewhat barren cliff edge vegetation and gum trees to the start of ferns and rainforest. Lodore falls are the first to meet you. A small waterfall. You climb a little to the larger Sylvia falls. And then, climbing a little more, you reach the biggest of the three, Empress Falls. The track from here is all uphill so it's worth using one of these as a time to take a break and enjoy the scenery. The way back to conservation hut is uphill, mostly track, some timber stairs as well as steel stairs. There is a tiny detour (20m) to the Empress Lookout on the way up but the falls aren't actually visible from here. As you climb your way through the forest you eventually find yourself at Conservation Hut. I usually plan the walk so that lunch can be had here, either in the cafe or a picnic outside. If you did park at wentworth falls, there is an easy, flat, 1km shortcut walk back from the hut to the car park. If you opt for the circuit loop, it doesn't really matter in which direction you do this walk but from experience, the climb from the Valley of the Waters to the Conservation Hut is far better in the afternoon sunshine than climbing the staircase. The afternoon sun beams down on the staircase in the afternoon and the heat, sun and angle of the staircase can make things tough going. Whereas the Valley of the waters climb is under the forest canopy and in the shade. Taking it easy and allowing for photo stops and the odd break, a 4 hour walk. Enjoy.
Perry - This is a great walk
IP:165.228.83.xxx | 2013-03-04 23:04:02
We do this walk quite often (living locally), but the other day we were trapped for 4 or so hours by a freak storm that flooded both Wentworth Falls and Empress Falls.
Story and great photos here: the thing to remember though is how quickly the conditions can change.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)