Largely following the ridges around the top edge of Wentworth Falls, this track is incredibly beautiful. After taking in the great views at Edinburgh Castle Rock, the trail descends into the valley. Lillian's Glen makes for a perfect spot for a break, then the trail heads into the Valley of the Waters before making its way back up to Conservation Hut.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Cross sectional view of the Nature Track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Nature Track 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
3.1km
Time
2 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
2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.1km has short steep hills. The remaining (90m) is very steep.
Quality of track
1.5km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 950m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (650m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
Around 2.1km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 2.4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 740m requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 2.9km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 260m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 1.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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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
(0 km)
Conservation Hut
to
Int of Armstrong St Servicetrail and Nature Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 942 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = -27 m
From Conservation Hut, this walk follows the footpath towards the car park, past the toilet block and onto the track signposted as the 'Nature Track'. Following the 'Nature Track' sign, this walk heads down the steps and past a backyard. After passing some informal tracks (on the right,) the track widens and come to a sign pointing back to the 'Nature Track Circuit - Valley of the Waters Picnic Area'. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Nature Track Circuit - Edinburgh Castle Rock' sign along the trail, soon coming to a 'T' intersection with a wider management trail, and a sign pointing back to 'Conservation Hut 11min'.
(0.94 km)
Int of Armstrong St Servicetrail and Nature Track
to
Int of Nature Track and West St Servicetrail Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 346 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -17 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the wide management trail. After about 60m, the trail passes a private track (and garden, on the right). Continuing along, the main trail soon narrows then widens again before coming to a 'Nature Track Circuit' sign at a three-way intersection.
(1.29 km)
Int of Nature Track and West St Trail
to
Int of Nature and West St Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 296 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -39 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Nature Track Circuit - Edinburgh Castle Rock' sign into the bush, along the narrower track. After a while, the track heads down some steps to come to a 'T' intersection, with the 'Valley of the Waters Picnic Area' sign pointing back.
(1.58 km)
Int of Nature and West St Tracks
to
Int of Nature and Edinburgh Castle Rock Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 241 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -15 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the timber steps, following the 'Nature Track' sign. After a short time, the walk heads down some metal stairs, then more timber steps before crossing a gully using a small metal bridge. After climbing out of the gully, the track starts heading gently downhill, coming to a three-way intersection marked with a 'Edinburgh Castle Rock' sign.
(1.83 km)
Int of Nature and Edinburgh Castle Rock Tracks
to
Edinburgh Castle Rock Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 14 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads past the sign saying 'Edinburgh Castle Rock' towards the unfenced rock and great views - this is Edinburgh Castle Rock. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Edinburgh Castle Rock
Alt = 859 m
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.
(1.83 km)
Int of Nature and Edinburgh Castle Rock Tracks
to
Lillian's Glen Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 384 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -86 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads past the two 'Track' signs, following the right-hand arrow away from 'Edinburgh Castle Rock'. The track starts to wind down the steps, which become fairly steep before coming to post 8. From post 8, the walk follows the large rock wall (on the left), then heads down some steps and through a sandstone overhang to come to an unfenced view point, with great valley views.
From the view point, this walk heads through the sandstone overhang, keeping the rockface to the left, passing post number 7. The track starts to head gently down the hill before becoming steeper and winding down the steps. Soon the track comes to a 'Lillians Glen' sign, just before a creek crossing.
Lillian's Glen
Alt = 790 m
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[1] at the bottom of a waterfall, is worthwhile - a very nice spot at the end of a narrow canyon[2].
(2.21 km)
Lillians Glen
to
Lillian's Bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 262 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the 'Lillians Glen' sign, this walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones. After heading up the steps, the track leads back down to another set of stepping stones across the creek. (This is another nice but slippery spot to enjoy, with a small waterfall to the left). After crossing these stepping stones, the track heads up the steps and passes a few handrails before heading down to an intersection marked with a number 5 post, just before Lillian's Bridge.
(2.47 km)
Lillian's Bridge
to
Int of Valley of the Waters and Nature Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 169 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -30 m
Continue straight: From the number 5 post (just next to Lillian's Bridge), this walk heads up the steps, keeping the handrail and valley to the right. The track bends and passes post 4 and comes to post 3 at the top of this climb. After a short time, the track passes post 2 and then starts to wind down the steps. Just after passing a 'Welcome to the Nature Track' information sign (point 1), the walk comes to a small clearing with a picnic table and small waterfall.
From the picnic table, this walk crosses the small wooden bridge and heads up a few steps to come to an intersection, with a sign pointing back to the 'Nature Track'.
(2.64 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Nature Tracks
to
Empress Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 92 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -12 m
Veer left: 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.
(2.73 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).
(2.79 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.
(2.79 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks
to
Conservation Hut Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 324 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 75 m
Descent = -2 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). 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'. 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'.
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
A friend and I did this walk in reverse yesterday. We were glad we did! It started out with a steep descent with many steps. Doing these first meant that the latter part of the walk was a much easier level return to the Conservation Hut. A glorious day, this was just sensational!
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)