Vera Falls track takes experienced walkers to the end of the Valley of the Waters. The last half of this track is indistinct and rough in places, following a historic route. Vera Falls is a spectacular waterfall that can be viewed from the top or bottom. This track may become impassable after rain. A hot chocolate at Conservation Hut can be a nice way to finish off this walk.
(open in app)
This walk passes through a remote area and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.
There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
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 Vera Falls Track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Vera Falls 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
3.8km
Time
4 hrs
.
Grade 5/6
Route: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
No directional signs (5/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
No facilities provided (5/6)
*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
1km of this walk has short steep hills and another 750m is very steep. The remaining (140m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
1.1km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 590m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 190m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and the remaining 55m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
680m of this walk is clearly signposted and another 620m has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (590m) Has no directional signs.
Experience Required
920m of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 590m requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (380m) requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 1km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 870m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
920m of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 590m has no facilities provided. The remaining (390m) 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 Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 324 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -75 m
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). Continue straight: 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'). Continue straight: 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). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the wooden steps to almost immediately come to the signposted intersection with 'Queen Victoria Lookout' track.
(0.32 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 left: 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 left 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.
(0.32 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks
to
Empress Lookout Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 57 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -18 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps away from 'Queen Victoria Lookout' keeping the rock face to the right. The track soon passes under a sandstone overhang and then down more steps to come 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.
(0.38 km)
Empress Lookout
to
Int of Valley of the Waters and Nature Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 92 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -20 m
Turn right: From Empress Lookout, this walk heads down the wooden steps, keeping the handrail and valley to the left. Soon the walk heads downs a series of steep metal staircases that zigzag down the hill. At the bottom of the staircases, the walk follows the handrail through a long sandstone overhang. The track then heads down some steps to come to an intersection with the 'Nature Track' and a sign pointing back to 'National Pass - Tea Rooms'.
(0.47 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Nature Tracks
to
Empress Falls Crossing Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 87 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -14 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Valley of the Waters' sign down the lower track (with the valley initially to the right). The walk heads down the steps following the handrail and, soon after the sharp right bend, the walk crosses Isabel Creek using the stepping stones. Soon, the walk heads down a timber staircase, through a sandstone overhang and winds down the stone steps. After passing a great view of Empress Falls, the track crosses the Valley of the Waters Creek in front of Empress Falls using the stepping stones. (These creeks may not be passable after rain)
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.
(0.56 km)
Empress Falls Crossing
to
Lodore Falls Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 73 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -9 m
Continue straight: From in front of Empress Falls, this walk heads downstream along the track, keeping the creek to the left. After passing the 'Track' sign (pointing back up to the falls), the walk heads down the steps (with handrail). Soon the steps lead to the base of a wide cascade - Sylvia Falls.
From Sylvia Falls, this walk heads downstream along the track, keeping the creek and handrail to the left. Soon after heading down a staircase, the walk comes to a creek crossing at the base of Lodore Falls.
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.
(0.63 km)
Lodore Falls
to
Int of Valley of the Waters and National Pass Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 22 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -14 m
Continue straight: From Lodore Falls, this walk crosses the Valley Of the Waters Creek, keeping the handrail and main valley to the right (This creek may be impassable after rain). The walk then heads down the stairs under a small overhang to soon come to an intersection with Wentworth Pass and a 'National Pass - Conservation Hut' sign pointing back up.
(0.66 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and National Pass Tracks
to
Int of Valley of the Waters and Wentworth Pass Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 99 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = -114 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stone steps following the 'Wentworth Pass' sign passing the metal railing as the track winds around the side of the hill. The track makes a 'U' bend and continues steeply down towards a waterfall, where it crosses at the large rocks to the bush track on the other side. The walk follows this track, passing a sign pointing back to the Conservation Hut, and continues down the valley, winding down rock steps and following the creek (which is visible through the trees to the left) until it comes to the signposted intersection of the Wentworth Pass track.
(0.75 km)
Int of Valley of the Waters and Wentworth Pass Tracks
to
Int of Robert's Pass and Vera Falls Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 549 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -168 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Vera Falls' sign along the bush track, winding around the side of the hill. After a short distance, the track turns left, down the hill, along an indistinct track (the wrong way is marked with a dead-end track signpost). Continuing steeply down the hill, the walk follows the bright ribbons tied to trees along the bush track down the hill until crossing a small stream. On the other side of this, the walk heads up along the bush track, winding through the forest for a short distance until coming to a signposted intersection of the Roberts Pass track.
(1.3 km)
Int of Robert's Pass and Vera Falls Tracks
to
Int of Vera Falls and Top Falls tracks Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 467 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -125 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the track heading down the hill, winding down past a large square boulder in the middle of the track. The walk continues down, crossing Valley of the Waters Creek to the eastern bank along the way. The track bends around to the left as the gully opens out and comes down to an intersection of the top of the falls track.
(1.77 km)
Int of Vera Falls and Top Falls tracks
to
Top of Vera Falls Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 66 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -15 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track heading west, up along the side of the hill, keeping the valley down to the left. The track drops steeply down the hill to the rock platform at the top of the waterfall. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
(1.77 km)
Int of Vera Falls and Top Falls tracks
to
Int of Vera Falls and Bottom Falls track Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 76 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -36 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track, with the valley down to the right. The walk heads around the side of the hill for a short while before turning downhill and winding through the thick forest. At the bottom of the valley, the track comes to the intersection with the bottom falls track.
(1.85 km)
Int of Vera Falls and Bottom Falls track
to
Hippocrene Falls Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 375 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = -27 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the track heading south-east through the dense forest, following the frequently placed ribbon markers. The walk crosses a small creek and continues up through the bush, winding up the long, gentle hill until coming to an intersection with the Hippocrene Falls track. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill towards the visible falls, soon coming to the pool at the base of the Hippocrene Falls. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
(1.85 km)
Int of Vera Falls and Bottom Falls track
to
Bottom of Vera Falls Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 46 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads west through the dense forest, following the sometimes indistinct track and the brightly coloured ribbon markers. The walk soon comes to the Valley of the Waters Creek, which it follows upstream along the large boulders on the edge of the creek bed, to the bottom of the falls.
Vera Falls
Alt = 352 m
This spectacular waterfall is in the Valley Of The Waters, near Wentworth Falls. The water falls from a rock platform above (there is a track accessing the top of the falls) onto a rock bulb at the base, where the water cascades into the rock-filled pool at the bottom. The waterfall is on the Valley Of The Waters Creek, about 150m north of the junction with Jamison Creek. The falls are named after the 9 year old daughter of Frederick Moore, a member of the Wentworth Falls Trustees and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1898. The Wentworth Falls Trustees were tasked with naming all the falls in the area at the time.
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
This place is magnificent! Its perfect that this page is complete. Now i have a map. :D :D iw79W
Tim - Circuit
IP:121.217.101.xxx | 2010-09-13 14:19:31
Am wondering why you haven't covered the track from Vera and Hippocrene that continues back up Jamison's Creek to the bottom of Wentworth Falls and then Short Cut track back to Consevration Hut? Makes it a much more interesting Circuit trip, and, the view from the top of Slack Stairs is one of the best in the Mountains.
Kevin - Awesome views
IP:203.48.58.xxx | 2012-02-02 00:49:19
I have done this walk twice now and the views are still awesome to look at. Vera track is reasonably well signposted these days, if you could call a post with an arrow signposted. It gets the message across though.
Also Robert Pass intersection has a sign saying it is closed due to rockfall/landslide. Thought I'd mention it incase anyone wanted to walk that way.
With all the rain Vera falls has become quite spectacular, I've stopped for lunch at the top of the falls each time and the view is great, crossing the stream is a bit iffy as it is very slippery, the first time I took a involuntary dip in the stream, luckily it was a very hot day. Be ware of leeches!Sneaky buggers like to hide in the smaller still pools around the stream.
This website is fantastic, I take a copy of the map and track notes with me everytime I out on one of the walks listed. Great job!
Kevin.
Matt - Good walk off the beaten track
IP:120.150.164.xxx | 2013-07-30 03:52:23
I've done the valley of the waters walk and undercliff walks before but had never taken this detour to Vera Falls.
A couple of warning sign posts shortly after the junction with the wentworth falls trail alert the hiker to the tough conditions ahead and the signs recommend that you have experience with navigation. I didn't see any ribbons along the way but I found the track easy to follow - of course, that was on a glorious sunny winters day with perfect conditions. If you encountered early morning mist or mountain fog then it would be a different ball game. A few arrow symbols are attached to boulders for the creek crossing and arrow posts are placed where needed. As the track notes mention, warning signs are positioned in places where you encounter other side routes/trails so you can't mistakenly venture off to places where you shouldn't go.
When reaching the base of the falls the track disappears and spreads out and peering through the trees you just have to walk through the bush and scramble your way through to the boulders for a good vantage point.
Take a rest here, you'll need it for the uphill climb back :)
I'd recommend taking walking poles too.
I didn't have mine and carrying a 15Kg pack of camera gear/tripod I found it hard on the knee's trying to slow down on the descents and also whilst climbing back up the inclines. A set of poles would've eased the stress a little.
Matt
Pete - Well worth it.
IP:124.171.4.xxx | 2013-12-04 08:58:25
After several treks down Wentworth pass i finally decided to take the detour out to Vera falls. It was definitely worth it, Vera feels much more secluded than the other tracks in the area.
Beautiful water fall and not a bad place to get wet. Must admit it was pretty hard going to get back to the top so i would avoid on a hot day.
Tristan - Include Hippocrene
IP:27.32.80.xxx | 2014-06-01 13:21:07
Combining the Vera Falls and Hippocrene Falls gives you a nice loop. All of the route is very well defined. The bit between the two falls is a bit rougher, but there are ribbons and paint marks to show the way. We walked down the falls, down slack stairs, then picked up the Hippocrene track, Vera Falls, and then back up to the Conservation Hut. The view from the top of Vera Falls is spectacular, and a perfect place to stop for lunch.
Hiking near Sydney 
Route: 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 :)