Nature Track

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

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start (-33.7200955,150.3629379)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions From

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
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'.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 4 m (from the Nature Track) turn right, to head along Nature Track (a walking track).
	After another 440 m (from the Nature Track) veer right, to head along Nature Track.
	After another 295 m (at the intersection of Nature Track & Nature Trail Access) continue straight, to head along Nature Track.
	After another 200 m (at the intersection of Nature Trail Access & Nature Track) veer left, to head along Nature Trail Access.
	After another 320 m (at the intersection of Nature Track & Nature Trail Access) continue straight, to head along Nature Track.
	After another 285 m (from the Nature Track) turn left, to head along Nature Track (a steps). Then head down the steps (about 105 m long) Then cross the bridge (about 7 m long) Then head up the steps (about 145 m long) Then head down the steps (about 40 m long) After another 40 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your left).
	From the Nature Track continue straight, to head along Nature Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Edinburgh Castle Rock. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 10 m (from the Nature Track) continue straight, to head along Nature Track.
	After another 460 m find the "Lillian's Glen" (7 m on your right). Lillian's Glen 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 at the bottom of a waterfall, is worthwhile - a very nice spot at the end of a narrow canyon. Then cross the stepping stones. At the intersection of Nature Track & Valley of Waters Creek veer left, to head along Nature Track. After another 6 m pass the "Asmodeus Pool" (25 m on your right). After another 30 m pass the "Flora's Bath" (30 m on your left).
	After another 30 m cross the stepping stones. At the intersection of Nature Track & Valley of Waters Creek continue straight, to head along Nature Track.
	After another 170 m (at the intersection of Grand Clifftop Walk & Nature Track) turn left, to head along Nature Track. After another 140 m find the "Empress Falls" (45 m on your right). Empress Falls Empress Falls is a spectacular waterfall in the Valley of the Waters. The Valley of the Water Creek comes out of the slot in the cliff and tumbles down a series of cliffs to a sandy pool. The fall is the site of the last abseil in a popular canyon, making a great site for walkers in the area. Stepping stones help walkers cross below the falls. There is a small overhang next to the falls, giving the area shade and offering a great place to rest. After another 25 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 9 m pass the "Isobel Falls" (about 10 m ahead). Then pass the picnic table (on your left).
	At the intersection of Nature Track & Grand Clifftop Walk continue straight, to head along Grand Clifftop Walk. Then cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Grand Clifftop Walk & Valley of the Waters Track) continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. After another 80 m find the "Sylvia Falls" (35 m on your right). Sylvia Falls Sylvia Falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek is a lovely tall cascade. The falls are in a deep sandstone canyon with mossy walls. The stairs and handrail pass closely to these falls, helping walkers get nice and close. From near the top of the falls, there is a great view down the valley looking between the canyon walls. After another 10 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 10 m find the "Lodore Falls" (about 40 m ahead). Lodore Falls Lodore Falls are a lovely set of falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek. The narrow falls have a staircase on one side and stepping stones (and handrail) crossing the bottom, making it easier for walkers to appreciate this waterfall from many angles. Just beyond the handrail, the water falls over another cliff, providing a great view down the valley.
	At the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Grand Clifftop Walk turn left, to head along Grand Clifftop Walk. Then find the "Empress Lookout" (on your right). Empress Lookout Empress Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, perched on a sandstone overhang above the Valley of the Waters Creek. There is a view down to part of the Empress Falls and into the canyon. The views are filtered through the surrounding trees. It makes for a good spot to catch your breath when walking into, or out of, the Valley of the Waters. After another 6 m pass the "Edith Falls" (55 m on your right). After another 15 m pass the "Lodore Falls" (65 m on your right).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 50 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Grand Clifftop Walk) turn left, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. After another 135 m pass the sign (on your right).
	At the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Overcliff Track continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. After another 195 m pass the sign (on your right).
	At the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Short Cut Track continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. After another 10 m (from the Valley of the Waters Track) continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. After another 15 m pass the picnic table (6 m on your right).
	From the Valley of the Waters Track veer left (a steps). Then head up the steps (about 4 m long) After another 6 m continue straight. Then pass the sign (5 m on your right). Then pass the picnic table (25 m on your right). After another 5 m find the "Conservation Hut" (on your right). Conservation Hut Conservation Hut is a small cafe perched above the Valley of the Waters, Blue Mountains National Park. The hut was opened in 1963 as a meeting place for the local conservation movement. Rebuilt, Conservation Hut opened as a cafe in 1993, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Around the Conservation Hut is a small parking area, public toilets, picnic shelters, town water and B&B's. For further information or bookings call (02) 4757 3827. After another 15 m pass the toilet (4 m on your left).
	After another 1 m (from the Nature Track) turn right (a footpath). After another 4 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Edinburgh Castle Rock.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Nature Track Start (a walking track). After another 15 m continue straight. Then come to "Edinburgh Castle Rock". Edinburgh Castle Rock 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. The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 15 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

From the Nature Track Start (a walking track).

After another 15 m continue straight.

Then come to "Edinburgh Castle Rock".

Edinburgh Castle Rock

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.

The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 15 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Grand Clifftop Walk & Valley of the Waters Track Start (a walking track). Find the sign at the start. After 30 m find the "Queen Victoria Lookout" (5 m on your right). Queen Victoria Lookout The Queen Victoria Lookout is perched above the Valley of the Waters, south-west of Conservation Hut. The fenced lookout has views into the narrow section of the valley. The views are made more dramatic by the roar of the waterfalls below and the mists which frequent the area. Empress Falls are only just visible - the main views extend down Jamison Valley. Kings Tableland (left) and Sublime Point(right) dominate the views and the eastern edge of Mount Solitary and beyond is also visible. Continue straight. About 60 m past the end is "Edith Falls". About 70 m past the end is "Lodore Falls". Lodore Falls Lodore Falls are a lovely set of falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek. The narrow falls have a staircase on one side and stepping stones (and handrail) crossing the bottom, making it easier for walkers to appreciate this waterfall from many angles. Just beyond the handrail, the water falls over another cliff, providing a great view down the valley. About 75 m past the end is "Flat Rock Falls".
	Continue another 0 m to find Queen Victoria Lookout at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

At the intersection of Grand Clifftop Walk & Valley of the Waters Track Start (a walking track).

Find the sign at the start.

After 30 m find the "Queen Victoria Lookout" (5 m on your right).

Queen Victoria Lookout

The Queen Victoria Lookout is perched above the Valley of the Waters, south-west of Conservation Hut. The fenced lookout has views into the narrow section of the valley. The views are made more dramatic by the roar of the waterfalls below and the mists which frequent the area. Empress Falls are only just visible - the main views extend down Jamison Valley. Kings Tableland (left) and Sublime Point(right) dominate the views and the eastern edge of Mount Solitary and beyond is also visible.

Continue straight.

About 60 m past the end is "Edith Falls".

About 70 m past the end is "Lodore Falls".

Lodore Falls

Lodore Falls are a lovely set of falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek. The narrow falls have a staircase on one side and stepping stones (and handrail) crossing the bottom, making it easier for walkers to appreciate this waterfall from many angles. Just beyond the handrail, the water falls over another cliff, providing a great view down the valley.

About 75 m past the end is "Flat Rock Falls".

Continue another 0 m to find Queen Victoria Lookout at the end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Nature Track

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	3.2 km
Time	1 h 15 min to 2 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one 3.2 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	3.2 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Conservation Hut
Conservation Hut is a small cafe perched above the Valley of the Waters, Blue Mountains National Park. The hut was opened in 1963 as a meeting place for the local conservation movement. Rebuilt, Conservation Hut opened as a cafe in 1993, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Around the Conservation Hut is a small parking area, public toilets, picnic shelters, town water and B&B's. For further information or bookings call (02) 4757 3827.

Edinburgh Castle Rock
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.

Lillian's Glen
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 at the bottom of a waterfall, is worthwhile - a very nice spot at the end of a narrow canyon.

Empress Lookout
Empress Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, perched on a sandstone overhang above the Valley of the Waters Creek. There is a view down to part of the Empress Falls and into the canyon. The views are filtered through the surrounding trees. It makes for a good spot to catch your breath when walking into, or out of, the Valley of the Waters.

Queen Victoria Lookout
The Queen Victoria Lookout is perched above the Valley of the Waters, south-west of Conservation Hut. The fenced lookout has views into the narrow section of the valley. The views are made more dramatic by the roar of the waterfalls below and the mists which frequent the area. Empress Falls are only just visible - the main views extend down Jamison Valley. Kings Tableland (left) and Sublime Point(right) dominate the views and the eastern edge of Mount Solitary and beyond is also visible.

Get more information
Wildwalks | Nature track - National Parks & Wildlife Service | The Nature Track - Walk My World | Blue Mountains National Park
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Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  Showers. Possible storm.
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds.
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  8°C → 12°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening. Winds southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 12 with daytime temperatures reaching between 13 and 19.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 2:10pm, UV Index predicted to reach 5 [Moderate]
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  5°C → 11°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 5mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, slight chance elsewhere. Winds southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 19.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  6°C → 13°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, slight chance elsewhere. Winds southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching between 14 and 20.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  6°C → 15°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Slight chance of a shower on and east of the ranges, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 21.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  7°C → 16°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Monday 5 May
  
  8°C → 18°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Tuesday 6 May
  
  9°C → 19°C
  Sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Sunny.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts

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Start	(-33.7200955,150.3629379)
Mode	Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From

Weather Forecast

Alerts