National Pass from Wentworth Falls to Conservation Hut
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

3 h 30 min to 4 h

3.9 km
oneway

↑ 1086 m
↓ -1055 m

Hard track
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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Jamison Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from Jamsion Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Footpath beside Sir H. Burrell Drive. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track sign on Sir H. Burrell Drive. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Top of Princes Rock Track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Old water trough. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Fungus in water trough. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track west of Wentworth Falls Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Wentworth Falls Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
View from Wentworth Falls Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track sign at Wentworth Falls Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track east of Wentworth Falls Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Clear and signposted intersection. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Jamison Creek above Weeping Rock. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Weeping Rock. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track beside Weeping Rock. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track near top of Wentworth Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Queen's Cascades. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Queen's Cascades and crossing at the top of Wentworth Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Grand Stairway at the eastern end of National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Wentoworth Falls from Grand Stairway. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Classic view from Grand Stairway. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Stairs stepper near bottom of Grand Stairway. | Photo by admin, 2009.
National Pass at bottom of Grand Stairway. | Photo by admin, 2009.
National Pass crossing half way down Wentworth Falls (Jamison Creek). | Photo by admin, 2009.
Lovely spot half way down Wentworth Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
National Pass west of Jamison Creek crossing. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steps in National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Duck under this overhang on National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Cliff above and below on National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Top of the Slack Stairs. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Great view of Mt Solitary from National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Looking up at the cliffs on National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Small creek crossing. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Stepping stone track on the National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
What a view. | Photo by admin, 2009.
National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
National Pass where Den Fenella creek falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
The National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
A ledge on the National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Great view. | Photo by admin, 2009.
National Pass on the side of the Valley of the waters. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Valley of the waters from the National Pass. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steps in a fern tree filled valley. | Photo by admin, 2009.
National Pass in the Valley of the waters. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track beside Lodore Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Lodore Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track beside Lodore Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sylvia Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Empress Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Empress Falls crossing. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Empress Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track above Empress Falls. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crossing Isabel Creek. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Int of Valley of the Waters and Nature Tracks. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Track below Empress Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Stairs below Empress Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Empress Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Above Empress Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Queen Victoria Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Valley of the waters track above Queen Vic lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Conservation Hut. | Photo by admin, 2008.
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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.7254916,150.3688883)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Great Western Highway, A32
  • Turn on to Valley Road then drive for 1.7 km
  • Turn right onto Falls Road and drive for another 440 m
  • Keep right and drive for another 305 m
Finish (-33.7202926,150.3628765)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Bus   Car   (There is free parking available.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
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.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Sir H Burrell Drive.
After 40 m find the "Jamison Lookout" (8 m on your right).
Jamison Lookout
Jamison Lookout

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.
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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.

After another 110 m veer right, to head along Princes Rock Lookout Track.
After another 70 m continue straight, to head along Princes Rock Lookout Track.
After another 100 m continue straight, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 8 m pass the sign (5 m on your right).
After another 25 m find the "Wentworth Falls Lookout" (10 m on your right).
Wentworth Falls Lookout
Wentworth Falls Lookout

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.
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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.

After another 120 m pass a seat (on your left).
After another 20 m turn sharp left, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 185 m (at the intersection of Wentworth Falls Track & Weeping Rock Circuit) veer right, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 40 m head down the steps (about 7 m long)
After another 8 m (at the intersection of Undercliff Track & Wentworth Falls Track) turn sharp left, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 45 m (at the intersection of Wentworth Falls Track & Weeping Rock Circuit) veer right, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 70 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 10 m find the "Queen's Cascades" (5 m on your left).
Queen's Cascades
Queen's Cascades

Queen's Cascades 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.
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Queen's Cascades 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.

At the intersection of National Pass Track & Wentworth Falls Track continue straight, to head along National Pass Track.
After another 15 m find the "Grand Stairway" (6 m on your left).
Grand Stairway
Grand Stairway

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' 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 . Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls.
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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' 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 . Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls.

After another 90 m head down the rock steps (about 145 m long)
After another 140 m find the "Middle of Wentworth Falls" (on your left).
Middle of Wentworth Falls
Middle of Wentworth Falls

The National Pass crosses Wentworth Falls halfway down its long drop. At this crossing, NPWS have installed sandstone block bridges to improve access for walkers. There are a few side tracks that have been used to explore the area - beware of the slippery rocks and unfenced ledges. There is also a great view into the valley from where the water continues to fall on it long journey further into the valley. This is a lovely spot to cool down on a warm day.
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The National Pass crosses Wentworth Falls halfway down its long drop. At this crossing, NPWS have installed sandstone block bridges to improve access for walkers. There are a few side tracks that have been used to explore the area - beware of the slippery rocks and unfenced ledges. There is also a great view into the valley from where the water continues to fall on it long journey further into the valley. This is a lovely spot to cool down on a warm day.

After another 280 m (at the intersection of Slacks Stairs & National Pass Track) continue straight, to head along National Pass Track.
After another 110 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 410 m cross the stepping stones.
Then find the "Den Fenella falls (National Pass)" (20 m on your right).
Den Fenella falls (National Pass)
Den Fenella falls (National Pass)

The Den Fenella Creek falls down the cliff to this halfway point on the National Pass. Here, the timber platform and handrails, installed by the NPWS, allow walkers to cool off at the pass under the dripping water. As with much of this pass, there are great views into the valley.
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The Den Fenella Creek falls down the cliff to this halfway point on the National Pass. Here, the timber platform and handrails, installed by the NPWS, allow walkers to cool off at the pass under the dripping water. As with much of this pass, there are great views into the valley.

After another 540 m pass a seat (7 m on your left)., has a backrest.
After another 40 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 540 m (at the intersection of National Pass Track & Wentworth Pass) continue straight, to head along National Pass Track.
After another 55 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 50 m find the "Lodore Falls" (25 m on your right).
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.
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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.

After another 85 m find the "Sylvia Falls" (30 m on your right).
Sylvia Falls
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.
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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 30 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 15 m find the "Empress Falls" (on your left).
Empress Falls
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.
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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 15 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 9 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & National Pass Track) turn right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
After another 40 m pass the "Isobel Falls" (15 m on your left).
After another 55 m turn left, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
After another 20 m find the "Empress Lookout" (10 m on your left).
Empress Lookout
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.
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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.

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 turn sharp left, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
After another 130 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Overcliff Track) veer right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
After another 155 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Short Cut Track) continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
After another 40 m come to the end.
About 25 m past the end is a picnic table.
"Conservation Hut".
Conservation Hut
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.
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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.

About 40 m past the end is a toilet.

An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 25 m continue straight.
After another 10 m come to "Queen Victoria Lookout".
Queen Victoria Lookout
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.
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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 another 0 m to find Queen Victoria Lookout at the end.
"Queen Victoria Lookout".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 35 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

National Pass from Wentworth Falls to Conservation Hut


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 3.9 km
Time 3 h 30 min to 4 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 3.9 km from the start.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 2.1 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
470 m[seat]
Seat
2.6 km[seat]
Toilet
3.9 km[toilet]
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