Conservation Hut to Empress Falls

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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	(-33.7199986,150.3629813)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls. Turn on to Valley Road then drive for 1 km Turn right onto Fitzgerald Street and drive for another 90 m Turn right onto Fletcher Street and drive for another 145 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
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). From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Valley of the Waters' sign down the steps, passing an information sign. ....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the car park at the start.
	After another 10 m turn right. After another 15 m pass the toilet (4 m on your right). After another 20 m find the "Conservation Hut" (on your left). 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. Then pass the picnic table (25 m on your left). Then pass the sign (5 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 6 m head down the steps (about 4 m long)
	Veer right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. Then pass the picnic table (6 m on your left).
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Short Cut Track) continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. Then pass the sign (on your left).
	After another 155 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Overcliff Track) continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. Then pass the sign (on your left). After another 155 m pass the sign (on your left).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. Turn right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. After another 70 m find the "Empress Lookout" (on your left). 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.
	Turn right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. After another 10 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 100 m pass the picnic table (about 30 m ahead). Then pass the sign (about 30 m ahead). Then pass the "Isobel Falls" (about 35 m ahead).
	At the intersection of National Pass Track & Nature Track turn left, to head along National Pass Track. After another 30 m cross the stepping stones.
	At the intersection of National Pass Track & Isobel Creek continue straight, to head along National Pass Track. After another 45 m find the "Empress Falls" (6 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 7 m come to a stepping stones. About 55 m past the end is "Sylvia Falls".
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Lodore Falls. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. Turn around here and retrace the main route for 600 m to get back to the start.

An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the Empress Lookout at the start. 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. 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.
	Continue another 15 m to find Queen Victoria Lookout at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Lodore Falls.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of National Pass Track & Valley of the Waters Creek Start heading along National Pass Track (a walking track). Find the stepping stones at the start. Find the sign at the start. After 55 m find the "Sylvia Falls" (15 m on your left). 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 60 m come to a stepping stones. About 15 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 25 m past the end is "Edith Falls".
	Continue another 0 m to find at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Creek & National Pass Track at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 120 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

At the intersection of National Pass Track & Valley of the Waters Creek Start heading along National Pass Track (a walking track).

Find the stepping stones at the start.

Find the sign at the start.

After 55 m find the "Sylvia Falls" (15 m on your left).

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 60 m come to a stepping stones.

About 15 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 25 m past the end is "Edith Falls".

Continue another 0 m to find at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Creek & National Pass Track at the end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 120 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Conservation Hut to Empress Falls

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	1.2 km
Time	40 min to 1 h

Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
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 25 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	25 m	[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  18°C
  Showers. Possible storm.
  80% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Patchy fog early this morning most likely in the east. High chance of showers, most likely from late this morning. The chance of a thunderstorm from late this morning. Light winds. Daytime maximum temperatures between 18 and 23.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:30am to 2:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 5 [Moderate]
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  8°C → 12°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 7mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm in the north. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 12 with daytime temperatures reaching between 13 and 19.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  6°C → 12°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 10mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, medium chance elsewhere. Winds southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 19.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  6°C → 14°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, slight chance elsewhere. Winds southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 14 and 20.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  6°C → 15°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  8°C → 16°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Monday 5 May
  
  9°C → 17°C
  Cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Blue Mountains National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.
  The following tracks are closed:
  Katoomba and Leura
  
  Giant Stairway is closed from Monday 28 April for maintenance. There is no access in or out of the valley via Giant Stairway. Alternate access is via Furber Steps or Amphitheatre track.
  
  Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
  
  Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Gordon Falls picnic area and Elysian Rock lookout, due to a landslide. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. Detours will also be in place via Olympian Parade.
  
  Gordon Falls picnic area is closed due to upgrades. Detours for walking tracks are in place. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to landslides. Access to Leura Forest and Jamison Valley is via Amphitheatre track.
  
  Golden Stairs walking track is closed due to landslides and rock fall. There is no access from Glenraphael Drive to Ruined Castle, Federal Pass or Scenic World. Ruined Castle and Mt Solitary can be accessed from Federal Pass (via Furber Steps) or Kedumba Pass.
  
  Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  
  Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  
  Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.
  
  Wentworth Falls and Woodford
  
  Charles Darwin walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
  
  Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to multiple landslides. No access to Roberts Pass and Vera Falls. Valley of the Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Bells Line of Road
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  
  Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. The Grose Valley can be accessed from Blackheath via Perrys Lookdown or the Horse track.
  
  Pierces Pass road and picnic area will be closed for road maintenance from May 5th to 9th, 2025. Parking will be available at Walls Lookout carpark and all walking tracks remain open using a short access track from the Walls Lookout carpark.
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes may be closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
  
  Closed areas: Giant Stairway - Katoomba
  Giant Stairway is closed from Monday 28 April for maintenance. There is no access in or out of the valley via Giant Stairway. Alternate access is via Furber Steps or Amphitheatre track.
  
  Closed areas: Glenbrook Causeway closed due to flooding
  Due to heavy rainfall, Glenbrook causeway is now closed. There is no access to Euroka Campground, Red Hands Cave, Nepean Lookout, or the Oaks firetrail.
  
  Closed areas: Burralow Creek Campground closed
  Burralow Creek campground and picnic area will be closed from 28 April to 15 May 2025 for upgrade works to Bulcamatta Falls walking track.
  The following connecting fire trails will also be closed:
  
  Paterson Range fire trail
  
  Tabaraga Ridge fire trail
  
  Burralow fire trail
  
  There will be no public access during this time including walkers, bike riders, horse riders and vehicles. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office 02 4720 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Red Hands Cave & Walking Tracks temporarily closed
  The following areas and walking tracks are closed from 1 April 2025 until further notice:
  
  Red Hands Cave
  
  Red Hands Cave walking track
  
  Campfire Creek walking track
  
  the Link walking track
  
  This is to allow for works on the elevated platform at Red Hands Cave. For your safety, please follow all signs and instructions of NPWS staff.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 4720 6200.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Thursday 2 May 2024 to Monday 5 May 2025 in the following areas:
  
  Abercrombie River National Park
  
  Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
  
  Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  
  Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
  
  Wollemi National Park (Wolga)
  
  Gardens of Stone National Park
  
  Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  
  Turon National Park
  
  Marrangaroo National Park
  
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Fern Bower walking track closed
  Fern Bower walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to multiple landslides. There's no access to Leura Forest and Leura Cascades via Fern Bower. Alternative access is via Amphitheatre track.
  For more information, call the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Euroka walking track closed for repairs
  Euroka walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed for track repairs from Monday 1 February to Monday 30 June 2025.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Safety alerts: Remote walking track conditions
  Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area including Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail have been impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage.
  In some places, tracks are no longer visible and are not easy to navigate, taking longer to traverse than expected. Limited to zero water sources are currently available along routes.
  If you plan to walk in the area, please ensure you have an appropriate level of experience, navigation skills and equipment including Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
  Mobile reception is limited so alternative communication methods are strongly recommended.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed
  Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed until further notice. This includes Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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