Charles Darwin, National Pass and Nature Track walk

Downloads GPX PDF

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 (-33.7095114,150.3761792)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Wentworth Falls Railway Station, this walk exits the station on the western side, on Station St, and turns left to head down to the Great Western Highway past the shops. At the highway, the walk crosses at the lights and turns right, heading down the hill along the foot path. This walk then turns left into Wilson Park soon after the colourful bus stop. The walk follows the footpath through Wilson Park. At the toilet block in the centre of the park, the walk tends slightly more to the left until coming to a large archway entrance to the Charles Darwin Walk, near the tennis courts.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 8 m continue straight. There is a car park (about 40 m back from the start). Find the Coronation Park at the start. After another 25 m pass the "The Falls Take-Away" (80 m on your right).
	Turn right. After another 50 m pass the water tap (55 m on your left).
	From the Station Street continue straight. After another 25 m pass a seat (5 m on your right). Then pass the "Cafe Aliment" (7 m on your right).
	From the Frost Lane veer right. After another 45 m pass the water tap (25 m on your left). After another 20 m pass the toilet (30 m on your left). 07:00-17:00 Then pass the "Blue Mist Cafe" (9 m on your right). After another 30 m pass the "Fed" (9 m on your right).
	Turn left.
	After another 25 m turn right.
	After another 45 m continue straight.
	After another 195 m veer left. After another 50 m pass the toilet (6 m on your left). After another 55 m pass the sign (on your right).
	After another 170 m (from the Charles Darwin Walk) continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long) After another 110 m cross the bridge (about 25 m long) After another 140 m (from the Charles Darwin Walk) continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk.
	After another 215 m (from the Charles Darwin Walk) continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
	After another 25 m (from the Charles Darwin Walk) continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long) After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long) After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
	After another 345 m (from the Charles Darwin Walk) continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 600 m pass the waterfall (10 m on your left). After another 95 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
	After another 100 m (at the intersection of Weeping Rock Circuit & Charles Darwin Walk) continue straight, to head along Weeping Rock Circuit. After another 25 m head down the steps (about 6 m long) After another 65 m pass the "Charles Darwin passed this way 1836" (on your right). After another 10 m find the "Weeping Rock" (9 m on your left). Weeping Rock Weeping Rock is a waterfall on Jamison Creek, upstream of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park. The water falls over the wide circular top overhang, to then cascade down the rocks to a pool below. A staircase beside the falls helps walkers view this waterfall from different angles. This is a nice cool spot on hot days. The rocks are slippery and there are no fences, care is needed.
	At the intersection of Wentworth Falls Track & Weeping Rock Circuit continue straight, 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 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 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 Ã‚Â£430 . Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls. After another 25 m pass the "Upper Wentworth Falls" (20 m on your right). After another 60 m head down the rock steps (about 145 m long) Then find the "Rocket Point Lookout" (8 m on your left). Rocket Point Lookout Rocket Point Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, high on the cliff south-west of Wentworth Falls, in the Blue Mountains National Park. The lookout provides a good view down Wentworth Falls and into the valley. There is also a great view of the Sublime Point escarpment. The lookout itself has an interesting sandstone wall and is just down from a natural rock arch. After another 250 m find the "Middle of Wentworth Falls" (on your left). 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.
	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 45 m come to the viewpoint. After another 370 m cross the stepping stones. Then find the "Den Fenella falls (National Pass)" (20 m on your right). 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. 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 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 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 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.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Conservation Hut. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 9 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & National Pass Track) continue straight, to head along Nature Track. After another 40 m pass the "Isobel Falls" (15 m on your left). After another 10 m pass the picnic table (on your right).
	After another 145 m (at the intersection of Nature Track & Grand Cliff Top Track) turn right, to head along Nature Track. After another 170 m cross the stepping stones. After another 65 m cross the stepping stones. Then find the "Lillian's Glen" (8 m on your left). 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.
	After another 460 m (from the Nature Track) turn right. After another 25 m find the "Edinburgh Castle Rock" (on your right). 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.
	After another 10 m (from the Nature Track) turn right, to head along Nature Track.
	After another 305 m (from the Nature Track) turn right, to head along Nature Track.
	After another 285 m (from the Nature Track) continue straight, to head along Nature Track.
	After another 325 m (from the Nature Track) continue straight.
	After another 100 m (at the intersection of Armstrong Street & Valley Road) continue straight, to head along Armstrong Street (a residential road).
	After another 125 m (at the intersection of Armstrong Street & Fitzgerald Street) continue straight, to head along Armstrong Street. After another 25 m pass the "Denis Kevans Bushland Gardens" (15 m on your right). After another 90 m (at the intersection of Murphys Lane & Armstrong Street) continue straight, to head along Armstrong Street.
	After another 115 m (at the intersection of Pritchard Street & Armstrong Street) continue straight, to head along Armstrong Street. After another 115 m (from the Armstrong Street) continue straight, to head along Armstrong Street.
	After another 65 m (at the intersection of Armstrong Street & Day Street) continue straight, to head along Armstrong Street.
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Armstrong Street & Cascade Street) turn left, to head along Cascade Street.
	After another 340 m (at the intersection of Cascade Street & Delungra Place) turn right, to head along Delungra Place.
	After another 180 m (from the Falls Road) turn left, to head along Falls Road (a highway\|tertiary).
	After another 35 m (from the Falls Road) continue straight (a walking track). After another 195 m pass the playground (10 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 195 m continue straight.
	After another 45 m turn left.
	After another 20 m (from the Great Western Highway) continue straight.
	After another 15 m turn left. After another 45 m pass the "Stockyard Carpark" (20 m on your right).
	After another 40 m turn right.
	After another 10 m (from the Station Street) continue straight.
	After another 35 m continue straight. After another 15 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Conservation Hut.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Nature Track Start heading along Valley of the Waters Track (a walking track).
	After another 95 m (from the Valley of the Waters Track) 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 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 50 m (from the Valley of the Waters Track) 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 (at the intersection of Fletcher Street & Valley of the Waters Track) turn left, to head along Fletcher Street (a residential road). About 25 m past the end is a picnic table. Then find the "Conservation Hut" (5 m 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.
	The end. About 25 m past the end is a toilet. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 500 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Charles Darwin, National Pass and Nature Track walk

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	9.1 km
Time	5 h to 6 h 30 min

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 are 3 on route, on average they are 2.5 km apart with the largest gap of 5.5 km.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3 km apart with the largest gap of 4.5 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	75 m	[seat]
Toilet	135 m	[toilet]
Toilet	470 m	[toilet]
Seat	4.6 km	[seat]
Toilet	5.4 km + 530 m	[toilet]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Monday 28 April
  
  Mostly clear.
  
  Mostly clear. Slight chance of a shower about the Blue Mountains early this evening. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Light winds.
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  10°C → 18°C
  Showers. Possible storm.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 15mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of fog in the early morning. High chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching 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: 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: 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
  
  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: 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

Other Journeys Discover nearby and similar journeys

Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.

Start	(-33.7095114,150.3761792)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train

Weather Forecast

Alerts