National Pass
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

4 h to 5 h

5.1 km
circuit

↑ 1116 m
↓ -1115 m

Hard track
This walk offers fantastic views of the Jamison Valley and the surrounding cliffs. Take time to explore the historic and very scenic ledge halfway down the cliffs. There are beautiful waterfalls at both ends and recent track maintenance has made this walk easier and more enjoyable. Allow time to soak up the wonders of the cliffs and waterfalls of this area before returning to Conservation Hut via the Shortcut Track. 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. 
Show all
Conservation Hut. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The view from Queen Victoria Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Crossing in front of the Falls. | Photo by admin, 2007.
The view of the cliffs from Queen Victoria Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The Jamison Valley covered in fog. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The Jamison. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The view from below Rocket Point (near the top of the falls). | Photo by admin, 2007.
Queen's Cascade. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Wentworth Falls Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Downloads GPX PDF

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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 (-33.7199986,150.3629813)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom
  • 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 130 m
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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. 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').
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).
From the intersection, this walk heads down the wooden steps to almost immediately come to the signposted intersection with 'Queen Victoria Lookout' track.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 6 m back from the start).
After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Fletcher Street.
After another 35 m find the "Conservation Hut" (5 m on your right).
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.

After another 8 m pass the car park (30 m on your left).
At the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Nature Track turn right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track (a walking track).
After another 30 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your left).
Then pass the picnic table (8 m on your left).
After another 9 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 155 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Overcliff Track) veer left, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
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.
After another 130 m turn sharp right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
After another 70 m turn right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
Then 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.

After another 90 m (at the intersection of Nature Track & Valley of the Waters Track) turn left, to head along National Pass Track.
After another 60 m pass the "Isobel Falls" (15 m on your left).
Then pass the picnic table (35 m on your right).
Then cross the stepping stones.
After another 40 m find the "Empress Falls" (on your right).
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 9 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 80 m find the "Sylvia Falls" (30 m on your left).
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 75 m find the "Lodore Falls" (25 m on your left).
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.

Then cross the stepping stones.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Wentworth Pass & National Pass Track) continue straight, to head along National Pass Track.
After another 580 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 80 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your right).
After another 20 m pass a seat (7 m on your right)., has a backrest.
After another 470 m cross the stepping stones.
Then find the "Den Fenella falls (National Pass)" (20 m on your left).
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 350 m come to the viewpoint.
After another 70 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 65 m (at the intersection of Slacks Stairs & National Pass Track) continue straight, to head along National Pass Track.
After another 305 m pass the "Lower Wentworth Falls" (40 m on your right).
After another 15 m find the "Middle of Wentworth Falls" (on your right).
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 95 m head up the rock steps (about 145 m long)
After another 110 m pass the "Upper Wentworth Falls" (20 m on your left).
At the intersection of Rocket Point Circuit & National Pass Track continue straight, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 20 m find the "Grand Stairway" (6 m on your right).
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 10 m cross the stepping stones.
After another 9 m find the "Queen's Cascades" (5 m on your right).
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.

After another 40 m (at the intersection of Weeping Rock Circuit & Wentworth Falls Track) veer left, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 45 m (at the intersection of Undercliff Track & Wentworth Falls Track) turn sharp right, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 40 m find the "Fletchers Lookout" (35 m on your left).
Fletchers Lookout
Fletchers Lookout

Fletchers Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout off the side of the Undercliff Walk, just north of the Wentworth Falls. The lookout provides a fairly close view of the top of Wentworth Falls and a great view into the Jamison Valley. There is a good distant view of Mount Solitary and Narrow Neck, and also great views of the surrounding escarpments.
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Fletchers Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout off the side of the Undercliff Walk, just north of the Wentworth Falls. The lookout provides a fairly close view of the top of Wentworth Falls and a great view into the Jamison Valley. There is a good distant view of Mount Solitary and Narrow Neck, and also great views of the surrounding escarpments.

Then head up the steps (about 7 m long)
After another 50 m find the "Weeping Rock" (35 m on your right).
Weeping Rock
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.
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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 Weeping Rock Circuit & Wentworth Falls Track veer left, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 185 m turn sharp right, to head along Wentworth Falls Track.
After another 10 m come to the viewpoint (60 m on your left).
After another 20 m pass a seat (on your right).
After another 140 m continue straight.
After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Princes Rock Lookout Track.
Then find the "Wentworth Falls Lookout" (10 m on your left).
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 25 m pass the sign (5 m on your left).
After another 65 m continue straight, to head along Princes Rock Lookout Track.
After another 70 m veer left.
After another 105 m pass the shelter (60 m on your right).
After another 10 m pass the BBQ (60 m on your right).
Then find the "Wentworth Falls Picnic Area" (60 m on your right).
Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
Wentworth Falls Picnic Area

The Wentworth Falls Picnic Area is in the Blue Mountains National Park on Sir H Burrell Drive (Wentworth Falls). The picnic area is host to a couple of wonderful lookouts and some good facilities. A large car park, toilets (wheelchair accessible), picnic tables, free electric BBQs, town water and information signs. This is a great spot to relax between walks in the area.
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The Wentworth Falls Picnic Area is in the Blue Mountains National Park on Sir H Burrell Drive (Wentworth Falls). The picnic area is host to a couple of wonderful lookouts and some good facilities. A large car park, toilets (wheelchair accessible), picnic tables, free electric BBQs, town water and information signs. This is a great spot to relax between walks in the area.

After another 7 m turn right.
After another 4 m turn left, to head along Sir H Burrell Drive.
After another 50 m find the "Jamison Lookout" (8 m on your left).
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.

Turn right, to head along Sir H Burrell Drive.
After another 50 m continue straight, to head along Sir H Burrell Drive.
After another 80 m pass the "Wentwarth Falls Parking" (15 m on your left).
Veer left.
After another 20 m pass the toilet (40 m on your right).
After another 1 m turn right, to head along Short Cut Track.
After another 430 m continue straight.
After another 60 m turn left.
After another 120 m turn right, to head along Short Cut Track.
After another 100 m continue straight, to head along Short Cut Track.
After another 90 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
After another 180 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Short Cut Track) turn sharp right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
After another 6 m pass the "Conservation Hut" (6 m on your left).
After another 70 m come to the end.

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.
About 85 m past the end is "Lodore Falls".
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.

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


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 5.1 km
Time 4 h to 5 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
Shelter: There is one 3.9 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.7 km apart with the largest gap of 4 km.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.7 km apart with the largest gap of 2 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
8 m[toilet]
Seat
1.5 km[seat]
Seat
3.5 km[seat]
Shelter
3.9 km[shelter]
Toilet
4 km[toilet]
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