Hippocrene Falls

Overview

Hippocrene Falls is the quiet, remote counterpart to nearby Vera Falls, tucked deep in the valley beneath Wentworth Falls. It drops over Blue Mountains sandstone into a clear plunge pool ringed by mossy boulders and dense eucalypt forest. The vibe is pure wilderness—no crowds, no facilities, just the sound of water and birds.

What You'll See

Expect a series of creek cascades, mossy rock gardens, and occasional cliff glimpses as you descend into the Jamison Valley. The falls can be dramatic after rain; in drier spells the emerald plunge pool turns into a serene spot where the bush seems to close in around you.

Route & Difficulty

Most walkers start from Wentworth Falls Picnic Area or the Conservation Hut, linking valley tracks to visit Hippocrene and often Vera Falls on the same outing. Plan on a committing 9–10 km loop taking roughly 5–6 hours. Tracks in the valley are rough, steep in places, and lightly marked with the odd tape or paint—this is for experienced walkers who are comfortable with route-finding.

Safety & Navigation

Parts of the route are unmaintained and can be vague. Bring a map and know how to use it; GPS can be unreliable under the canopy and in the valley. A PLB is a smart addition. After heavy rain, creek levels rise, rocks get slick, and currents near the falls can be hazardous.

Swimming

In dry conditions the plunge pool is an inviting swim, but give it a miss after rain when flows are faster and footing is treacherous.

Wildlife

You’re walking through classic Blue Mountains bush. Listen for lyrebirds and honeyeaters, and keep an eye out for skinks and goannas. Wallabies and echidnas are occasional bonuses if you move quietly.

History & Geology

Hippocrene and Vera share the same sandstone band, which creates the sheer drops and pools that make both falls so photogenic. The connecting track between the two dates back to 1913, a relic of the area’s early bushwalking era.

Best Time to Visit

Go midweek or early in the morning for maximum solitude. After rain, the falls are at their most powerful but the track is slower and slipperier; in warm, dry weather the pool is best for a dip. Long-term closures (like sections of National Pass noted in recent years) can affect how you link tracks, so plan your circuit using up-to-date route notes.

Essentials

There are no facilities at the falls—use parking, water, and toilets at the Conservation Hut or Wentworth Falls Picnic Area before you set off. Wear sturdy boots, pack extra water and food, and be prepared for steep climbs on the way out.