Den Fenella walking track

Den Fenella is a 1 km return out-and-back from Wentworth Falls picnic area to Den Fenella lookout. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. The short path drops into a rainforest gully beside the creek, then climbs back the same way. It's a worthwhile quick walk if you want more than an easy picnic-area stroll, but the steps make it feel tougher than the distance suggests.

The first 200 m is about a metre wide, hard-packed and mostly flat, with benches at roughly 80 m and 200 m. After that, the track descends steeply beneath tree ferns and follows Den Fenella Creek. There are about 115 steps, grouped in short flights, and some narrow spots where rocks, roots and plants crowd the path. Take your time on the way down; you'll climb those same steps on the return.

Just before the lookout, stepping stones cross Den Fenella Creek. At the clifftop the creek spills over the edge, with valley views opening out around the cascade. This is the walk's payoff. For a photo, keep some creek or waterfall in the foreground and the valley behind it; the contrast makes the small lookout feel connected to the larger gorge.

Look on nearby sandstone ledges for the rare rock sprengelia's delicate white flowers; warmer months are a good time to notice wildflowers. The walk starts beside the paved carpark at Wentworth Falls picnic area, at the end of Falls Road. Flush toilets and picnic facilities are at the picnic area; two more benches sit roughly 80 m and 200 m along the track. Pets are not allowed, except certified assistance animals.