Valley of the Waters track

Overview

Starting from Conservation Hut at the end of Valley Road in Wentworth Falls, the Valley of the Waters Track dives quickly from cliff‑edge viewpoints into cool, ferny rainforest. It’s all about waterfalls here—expect spray on your face and moss underfoot as you descend beside a lively creek through a narrow, shaded gully.

For the core outing, plan about 2.1 miles total (roughly 3–3.5 km return) to the National Pass junction, with steady elevation loss on the way down and a stout stair climb back. You’ll pass Empress Lookout and Lyrebird Lookout up top, then walk right beside a chain of falls including Empress, Sylvia, and Lodore. Many hikers turn around near the National Pass junction or Lodore Falls. If you want more, this track is the gateway to bigger, harder circuits via National Pass or Wentworth Pass.

What You’ll See

This is classic Blue Mountains sandstone country—sheer orange cliff lines at the lookouts, then a deeply incised creek carving steps in the rock that create waterfall after waterfall. Under the canopy, look for tree ferns, dripping moss, and towering eucalypts. With a bit of luck, you might spot a Superb Lyrebird scratching in the leaf litter. The star stops for photos are Empress Falls and Sylvia Falls, but the whole creek is photogenic in soft light.

Difficulty and Trail Feel

Short distance, big effort. The surface is a mix of formed dirt, long flights of sandstone and metal steps, and damp rock right beside the cascades. It’s not technical, but the return climb is sustained and the wet sections can be slick—especially after rain. Most moderately fit hikers will manage it in about 2 hours including photo stops; allow more time if you linger at the falls.

Best Time to Hike

Walkable year‑round. Waterfalls are most impressive after rain, but that also means slicker steps—take it slow. Cooler months bring crisp air and mist; summer can be humid, though the gully stays shaded. For crowds and parking ease, start early. For photography, early morning or late afternoon gives even light in the rainforest and glow on the cliff tops.

Tips

• Start from Conservation Hut; there are toilets and a café at the trailhead, then nothing once you drop in.
• Wear grippy footwear—expect spray, moss, and puddles near the falls.
• Carry your own water; mobile reception is patchy to nonexistent once you’re in the gully.
• Check current track alerts before committing to longer loops—sections in this precinct can close after heavy rain or due to rockfall.

Extend or Not?

If you’re here for waterfalls and rainforest immersion on a tight schedule, the out‑and‑back to the National Pass junction is spot‑on. Got extra legs and time? Linking with National Pass makes for a bigger, more exposed historic cliff‑line adventure—tougher and longer, but a Blue Mountains classic when open.