Sydney Hiking | Wentworth Falls + Darwin’s Walk A light recommendation for this Blue Mountains hiking route. The full loop is around 10 km. It’s not extremely difficult, but there are quite a few ups and downs, so beginners should take it slow on the climbs and allow enough time. The Blue Mountains are absolutely worth visiting, especially on weekends. Parking is capped at around 9.65 AUD, which is very reasonable. This route offers great scenery, passing through forests, creeks, rock formations, and waterfalls. It’s also quite easy to meet new people along the way. Because the hike naturally turns into moments like: “How much further is it?” “Are we halfway yet?” “Why is it stairs again?” “Is there really no flatter way?” Navigation: Wentworth Falls Picnic Area. Parking is quite spacious. We arrived around 8:30 am and there were plenty of spots, but by around 11 am the lot was completely full. It’s definitely better to arrive early. Hiking route: Originally, we planned to start from the car park, follow the signs to Wentworth Falls Lookout, continue along the trail to National Pass, and loop back to the car park without retracing our steps. However, after reaching the waterfall base, the trail ahead was closed. We saw a few people climbing through the barrier, but we decided not to risk it. After viewing the falls, we returned the same way and then took an alternative route at a fork (marked in red on the map in our notes). Important note: The staircase down to the waterfall is quite steep. Be very careful when going up and down. Descending is manageable, but climbing back up is very tiring. It is also noticeably colder and windier in the mountains than in the city, so bring an extra layer. Even though we didn’t complete the full loop, the combination of mountains, water, and fresh air was still very satisfying. Definitely planning to come back again in the future.
Wentworth Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Wentworth Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Wentworth Falls famous?
Wentworth Falls is one of the Blue Mountains' most iconic waterfalls, featuring a dramatic 187-metre tiered cascade that was named after explorer William Wentworth. The National Pass walking track, carved into the cliff face in the 1900s, offers one of Australia's most spectacular and historic waterfall walks, passing directly behind the falls with breathtaking views over the Jamison Valley.
Can you swim at Wentworth Falls?
No. Swimming is not permitted at Wentworth Falls due to dangerous conditions and strong currents. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Wentworth Falls?
Dogs are not permitted on walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Wentworth Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free entry to Blue Mountains National Park at Wentworth Falls (no vehicle entry fee required at this location). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Wentworth Falls?
Free parking is available at Wentworth Falls car park on Falls Road near the Conservation Hut, about 200 metres from the main lookout. Additional parking at Princes Rock car park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Wentworth Falls?
About 400 metres / 0.25 mi return from Falls Road car park to Wentworth Falls Lookout (upper viewing platform). Longer options include the National Pass (6.5 km return) which descends behind the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Wentworth Falls hike difficulty
Easy to the upper lookout (short, paved path). Hard for the National Pass track (steep stairs, cliff-edge walking, 600+ metres elevation change). Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Wentworth Falls?
Autumn to spring (March–November) for best water flow and cooler hiking weather; summer can be hot. Winter and spring after rain offer the most impressive flow. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Wentworth Falls
From the Falls Road car park, walk 200 metres along the paved path to Wentworth Falls Lookout for views of the upper and main falls. For closer access, take the National Pass track which descends via steep stairs and passes behind the base of the falls on a historic cliff-hewn path before continuing to the Valley of the Waters. The descent involves over 300 steps and significant elevation loss.
Wentworth Falls official website
Attractions near Wentworth Falls
- •Three Sisters rock formation and Echo Point lookout (10 km east in Katoomba)
- •Leura Cascades and Pool of Siloam waterfall walks (5 km north)
- •National Pass walking track — historic cliff-edge path below the falls
- •Wentworth Falls village with cafes and Blue Mountains heritage (1 km)
- •Valley of the Waters and Empress Falls circuit (6 km north in Wentworth Falls area)
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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