Wentworth Pass stands head and shoulders above all the walks in Wentworth Falls, and that’s high praise because every single walk in this area is gorgeous. If you don’t mind breaking a little sweat, then you really have to take on this epic track.

With an extravaganza of truly spectacular waterfalls, stairways etched into the side of cliffs, lush forest and even a descent to the bottom of Wentworth Falls itself on a series of ‘ladders’, this walk is one not to be missed.

We used to obsess about the National Pass, we’ve hiked it countless times and it was our go to recommend whenever anyone asked about hikes in the area. We’ve missed it greatly since its closure in 2017, but Wentworth Pass has definitely filled the void.

Here’s what to expect from one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains.

Wentworth Pass Track

The stats

Distance: 7.3km
Elevation: 419m
Difficulty: Hard
Type of trail: Circuit

The Wentworth Pass is one of the harder walks in the Blue Mountains. It isn’t that long, but it is steep in several sections, and requires climbing down steep ‘ladders’. The path can be pretty rough in parts, and there are a couple of scrambles.

However, with enough time, we believe most people will be able to do this hike. You just might have some sore legs the following day!

If you love your waterfalls, we recommend allowing three hours to take in the hundreds of stunning views along the way. If you’re someone who just loves to keep walking, then you could complete this walk in 2.5 hours, but that would be a quick pace.

You’ll notice that our measurement of 7.3km is longer than anyone else suggests this hike is, but it was measured on our Applewatch without any detours!

Which direction to choose

You can start the trail at either the Wentworth Falls picnic area or the Conservation Hut, but we always start at the picnic area so we’ll describe the route in that direction. However, it doesn’t really matter which way you go.

If you finish at the Conservation Hut you have the chance to stop for a drink or some lunch at the cafe though, which is always a nice way of doing it!

What to expect from the Wentworth Pass

Starting the trail at Wentworth Falls Picnic Area

The track begins as it means to go on for quite some time - on a descent! You’ll walk straight into the bush and begin heading downhill on a series of well formed stairs.

This walk is spectacular at any time, but if you possibly can, we’d recommend walking it after some decent rainfall as the whole area really comes to life.

The first part of the walk can be muddy after rain, but the track is in great condition and you can always skirt around the puddles.

After 750m you’ll come to a turn off for Fletchers Lookout, it only takes a minute to reach and it’s well worth the diversion.

It offers a great view of the top of Wentworth Falls, much better than the one from Wentworth Lookout.

The descent gets more dramatic

You continue the descent on similar terrain until you reach the gorgeous Queen’s Cascades.

We’ve seen them at just a trickle but this time they were pretty full and really beautiful as they make their way over the top of Wentworth Falls.

You’ll cross the cascades on stepping stones and see another small falls to your left if it’s been wet recently.

After this point the descent becomes much steeper and jaw-droppingly beautiful. The staircases are now carved into the side of the cliff and the uneven steps can be a littler slippery when wet.

The steepest staircases all have a rail and cable for steadying yourself which makes it easy enough, I always go slowly and carefully and have never felt like I would fall.

The views are absolutely magnificent, some of our favourites in the entire park. You’ll see the Jamison Valley which is usually alive with swooping cockatoos, as well as ever more beautiful views of Wentworth Falls itself.

Even if you don’t fancy doing the entirety of the Wentworth Pass, this walk would be well worth doing for this section alone.

After a number of steep staircases the trail briefly flattens and you’ll be walking in a more forested area before coming out at the middle of Wentworth Falls.

The view from here is completely different because you’re looking up at the top of the falls, rather than down on them.

The view from the middle of Wentworth Falls - Wentworth Pass Track

The trail disintegrates a little in places, leaving you climbing over a few rocks, but for the most part the path is great. After the heavy rains there were waterfalls everywhere at this viewpoint.

As well as the main falls, which is a spectacular sight, there were also multiple other cascades that were crashing down the cliffside and the whole scene was a real wow. It was hard to move on from this spot!

Onto the ladders

As you leave the middle falls area you enter the forest again, and have a few staircases to climb before you walk along the cliff edge.

This area offers the best views of both the upper and lower falls together.

Every time I looked at the view I declared it the best, until I went a little further and it was beaten again! It’s a truly wonderful track!

After 350m you’ll come to a junction. This is at the 2.1km mark and where the trail would either continue right for the National Pass (which is closed) or left to the Wentworth Pass.

Almost as soon as you make the left turn, you’ll start yet more descending on a series of metal staircases.

Two of the seven staircases are caged in and it’s better to go backwards on those. I wouldn’t call them ladders but they are very steep.

You get some great views and it’s a fun section of track. The staircases aren’t exposed so I don’t think they are scary or vertigo inducing in anyway.

At the end of the ladders there are a couple of metal rungs to help you down the very last bit of the cliff descent.

After finishing the main descent there is just a few hundred metres walk through the bush before you’re at the bottom of Wentworth Falls.

The bush track is very rocky and there is one narrow bit which is a bit of a scramble, but it won’t be long before you’re at the bottom and can go for a paddle in the pool at the base of the falls.

The bottom of Wentworth Falls on the Wentworth Pass

Entering the enchanted forest

On leaving the falls you’ll head straight into a fairly long forested section.

It is absolutely beautiful. It might be because it was extra special after so much rain, but the whole forest was dripping wet and completely enchanting.

There was running water everywhere which provided a constant backdrop as we walked along the narrow, undulating track.

The tree ferns along the route were especially beautiful and you often had glimpses out to the mountains beyond.

Some parts of the trail are a little bit of a scramble, mainly where you have to cross small cascades which were deeper after so much rain.

However, they were never deep enough to be an issue, but it’s unlikely that your boots will stay completely dry!

There are some uphill sections and some climbing over rocks but nothing technically difficult in any way, it just slows you down.

At any point where the track is not obvious there will be yellow arrows marking the way.

Waterfall heaven

After you’ve crossed over a couple of smallish waterfalls you’ll head up some stairs and come to a signposted junction, this is at the 4.3km mark.

You head right on the Valley of the Waters track. What followed was for us a very magical kilometre of hiking.

Waterfalls on the Valley of the Waters Track

There was not another soul on the track, we hadn’t seen anyone since the ladders, and the waterfalls were running in a way we have never seen them before. We climbed uphill past cascade after cascade, in a little more disbelief with every one.

The volume of water was so incredible that though we must have seen these waterfalls in the past, it felt like every single one was a new discovery.

The waterfalls on the valley of the waters track

You’re never far from a waterfall for over a kilometre, and in many places each falls would be a destination in its own right. I was so awestruck that I didn’t watch my footing and plunged my whole leg into a mud bath. Even then it was well worth it!

That’s why we’d recommend walking after rain, as we know some of these magnificent falls can reduce to mere trickles in a dry spell.

The ascent itself - whilst steep - is generally on a good track, and the only bits to watch are when crossing over the rocky sections which would be easier with less water. But we wouldn’t have it any other way!

After 4.9km you’ll arrive at Sylvia Falls which is absolutely spectacular and one of the most beautiful in the Blue Mountains. You’ll then head over the rocks and up the staircase and you’ll come out at a really lovely valley view as well as more cascades.

To be honest there were so many waterfalls that we aren’t even quite sure of the names and some weren’t marked on google maps at all!

For us that all added to the mystery and allure of the walk, so we hope you’ll forgive the lack of detail on specific names!

Finishing the ascent

On leaving Sylvia Falls you’ll have a few hundred metres more climbing up stone staircases before you reach Empress Falls.

This is one of the more famous waterfalls in the mountains. It’s another beauty and one of the first times we’ve seen it without canyoners.

Although we always like stopping to watch them plunge to the bottom of the falls, it was really lovely to experience this spot completely alone. It added a feeling of being out in the wilds in what is normally a busy spot.

From Empress you have just over 1.2km before you reach the Conservation Hut. It’s almost all uphill but not always as steep as the staircases just after the waterfall. Once you come off the metal staircases you’ll be back on similar terrain to the start of the walk, long wide stairs which are less steep and for the most part, in the bush.

You’ll pass Empress Lookout, which is pretty but only offers a view from afar, but it’s a good spot to stop for a breather before the very last bit of the climb.

The short cut track back to Wentworth Falls Picnic Area

If you’re not going to stop for a drink at the Conservation Hut you don't need to do the final staircase to the top, you can make a right hand turn just before it - it’s well signposted.

The short cut track is a pretty bush track, there aren’t any more views but we often see lyrebirds on this path and for the most part it’s a flat, easy stroll. There are a few steps, but no climbing and it takes less than 15 minutes to walk.

This completes an epic adventure in the mountains!

Packing suggestions for the walk

Having the right gear can make a huge difference. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:

Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon

Essential information about the Wentworth Pass track

Parking for the track

Both Wentworth Falls Picnic Area and the Conservation Hut have their own car parks. Neither are big enough for a busy weekend at Wentworth Falls, but you can also park along the road side. Parking anywhere in the vicinity is free and unlimited.

Public transport for the walk

If you don’t mind walking a little extra you can catch a train from Sydney Central Station to Wentworth Falls which takes around 1 hour 50. You can then hop on the 685 bus to Fletcher Street which is a 10 minute walk from the trailhead at the picnic area. You can also walk from the train station but that will take half an hour or so.

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