THE NATIONAL PASS WENTWORTH FALLS
NSW AUSTRALIA
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| The Cliff Ledge section of the track |
So much has been written about this famous walk, and so many
photographs taken, that it almost seems unnecessary to add to them. However,
this is my own experience of the Blue Mountains that I am writing about, so I
make no further apologies.
My earliest memories of the National Pass go back to a time
just after World War 11, possibly before my father began working at
Wunderlich’s brick and tile factory in Sydney, which would place it in 1945.
The only thing I can actually recall is being carried across the shaky and
dangerous bridges at the bottom of the Falls. Goodness knows when the last
repairs had been made to them.
Much more recently, my own children did the walk
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| Roland, Yvonne and Lyndall Paix 1978 |
at a tender
age in 1978. On my recent walk, I encountered numerous seniors, so if you’re
getting on in years don’t let your age be the deciding factor. True, there are
lots of steps to get down into the valley and return, but just take these
slowly and all should be well.
The round walk easily divides into 5 sections and each one
has an interesting history of its own.
The best place to find car parking is at the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, and since
your walk is going to take around 4 hours it makes sense to arrive early to be
sure of finding a spot. Carry your lunch with you and enjoy it along the track.
Make sure you have plenty of water as well,
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| Empress Falls Valley of the Waters |
since drinking from the many
streams you will encounter is not recommended. The alternative car park at the
Conservation Hut is often filled up by patrons enjoying the fine food on offer
there.
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| Sylvia Falls Valley of the Waters |
I recommend that you take the Short Cut Track from the bottom car park, which is a pleasant walk
of 15-20 minutes leading to the Conservation Hut. Historically, there has been
a track between these 2 areas for over 100 years, because it made round trips
possible. This is Section 1.
Section 2 is the
magnificent descent into the Valley of
the Waters. If you love the sound and sight of falling water, this place is
for you. Take the steps and ladders slowly and savour every moment in this
magical place. People like you have been coming here for 120 years and it isn’t
difficult to see why.
Section 3 (the first
part of the actual National Pass section) begins at the final creek crossing
just above Lodore Falls and takes
you onto the extraordinary cliff ledge leading around to the bottom of the
first drop of Wentworth Falls. Before 1906, it was possible to go further down
into the valley and follow up Jamison Creek to the bottom of the second fall,
but it was only the completion of the ledge track that allowed easy access to
bottom of the first
fall. All along this section (and up the Grand Stairway)
the National Parks and Wild Life Service has installed commemorative plaques
and information panels telling of the restoration of the track and the
environment through which it passes. These are a valuable addition to your
walking experience.
The area immediately below Wentworth Falls is like a magnet which draws lots of people to it,
many of whom descend the stairs and return the same way. If you want to find
this place peaceful and quiet, then avoid school holidays and weekends.
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| Materials used during the restoration of the track |
Section 4, the stone stairway up the cliff face, is
surely the highlight of the National Pass adventure. Completed in 1908, it made
the round trip as we know it possible. You can discover lots about this
magnificent feat of engineering in many places, but here are two of the best.
The first I will simply call “a very special presentation”, which you may
access here. The second is the NPWS site which is
also excellent.
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| Den Fenella Falls |
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Section 5
consists of the track from the creek crossing to the Wentworth Falls picnic area. This route, more or less, has been in use for 150
years.
My own video of this walk may be found here.
Unfortunately, my camera battery failed just after I had passed behind Den
Fenella Falls, so this part of the trip is not included. One day I’ll do the
trip again (and again, if my body permits me) and there will be a new video to
record the event.
NOTE: THE PASS IS CLOSED DUE TO ROCKFALLS AS AT AUGUST 2019 AND HAS BEEN FOR OVER A YEAR.
https://johnsbluemountainsblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/links-to-all-blog-entries-and-relevant.html All Blue Mountains blogs and videos
All New England and other Geology blogs and videos
Limestone Caves of NSW
Song Studies. Bible studies based on hymns and songs
Shoalhaven District Geology
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| Vera and John Paix on the Grand Stairway June 1958 |
