Tracks - Hippocrene Falls & Vera Falls Track
| Grading | 3 | Medium |
| Track Type | 3 | Unmarked track. |
| Track Condition | 2 | Good. |
| Exposure | 1 | No Exposure |
| Navigation | 3 | Medium. |
| Length | 3.8km | |
| Vertical | 280m | |
The Vera Falls and Hyppocrene Falls tracks form a loop from the Valley of the Waters to Wentworth Falls. The Hippocrene Falls Track follows Jamison Creek from the bottom of Wentworth Falls (where Wentworth Pass starts) to the junction with the Valley of the Waters Creek. It is joined there by the Vera Falls track which comes down from the Valley of the Waters via Vera Falls.
Access:
- National Pass and Slacks Stairs
- Valley of the Waters
Map: Katoomba
Track Notes:
a) Hippocrene Falls Track
The Hippocrene Falls track starts at the bottom of Wentworth Falls and continues to follow Jamison Creek. The track descends on a well made track. There are numerous cascades to explore as the creek heads to Hyppocrene Falls which has a fabulous pool for a cool dip on warm summer days.
The track condition detriorates a little as it continues to descend and can become a little indistinct around where it reaches Den Fenella Creek. At the junction with Valley of the Waters creek a good picnic spot can be found on the other side of Jamison Creek.
The return journey can be made by retracing the route or by looping via the Valley of the Waters track by way of Vera Falls.
A track also continues as an unmarked track / footpad down Jamison Creek from the junction with Valley of the Waters Creek for a couple of handred meters. It is possible to follow the creek all the way to the junction with Kedumba River and the Kedumba / Leura fire trail. (See Jamison Creek Track)
b) Vera Falls track
The Vera Falls Track starts at the point at which Wentworth Pass branches off from the Valley of the Waters Track. Following the west side of the Valley of the Waters Creek, the track passes Brittania Falls (554 654) and Flat Rock Falls (554 654) which is near the start of Roberts Pass. These can only be glimpsed from the track. After about 350m from Roberts Pass the track crosses the creek at some large boulders. These can be slippery so care must be taken.
Just after the track crosses from the west to the east bank there is a loop which leads to the top of Vera Falls. The main track travels away from the creek and loops around the hill coming back to the falls. The part of the loop which follows the creek is hard to find but branches off not long after the crossing. A small cairn can be found about 20m off the main track in a section of open woodland.
The track to the bootom of the falls is a one way track which follows back up the creek. It branches off just as you finish descending back to the creek (557 645).
The track finishes at the junction of the Valley of the Waters Creek with Jamison Creek (557 644). At this point it joins the Hippocrene Falls track which descends Jamison Creek from the bottom of Wentworth Falls (reached by Slack's Stairs).
Comments...
| 2017-02-17 | Lynette Jordan | Can you send me a map to follow because I would like to do the Valley of the waters walk ( the one with the most waterfalls Cheers Lynette :-) |
Grading System
Grade 1 (Easy)
Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.
Grade 2 (Easy-medium)
Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.
Grade 3 (Medium)
Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20 km.
Grade 4 (Medium-Hard)
Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 (Hard)
Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30 km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 (Very hard)
Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
Grades courtesy of John Cooper of The Bush Club
Exposure
Exposure is assessed on the hardest part of the track / pass
1: No Exposure.
2: Some simple climbing involved
3: Climbing with tape or rope neccessary for non-climbers. Still free climbable.
4: Belay advised for non-climbers. Aids for climbers.
5: Belay required for experienced climbers.
Track Condition
Track Conditions are assessed on the worst major section of the track / pass
1: Excellent.
2: Good.
3: OK, but needing some trimming or erosion repairs.
4: A number of sections in poor condition.
5: Overgrown, badly eroded or no track.
Track Type
1: Maintained Tourist track.
2: Marked track.
3: Unmarked track.
4: Footpad.
5: Off track.
Navigation
Navigation is an overall assessment of the track / pass
1: Easy. Track and offshoot tracks are signposted.
2: Easy-Medium. Track is and offshoots are well marked (cairns / tape).
3: Medium. Simple route finding is neccessary.
4: Hard. Route finding can be difficult.
5: Challenging. GPS or map and compass necessary.