Tracks - Nature Trail - Wentwoth Falls
| Grading | 2 | Easy-Medium |
| Track Type | 2 | Marked track. |
| Track Condition | 1 | Excellent. |
| Exposure | 1 | No Exposure |
| Navigation | 1 | Easy. |
| Length | 3.1km | |
| Vertical | 210m | |
The Nature Trail winds its way around the ridges and creeks above the Valley of the Waters. It is a short but beautiful walk. The first sections of the trail were built by Peter Mulheran in 1896 including (the original) Lillian's bridge. Railway line from the abandoned Gladstone Coal Mine was used as fence posts. The track was officially opened in 1910.1
Access:
- West St , Wentworth Falls
- Victoria St , Wentworth Falls
- Conservation Hut , Wentworth Falls
- Grand Clifftop walk
Map: Katoomba
Notes:
The Nature Trail is a circuit walk, so you can begin and end at any of the above access points.
From Conservation Hut, take the Valley of the Waters Track. Just after Queen Victoria Lookout do not descend but continue straight ahead to the little wooden bridge and picnic area.
At Lillian's Bridge a short distance from the picnic area continue ahead without crossing. The track over the bridge is the Grand Clifftop Walk which leads to Roberts Pass and the Fairmont Resort.
The track drops down to the creek. This is the start point for canyoners for Empress Falls Canyon. At the creek junction a short track leads up the right hand creek to Flora's Bath. This is quite slippery and unsuitable for small children as it has some exposure to heights. The bath is well worth a visit.
The lefthand creek (track is on left side) leads to Lillian's Glen where there are stone stepping stones. On the left bank there is a rough track which leads further up the creek into a delightful grooto named Asmodeus Pool.
From the stepping stones the track ascends to Edinburgh Castle which has great views of this little valley. From the 'castle' the track heads up again towards West St. There are two exits to West St.
From West St the track becomes a flat firetrail which eventually leads back to the Conservation Hut.
The track is easy to follow although not signposted. A number of numbered metal marker can be found on the track. These coincide with a self-guided walk brochure available from the Conservation Hut.
The track contains a number of hidden gems including:
- secluded pools - Flora's bath and Asmeodus Pool
- deep canyons - Valley of the Waters Ck
- a large variety of flowering native plants
- rainforest picnic area
- self-guided nature walk
Comments...
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.