Map of Walk

Location

               
Map of The Valley of the Waters Track
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Map Scale 500 meters
Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here

Katoomba

1:25 000 Map Series

NSW-89301S

Katoomba

1:100 000 Map Series

8930

Photo Gallery

Terrain

Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the The Valley of the Waters Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Valley of the Waters Track bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	1.5km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Track: Hard	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
450m of this walk has short steep hills and another 170m is very steep. The remaining (140m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track
500m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 190m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (55m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
Around 680m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 75m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
Around 380m of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 370m requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 470m of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 280m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
Around 390m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 370m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes

Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.

Wildwalks
The State Goverment is allowing Recreational Hunting in our National Parks This poses a serious threat to the environement and visitor safety Help stop the madness by writing a quick letter. Thanks for your help

Drive to Conservation Hut
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride to the start of this walk Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Conservation Hut	Alt = 893 m
Conservation Hut is a small cafe perched above the Valley of the Waters, Blue Mountains National Park. The hut was opened in 1963 as a meeting place for the local conservation movement. Rebuilt, Conservation Hut opened as a cafe in 1993, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Around the Conservation Hut is a small parking area, public toilets, picnic shelters, town water and B&B's. For further information or bookings call (02) 4757 3827. More info

(0 km) Conservation Hut to Int of Valley of the Waters and Overcliff Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 213 m	Time = 5 mins
	Climb = 2 m	Descent = -33 m
From Conservation Hut, this walk follows the 'Valley of the Waters' sign down some timber and dirt steps passing a couple of picnic shelters. The track soon leads to the signposted intersection with the 'Short Cut Track' (still in view of the Conservation Hut). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Valley of the Waters' sign down the steps, passing an information sign. After the handrail and more signs, the track passes a couple of faint tracks (on the left, leading to an old picnic area). Further down the steps, the walk comes the end of another handrail and a three-way intersection (signposted 'Overcliff Track' and 'National Pass').

(0.21 km) Int of Valley of the Waters and Overcliff Tracks to Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 111 m	Time = 3 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -42 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Valley of the Waters' sign down the timber steps. The track passes a few faint tracks (on the left, that lead to an unfenced view point). The walk continues down the steps, soon coming to an unsignposted intersection with the Lyrebird Cliff track (on a small sandstone rock platform). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the wooden steps to almost immediately come to the signposted intersection with 'Queen Victoria Lookout' track.

(0.32 km) Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks to Queen Victoria Lookout Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - bushtrack	Length = 24 m	Time = 1 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -17 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Queen Victoria Lookout' sign down the steps towards the handrail. Soon the track passes a small lookout on the left and, shortly afterwards, the fence leads to the rock platform and fenced 'Queen Victoria Lookout'. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)

Queen Victoria Lookout	Alt = 803 m
The Queen Victoria Lookout is perched above the Valley of the Waters, south-west of Conservation Hut. The fenced lookout has views into the narrow section of the valley. The views are made more dramatic by the roar of the waterfalls below and the mists which frequent the area. Empress Falls are only just visible - the main views extend down Jamison Valley. Kings Tableland (left) and Sublime Point(right) dominate the views and the eastern edge of Mount Solitary and beyond is also visible.

(0.32 km) Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks to Empress Lookout Walk: Easy - bushtrack	Length = 57 m	Time = 2 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -18 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps away from 'Queen Victoria Lookout' keeping the rock face to the right. The track soon passes under a sandstone overhang and then down more steps to come to the fenced and signposted 'Empress Lookout'.

Empress Lookout	Alt = 801 m
Empress Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, perched on a sandstone overhang above the Valley of the Waters Creek. There is a view down to part of the Empress Falls and into the canyon. The views are filtered through the surrounding trees. It makes for a good spot to catch your breath when walking into, or out of, the Valley of the Waters.

(0.38 km) Empress Lookout to Int of Valley of the Waters and Nature Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 92 m	Time = 4 mins
	Climb = 12 m	Descent = -20 m
Turn right: From Empress Lookout, this walk heads down the wooden steps, keeping the handrail and valley to the left. Soon the walk heads downs a series of steep metal staircases that zigzag down the hill. At the bottom of the staircases, the walk follows the handrail through a long sandstone overhang. The track then heads down some steps to come to an intersection with the 'Nature Track' and a sign pointing back to 'National Pass - Tea Rooms'.

(0.47 km) Int of Valley of the Waters and Nature Tracks to Empress Falls Crossing Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 87 m	Time = 2 mins
	Climb = 4 m	Descent = -14 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Valley of the Waters' sign down the lower track (with the valley initially to the right). The walk heads down the steps following the handrail and, soon after the sharp right bend, the walk crosses Isabel Creek using the stepping stones. Soon, the walk heads down a timber staircase, through a sandstone overhang and winds down the stone steps. After passing a great view of Empress Falls, the track crosses the Valley of the Waters Creek in front of Empress Falls using the stepping stones. (These creeks may not be passable after rain)

Empress Falls	Alt = 780 m
Empress Falls is a spectacular waterfall in the Valley of the Waters. The Valley of the Water Creek comes out of the slot in the cliff and tumbles down a series of cliffs to a sandy pool. The fall is the site of the last abseil in a popular canyon, making a great site for walkers in the area. Stepping stones help walkers cross below the falls. There is a small overhang next to the falls, giving the area shade and offering a great place to rest.

(0.56 km) Empress Falls Crossing to Lodore Falls Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 73 m	Time = 2 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -9 m
Continue straight: From in front of Empress Falls, this walk heads downstream along the track, keeping the creek to the left. After passing the 'Track' sign (pointing back up to the falls), the walk heads down the steps (with handrail). Soon the steps lead to the base of a wide cascade - Sylvia Falls. From Sylvia Falls, this walk heads downstream along the track, keeping the creek and handrail to the left. Soon after heading down a staircase, the walk comes to a creek crossing at the base of Lodore Falls.

Lodore Falls	Alt = 768 m
Lodore Falls are a lovely set of falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek. The narrow falls have a staircase on one side and stepping stones (and handrail) crossing the bottom, making it easier for walkers to appreciate this waterfall from many angles. Just beyond the handrail, the water falls over another cliff, providing a great view down the valley.

(0.63 km) Lodore Falls to Int of Valley of the Waters and Wentworth Pass Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 121 m	Time = 10 mins
	Climb = 21 m	Descent = -128 m
Continue straight: From Lodore Falls, this walk crosses the Valley Of the Waters Creek, keeping the handrail and main valley to the right (This creek may be impassable after rain). The walk then heads down the stairs under a small overhang to soon come to an intersection with Wentworth Pass and a 'National Pass - Conservation Hut' sign pointing back up. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stone steps following the 'Wentworth Pass' sign passing the metal railing as the track winds around the side of the hill. The track makes a 'U' bend and continues steeply down towards a waterfall, where it crosses at the large rocks to the bush track on the other side. The walk follows this track, passing a sign pointing back to the Conservation Hut, and continues down the valley, winding down rock steps and following the creek (which is visible through the trees to the left) until it comes to the signposted intersection of the Wentworth Pass track.

Drive from Conservation Hut
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride from the end of this walk Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk. Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry

Driving Directions
	To the start of the walk                  Castle HillChatswoodDuralEppingGosfordHornsbyKatoombaManlyParramattaPenrithStrathfieldSutherlandSydney Drive from:		From the end of the walk                  Castle HillChatswoodDuralEppingGosfordHornsbyKatoombaManlyParramattaPenrithStrathfieldSutherlandSydney Drive to:

Near by

Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk

Store	Address	Phone	Distance (straight line)
Paddy Pallin	166 Katoomba St , Katoomba	(02) 4782 4466	4.8 km
Summit Gear	80- Bathurst Rd , Katoomba	(02) 4782 3018	4.8 km
Summit Gear	11 Ross St , Glenbrook	(02) 4739 4373	24.5 km
Boots Great Outdoors	Shop 25 Home Centre Wolseley St , Penrith	(02) 4733 5744	29.1 km
Kangaroo Tent City	Cnr Mulgoa & Blaikie Rds, Penrith	(02) 4733 4111	29.5 km

A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to The Valley of the Waters Track.

Channel	Call sign (more info)	Site	Distance and dir from The Valley of the Waters Track Click to re-center search
4	RIV04	Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW	25 km (to the E)
2	KUR02	Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS	30 km (to the NE)
6	LGW06	Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS	31 km (to the NW)
5	BIN05	Fire Tower MT BINDO Emergency use only	33 km (to the W)
7	VMC7	Fire Tower MT BINDO	33 km (to the W)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a NONE rating and No Ban in place. (Downloaded 50 minutes ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here

A few showers clearing. 6.3°C (feels like 5.5°) 0 km/h from the CALM 100% humidity     (as at 24/09:00am) Fri       11° A few showers clearing. Sat 5°|14° Sunny. Sun 3°|14° Sunny. Mon 3°|14° Mostly sunny.

Blue Mountains National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page
Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping Facilities
Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park
Closure information last downloaded Friday 24th of May 2013 11:00 AM
CLOSED AREAS
Attention: helicopter operation affecting Katoomba walking tracks - Sunday 26th May 2013
The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed on Sunday 26th May 2013 due to helicopter lifting in the new replacement for Honeymoon Bridge.  This work is necessary on Sunday due to the favourable weather forecast
The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed during helicopter lifting in the new replacement for Honeymoon Bridge:-

• Federal Pass (from Katoomba Falls [Cook’s Crossing] to intersection with Dardanelles Pass below Leura.
• Federal Pass from Golden Stairs intersection, below Narrow Neck, to the Scenic Railway bottom station.
• Giant Stairs
• Dardanelles

There will be no access to the top of the Three Sisters, beyond the Prince Henry Cliff Walk junction.
Glenraphael Drive at Narrow Neck will also be closed at the national park boundary – 1.5km from Cliff Drive. There will be no access to Narrow Neck for vehicles or pedestrians.
Access to and from Scenic World will be open via Furber Steps. For further information please call 02 4787 8877.
Locations affected:Dardenelles Pass loop walking track, Federal Pass
Breakfast Point Lookout closed - Breakfast Point Lookout
Breakfast Point Lookout at Wentworth Falls is closed until further notice.
Campsites at Euroka - Euroka campground
Darug campsite now closed until further notice for maintenance and upgrade. Camping is available at other sites at Euroka Campground. For bookings you can book online or call 1300 072 757. For group bookings over 6 and to speak to the local Area office please call 02 4588 2400 Monday to Friday.
Claustral Canyon access change
Access to Claustral Canyon via the usual route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. NPWS has sought alternative access through private land without success.  Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land.
Alternative access and parking from the west side of Mt Bell has been approved. For details please contact the NPWS Heritage Centre, phone 02 4787 8877; open seven days 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.
Glenbrook precinct has re-opened
Access to Jellybean Pool via the road and the walking track is now open. Euroka walking track remains closed as does Ironbarks Firetrail and Portal Waterhole precinct.
Honeymoon Bridge, Three Sisters, Katoomba - works occurring from Monday 29 April till early June
NPWS will be starting work to replace the Honeymoon bridge at the Three Sisters on Monday 29 April. Work should be completed by early June.
There will be no access to the bridge during this time.
All walking tracks and other lookouts in the area, including the Giant Stairway, will remain open.  Short term closures for helicopter operations during the work will be advised.
NPWS Heritage Centre is open 7 days a week; for information call 02 4787 8877.
   
Ingar camping areas - Ingar campground
Vehicle access along Ingar Road may be closed at the end of Queen Elizabeth Drive while private property development works are underway. NPWS requests that visitors respect private property closures.
When the gate is closed Ingar Camping Area will remain open to walkers who access around the private property. Walking distance approximately 13kms.
Murphys Glen camping area closed - Murphys Glen campground
Murphys Glen is closed due to road damage and facilities maintenance.
Wentworth Falls walking tracks
The Undercliff and Overcliff tracks are closed between Princes Rock access and Lyrebird Lookout due to recent landslides. This means visitors doing the National or Wentworth Pass loops will need to return via the Shortcut Track.
The Den Fenella walking track will be closed 7 days per week during upgrade work which commenced 31 January 2013. The Den Fenella lookout remains closed due to structural damage on the bridge. 
All enquiries to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
Locations affected:Overcliff-Undercliff track, Den Fenella walking track
HAZARD REDUCTION BURNS
Hazard reduction burn
Wild Dog Mountains - CLOSED
All walking routes in the Wild Dog Mountains will remain closed until further notice while hazard reduction burning operations are current. The W7 or Cedarland Ridge Rd from Green Gully to Medlow Gap section was re-opened on Monday 13 May 2013.
Anyone intending to walk in Wild Dogs during May should check the national parks website prior to setting off for any updates regarding affected areas. View a map of the hazard reduction burn planned for the Wild Dogs area (PDF 259KB).
Hazard reduction burn
A hazard reduction burn has been completed along the Gingra Range and spur ridges leading off this range. The area is bounded by Cottage Rock, Arabanoo Creek, Gingra Creek and the Kowmung River. Access to this area is closed until further notice whilst there is a risk of limb or tree fall after the burn.’View a map of the hazard reduction burn in the Gingra Range area (PDF 192KB).
All enquiries to NPWS Oberon office on 02 6336 1972 or the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

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