The Charles Darwin Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

5.6 km Return

189 m

Moderate track

The Charles Darwin Walk follows the beautiful Jamison Creek south, arriving at the top of Wentworth Falls. Walkers can enjoy the beauty of the creek as it cascades down the frequent small waterfalls. The top of Wentworth Falls is a fantastic spot to rest, taking in wonderful views of the Jamison Valley and water tumbling over the cliffs. Well-managed and signposted, this track has bridges and boardwalk to help keep walkers' feet dry. It is a great walk for those visiting Wentworth Falls by public transport.

One of the smaller sections of boardwalk

Very well managed the track weaves its way beside the creek

Some of the larger sections of boardwalk and infrastructure

As the water cascades down the rocks it is very beautiful

(0km) Wentworth Falls Railway Station → Wilson Park

490 m

9 mins

13m

-15m Very easy

From Wentworth Falls Railway Station, this walk exits the station on the western side, on Station St, and turns left to head down to the Great Western Highway past the shops. At the highway, the walk crosses at the lights and turns right, heading down the hill along the foot path. This walk then turns left into Wilson Park soon after the colourful bus stop. The walk follows the footpath through Wilson Park. At the toilet block in the centre of the park, the walk tends slightly more to the left until coming to a large archway entrance to the Charles Darwin Walk, near the tennis courts.

(0km) Wilson Park → Int of Charles Darwin Track and Wentworth Falls Fire Station Trail

220 m

4 mins

-9m Easy track

Continue straight: From the south-east corner of Wilson Park (near the tennis courts), this walk heads under the large wooden archway signposted as 'Charles Darwin Walk'. The walk follows the track passing a blue sign pointing to 'Wentworth Falls Waterfall' and soon after crosses the creek on a small wooden bridge. On the other side of the creek the track meanders through the open pine forest. After heading up some steps the track comes to an intersection with a sign pointing back to 'Wilson Park' (the steps on the left head up to Page Ave).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk passes the blue sign (on the right) and turns right down the steps to immediately come to an intersection just before the bridge (and a 'Charles Darwin Walk' sign).

(1km) Int of Charles Darwin Track and Wentworth Falls Fire Station Trail → Int of Charles Darwin and Fletcher St Tracks

1.2 km

25 mins

38m

-68m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Charles Darwin walk' sign downstream, keeping the creek on the right. The track meanders alongside the creek over some timber platforms and through a lovely Banksia grove. Soon the track heads under a pipe bridge and comes to a clearing and intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection near the pipe bridge, this walk follow the 'Wentworth Falls Waterfall' sign downstream (keeping the creek on the right). The walk soon passes another track (that crosses the creek using a small bridge on the right) and then passes a bush regeneration sign to leave the clearing. The track meanders alongside the creek for a while before heading down some stairs and crossing the creek on a bridge. On the other side the walk passes a bench seat and then comes to an intersection with the signposted 'Parkes Street' track (on the right). From this intersection, this walk heads downstream (keeping the creek to the left). The walk crosses the creek on a foot bridge and follows the creek closely soon passing a beautiful set of cascades. After cascades, the walk goes down a steep section of stairs and once again crosses the creek. The track continues along a section of boardwalk before joining up with a track that continues beside the creek. This goes along a mixture of boardwalk and bush track until coming to an intersection with a track, with 'Fletcher St' and 'Falls' signs.

(2km) Int of Charles Darwin and Fletcher St Tracks → Int of Charles Darwin and Weeping Rock Tracks

780 m

13 mins

-24m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the creek downstream along a mixture of bush track and boardwalk. The track continues down until crossing two small creeks. Soon after these two small creeks, the track comes to an intersection, with 'Wentworth Falls' and 'National Pass Trail' signs.

(3km) Int of Charles Darwin and Weeping Rock Tracks → Weeping Rock waterfall

40 m

1 mins

-2m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps following the 'Weeping Rock Circuit' sign to the creek a short distance away. Soon the track comes beside Jamison Creek, a lovely flat section of the creek on top of the waterfall. The track continues downstream and across a slippery rockshelf and down a staircase beside the falls. At the bottom of the stairs is another slippery rock platform and a pool at the bottom of Weeping Rock waterfall.

Weeping Rock

Weeping Rock is a waterfall on Jamison Creek, upstream of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park. The water falls over the wide circular top overhang, to then cascade down the rocks to a pool below. A staircase beside the falls helps walkers view this waterfall from different angles. This is a nice cool spot on hot days. The rocks are slippery and there are no fences, care is needed.

(3km) Weeping Rock waterfall → Int of Weeping Rock and Wentworth Falls Tracks

40 m

1 mins

-8m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the bottom of Weeping Rock waterfall, this walk heads downstream (keeping the creek to the left), up some steps and passes another great view of Weeping Rock. After passing between some large rocks, the walk comes to a 3-way intersection, with a sign pointing back to 'Weeping Rock Circuit' and 'Darwins Walk'.

(3km) Int of Weeping Rock and Wentworth Falls Tracks → Top of Wentworth Falls

60 m

1 mins

-2m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Wentworth Falls' and 'Wentworth Pass' signs down the steps. The track soon comes to a nice view of Jamison Creek, where it continues to wind down the hill and open up at a fenced rock platform at the top of Wentworth Falls. Here the walk crosses Jamison Creek using the stepping stones, to reveal a lovely waterhole and Queen's Cascades(the creek may be impassable after rain). This is the top of the Wentworth Falls.

Queen's Cascades

Queen's Cascades[1] are a lovely set of falls on the Jamison Creek at the top of Wentworth Falls. The creek heads down the wide, two-stage cascades into a sandy pool. From the pool, the water flows between the stepping stones, under the fence and down the very tall Wentworth Falls. There are also great views to Sublime Point across the valley.

Maps for the The Charles Darwin Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the The Charles Darwin Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Charles Darwin Walk

Altitude analysis for The Charles Darwin Walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

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

		Length	5.6 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		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	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 2.3km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 490m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.9km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 840m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (75m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 780m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 2.7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 140m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 2.7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 140m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2.8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the The Charles Darwin Walk walk.

Rocket Point Lookout Track

1.3 km Return, 1 Hr

From Wentworth Falls Lookout, this walk goes down to the top of the falls and then onto Rocket Point Lookout. The walk provides many different perspectives of the spectacular falls from the many viewing points along the way. The alternate route adds a nice loop, before returning along the same track

Total climbing: 125m

Moderate track

The Weeping Rock and Fletchers Lookout Tracks

1.4 km Circuit, 45 mins

This great walk visits Weeping Rock waterfall on Jamison Creek and enjoys the great views from Fletchers Lookout. The walk starts from Wentworth Falls picnic area and explores a number of the well maintained and signposted tracks. Weeping Rock is a peaceful spot well loved by photographers. The vie

Total climbing: 88m

Moderate track

The Falls Picnic Area to Upper Wentworth Falls

1.5 km Return, 45 mins

For a short walk down to the beautiful Upper Wentworth Falls, this track showcases the beauty of the Jamison Valley and the Falls without having to spend a whole day walking. The Falls Picnic Area is a great spot to unwind and have a bite to eat.

Total climbing: 92m

Moderate track

National Pass from Wentworth Falls to Conservation Hut

3.6 km One way, 3 hrs

Starting at Wentworth Falls picnic area, this scenic and historic walk explores many waterfalls, lookouts and cliff edges. The walk covers a large number of steps and runs beside fenced cliff edges, so walkers will need to be fit, and also comfortable with heights. After visiting some grand waterfa

Total climbing: 739m

Hard track

Overcliff-Undercliff Track

4 km Circuit, 2 hrs

Following the edge of the cliffs south of Wentworth Falls, this great walk features fantastic views of the cliffs and Jamison Valley. The walk visits some great lookouts, sandstone caves and the majestic Wentworth Falls. The Falls Picnic Area and Conservation Hut both make good spots to take a brea

Total climbing: 399m

Moderate track

National Pass

4.6 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk offers fantastic views of the Jamison Valley and the surrounding cliffs. Take time to explore the historic and very scenic ledge halfway down the cliffs. There are beautiful waterfalls at both ends and recent track maintenance has made this walk easier and more enjoyable. Allow time to so

Total climbing: 773m

Hard track

National Pass, Overcliff and Den Fenella Circuit

5 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This grand tour of the Wentworth Falls area explores many waterfalls, lookouts and cliff edges. The walk has a lot of steps and runs beside fenced cliff edges, so walkers will need to be fit and comfortable with heights. The walk explores the historic National Pass, Wentworth falls, the Valley of t

Total climbing: 895m

Hard track

Wentworth Pass

5.1 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This walk offers a great way to explore the magical, upper section of the Valley of the Waters. The walk starts and finishes at Conservation Hut, which has a great, picturesque cafe offering a meal or hot drink. The walk passes Empress Falls before diving deeper into the valley, then climbing out ag

Total climbing: 692m

Hard track

Wentworth Falls Conservation Hut Loop

6.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This scenic walk from Wentworth Falls Station, winds along the Nature Trail to Conservation Hut, then drops into the magnificent Valley of the Waters, before climbing to Lillians Glen and returning to the station.

Total climbing: 341m

Hard track

Charles Darwin, National Pass and Nature Track walk

8.6 km Circuit, 5 hrs

This is a wonderful circuit walk that starting at Wentworth Falls Train Station. You kick off with a lovely stroll down Charles Darwin walk to Weeping Rock where you soon come to Queen's Cascades and the wonderful views in to the valley. Now we walk partway down the cliff on the Grand Stairway to

Total climbing: 903m

Hard track

Wentworth Falls Station Loop (Undercliff Walk)

8.9 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk passes some stunning waterfalls and views into the Jamison Valley, following the cliff edges around Wentworth Falls. The walk also takes in many magnificent highlights away from the cliffs, including Weeping Rocks, Edinburgh Rock, Lillians Glen and Wentworth Falls. This is a great walk, wi

Total climbing: 658m

Hard track

Under and Over Cliff Walk

9.4 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This walk from Wentworth Falls Station is a fantastic way to see a large majority of the Wentworth Falls cliffline. The track winds under and over the cliffs, giving different perspectives of the the Jamison Valley below and waterfalls along the way. Conservation Hut marks the turn-around point for

Total climbing: 576m

Moderate track

Wentworth Falls Station Loop

9.5 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

The Wentworth Falls Station Loop takes in most of the upper tracks around Wentworth Falls. There are many scenic views near the cliffs, with a few highlights away from the cliffs such as Lillians Glen and the Conservation Hut. This walk takes some time, so be sure to bring a packed lunch or buy some

Total climbing: 1030m

Hard track

Wentworth Falls Loop

10.2 km Circuit, 6 hrs

This is a great walk, both in size and spectacular views. The walk makes its way from Wentworth Falls train station and drops off the plateau, passing the cliffs and waterfalls of the National Pass trail. The track passes many falls, with Empress Falls arguably the most stunning. The walk then heads

Total climbing: 1093m

Hard track

Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley

29.2 km One way, 2 Days

This is the two day version of this popular and challenging walk. This walk passes popular sights including the Landslide, Ruined Castle, Mt Solitary and Wentworth Falls, and is a great way to explore the Jamison Valley. Water is rarely available at the campsite, with the Kedumba River being the on

Total climbing: 2135m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls

29.3 km One way, 3 Days

Circling the Jamison Valley, this spectacular three day walk is packed with great views and beautiful scenery. From Scenic World the walk heads around the base of the cliffs before climbing up to the Ruined Castle and then Mt Solitary. Walkers can rest in the sheltered Chinaman's Gully campsite over

Total climbing: 2147m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the The Charles Darwin Walk walk.

Edinburgh Castle Rock

880 m Return, 30 mins

A short walk through some dry bushland brings you to the valley views and wave rock formation of Edinburgh Castle Rock. The vegetation changes you walk down the hill through wooded forest, then heath and then onto the sandstone cliffs. A pleasant walk to a good view.

Total climbing: 87m

Moderate track

Lillian's Glen

1.6 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a wonderful walk down to the inspiring Lillian's Glen. Starting from the road at West St, the track winds through some different types of vegetation, before arriving at the creek which is Lillian's Glen. A place for the imagination to run wild before returning to civilisation.

Total climbing: 180m

Moderate track

Conservation Hut, National Pass, Wentworth Pass Circuit

4.8 km Circuit, 4 hrs

Featuring cascading waterfalls, breathtaking vistas and rugged rainforest, this walk demonstrates how much Wentworth Falls has to offer. It encompasses the beautiful falls in the Valley of the Waters, amazing views of Jamison Valley from the Historic National Pass and the cool forests of Wentworth P

Total climbing: 913m

Hard track

Conservation Hut to Breakfast Point Lookout

1.9 km Circuit, 1 Hr

The walk from Conservation Hut down to Breakfast Point Lookout is pretty with plenty of outlooks and some great bushland to enjoy. The walk passes a picnic shelter on the way down the hill to the brilliant views from Breakfast Point Lookout and then the Lyrebird Lookout.

Total climbing: 156m

Moderate track

Conservation Hut to Empress Falls

1.1 km Return, 1 Hr

For those that like waterfalls, this is a fantastic walk. The walk has some very steep sections, down and back up to Conservation Hut. However, the steep climbs are worth it for the stunning waterfalls and magnificent canyon experience.

Total climbing: 145m

Hard track

Conservation Hut to Empress Lookout

762 m Return, 30 mins

This is a walk that engages the senses, from Conservation Hut into the Valley of the Waters. The walk starts off with coffee aromas from Conservation Hut and winds down through the inspiring bushland, with a number of views along the way. The turn-around point of Empress Lookout doesn't have the gre

Total climbing: 95m

Moderate track

Lyrebird Lookout Loop

950 m Circuit, 30 mins

This walk offers a quick and quiet retreat from the popular Conservation Hut. The walk cuts through heath, passing a picnic shelter to open out onto the grand views of Lyrebird Lookout, looking over the Jamison Valley and Valley of the Waters.

Total climbing: 78m

Moderate track

Queen Victoria Lookout

696 m Return, 30 mins

This walk heads down to the top of the cliffs, overlooking Empress Falls and the lower Valley of the Waters. The track down through the heath is quite nice, although it is nearly all stairs. The view from Queen Victoria Lookout is a stunning one. The noise of the falls can also be heard from the loo

Total climbing: 94m

Moderate track

The Shortcut Track

1.1 km One way, 30 mins

While not as spectacular as other walks in the Wentworth Falls area, this walk is not without it's charm. Going from Conservation Hut to the Falls Picnic Area, this track does provide a great access route between two popular picnic and eating locations, and access to many of the walks in the area.

Total climbing: 42m

Moderate track

The Valley of the Waters Track

1.5 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Venturing into the canyon of the Valley of the Waters along a slippery winding track, this walk demonstrates the beauty of the deep valley of Wentworth Falls. This walk explores the upper section of the track as far as Wentworth Pass. The walk passes several waterfalls, a great highlight especially

Total climbing: 303m

Hard track

Vera Falls Track

3.8 km Return, 4 hrs

Vera Falls track takes experienced walkers to the end of the Valley of the Waters. The last half of this track is indistinct and rough in places, following a historic route. Vera Falls is a spectacular waterfall that can be viewed from the top or bottom. This track may become impassable after rain.

Total climbing: 652m

Experienced only

Nature Track

3.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs

Largely following the ridges around the top edge of Wentworth Falls, this track is incredibly beautiful. After taking in the great views at Edinburgh Castle Rock, the trail descends into the valley. Lillian's Glen makes for a perfect spot for a break, then the trail heads into the Valley of the Wate

Total climbing: 238m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The The Charles Darwin Walk walk starts and ends at the Wentworth Falls Railway Station (gps: -33.709737, 150.37644)

Train. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

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.

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