Conservation Hut to Empress Falls

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

1.1 km Return

145 m

Hard track

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.

Stairs into Valley of the Waters from Conservation Hut

Metal stairs into the Valley of the Waters

Canyoners in the pool below Empress Falls

Conservation Hut

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.

(0km) Conservation Hut → Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks

320 m

8 mins

-75m Moderate track

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').
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.

(0km) Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks → Queen Victoria Lookout

20 m

1 mins

-17m Easy track

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'. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Queen Victoria Lookout

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.

(0km) Int of Valley of the Waters and Queen Victoria Tracks → Empress Lookout

60 m

2 mins

-18m Easy track

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

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.

(0km) Empress Lookout → Empress Falls Crossing

180 m

6 mins

16m

-34m Hard track

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'.
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

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.

(1km) Empress Falls Crossing → Lodore Falls

70 m

2 mins

-9m Hard track

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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Lodore Falls

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.

Sylvia Falls

Sylvia Falls on the Valley of the Waters Creek is a lovely tall cascade. The falls are in a deep sandstone canyon with mossy walls. The stairs and handrail pass closely to these falls, helping walkers get nice and close. From near the top of the falls, there is a great view down the valley looking between the canyon walls.

Maps for the Conservation Hut to Empress Falls 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 Conservation Hut to Empress Falls bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Conservation Hut to Empress Falls

Altitude analysis for Conservation Hut to Empress Falls

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	1.1 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

350m of this walk has short steep hills and another 110m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (90m) is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 500m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 55m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 560m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 380m of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 180m 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 85m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 290m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 270m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Conservation Hut to Empress Falls walk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Conservation Hut to Empress Falls walk.

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

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

Den Fenella to Princes Rock Circuit

1.3 km Circuit, 45 mins

This picturesque walk goes down to the cliffs at Den Fenella Lookout, this changing from dry bushland to temperate rain forest along the way. With a short but quite slippery path down to the lookout and then up to Princes Rock, walkers will see how beautiful the Jamison Valley really is. It is worth

Total climbing: 106m

Moderate track

Den Fenella Track

926 m Return, 45 mins

Starting at Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, this walk explores the drier bushland before following Den Fenella Creek into the small canyon. The walk heads downstream along the track with some steep stairs. The walk visits beautiful cascading waterfalls before coming to a great lookout over the Jamiso

Total climbing: 130m

Hard track

The Princes Rock Track

746 m Return, 45 mins

From Wentworth Falls Picnic area, this walk explores some great lookouts and their vistas. The views of Jamison Valley, Mount Solitary and the Kings Tableland are simply spectacular. This walk goes down a moderate slope, along a well-managed track to Princes Rock Lookout. Take your time on the wal

Total climbing: 61m

Moderate track

Leura Golf Course to Gladstone Lookout

2.9 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk takes you to the dramatic views of Gladstone Lookout, past the Leura Golf Course. Gladstone Lookout has sweeping views of the many cliffs surrounding the Jamison Valley below, including the Kings Tableland. This is one of the less visited formal lookouts in the area, but still offers grea

Total climbing: 195m

Moderate track

Wentworth Falls Lookouts Loop

1.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk captures three of the best lookouts along this line of cliffs - Denfenella, Princes Rock and Wentworth Falls Lookouts. The walk between these lookouts is generally not too hard, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy the superb views.

Total climbing: 191m

Hard track

Wentworth Falls to Denfenella Lookout

2.2 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

The walk from Wentworth Falls Lookout to Denfenella Lookout is a fun walk, with much to see. The walk is dotted with breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley, and with close-up views of many waterfalls. This walk starts and ends in the popular Wentworth falls picnic area.

Total climbing: 282m

Hard track

Wentworth Falls Undercliff Loop

2 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores the undercliff area, near Wentworh Falls, taking in many scenic views of the Jamison Valley and featuring some excellent waterfalls. The Wentworth Falls are best viewed on the Princes Rock Lookout side trip.

Total climbing: 217m

Moderate track

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Conservation Hut to Empress Falls walk starts and ends at the Conservation Hut (gps: -33.720216, 150.36290)

Bus. (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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