Under and Over Cliff Walk

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Time 4 hrs
Circuit 9.4 km Circuit
Climb 576 m
Grade 3 Moderate track
Train Bus Car
no_pets
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 this walk and is a great place to grab some lunch or a coffee for continuing back to the station.

(0km) Wentworth Falls Railway Station → Wilson Park

distance 490 m time 9 mins climb 13m descent -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 and Parkes St Tracks

distance 540 m time 12 mins climb 20m descent -33m 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).
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.

(1km) Int of Charles Darwin and Parkes St Tracks → Int of Charles Darwin and Fletcher St Tracks

distance 840 m time 17 mins climb 22m descent -44m Easy track
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 Undercliff and Fletchers Lookout Tracks

distance 880 m time 16 mins climb 5m descent -36m 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.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the steps following the 'Wentworth Falls Picnic Area' sign (keeping the valley to the left). Soon, the track comes to an intersection with a sign pointing back to 'Weeping Rock Circuit'.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Wentworth Falls' sign down the track. The track soon steepens, heading down the steps and then coming to a four-way intersection, opposite a short track to 'Fletchers Lookout'.

(3km) Int of Undercliff and Fletchers Lookout Tracks → Fletchers Lookout

distance 20 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -7m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Fletcher Lookout' sign down the steps. The fenced and signposted lookout has three main bays, two on the left (with views of Wentworth Falls) and a third down the steps, looking into the valley. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Fletchers Lookout

Fletchers Lookout
Fletchers Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout off the side of the Undercliff Walk, just north of the Wentworth Falls. The lookout provides a fairly close view of the top of Wentworth Falls and a great view into the Jamison Valley. There is a good distant view of Mount Solitary and Narrow Neck, and also great views of the surrounding escarpments.

(3km) Int of Undercliff and Fletchers Lookout Tracks → Int of Undercliff and Princes Rock Tracks

distance 470 m time 22 mins climb 104m descent -89m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Undercliff walk' sign, keeping the main valley to the left. The track soon passes under three significant and low overhangs (be sure to duck) each with wide sweeping left-hand bends. The first overhang has timber blocks on the floor. Soon after the third overhang, the track comes to a point with a large dead tree and some great valley views. From the view, this walk keeps the rock wall on the right and soon turns right, passing through a large overhang. On the other end of this overhang, the track comes to an unsignposted 'Y' intersection. (The lower left-hand track heads down to Eagles Nest Lookout.) From the intersection, this walk follows the higher track (keeping the valley view to the left). The track soon bends right, heads up some steps and passes under a large overhang. Soon after this overhang, the walk heads up some steps then comes to a three-way intersection with the 'Princes Rock' track (on the right) and a 'Wentworth Falls' sign pointing back.

(3km) Int of Undercliff and Princes Rock Tracks → Int of Overcliff and Denfenella Lookout Track

distance 460 m time 13 mins climb 32m descent -52m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Valley of the Waters' sign along the track (with filtered views into the valley on the left). The walk soon crosses a small metal bridge and comes to a fenced (unnamed) lookout with great valley views. The walk follows the track back into the bush as it heads around the valley, soon coming to a sandstone overhang with a constructed stone wall, and more great valley views. From the overhang, the walk continues around the cliff wall, down the metal steps and along the base of the cliff. After passing an interesting rock formation, the track heads through a muddy section then soon bends right. The walk then heads down some steps and soon comes to an intersection just before a footbridge, with a sign pointing back to the 'Undercliff Walk'.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk crosses over Den Fenella Creek using the bridge and comes to an intersection at the 'Den Fenella' sign.

(4km) Int of Overcliff and Den Fenella Lookout Track → Den Fenella Lookout

distance 70 m time 4 mins climb 8m descent -51m Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Den Fenella' sign along the lower track, keeping the creek to the left. The track soon begins to go down very steeply (can be slippery) between the handrails and rock wall. The track then crosses the creek at the stepping stones below the cascades (the creek may be impassable after rain). On the other side of the creek, the walk heads down the steps to come to a bridge below the bigger Den Fenella Fall. From the Den Fenella Fall, this walk crosses the metal bridge and continues along the cliff edge along the fence-lined track. After heading down some steps, the track ends at a fenced point with great views across the valley. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Den Fenella Lookout

Den Fenella Lookout
The Den Fenella Lookout is a small fenced lookout on a cliff ledge, near where Den Fenella Creek falls into the Jamison Valley. The lookout is at the end of the track and has a tall cliff above and below. There is a small tree on the ledge adding to the sense of depth. From here, there are great views to Mount Solitary (middle), Kings Tableland (left), Narrow Neck Plateau (far right) and Sublime Point (right). This is a great spot, well worth a visit.

(4km) Int of Overcliff and Denfenella Lookout Track → Breakfast Point Lookout

distance 230 m time 12 mins climb 74m descent -34m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the bridge following the higher track. After about 100m, the track turns right at the next intersection. (The left-hand track heads down to the Lady Sees lookout with a fence in disrepair, currently closed). Soon this walk heads up some steps (around some large boulders) before meandering through the bush for some time. After a little while, the track comes to a three-way intersection and the unsignposted Breakfast Point Lookout.

Breakfast Point Lookout

Breakfast Point Lookout
Breakfast Point Lookout is on the Overcliff Walk, west of Den Fenella Creek. The lookout has a short stone wall and great views across the Jamison Valley. The center piece of the view is out to Mount Solitary and beyond, there are also good views to Kings Tableland (left). This is a good spot to stop and enjoy the sweeping views of the majestic valley.

(4km) Breakfast Point Lookout → Lyrebird Lookout

distance 640 m time 21 mins climb 75m descent -78m Moderate track
Continue straight: From Breakfast Point Lookout, this walk follows the Overcliff Track west, keeping the valley views to the left. The track soon passes an informal track (on the left) before heading along the base of a large rock wall (on the right). The track then heads up the steps following the handrail - soon after the end of the handrail, the track passes another informal track (on the left). After passing an often muddy section of track, this walk turns left at the intersection, then heads a few meters to the fenced and signposted 'Lyrebird Lookout'.

Lyrebird Lookout

Lyrebird Lookout
Lyrebird Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout on the Overcliff Walk, south of the Conservation Hut in the Blue Mountains National Park. The lookout hosts a great view of Sublime Point (right) and Mount Solitary (centre). A welcome gap in the trees reveals this great view.

(5km) Lyrebird Lookout → Int of Valley of the Waters and Overcliff Tracks

distance 220 m time 6 mins climb 34m descent -1m Moderate track
Continue straight: From Lyrebird Lookout, this walk keeps the green fence to the left and follows the track into the bush (with the valley behind and to the left). The walk crosses a section that is normally wet and muddy, and soon comes to a unsignposted 'Y' intersection with the Lyrebird Cliff Track on the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk takes the upper track and heads north-west. This goes up slightly before flattening out and continuing away from the cliffs, until coming to an intersection with a well-managed track, signposted as the Overcliff Track

(5km) Int of Valley of the Waters and Overcliff Tracks → Conservation Hut

distance 210 m time 5 mins climb 33m descent -2m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'National Pass - Tea Rooms' sign up the steps, with the handrail on the left. After a short time, the track passes a couple of faint tracks (on the right, leading to an old picnic area). Heading up the main steps, the walk passes another handrail (and signs) then an information sign, before coming to a three-way intersection with the 'Shortcut Track'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the steps towards the building. The walk passes a couple of picnic shelters (on the right) before coming to the road and the front of the 'Conservation Hut'.

Conservation Hut

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.

(5km) Conservation Hut → Int of Shortcut and Breakfast Point Lookout Tracks

distance 390 m time 9 mins climb 13m descent -24m Moderate track
Turn around: 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).
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads along the 'Short Cut Track' following the arrow to 'Wentworth Falls picnic area'. The track gradually heads downhill with small log steps. After a short distance, the walk crosses a small creek using a bridge. The track then bends to the right and continues along till comes to a signposted intersection with another track (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to 'Wentworth Falls picnic area' that heads south-east along the flat bush track. Soon the walk comes to a 4-way intersection marked with signs pointing to Breakfast Pt Lookout, Murphy's Lane and to the Falls Picnic Area.

(5km) Int of Shortcut and Breakfast Point Lookout Tracks → Sir H. Burrell Drive Carpark (Nth)

distance 620 m time 13 mins climb 22m descent -38m Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to the 'Falls Picnic Area', heading east along a flat track. The wide track gently winds through the bush, tending to the right - there are a number of anti-erosion systems in place to step over. Just before opening out into the car park, the track turns right. At the car park is a large 'Short Cut Track' sign, pointing back.

Wentworth Falls Picnic Area

Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
The Wentworth Falls Picnic Area is in the Blue Mountains National Park on Sir H Burrell Drive (Wentworth Falls). The picnic area is host to a couple of wonderful lookouts and some good facilities. A large car park, toilets (wheelchair accessible), picnic tables, free electric BBQs, town water and information signs. This is a great spot to relax between walks in the area.

(6km) Sir H. Burrell Drive Carpark (Nth) → Wentworth Falls Lookout Picnic Area

distance 220 m time 4 mins climb 7m descent -2m Easy track
Veer left: From the car park on Sir H. Burrell Dr, this walk heads up the steps, passing the toilets, into the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area.
Continue straight: From the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, this walk heads past the BBQ shelter and follows the track (with a timber border) up the steps (keeping the road a short distance to the left). The track passes an old sandstone pillar marking an overgrown lookout (still with some views). The walk continues up this gentle hill, coming to the main entrance of Wentworth Falls Picnic Area (at the intersection of Falls Rd and Sir H Burrell Dr).

(6km) Entrance Wentworth Falls Lookout Picnic Area → Wentworth Falls Lookout

distance 140 m time 4 mins climb 1m descent -16m Moderate track
Veer right: From the Entrance of the Wentworth Falls Lookout Picnic Area (at the intersection of Falls Rd and Burrell Dr), this walk follows the 'Wentworth Falls Lookout 100m' sign downhill along the track, passing the old picnic shelter. Soon the track becomes steeper and heads down a series of log steps until coming to and crossing Sir H Burrell Drive. On the other side of the road is the signposted 'Wentworth Falls Lookout'.

Wentworth Falls Lookout

Wentworth Falls Lookout
Wentworth Falls Lookout, in the Blue Mountains National Park, is beside Sir H Burrell Drive. The lookout is fenced and has a large information sign about the area. There are some bench seats and great vistas. There is a view to Wentworth Falls (in the valley to the left), but the most captivating view is across the Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary. There are also great views of the Kings Tableland (left), Sublime Point (right) and Narrow Neck (far right) escarpments. This is a great place to enjoy the scope of this World Heritage listed area.

(6km) Wentworth Falls Lookout → Int of Wentworth Falls and Weeping Rock Tracks (Nth)

distance 330 m time 8 mins climb 4m descent -52m Easy track
Turn left: From Wentworth Falls Lookout, this walk follows the 'Wentworth Falls Track' - 'To The Falls' sign down the hill (with the view to the right). The walk heads down the log steps, passing several information signs. The track soon heads through a sharp right-hand bend, then comes to an intersection (with a track closed at the time of writing) at the sharp left bend. There is a sign here, pointing back up to 'Wentworth Falls picnic area'.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill following the 'Wentworth Falls - National Pass' sign. The walk gradually descends the well-maintained log stairs, passing some views of the valley on the right. Soon the track comes to an intersection with another sign, pointing back up to 'Wentworth Falls Picnic Area'.

(7km) Int of Wentworth Falls and Weeping Rock Tracks (Nth) → Int of Charles Darwin and Fletcher St Tracks

distance 820 m time 14 mins climb 25m descent -5m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Weeping Rock Circuit' sign down the steps, (with the valley to the right). Soon, the track comes to an intersection with 'Darwins Track' (on the left).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads alongside Jamison Creek (creek to the right)following the signs along the Charles Darwin Walk. The track soon crosses two small streamlets and continues up the main creek along a mixture of bush track and boardwalk. This passes a great section of overhanging cliff on the other side of the creek. After this, the track rises slightly before going down to an intersection with a track signposted as the way up to Fletcher St, on the left.

(7km) Int of Charles Darwin and Fletcher St Tracks → Int of Charles Darwin Track and Wentworth Falls Fire Station Trail

distance 1.2 km time 25 mins climb 68m descent -38m Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads upstream beside the creek. This track goes along a mixture of boardwalk and bush track until continuing on a long section of boardwalk. The walk crosses the creek and goes up a steep set of stairs, then past a beautiful section of creek where the water cascades down the rocks. Shortly the cascades, the track crosses the creek using a foot bridge and comes to a signposted intersection with 'Parkes Street' track (on the left). From the intersection, this walk follows the clear track upstream (keeping the creek through the bush, on the right). The track bends right passing a bench seat and crossing the creek on a footbridge. On the other side of the bridge the walk climbs the stairs then gently meanders along the side of the creek till coming to a clearing. On the other side of the clearing the walk comes to an intersection just before the pipe bridge.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Village' sign along the track and under the large pipeline (keeping Jamison Creek on the left). The track meanders alongside the creek over some timber platforms and through a lovely Banksia grove. After a short time the walk passes a 'Charles Darwin walk' sign and comes to an intersection with a timber bridge on the left of the track.

(9km) Int of Charles Darwin Track and Wentworth Falls Fire Station Trail → Wilson Park

distance 220 m time 4 mins climb 9m descent -4m Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs (away from the bridge and creek) and turns left. The walk almost immediately comes to an intersection with a set of stairs (heading up to Page Ave on the right) and a sign pointing to 'Wilson Park'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Wilson Park' and 'Village' signs down some steps and along the track (keeping the creek to the left). The track soon passes a bush regeneration information sign and heads into an open pine forest. The walk then crosses the creek on a small timber bridge and heads up the hill. Soon the track passes under the 'Charles Darwin Walk' arch and enters Wilson Park (just next to the tennis courts).

(9km) Wilson Park → Wentworth Falls Railway Station

distance 490 m time 9 mins climb 15m descent -13m Very easy
Continue straight: From the the archway in Wilson Park, this walk heads away from the tennis courts, keeping the creek on the right. At the far end of the park, the walk comes to the Great Western Highway and turns right. After about 150m, this walk crosses the highway at the traffic lights and heads up Station St, past the shops and up to Wentworth Falls Railway Station on the right.

Maps for the Under and Over Cliff 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.

Katoomba1:25 000 Map Series89301S KATOOMBANSW-89301S
Katoomba1:100 000 Map Series8930 KATOOMBA8930

Cross sectional view of the Under and Over Cliff Walk bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Under and Over Cliff Walk

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Under and Over Cliff Walk

Altitude analysis for Under and Over Cliff 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.

Length9.4 km
Time4 hrs
.




Grade 3/6



Moderate track
AS 2156.1GradientShort steep hills (3/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
InfrastructureLimited 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

6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.7km is flat with no steps. The remaining (1.4km) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

4.2km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 3.9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (1.3km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.6km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.2km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 9km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 640m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 7km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Under and Over Cliff Walk walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Under and Over Cliff Walk walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

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

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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