Vera Falls Track

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Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Nature Track (-33.7202926,150.3628765)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Great Western Highway, A32 Turn on to then drive for 20 m Keep left onto Valley Road and drive for another 1 km Turn right onto Fitzgerald Street and drive for another 90 m Turn right onto Fletcher Street and drive for another 60 m Continue onto Fletcher Street and drive for another 55 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
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).
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').
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).
From the intersection, this walk heads down the wooden steps to almost immediately come to the signposted intersection with 'Queen Victoria Lookout' track.....

An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Nature Track Start heading along Valley of the Waters Track (a walking track). There is a toilet (about 40 m back from the start). There is a car park (about 35 m back from the start). After 40 m find the "Conservation Hut" (8 m on your right). 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. After another 6 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your left).
	After another 8 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Short Cut Track) continue straight, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
	After another 155 m (at the intersection of Valley of the Waters Track & Overcliff Track) veer left, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 130 m (from the Valley of the Waters Track) turn sharp right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
	After another 70 m (from the Valley of the Waters Track) turn right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track. Then find the "Empress Lookout" (10 m on your left). 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.
	After another 90 m (at the intersection of Nature Track & Valley of the Waters Track) turn left, to head along National Pass Track. After another 60 m pass the "Isobel Falls" (15 m on your left). Then pass the picnic table (35 m on your right). Then cross the stepping stones. After another 40 m find the "Empress Falls" (on your right). 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. After another 9 m cross the stepping stones. After another 15 m pass the "Empress Falls" (20 m on your right). After another 65 m find the "Sylvia Falls" (30 m on your left). 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. After another 75 m find the "Lodore Falls" (25 m on your left). 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. Then cross the stepping stones.
	After another 30 m (at the intersection of Wentworth Pass & National Pass Track) veer right, to head along Wentworth Pass. After another 120 m pass the "Flat Rock Falls" (25 m on your left). After another 75 m pass the "Brittania Falls" (15 m on your left). After another 50 m pass the "Red Rock Falls" (25 m on your left).
	At the intersection of Vera Falls Track & Wentworth Pass continue straight, to head along Vera Falls Track.
	After another 190 m (at the intersection of Roberts Pass & Vera Falls Track) continue straight, to head along Vera Falls Track. After another 400 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Top of Vera Falls. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 370 m (from the Vera Falls Track) veer left, to head along Vera Falls Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Hippocrene Falls. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 95 m (at the intersection of Hippocrene Falls Track & Vera Falls Track) turn sharp right, to head along Hippocrene Falls Track.
	Continue another 90 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.1 km to get back to the start. About 40 m past the end is "Vera Falls". Vera Falls This spectacular waterfall is in the Valley Of The Waters, near Wentworth Falls. The water falls from a rock platform above (there is a track accessing the top of the falls) onto a rock bulb at the base, where the water cascades into the rock-filled pool at the bottom. The waterfall is on the Valley Of The Waters Creek, about 150m north of the junction with Jamison Creek. The falls are named after the 9 year old daughter of Frederick Moore, a member of the Wentworth Falls Trustees and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1898. The Wentworth Falls Trustees were tasked with naming all the falls in the area at the time.
	From the Valley of the Waters Track Start (a walking track).
	After another 25 m continue straight. After another 10 m come to "Queen Victoria Lookout". 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.
	Continue another 0 m to find Queen Victoria Lookout at the end. About 85 m past the end is "Lodore Falls". 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 35 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Top of Vera Falls.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Vera Falls Track Start heading along Vera Falls Track (a walking track). After another 95 m come to "Vera Falls". Vera Falls This spectacular waterfall is in the Valley Of The Waters, near Wentworth Falls. The water falls from a rock platform above (there is a track accessing the top of the falls) onto a rock bulb at the base, where the water cascades into the rock-filled pool at the bottom. The waterfall is on the Valley Of The Waters Creek, about 150m north of the junction with Jamison Creek. The falls are named after the 9 year old daughter of Frederick Moore, a member of the Wentworth Falls Trustees and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1898. The Wentworth Falls Trustees were tasked with naming all the falls in the area at the time.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 95 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

From the Vera Falls Track Start heading along Vera Falls Track (a walking track).

After another 95 m come to "Vera Falls".

Vera Falls

This spectacular waterfall is in the Valley Of The Waters, near Wentworth Falls. The water falls from a rock platform above (there is a track accessing the top of the falls) onto a rock bulb at the base, where the water cascades into the rock-filled pool at the bottom. The waterfall is on the Valley Of The Waters Creek, about 150m north of the junction with Jamison Creek. The falls are named after the 9 year old daughter of Frederick Moore, a member of the Wentworth Falls Trustees and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1898. The Wentworth Falls Trustees were tasked with naming all the falls in the area at the time.

The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 95 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Hippocrene Falls.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Hippocrene Falls Track & Vera Falls Track Start heading along Hippocrene Falls Track (a walking track). After 75 m come to the camp site (40 m on your right). After another 170 m cross the ford.
	After another 90 m come to the end. About 45 m past the end is "Hippocrene Falls". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 335 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Vera Falls Track

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	4.3 km
Time	2 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	No directional signs (5/6)
Infrastructure	No facilities provided (5/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There is one 2 km (plus an extra 75 m along side route) from the start.

Toilet: There is one -23 m back from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-23 m	[toilet]
Camp site	2 km + 75 m	[camp site]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vera Falls
This spectacular waterfall is in the Valley Of The Waters, near Wentworth Falls. The water falls from a rock platform above (there is a track accessing the top of the falls) onto a rock bulb at the base, where the water cascades into the rock-filled pool at the bottom. The waterfall is on the Valley Of The Waters Creek, about 150m north of the junction with Jamison Creek. The falls are named after the 9 year old daughter of Frederick Moore, a member of the Wentworth Falls Trustees and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1898. The Wentworth Falls Trustees were tasked with naming all the falls in the area at the time.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
  
  Sunday 13 July
  
  11°C
  Becoming very windy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly clear. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Monday 14 July
  
  5°C → 11°C
  Wind easing. Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Areas of morning frost. The chance of fog in the morning, mainly in the west. Damaging winds possible. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then increasing to 25 to 40 km/h in the middle of the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 1 and 2 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 10 and 16.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 11:30am to 12:40pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Tuesday 15 July
  
  3°C → 8°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Mostly sunny day. Slight chance of a shower, most likely at night. Winds westerly 25 to 40 km/h decreasing to 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 10 and 17.
  
  Wednesday 16 July
  
  1°C → 12°C
  Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Snow falling above 1200 metres. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 1 and 5 with daytime temperatures reaching between 7 and 13.
  
  Thursday 17 July
  
  3°C → 12°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Areas of frost and the chance of fog in the morning. Sunny afternoon. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 1 and 2 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 9 and 15.
  
  Friday 18 July
  
  2°C → 12°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Saturday 19 July
  
  3°C → 13°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Blue Mountains National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure repairs, upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.
  The following tracks are closed:
  Katoomba and Leura
  
  Leura Cascades track (bottom section) is closed until the end of 2025 for track upgrade works. There is no access to Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Clifftop walk) between the top of Leura Cascades and the Amphitheatre junction. Short detour via Cliff Drive.
  
  Leura Cascades parking area and toilets are closed. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to landslides and associated repairs.
  
  Glenrapheal Drive (Narrow Neck fire trail) is closed to vehicles near Cliff Drive due to a road subsidence. Walkers and cyclists permitted.
  
  Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  
  Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.
  
  Wentworth Falls and Woodford
  
  Charles Darwin walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
  
  Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to elevated boardwalk repairs. Thereis no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  
  Valley of the Waters is closed below Sylvia Falls. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Bells Line of Road
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and part of the walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  
  Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides.
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes may be closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
  
  Safety alerts: Remote walking track conditions
  Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area including Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail have been impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage.
  In some places, tracks are no longer visible and are not easy to navigate, taking longer to traverse than expected. Limited to zero water sources are currently available along routes.
  If you plan to walk in the area, please ensure you have an appropriate level of experience, navigation skills and equipment including Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
  Mobile reception is limited so alternative communication methods are strongly recommended.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Link walking track temporary closure
  The Link walking track is closed from Friday 9 May 2025 until further notice.
  This is to allow for ongoing track works. For your safety, please follow all signs and instructions of NPWS staff.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Friday 2 May 2025 to Friday 1 May 2026 in the following areas:
  
  Abercrombie River National Park
  
  Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
  
  Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  
  Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
  
  Wollemi National Park (Wolga)
  
  Gardens of Stone National Park
  
  Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  
  Turon National Park
  
  Marrangaroo National Park
  
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Narrow Neck - Glenraphael Drive closed due to landslide
  Glenraphael Drive at Narrow Neck is closed to all vehicles until further notice. This road has been impacted by a landslide. Walkers and cyclists are permitted. Please follow directions of park signage and NPWS staff.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Woodford Oaks and Saint Helena trails - Weekday closure
  Woodford Oaks and Saint Helena trails in Blue Mountains National Park will be closed for maintenance and repairs on weekdays from Monday 26 May 2025 to Friday 18 July 2025 inclusive. The affected areas include:
  
  Woodford Oaks trail from Taylor Road at Woodford to the intersection of the Oaks/Nepean lookout trails
  
  Saint Helena trail.
  
  Please follow all signs and directions of NPWS staff. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Fern Bower walking track closed
  Fern Bower walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to multiple landslides. There's no access to Leura Forest and Leura Cascades via Fern Bower. Alternative access is via Amphitheatre track.
  For more information, call the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed
  Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed until further notice. This includes Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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