Vera Falls Track
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

2 h 45 min to 3 h 30 min

4.3 km
return

↑ 707 m
↓ -707 m

Very challenging
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. A hot chocolate at Conservation Hut can be a nice way to finish off this walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Conservation Hut. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sign and track near Conservation hut. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Near Conservation hut. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Along the top of the Valley of the waters track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Information sign and Valley of the waters track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sign at int of National pass and Valley of the waters. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Stairs down into Valley of the Waters. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Int of valley of the waters and Queen Victoria Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Valley of the waters track travels close to and under a few cliffs. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Looking down stair case on Valley of the waters track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Empress Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Crossing under Empress Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Empress Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track by the cliff. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Valley of the waters track under the cliff. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Near Robert pass and Valley of the Waters track intersection. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Valley of the waters track near the bottom. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Top of Vera Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track to Top Vera Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Vera Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Hippocrene Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Downloads GPX PDF


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.

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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.
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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.)
DirectionsFrom 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
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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.....
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

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.
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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 turn sharp right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
After another 70 m turn right, to head along Valley of the Waters Track.
Then find the "Empress Lookout" (10 m on your left).
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.
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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

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.
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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

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.
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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

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.
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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 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
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.
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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.


An optional side trip to Queen Victoria Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 25 m continue straight.
After another 10 m come to "Queen Victoria Lookout".
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.
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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

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.
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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
Start heading along Vera Falls Track.
After another 95 m come to "Vera Falls".
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.
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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.
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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
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-23 m[toilet]
Camp site
2 km + 75 m[camp site]
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