We did this walk by accident. Yep, you read that right. While I was hoping to just do the easier Overcliff-Undercliff track I got caught in a swarm of tourists, misunderstood a sign and next thing I know I’m walking down the steepest set of stairs I’ve ever seen in my life. Turned out to be one of our favourite walks in Australia. Here’s a guide to hiking the National Pass track in the Blue Mountains.
At a glance:
- Length: 4.5km loop trail
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate-High
- Elevation gain: 773m
Wait a minute, these mountains aren’t blue, where did they get the name from?
The mountains are covered in eucalyptus trees which discharge a mist of eucalyptus oil from their leaves, creating a blue haze. You might notice along your walk that the mountains in the distance appear more blue than green. Make sure you bust out that fun fact to impress your friends along the hike.
The Hike:
The National Pass track is one of the most famous bushwalks in Australia, and for good reason! It combines a 187m high waterfall, walking along cliff edges, panoramic views of the Jamison Valley, and even more waterfalls. The track was built completely by hand in 1906 with picks and shovels (and a little bit of dynamite) which makes it even more impressive.
The trail starts at the top of Wentworth Falls. As you continue to walk around the corner along the cliff edge, you’ll get the full scope of this massive waterfall.
Make sure you do the track clockwise, starting at Wentworth Falls and going DOWN The Grand Stairway (tallest outdoor staircase in Australia)! There is no way in a million years I would go up that thing. These impossibly steep stairs have been hand carved into the stone, giving you access to the valley below.
While around Wentworth Falls is very popular and crowded, once you leave the waterfall behind, we rarely came across any other hikers. It was so serene along the National Pass track. Keep your eyes open for cockatoos, there are plenty to be seen around this trail! They’re pretty loud birds, you’ll probably hear them before you see them.
As you descend into the valley, you’ll leave the eucalyptus trees behind and enter more of a rain forest with fern trees. One of our favourite things about this walk was how much the landscape changes along the loop. One minute you’re surrounded by green, and the next you’re walking along a dry sandstone landscape.
This trail leads you further into the Valley of Waters where you’ll pass many waterfalls, including the beautiful Empress and Sylvia Falls.
After climbing up A LOT of stairs back to the top, you’ll come across an incredible view at Queen Victoria Lookout. Don’t worry though, the steps are much more gradual and not as steep as the way down The Grand Stairway!
Getting there by train:
It takes about 2 hours by train from Central Station to Wentworth Falls Station within the Blue Mountains.
Once you’re off the train cross the overpass and turn left onto Station St. Turn right onto the Great Western Highway and left down Darwins Walk (7 min). At the end of this road is the start the Charles Darwin walk (2.5km). Charles Darwin himself walked this trail! As we are both biologists, we fangirled pretty hard. This trail takes 30 min and will lead you to Wentworth Falls Lookout where you can start the National Pass track.
TIP: Go to the Blue Mountains on a Sunday! Public transport caps a daily limit of $2.50 on this day, so you won’t have to pay up to $15. Such an awesome deal!
Getting there by car:
It takes 1hr 30min from Sydney to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Turn left off the Great Western Highway onto Falls Road which will lead you to Wentworth Falls picnic area. This is the start of the National Pass track.
What to bring:
- WATER – LOTS OF IT, at least a couple litres each!
- Lunch/snacks – There is a Conservation Hut to buy food from near the end but it’s expensive. Enjoy a picnic along your walk.
- Sunscreen – The UV rays in Australia are out to get you.
- A sweater/jacket – Just cause it’s nice and hot in Sydney, doesn’t mean it is up here. It can get windy and cold up here.
One more thing before you go: It’s also good to check the National Parks website for the Wentworth Falls track to see if there are any alerts/closures for the trail.
Interested in more walks? Read my post about the best walks and hikes around Sydney!
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