Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls
A hike through history, wild weather, and some of the most striking scenery in the Blue Mountains: tall sandstone cliffs, deep green valleys, and a waterfall that never fails to impress.
Quick Details
Length: 2.9km
Elevation: 300m (total)
Grade: Moderate (steep stairs)
Best season: Year-round — but can temporarily close after significant rainfall
Suitable for kids: Yes if they’re ok with the stairs
Starting the Trail
Jess and Logan had some time mid-week to head off to the mountains. They settled on Wentworth Falls — mid-week is a great time to tackle trails that are usually packed on weekends. The weather that day, though, was a little more than they’d bargained for. As they got out of the car, a gust of wind nearly knocked them off their feet.
They headed down to Princes Rock Lookout first — a bit of a roundabout way of getting to the falls. The air was already cool and moving fast that morning, the sound of rushing water carrying on the wind before they even reached the edge.
The best thing about the start of this hike is the incredible view across the cliffs to the Jamison Valley — and the distant sound of water cascading far below. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow, with plenty of signs at each junction to keep you on the right track.
Princes Rock Lookout
In 1868, Queen Vicky’s son, Prince Alf — the Duke of Edinburgh — visited this site, and that’s how the lookout got its name. It’s one of our favourite vantage points of the falls, giving you the full view of the water cascading over the rock and into the valley below.
The Undercliff Track
Rather than heading back up to the main trail that most people take, Jess and Logan followed the scenic route along the Undercliff Track. The real benefit on their visit was that it kept them out of the wind, which showed no sign of letting up.
As the name suggests, the Undercliff Track sits beneath the cliff — or rather beside it and under the overhanging rock. It’s a beautiful section of the trail and a good deal shadier than other tracks around the falls on hot days. Even in summer, it can feel a few degrees lower here in the shade.
Why is there a pizza oven on a hiking trail?
Following the curve of the trail around the rock wall, they came across a small brick arch built low to the ground, with a basin of water inside. While we wouldn’t be drinking from it today without treating the water first, these were apparently once water wells — relics from the early European days of track building in the area.
Back to the Trail
The trail continues following the cliff wall, with the occasional glimpse through the trees to the valley. But you don’t have to look far off into the distance — the real beauty of the trail is the trail itself. The colours of the sandstone, the twisting shapes of the rock, and fern-covered walls — it’s a chance to slow down and notice the smaller details on a normally busy walk.
Before the neat steps and railings we see today, these trails began as rough bush paths worn in by curious visitors chasing a better view. Over time, those tracks crept further along the cliffs, linking ledges and lookouts with a mix of stubbornness and nerve.
It’s a trail that little adventurers will love — it only takes about twenty minutes to reach the falls. What’s not to love about jumping over sandstone blocks or brushing past fern fronds covering the track?
All too soon, it feels like the track changes and becomes more open as it heads up towards Fletchers Lookout — a fantastic lookout to the Jamison Valley. The trail crosses by Queens Cascade — another royally named location on the trail. The cascades are nice, but nothing to write home about compared to the falls below you.
The Grand Staircase
A staircase carved from the rock itself leads you down to the lower section of Wentworth Falls. You get a great view of the top of the falls before you head down. On Jess and Logan’s visit, the wind was so strong that it lifted the water back up as it tried to fall over the edge — creating a “reverse waterfall.”
The steps are well worn in places — the kind of smoothness that only comes from more than a century of feet passing the same way. They’re also steep, though you won’t really feel that until the climb back up. The track officially opened in 1908 and still stands today as a piece of history you can walk on — a reminder of what was once done by hand, one stone at a time.
In the early 1900s, a small crew of stonemasons — known locally as the “Irish Brigade” — set out to carve a proper stairway into the rock. Working with chisels, picks, blasts of rock, and rope, they cut their way down the sandstone face, joining ledges into what became the Grand Staircase.
Wentworth Falls
Reaching the end of the staircase is always a thrill, especially for kids. You catch glimpses of the falls through the trees — close, but not quite there yet.
A concrete walkway is set in place to the main viewing point, but if you want a closer look, you’ll need to step over a few boulders. It’s worth it — standing at the base and tilting your head back to see the water falling from the cliffs above. On hot days, the misty air is the perfect reward for the effort it takes to get here.
Looking up at the falls from the base is an incredible sight. Even when the water flow is light, water cascades over rocks into small pools before being carried away further into the valley. Even though Wentworth Falls sees a lot of visitors when the weather’s nice, especially on weekends, there’s usually enough space at the base to pause and take it all in.
The falls were named around 1823 after William Wentworth, who crossed the Blue Mountains with Blaxland and Lawson in 1813. The town itself wasn’t named Wentworth Falls for another half-century — previously being known as ‘Weatherboard’, although it wasn’t exactly a town at the time.
Standing at the base looking up at the falls, you might see a track to your left that’s now blocked off. This track used to go all the way out to Empress Falls but has been closed off because of a landslide. It’s a shame because it was a beautiful track and one of our favourites in the Blue Mountains.
Wentworth Falls might be a short trail, but it’s easily one of the best-loved in the Blue Mountains — and absolutely worth that steep climb back up the Grand Staircase.
Getting There
From the Great Western Highway, turn onto Falls Road in Wentworth Falls (the town), follow the road all the way to its end and you will find the car park to the picnic area. The car park does fill up fast on weekends, so you may need to park on the street. Please be mindful that this is a residential area, and the locals probably don’t want you blocking their driveways.
Tips and Tricks
Go early in the day or mid-week for less people to be about.
Always check the NPWS alerts — the track to the base of the falls does close temporarily during significant rainfall.
Be sure to check out the stunning Empress Falls nearby while you’re in the area.