The family-friendly Darwins Walk follows Jamison Creek to the top of Wentworth Falls, winding through stunning bushland scenery, with a few smaller cascades and creek crossings to explore along the way.
Formerly called the Charles Darwin Walk, this well-loved, dog-friendly trail features bridges and boardwalks, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
Darwins Walk | |
---|---|
Distance: | 2.4 km (one way) |
Duration: | 1 hour (depending on stops) |
Grade: | Easy |
Wheel-friendly: | No |
Dog-friendly: | Yes (on a lead) |
The Darwins Walk is currently partially closed due to restoration works. The last section (a few hundred metres) of the walk is closed, which means that if you want to reach the waterfall area, you must follow a detour along Fletcher Street and Falls Road. For the latest updates, check the Blue Mountains City Council website.
Getting There
Darwins Walk offers a scenic route from Wentworth Falls station and town centre to the popular hiking area near the waterfall.
The trail begins in Wilson Park, Wentworth Falls, located just south of the Great Western Highway and within easy walking distance of the train station.
If you’re arriving in the Blue Mountains by train, hop off at Wentworth Falls station, cross the Great Western Highway via Station Street, and head towards Wilson Park (see location on map).
For those driving, there’s plenty of free street parking available on Falls Road, right next to the park. The trailhead is conveniently located just north of the tennis courts.
Map
Here is a map of the walking trail with parking (P) on Falls Road and the train station (T) on the other side of the highway:
Track Notes
Darwins Walk is an easy trail that’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Dogs are welcome too, but they must be kept on a lead. Keep in mind there are a couple of metal bridges along the way that some dogs might find tricky to cross.
Start of the Walk
The trailhead is located just north of the tennis courts in Wilson Park and is easy to spot, marked by information boards, benches, and sandstone landscaping.
This starting point also serves as the official beginning of the iconic Grand Cliff Top Walk, a 19 km hike connecting Wentworth Falls and Scenic World.
Darwins Walk is named in honour of Charles Darwin, commemorating his inland journey in 1836 when he crossed the Blue Mountains on his way to Bathurst.
He discovered the unique beauty of the Wentworth Falls area as he was walking along Jamison Creek towards the valley further south.
The Darwins Walk follows Jamison Creek downstream, passing Weeping Rock, Queen’s Cascades, and leading to the top of Wentworth Falls.
It offers a pleasant stroll through scenic bushland, featuring several creek crossings, boardwalks, and footbridges.
With multiple signposted entry and exit points along the route, you can tailor the walk to suit your time and preferences.
Weeping Rock
Darwins Walk concludes at Weeping Rock, a small waterfall on Jamison Creek. The name comes from the way the creek flows over a wide rocky overhang before cascading into a flat pool below.
The trail navigates past the waterfall via a staircase, giving hikers the chance to enjoy lovely close-up views of this picturesque spot.
From Weeping Rock, the path continues to Queen’s Cascades, another beautiful water spectacle just before Wentworth Falls plunges into the Jamison Valley.
Once you’ve reached the top of Wentworth Falls, you have several options to continue your hiking adventure. One recommendation is the Rocket Point Lookout, a secluded viewpoint accessible via a short loop walk.
Another option is to descend into the valley via the Grand Stairway, a historic staircase that takes you to the mid-section of the waterfall.