Empire Pass and Dantes Glen Waterfall Circuit in North Lawson

The Empire Pass and Dantes Glen Waterfall Circuit is a picturesque bushwalking trail in North Lawson, featuring four small, scenic waterfalls.

Over a century old, the lesser-known Empire Pass meanders through lush rainforest and follows the path of several creeks.

For a shorter walk, the Dantes Glen Track covers 1.8 km and includes three of the four waterfalls. Read on to learn more about these two hikes that combined form a 5.5 km loop.

Empire Pass and Dantes Glen Waterfall Circuit
Distance: 5.5 km (circuit)
Duration: 2-3 hours (depending on stops)
Grade: Moderate (some steep sections)
Dogs: Only allowed in the Dantes Glen area

Getting There

As a circuit trail, this walk offers multiple entry points, but the best place to park your car and begin your hike is at North Lawson Park at the end of St Bernards Drive (see map for location).

To reach this spot, turn off the Great Western Highway onto San Jose Avenue and continue via Park Road to St Bernards Drive. There’s ample parking available in the park, and for those without a car, Lawson Station is only a 20-minute walk away.

There are two walks to choose from: the full Empire Pass and Dantes Glen Waterfall Circuit, stretching 5.5 km, or the shorter 1.8 km Dantes Glen Walking Track. Both start at the same location.

Note that the Dantes Glen Walking Track lies on Council land, making it dog-friendly (on a lead), while the Empire Pass beyond Dantes Glen enters National Park land, where dogs are not permitted.

Map

Below is a map of the full loop with four waterfalls (5.5 km):

  1. Dantes Glen
  2. St Michael’s Falls
  3. Frederica Falls
  4. Fairy Falls
Map of Empire Pass and Dantes Glen Waterfall Circuit
Empire Pass and Dantes Glen Waterfall Circuit

Here is a map of the Dantes Glen Walking Track with three waterfalls (1.8 km):

  1. Dantes Glen
  2. St Michael’s Falls
  3. Fairy Falls
Map of Dantes Glen Walking Track
Dantes Glen Walking Track
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Track Notes

The Empire Pass and Dantes Glen Circuit Walk is a moderately challenging hike with some steep sections and uneven surfaces, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.

For those doing only the Dantes Glen Track, keep an eye out for the turn-off a few hundred metres north of St Michael’s Falls (see notes below).

To begin your hike, locate the signpost shown in the picture below and head straight from there.

Start of the walk
Start of the walk

1. Dantes Glen

The first section of the waterfall circuit is the Dantes Glen Walking Track.

About 150 metres into the walk, you’ll spot a turn-off for Fairy Falls, but continue straight to reach the day’s first waterfall: Dantes Glen.

Dantes Glen
Dantes Glen

The track descends quickly through lush rainforest via staircases, some with handrails, leading you to this beautiful spot.

Dantes Glen waterfall may be modest in size, but it’s undeniably charming. And it’s not only the waterfall that’s impressive; the peaceful, gully-like surroundings add to the area’s natural beauty.

2. St Michael’s Falls

From Dantes Glen, continue along the main trail beside the creek to reach the second waterfall of the day.

After about 150 metres, you’ll need to cross the creek using a set of rocks. Shortly after, you’ll see a signpost pointing to St Michael’s Falls.

St Michael's Falls
St Michael’s Falls

It’s just a short detour along the creek to reach St Michael’s Falls, which is similar to Dantes Glen and equally beautiful.

It’s worth noting that the best time to visit these waterfalls in North Lawson is after some rainfall, as that’s when the water flow is most impressive. During extended dry periods, you might not see much water at all!

3. Frederica Falls

The next waterfall, Frederica Falls, is a bit further along, first following the Dantes Glen Walking Track and then joining the Empire Pass Walking Track.

Where the Dantes Glen Track transitions into the Empire Pass (watch for the signpost), turn right up the stairs if you prefer the shorter Dantes Glen circuit.

Dantes Glen and Empire Pass junction
Dantes Glen and Empire Pass junction

Otherwise, continue straight onto the Empire Pass. This point also marks the shift from Council land to National Park land, meaning dogs are not allowed beyond here.

The Empire Pass to Frederica Falls is easy to follow and a true delight for bushwalkers. The scenery is beautiful, with the path mostly tracing the creek, which you’ll cross a few times.

Frederica Falls
Frederica Falls

It’s quite a long stretch of walk, and you may at times feel like you’ve missed Frederica Falls, but don’t worry!

Frederica Falls sits right at the junction of the Empire Pass and the North Lawson Fire Trail, making it easy to spot. It’s the smallest of the four waterfalls, but it’s charming.

4. Fairy Falls

From Frederica Falls, turn right onto the North Lawson Fire Trail and follow the signs for Echo Point.

This section of the fire trail is quite steep and not particularly exciting, but there’s more to look forward to ahead.

Signpost for Empire Pass and Echo Point
To Echo Point

After about 500 metres, you’ll reach a gate. Once through the gate, turn right and follow the signs for Echo Point/Bluff; you’re now back on the Empire Pass.

After a few hundred more metres, turn left and follow the signs for Empire Pass and Lawson Park. This marks the beginning of the final stretch to Fairy Falls, winding through thriving bushland.

Fairy Falls
Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls isn’t large, but it has a wide cascade, with water flowing gently over a rock overhang onto a flat rocky platform. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a few hours of hiking.

Once you’ve taken in the beauty of Fairy Falls, it’s only a short stroll back to North Lawson Park!

For more waterfalls, travel to the other side of the Great Western Highway and do the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit, a beautiful, dog-friendly hike with four waterfalls!
 

Empire Pass and Dantes Glen Waterfall Circuit in North Lawson

 

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Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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