The Nature Track in Wentworth Falls

The short but scenic Nature Track in Wentworth Falls is a spectacular 3.5 km circuit that starts and ends at the Conservation Hut.

Often overlooked but highly enjoyable, this walking track follows the edge of an escarpment before descending to lower ground, where it passes through a section of the Valley of the Waters.

The Nature Track is a circuit trail that starts and ends at the Conservation Hut on Fletcher Street in Wentworth Falls.

By car:
From the Great Western Highway, turn into Falls Road, then take a right into Fletcher Street. The Conservation Hut is located at the end of Fletcher Street.

The small car park at the hut fills up quickly on weekends. If it’s full, you can try parking in one of the nearby suburban streets.

By public transport:
Catch a train to Wentworth Falls and walk to the Wentworth Falls picnic area from the station.

From the picnic area, follow the Short Cut Track, which leads directly to the Conservation Hut. If that feels like too much walking, local buses also service Fletcher Street.

Opened in 1894, the Nature Track winds its way into a section of the Valley of the Waters, passing through a variety of habitats and ecosystems.

It’s a moderately challenging hike with lots of steps and some steep sections. We recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes and, on warm days, bringing a bottle of water.

1. Start of the Walk

While most walking tracks at the Conservation Hut head south towards the Jamison Valley, the Nature Track goes in the opposite direction.

To find the trailhead, look for the path and Nature Track signpost right next to the car park.

The first section of the track runs parallel to Valley Road before turning left towards West Street. It’s not the most exciting part of the walk, but it’s a good warm-up for what’s ahead.

Just before reaching West Street, the path heads into the bush at an old signpost marked Nature Track Circuit and Edinburgh Castle Rock.

2. Edinburgh Castle Rock

The track continues through several sections with timber steps, metal stairs, and small bridges before reaching an intersection with a short side trail to Edinburgh Castle Rock.

Known as an old Aboriginal cultural site, Edinburgh Castle Rock is an unfenced lookout formed by a distinctively shaped rock formation.

While not spectacular, the panoramic views of the valley and escarpments from this lookout are a good preview of what’s to come.

3. Lillians Glen

From the intersection, the Nature Track continues south towards Lillians Glen, passing a few steep sections with sandstone overhangs and rock walls along the way.

Lillians Glen is a picturesque spot where the track crosses Valley of the Waters Creek. A set of stepping stones makes it easier to cross the small stream.

4. Empress Canyon

The track continues towards the beautiful Empress Canyon, a popular spot for canyoning and abseiling.

If you’re keen to try this canyoning adventure one day, including abseiling down Empress Falls, you can either head into the canyon with your own gear or join a commercial tour.

At Lillians Bridge, the path continues straight and uphill towards a few popular lookout points, leaving the canyon and valley behind.

If you have extra time, we recommend visiting Gladstone Lookout via the Lillians Bridge Track. To get there, cross Lillians Bridge and keep hiking until you see a junction where you need to turn left to visit that lookout. In total, this detour would be an extra hour of hiking.

Another option is to extend your walk by including the Valley of the Waters Track, a fantastic trail that follows Valley of the Waters Creek past Empress Falls, Sylvia Falls, and Lodore Falls.

To take that track, continue straight ahead at the junction with the National Pass. Otherwise, to stay on the Nature Track, head up the stairs towards Empress Lookout.

5. Empress Lookout

The reward for climbing the various staircases is two fantastic lookout points with panoramic views of Empress Canyon and the Jamison Valley.

The fenced Empress Lookout is located on a sandstone overhang. It offers views of Empress Canyon and Empress Falls, although the surrounding trees partially obscure the waterfall.

6. Queen Victoria Lookout

The next lookout is only a short stroll away. Queen Victoria Lookout provides sweeping views of the Jamison Valley and its escarpments.

On a clear day, you may be able to spot Lincoln’s Rock, Mount Solitary, and Sublime Point in the distance.

From Queen Victoria Lookout, it’s a short but steep final stretch back to the Conservation Hut and the car park!

Read our comprehensive Wentworth Falls hiking guide to read more about all the walks that exist in this popular area in the Blue Mountains.