Last updated: February 26, 2024
The West Rim Track at Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park is a pleasant 3.5 km bushwalking trail with several lookouts that offer scenic waterfall views.
With so many lookouts offering fantastic views of the valley and the waterfall, you may find that this walk will take a bit longer than expected, but you can make the walk as short or as long as you wish.
In this article, we will guide you through the many highlights of this family-friendly bushwalking adventure.
| West Rim Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3.5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2 hours (depending on stops) |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (some steps) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
How to Get There
The West Rim Walking Track starts at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre at 1301 Nowra Road (see map) where you can park your car ($4 per day).
The visitor centre is easy to drive to from Bowral and Moss Vale in the west and from Wollongong and Kiama in the east.
The car park is well-sized, but on sunny weekends, it may be challenging to find a parking spot if you’re arriving later in the morning or afternoon.
Map
Below is a map of the West Rim Walking Track, with the following highlights:
- Fitzroy Falls Lookout
- Jersey Lookout
- Richardson Lookout
- Twin Falls Lookout
- Paines Lookout
- The Grotto
- Starkeys Lookout
- Renown Lookout
For a larger, print-ready version of the map, click here.
West Rim Track Notes
The West Rim Track is an easy to moderately challenging bushwalk, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The beauty is that you don’t need to do the whole track to get the best views.
If you have limited time available or simply don’t feel like hiking too much, we recommend going as far as the Jersey Lookout.
Once you’ve parked your car and are ready to start hiking, make your way to the visitor centre and follow the signs for West Rim Track.
The first highlight is the Fitzroy Falls Lookout, which can be reached via an elevated wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.
1. Fitzroy Falls Lookout
Also referred to as the Main Lookout, the Fitzroy Falls Lookout is located only a short stroll from the visitor centre. It’s a large viewing platform with various information panels to learn more about the area.
Most visitors to Fitzroy Falls will only go to this lookout, as it offers the best views of the waterfall from very close by, against the backdrop of the beautiful Yarrunga Valley.
But if you’re keen to go hiking, follow the signs for West Rim Track to visit the next highlight: Jersey Lookout.
2. Jersey Lookout
The Jersey Lookout is a 10-minute walk away (down a series of stairs) from the first lookout and offers fantastic views of the waterfall in its entirety.
For that reason alone, it is worth walking there, as the views are significantly different than those at the Main Lookout.
3. Richardson Lookout
Another few hundred metres of walking will bring you to the Richardson Lookout, a fenced south-facing viewing platform.
From this lookout, the waterfall is visible on the left, with the beautiful Yarrunga Valley and Yarrunga Creek straight ahead.
4. Twin Falls Lookout
Next up is the Twin Falls Lookout, a small viewing platform facing the Yarrunga Valley and a waterfall that goes by the name of Twin Falls.
From the lookout, the trail continues to a small footbridge over the top of this waterfall, from where the views are quite spectacular, quite similar to those from the top of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains.
You’ll find a couple of seats on the other side of the bridge where you can have a rest while taking in the views.
5. Paines Lookout
From the top of Twin Falls, it’s a short walk to Paines Lookout, located just past the halfway mark of the West Rim Track.
There are no waterfalls to look at from this lookout, but the valley and cliff views are very pretty nonetheless.
6. The Grotto
After no less than six lookouts, it’s now time for something different. The Grotto is a tiny waterfall that cascades over a rocky outcrop.
To reach The Grotto, you’ll first cross a small bridge and then follow a set of stairs down into a gully. It’s all signposted, so you won’t miss it.
7. Starkeys Lookout
The Starkeys Lookout is located towards the end of the West Rim Track and can be reached via a short detour. It offers views of both Fitzroy Falls and Lady Hordern Falls.
Lady Hordern Falls is a plunge waterfall on Wildes Meadow Creek, located just below Fitzroy Falls. It’s a fascinating spectacle to have both waterfalls in one view, but the next lookout is even better!
8. Renown Lookout
The Renown Lookout is the last viewing point on the West Rim Track. Like Starkeys Lookout, it offers views of both Fitzroy and Lady Hordern Falls.
Once you’ve finished soaking in those fantastic views, it’s time to retrace your steps back to the visitor centre. Luckily, the return trip feels much shorter because you won’t have to spend as much time at the lookouts.
