Victoria Falls 06-11-2022
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Route: Victoria Falls Road, Victoria Falls Walking Track, Grose Valley Lookout, Victoria Creek Cascades, Victoria Falls
Date: 06/11/2022
From: Victoria Falls Road
Parking: Victoria Falls Road
Start Point: Grose Valley Lookout
Finish Point: Victoria Falls Road
Region: Blue Mountains
Route length: 4.6km
Time taken: 01:50
Average speed: 3.4km/h
Ascent: 408m
Descent: 410m
Points of Interest: Grose Valley Lookout, Victoria Creek Cascades, Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a stunning waterfall on Victoria Creek, though is probably one of the least visited waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. What keeps the general crowds at bay is the fact that there is a very steep hike required to reach them. The route down to Victoria Falls is easy enough but you will have to climb all the way back up again, all 400m.
The hike begins from a small parking area at the end of Victoria Falls Road, an unsealed road that begins close to Mount Victoria. While unsealed, the road is in good condition and our 2WD car had no problems whatsoever.
After only a few hundred metres, the walking track arrives at the beautiful Grose Valley lookout, one of the most scenic lookouts in the area, with fantastic views of the upper Grose Valley. Looking down Victoria Creek, the main head to the left is Asgard Head, in the middle are the Birrabang Walls and to the right is Burra Korain Head. However, Victoria Falls does not form part of the view so, if you want to see the falls, you'll have to make the steep descent into the valley to find them.
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| Grose Valley Lookout |
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| The Grose Valley and the Birrabang Walls |
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| Asgard Head |
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| The cliffs of Burra Korain Head |
From the lookout, the path continues its course into the valley. It is very easy to follow as it zig-zags through an area of rocky outcrops and into the lush forested area in the valley. The best views are of the cliffs as they tower over the valley.
Victoria Creek Cascades (or Silver Cascades in some circles) is a beautiful spot and a highly regarded swimming location. They are only a short distance from the signposted junction.
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| Victoria Creek Cascades |
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| Victoria Creek Cascades |
From the cascades, I returned to the junction at the bottom of the steps and followed the path heading towards Burra Korain Flat, which follows the creek to the top of Victoria Falls. The view from the top is impressive but doesn't quite reveal the true nature of the waterfall itself. For that, you'll have the descend further still.
As first impressions go, Victoria Falls is impressive. The main drop falls over a large overhanging rock which looks impossibly precarious. The thin slab is supported by sandstone cliffs on either side, forming a cave-like feature behind the waterfall allowing you to get behind the curtain of water. The pool at the base of the falls is also another popular swimming location.
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| Victoria Falls |
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| Victoria Falls |
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| Victoria Falls |
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| Victoria Falls |
After wandering around a little I decided it was time to head back up to the parking area. This involves that 400m climb up the path to the lookout. The steeper second half of the climb may feel more of a challenge but, before long, the steepness eases as the path approaches the lookout once again - the perfect excuse for a break before the final section to the parking area.
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| Burra Korain |
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| Burra Korain |
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| Victoria Falls Track |
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| Grose Valley Lookout |
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