The Overcliff-Undercliff Track - Wentworth Falls - Blue Mountains National Park

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Route: Wilson Street, Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, Short Cut Track, Lyrebird Lookout, Overcliff Track, Breakfast Point Lookout, Den Fenella, Undercliff Track, Fletchers Lookout, Wentworth Falls Track, National Pass, Weeping Rock, Wentworth Falls Track

Date: 14/01/2023
From: Wentworth Falls Picnic Area

Parking: Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
Start Point: Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
Finish Point: Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
Region: Blue Mountains

Route length: 4.9km
Time taken: 02:30
Average speed: 3.5km/h
Ascent: 199m
Descent: 195m

Points of Interest: Breakfast Point Lookout, Fletchers Lookout, Wentworth Falls, National Pass, Weeping Rock

Wentworth Falls is one of the most popular areas of the Blue Mountains but it has suffered in recent years after severe weather and landslides damaged several tracks, including National Pass and Wentworth Pass. Both are currently closed and unlikely to reopen. 

Despite this, there are still some amazing routes around the waterfall and the combined Overcliff and Undercliff tracks are probably one of the best. At just under 5km, it packs a lot into a short space and is perfect for a morning or afternoon excursion (or for visiting parents, as was the case today).

We began our hike from the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, a large space home to a car park, toilets, public barbeques and large lawns - ideal for lazy Sundays. On popular days, you may struggle to find a parking spot at the picnic area though parking along Wilson Street seems to be an acceptable alternative (parking charges apply).

The Wentworth Falls entrance to the National Park

At the western end of the picnic area is the Short Cut Track, an aptly named path that provides a shortcut to the Conservation Hut and the beginning of the Valley of the Waters. The hut was first opened in 1963 as a meeting place for the local conservation movement, hence the name. However, since 1993, Conservation Hut has operated as a cafe.

The Short Cut Track

The flowering Mountain Devil

Lyrebird Lookout

Conservation Hut marks the western end of the Overcliff Track which starts close to the Queen Victoria Lookout. The lookout is perched above the Valley of the Waters overlooking a narrow section of the valley. The views can be made more dramatic by the mists which often frequent the area on drizzly days.

Inspiration Point as seen from Lyrebird Lookout

The Overcliff Track weaves a beautiful route along the top of the cliffs above the Jamison Valley and has some wonderful views along the way. The track passes Lyrebird Lookout and then follows a large rock wall to Breakfast Point, with its low stone wall and great views across the Jamison Valley.

Inspiration Point

The Overcliff Track

Valley of the Waters

The Overcliff Track

Jamison Valley

Inspiration Point and Sublime Point

Shortly after Breakfast Point is Den Fenella where Den Fenella Creek breaches the cliffs. An out-and-back track will take you through the wet, misty gorge to a lookout, however, the gorge itself is the real highlight. It is worth following the path down the set of steps to the bridge before retracing your route.

Den Fenella

Den Fenella

At Den Fenella, the Overcliff Track becomes the Undercliff Track, named as it now forges a route beneath the overhanging cliffs of the Kedumba Walls. There are two lookouts around the halfway mark; Eagles Nest and Princes Rock. Both have excellent views of Wentworth Falls, however, Eagles Nest is currently closed due to a landslip.

Kedumba Walls

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls

After the lookouts is an interesting section of the Undercliff Track that passes beneath some low overhangs before it emerges at Fletchers Lookout. Fletchers Lookout has a good view of the top of Wentworth Falls but the majority of the waterfall is hidden.

The Undercliff Track

The Undercliff Track

Hikers at the top of the Grand Stairway

Wentworth Falls seen from Fletchers Lookout

Fletchers Lookout

A visit to Wentworth Falls wouldn't be complete without visiting one of the area's most photographed features - the top of the Grand Stairway. This is easily reached from Fletchers Lookout by continuing downhill to the Queen's Cascades where Jamison Creek falls over a small cascade before reaching Wentworth Falls. Stone blocks let you cross the creek above Wentworth Falls.

The top of Wentworth Falls

Queens Cascade

After crossing the falls you will find the dramatic beginning of the National Pass and the Grand Stairway. The stairway is a very memorable section of the pass and is reported to be 'the tallest outdoor staircase in Australia'. It was built in the early 1900s by hand (and dynamite) by a team nicknamed 'the Irish Brigade' for the cost of o£430. Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls.

Heading along the National Pass

National Pass above Wentworth Falls

National Pass

The great cove of the lower half of Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls

It's not too far from National Pass back to the picnic area but there is the opportunity to make a short diversion to Weeping Rock, a pretty waterfall that is well worth a visit. Following that there is a modest climb along the Wentworth Falls Track back towards the picnic area.

Weeping Rock

Weeping Rock

Jamison Creek

Wentworth Falls Lookout