The Undercliff Track & Wentworth Falls - Blue Mountains National Park

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Route: Jamison Lookout, Sir H Burrell Drive, Princes Rock Track, Princes Rock Lookout, Undercliff Track, Fletchers Lookout, Wentworth Falls Track, National Pass Track, Weeping Rock, Wentworth Falls Track, Wentworth Falls Lookout

Date: 17/11/2024
From: Wentworth Falls Picnic Area

Parking: Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
Start Point: Jamison Lookout
Finish Point: Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
Region: Blue Mountains National Park

Route length:  2.4 km
Time taken: 01:02
Average speed: 4.2 km/h
Ascent: 96m
Descent: 91m

Points of Interest: Wentworth Falls, National Pass

Wentworth Falls is one of the most popular areas of the Blue Mountains, but it has suffered in recent years after relentless heavy rain 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 Undercliff Track is one of the best. At just under 5 km, it packs a lot into a short space and is perfect for a morning or afternoon excursion.

We began our hike from the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, a large space home to a car park, toilets, public barbecues 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.

The hike begins immediately from the car park, first visiting Jamison Lookout (which has a nice view of the valley) then continuing along Sir H Burrell Drive to the Princes Rock Track which leaves the road down some steps. A sign points the way to Princes Rock Lookout. 

Views from Jamison Lookout

The fenced lookout at Princes Rock has one of the best 'front on' views of Wentworth Falls — you can almost see both tiers (the lower portion gets hidden among the trees a bit). There is also a good view of the Grand Stairway on the opposite side of the valley; look out for tiny people hiking up and down the carved steps.

A view along Jamison Valley, leading towards Mount Solitary

Wentworth Falls and the Kedumba Walls

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls

The top of the Grand Stairway

We headed back to the bottom of the steps, taking the path signed 'To Undercliff Track' as it makes its way to meet the Undercliff Track. The track is named because it forges a route beneath the overhanging cliffs of the Kedumba Walls to Wentworth Falls. 

Wentworth Falls through a gap in the trees

There 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.

Undercliff Track

Undercliff Track

Rocket Point

Wentworth Falls from Fletchers Lookout

Wentworth Falls

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.

Queens Cascade

Queens Cascade

Looking west along the Kedumba Walls

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.

National Pass

National Pass

The top of the Grand Stairway / National Pass

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

Weeping Rock