I’m not going to begin this by including an overused TLC lyric. What I am going to say, though, is that I recently went to the most Instagrammed waterfall in Australia – the mesmerising Wentworth Falls, found in the Blue Mountains National Park – for the very first time. My first thought was: why haven’t I been here before? If you too have slept on this big, cascading beauty, here’s why it should be on your Blue Mountains hit list.
I was away for a weekend of reading and relaxation, staying in a cabin in Blackheath, surrounded by lush, Jurassic Park-like flora. But the sun was shining, the winter’s bluebird sky was out in full force, and I knew the post-hike beer would always taste that much better. To Wentworth Falls we went.
RELATED READ: The best bushwalks in the Blue Mountains
Wentworth Falls (both the waterfall and the neighbouring village) is easy to get to from the main charming Blue Mountain towns. It’s about a five-minute drive from Leura to Wentworth Falls, a ten-minute drive from Katoomba, or 20 minutes from Blackheath. Alternatively, you can even catch the train from Central to Wentworth Falls – it’ll take you just under two hours.
From the car park, it’s a short stroll to the main viewpoints, Jamison Lookout and Wentworth Falls Lookout, which offer expansive vistas of the soft blue-hued, eucalyptus-cloaked mountains and dramatic, golden sandstone cliffs. But you’ll need to keep walking to get the best views of the falls.
We set off to Fletcher’s Lookout, about a 20-minute trot down the mountain, offering views of the top drop of the waterfall into the Jamison Valley. At 187 metres tall (or 300, if you include all the tiers of the waterfall), Wentworth Falls is a spectacular, tumbling sight, with snow-white water from Jamison Creek plunging over the escarpment, cascading down the caramel- and chocolate-coloured cliff face; it’s a whoosh that drowns out any birdsong. We stood there for ages taking it all in. I may have taken a few photos. They don't do it justice.
The round trip to Fletcher’s Lookout takes around 40 minutes, and unfortunately the track is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams as there are quite a few stairs to tackle. I’d say a medium fitness level is required.
I could have kept going, but time wasn’t on our side. If you’d like to continue, follow the track down for about 15 minutes, where you will then reach the top of the waterfall and can use stepping stones to walk over Wentworth Falls. How cool?
Feeling adventurous? There are more than 300 walks to do in the Blue Mountains National Park – including the Grand Cliff Top Walk and my favourite, the Grand Canyon Track. If you’re heading out for the day, be sure to pack plenty of snacks, water and wear a hat. Also, check the National Parks website before you leave for up-to-date information, including closures.
Wentworth Falls reminded me of the beauty, power and magic of the natural world, something that AI will never be able to replicate. It’s a fun and free day out of the big smoke (minus the petrol and post-hike feed). And the crisp mountain air does wonders for your sleep. So yes, fine, do go chase it!
Time Out tip: Hungry? Me too. There’s a picnic area with tables close to the car park that has chicken and salad rolls, chocolate cookies and orange juice in the sun written all over it. Alternatively, head back to your accommodation to shower and freshen up before dinner in Blackheath. My picks include Frankie & Mo’s, a charming wine bar run by father-and-son winemakers; Ates, with its Mediterranean flavours and wood-fired flair, which will warm you up after a day of bush-bashing; and Blaq at Kyah Hotel, which has recently relaunched with two talented Mexican chefs at the helm, including ex-Noma and Comedor chef Alejandro Huerta.
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