Darwins Walk and Overcliff Walk, Wentworth Falls

Start: Wentworth Falls Station
End: Wentworth Conservation Hut (before returning to Wentworth Falls by road)
Time taken: 3 hours
USP: Incredible views and great birdlife
Distance: 11km round trip

Google map of the start

We’ve done this walk quite a few times now. It’s a solid favourite. Being long enough to feel as though you’ve earned the tea and cake at the end, stunning views along the way and an abundance of bird life.

It also has the benefit of being within easy reach of Sydney via train. From Central station near Sydney CBD it takes around 2 hours to reach Wentworth Falls Station. Wentworth Falls itself is a charming little village, perfect for grabbing extra supplies and sarnies before crossing the highway and diving straight into the bush at Darwins Walk.

Darwins Walk is only 3km of gentle downhill, easy going trail, but it always takes us a good hour to get through thanks to the number of birds flitting around. Crimson Rosella, White Throated Treecreeper, Rose Robin, Scrub Wrens…

The trail follows Jamison Creek, which eventually widens and turns into Wentworth Falls itself. A three tiered waterfall that drops a total of 187 meters and is best seen after a period of heavy rain. The waterfall is fenced off for good reason and there are instances of over ambitious tourists jumping the fences and ending up in serious trouble, so do take care.

From Fletchers Lookout we swing left and follow signs for ‘The Conservation Hut’. The trail is cut into the rocks, suspended above the valley floor and over hung by the impressive sandstone bluffs above. The trail meanders along the jutting cliffs as they lurch into the dark valley below, giving amazing views with each turn.

The trail is well sign posted and there are junctions with side trails advertising bonus view points. These are all worth checking out. Most are only a few minutes detour but all give breath taking views across the valley and the escarpments on the opposite side. Once you’ve snapped your photos, return to the main trail and keep heading towards the Conservation Hut.

The Conservation Hut is a great place to end the walk . A ‘hut’ has stood in this location since the 1960’s, acting as a meeting place and refueling station for trail walkers coming and going into the valley. The decking outside can be a great place to tick off a few birds while enjoying a coffee and a comfortable chair.

While at the Conservation Hut, check out the map on the boards outside. This walk is just one of a large number of trails that criss cross the area. From short 30 minute loops, to epic 3 day adventures. The trails also follow the valley at a number of heights. From the Overcliff, Underclff and the Valley of the Waters, which runs through the dense forest, deep in the bottom of the Jamison valley. Enough to keep you coming back for more.