National Pass (Sydney) is one of Australia's finest trails, that takes you along steep staircases, gorgeous waterfalls, narrow slippery clifflines and stunning views of the Blue Mountains. This is a 6 km long Grade-4 bushwalking circuit that requires some fitness level and prior experience in bushwalking. Having said that I did this walk along with my Uncle, Aunt and their 10 and 12 year old kids. And we totally loved every minute of the 3.5 hours spent in the arms of nature.
We came across muddy slippery footholds, the famous Grand Stairway with a dizzying view of the valley, walked under overhanging rocks and even behind a kinda-drizzling waterfall.
We started the walk from Wentworth Falls Picnic Area.
Can you those tiny people in the picture? From Fletcher Lookout we walked all the way there. Wentworth Falls was the first waterfall that we crossed, as we walked further into the national park.
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| Clicked from Fletcher Lookout |
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| Wentworth Falls |
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| The Edge of the Waterfall |
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| The path from Wentworth falls |
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| At the top of the Grand Stairway |
The Grand Stairway was build around 100 years ago, by men using only picks and shovels. As you walk down the steep staircase, the majestic view of the valley unfolds right in front of you, as if you are walking straight into some mystical kingdom. Be careful if you suffer from vertigo!
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| How can anyone not fall in love with this view! |
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| We caught our breath 'and heart' after descending the stairway. |
After walking few more minutes, we came across Upper Wentworth Falls. Breathtaking, to say the least!
By this time we had walked over an hour and decided to walk further up to the Conservation Hut, which was 2 hours away.
One of my favourite part of the trail is Den Fenella Lookout, which is also the wetter part of the trail. The Den Fenella Creek runs overhead and it felt like walking behind a drizzling waterfall.
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| Den Fenella |
Sylvia falls - Perfect spot for some awesome photography :) This was followed by some more steep climbing.
Empress Waterfalls looked majestic, with water rushing down the ebony rocks, carved millions of years ago. There were few abseilers in their wet suits climbing up the waterfall. Looks like is a hot spot for those seeking more adventure.
It had started drizzling by the time we crossed Empress waterfalls and reached Empress Falls Lookout. We had to climb another set of steep staircases to reach this spot. Afar, you can see the fog slowly rolling in, making everything around us look mystical.
Conservation Hut and carpark was only 10 minutes away from here, but the stairs to the hut can really test your stamina. We took many breaks before we finally emerged out of the national park.
Wentworth Falls Suburb was clouded in mist as we drove back home, cherishing the wonderful trek we had just completed.
Tips:
1) Wear comfortable shoes with proper grip as the footholds get very slippery at few places.
2) Check weather conditions and map before starting the trail
3) Cellphone network is not available in many parts of the national park.
4) Don't forget to carry water
5) Some level of fitness is necessary as you will end up climbing stairways either way.
It's an amazing sight. So beautiful. Thanks for these tips. These are really helpful.
ReplyDeletethank you :D
DeleteAustralia is so beautiful. Such a serene place, the pictures make me want to go there.
ReplyDeleteyes, it is such a gorgeous place :) Coma back again :D
DeleteAbsolutely stunning views of the nature's bounty! Thanks so much for this treat, Raj. The photographs are awesome, but I am sure the experience must have been even more so.
ReplyDeleteyes, it felt amazing to be in the arms of nature :D Thank you :D
DeleteIt must have been quite a hike for the kids Rajlakshmi.... it looks so splendid and I am amazed by the fact that the staircase was built using just picks and shovels- must have taken a long time to build.
ReplyDeleteyeah, they totally loved the walk :D Thank you so much
DeleteNature, in all it's glory. Awesome pics, must have been a memorable experience.
ReplyDeletethank you so much Alka :D
DeleteThose waterfall pictures are my favorite. I am already gasping for breath at the mere thought of this hike. But kudos to you and keep sharing the lovely photographs :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the waterfalls too :D Thank you so much
DeleteWow..awesome pics and what a view!Thanks for all these virtual trips in Australia Raj.:)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Deepa :D
DeletePicks and shovels! Something we can't even imagine now, isn't it? Lovely place.
ReplyDeleteyes and it is so steep as well. Lot of hardwork went into the making of this. Thank you.
DeleteThese are so amazing, no one could be able to control themselves from falling in love for this beauty! The Grand stairway looks so steep and deadly...:)
ReplyDeleteYes, they looked stunning :D thank you so much :D
DeleteLovely shots of a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteThank you :D
DeleteAustralia! What a gorgeous country and what natural beauty! Thank you for sharing these fab photos. Def on my wishlist, is Oz! And you, what a pretty girl you are! Always a pleasure to see your pics!
ReplyDeleteOh you should visit this city for sure :D We all can go hiking :D
DeleteOh breathtaking!!!! U sure do give a peek into unexplored australia.
ReplyDeletethank you :D Glad you liked them
DeleteOh breathtaking!!!! U sure do give a peek into unexplored australia.
ReplyDeleteOnce again nice pictures and great description
ReplyDeleteThank you so much :D
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