Wentworth Falls
They trickle, rage and roll. Welcome to the stunning waterfalls of Wentworth Falls. Jonathon Valenzuela reports from on high.
The exploratory efforts of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth in 1813
gave the country a triple treat of native wonderlands to explore. One
of the more beautiful and often overlooked of these areas, Wentworth
Falls, is home to the Blue Mountains' most stunning natural waterfalls
and bush walking trails.
Hang Your Hat
The Falls Mountain Retreat in Wentworth Falls is a slice of urban
luxury on the edge of the Blue Mountains national park. The
accommodation comes in the form of studio, loft or one- or two-bedroom
serviced apartments. Each room features open fireplace, a two-person
hydrotherapy spa bath, a stereo and DVD player, kitchen facilities and
wireless internet. Comfortably furnished, with a décor that is subtle
yet stylish, the rooms are designed to be light and airy, and the
proximity to the park ensures a peaceful atmosphere at all times. In
winter, the reverse cycle air-conditioning keeps the rooms warm and
cosy, while the balcony areas are perfect for dining outside during
summer. Rooms start from $240 a night during the weekend, or $180 if
you can get up there mid-week.
Get on out there
A mere five-minute walk from the Falls Mountain Retreat is the
Charles Darwin Trail. Named after the famous scientist who reportedly
visited the town in 1836 and created the original path, the trail
follows Jamison Creek from the town of Wentworth Falls to the falls
themselves. The early sections of the trail snake through the forest,
occasionally joining the creek at small ponds or minor waterfalls. In
the spring and summer, the local flora is in full bloom and the air is
redolent with the tang of eucalyptus oil and the sounds of native
birds. Eventually, brief glimpses of a sweeping panorama appear through
the foliage until you arrive at the falls and the full majesty of the
Jamison Valley is spread out below. The Parks Services have taken good
care of the trails, and there are several options at this point. The
Under cliff track is the shortest route back to civilisation, a one and
a half hour walk along the cliff face through some not-too-challenging
terrain. The more adventurous walker can take the National Pass, a
five-hour trek that winds down staircases cut into the sandstone and
takes in some of the best vantage points of the falls and the valley.
No matter which walk you choose, they all lead to the same place: the
Conservation Hut.
Grab a feed
Open for breakfast and lunch, the Conversation Hut Café serves light
snacks, meals, desserts and coffees. The wide vista of rolling bush
land visible through the picture windows make it a stunning place to
dine. The positioning of the café makes it handy for a pre-walk
breakfast, or a reward to aim for after a few hours hiking the trails.
Coffees are around $5, while a hearty meal starts at roughly $15. If
you travel to Katoomba to visit the Three Sisters during your stay, be
sure to drop into Cupid's, a little bakery that specialises in
delicious cupcakes to suit any sweet tooth. They also serve pies and
pastries, and a complete lunch will set you back no more than $10.
The Falls Mountain Retreat The Avenue (Off Falls Road) Wentworth Falls, The Blue Mountains NSW 2782 (02 4757 8801)
The Conservation Hut Fletcher Street, Wentworth Falls 2782, (02 4757 3827)
Cupid's Cup Cakes 32 Katoomba St, Katoomba 2780 (02 4782 1244)