DESTINATION | BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW
24 | AG Outdoor
bird species, provide a spellbinding start to our National Pass
adventure, and my vocabulary seems to have contracted to a
single word as I exclaim “wow” at every new delight.
We carefully negotiate a series of solid stepping stones
across the face of Lodore Falls and emerge into blinding sun-
light as the track fl attens out and wraps itself around the cliff
face. The next thrilling section follows the red claystone layer
that’s sandwiched between massive sandstone blocks and
runs for almost 3km halfway up the cliff. In parts, the safety
rail is almost all that stands between you and a vertiginous
drop, and you might want to think twice about tackling this
section if you suffer badly from vertigo.
The track infrastructure throughout is in excellent condi-
tion thanks to a major fi ve year restoration project, fi nished
in 2008, to commemorate the centenary of the opening of
the pass in 1908.
Just past the start of the Slack Stairs section there’s a
wonderful view across to Middle Wentworth Falls. From this
vantage point, a small crowd of bushwalkers milling about
in front of the falls appears to teeter on the very edge of a
rather terrifying precipice. The sight causes my stomach to
fl utter and I look forward to checking it out for myself very
soon. We duck down to walk under a rocky overhang and
pass through a gentle veil of water fl oating off the plateau
before descending a fl ight of stone steps to join the crowd.
The spectacular sight of Jamison Creek gushing over the cliff
high above you and then disappearing over that edge into
the infi nitesimal vista of the Jamison Valley is the perfect
spot to take a break, so Andreas and I eat our packed lunches
perched on one of the boulders there. This mid-section of
Wentworth Falls is readily accessible to those with only an
hour or so to spare, so from here back up to the carpark and
picnic area, the track can get busy.
Once fed and watered, we’re ready to tackle the most chal-
lenging section, the Grand Staircase. Whittled and blasted
out of the rock, this very steep set of rock stairs zigzags back
up to the top of the cliff. Be prepared to question yourTh e National Pass is a track that defi es logic.
It’s a triumph of ingenuity and courage,
hewn from the rock by pick and shovel
and the occasional stick of dynamite.
The start of The Amphithe-
atre section, where a fine
veil of water provides relief
fromtheheatoftheday.AlongtheGrandStaircase
the occasional level section
allows for a well-earned
breather and a photo.Recently restored stepping
stones across Lodore Falls
keep your feet dry in the
Valley of the Waters.