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The Valley of the Waters Empress Falls Walking Track in Wentworth Falls is one of the most sensational waterfalls in the Blue Mountains National Park. Canyoners and abseilers congregate here for an extravagant dose of adventure and visitors from all over the world flock here to behold one of the most captivating scenes in the Blue Mountains National Park.

The start of the Valley of the Water track to Empress Falls.

From Conservation Hut to Empress Falls: Approximately 1 hour return (this is likely to be less if you don’t have young children with you), 1km return, ‘there and back’ track.

The walk to Empress Falls is considered a difficult walk due to the steep nature and number of stairs, but it is realistically more of a moderate walk that anyone with a reasonable fitness level can achieve.

What To Expect On Your Walk To Empress Falls

Conservation Hut, Valley of the Waters

Empress Falls Walking Track is a beautiful track that begins at Conservation Hut, at Valley of the Waters, Wentworth Falls. Conservation Hut is a mud brick hut well-known as the perfect place to refuel after a long hike.

There is a parking lot (that fills up quickly on weekends) with toilet facilities and a cafe with balcony views of the Blue Mountains National Park.

Stairs

These metal staircases are as steep as you will get on this walk down to Empress Falls or up to Conservation Hut.

A glimpse of Empress Falls does not come easily. You will need to work for it! Almost the entire walking track is steps, steps and more steps – steps of all shapes and sizes. It is therefore not a pram or wheelchair friendly track.

Large stepping stones before descending further down towards Empress Falls.

Steep wooden stairs.

Beautiful Lookouts

Queen Victoria Lookout is on your way to Empress Falls from Conservation Hut.

Consider your Valley of the Waters walk down to Empress Falls and back a great workout. You will get with the perfect amount of motivation along the way, with the breathtaking Queen Victoria Lookout and Empress Lookout, only to be rewarded by the idyllic Empress Falls – a swimming waterhole, waterfall and canyon – when you finally reach the bottom of the track.

Other Tracks & Waterfalls

Valley of the Waters is aptly named. If you have the energy, continue along the track (it is not always as well defined as the track to Empress Falls) to see Sylvia Falls, Lodore Falls, Flat Rock Falls, Brittania Falls, Red Rock Falls and Vera Falls and Hippocrene Falls (Vera and Hippocrene Falls are reportedly somewhat difficult to navigate to).

Valley of the Waters encompasses a group of walking tracks in Wentworth Falls, that all connect back to the Conservation Hut. These walks include: Nature Track, Short Cut Track, Overcliff – Undercliff Track, National Pass (currently closed due to rock fall danger), Princes Rock, Den Fenella and Wentworth Pass. It all forms an incredible network of tracks and trails for all walking ability levels.

Refresh At Lillian’s Bridge

As you walk closer to Empress Falls, you will see the Nature Walk verging off to your right, with a quaint little bridge, named Lillian’s Bridge. It might remind children of something out of the Three Billy Goats Gruff! You may like to hydrate and refuel here after the steep climb back up on your return walk.

This is especially important if you are walking with children. They may also enjoy exploring the little waterfall at this point.

Waterfall at Lillian’s Bridge rest area.

An Epic Waterfall & Swimming Hole

Expect to be in awe at the beauty of Empress Falls. When it has an abundance of water, it also sounds incredible. The water is very cold even in Summer, so if you plan on a swim, a wetsuit would make it a more pleasant dip. Here are some tips on keeping safe in unpatrolled natural water locations.

Is The Valley Of The Waters Track Suitable For Children?

Rock hopping at Empress Falls, Wentworth Falls.

Yes and no. We walked Valley of the Waters with four children aged 2, 4, 7 and 10 years old. They all managed the walk and stairs well but they are used to bushwalking so have pretty good stamina.

On our return journey we made sure to stop and rest as much as needed, including an extended play and afternon tea at Lillian’s Bridge. Ensure that you have at least one litre of water for every two hours of walking and enough food for energy along the way.

Overall, the Valley of the Waters track to Empress Falls was a pleasant walk for our young family. Just make sure that you start the walk early enough in the day so that you don’t need to rush the kids back up the stairs before sun down. Taking your time will make it a much more pleasant experience for everyone.

Taking rest breaks on your walk back up to Conservation Hut will help children manage the uphill journey better and enjoy this walk.

However, from our experience, we would not recommend this track for toddlers, young children under 5 or any child who likes to run ahead or has trouble following instructions. It is also not recommended for anyone with difficulties walking up and down stairs.

We felt nervous with our 2 and 4 year olds, as there are some parts of the track with cliff edges and metal fences with wide gaps. There is also water and slippery rocks at the bottom of the track at Empress Falls. The depth of the water will vary depending on the amount of recent rain, but regardless, you must remain vigilant with children around water at all times.

A sandstone overhang with metal railings & wide gaps.

Our children managed to climb the steep metal stairs easily but we always held on to the youngst two and ensured that one adult was supervising at the front of the group and that one was at the back. Never allow children to run ahead of you on a bushwalk as there may be unexpected dangers, including cliffs or wildlife.

Please read our advice for bushwalk safety when trekking with children, as there are no ‘child safe’ bushwalks, just guidelines for a safer adventure.

The kids spotted a lyrebird down at Empress Falls.

Is The Walk To Empress Falls A Dog Friendly Walk?

Dogs are not allowed on this walk, since it is part of the Blue Mountains National Park. Many dogs would struggle walking up and down the steep metal stairs anyway.

Is This Walk Okay If You Are Afraid Of Heights?

View looking down as you approach Empress Falls.

Valley of the Waters track to Empress Falls is a beautiful walk with stunning views. If you are afraid of heights, avoid the lookouts, as they are incredibly deep, especially Queen Victoria Lookout.

One set of metal stairs is quite high off the ground too, but it is not too overwhelming. I am quite averse to heights and felt slightly nervous because I had young children with me, but the overall experience with heights was fine.

What a sight, what an experience! Empress Falls is definitely worth the effort. When there is plenty of water, the power of the waterfall can be heard clearly as you approach. Enjoy this sensational Blue Mountains gem – it truly is an unforgettable sight.

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