Chasing Waterfalls on the Blue Mountains Nature Track
There are so many walking tracks in the Blue Mountains National Park that it can be sometimes hard to pick one, but my driving force is always finding waterfalls and hidden rock pools.
Having traipsed along the Wentworth Falls trail several times, finding new a trail that offers up a secret swimming pool along the way was a big tick – enter the Nature Track.
Stopping for a selfie at the lookout
We started the circuit walk at the Conservation Hut (which meant we could finish there and enjoy a cup of coffee too).
The whole trail is about 3.5km long but don’t let that fool you, there are plenty of stairs to navigate and even better, some hidden treats just off the track.
Lush sections of the Nature Track
Stray just minutes from the formed path and you’ll find one of the most magical places in all the Blue Mountains: an incredible swimming hole at the foot of a canyon. You’d never know it was there which makes it all the more amazing – more on that later.
This walk has it all – epic views, lush ferns, waterfalls and tranquil pools. Heading out in the middle of July is great to get the blood pumping on a cold winter’s day.
Queen Victoria Lookout
We headed off in a clockwise direction which takes you to Queen Victoria Lookout after about 300m, offering up sweeping views of the Jamison Valley and a nice slow start to warm up the legs.
Not long after that, you will get to Empress Lookout where you will get glimpses of Empress Canyon and Empress Falls – your destination in the valley to see up close later on the walk.
From here, the descent becomes more noticeable and the stairways steeper. You will reach a junction where the Nature Track is signposted to the right, but it is only a 250m detour to the left along the Valley of the Waters Trail to explore Empress Falls.
Empress Falls
Just before you reach the bottom of the falls you’ll get a couple of great views of the top of Empress Falls. You’ll then come out of the forest and head along a path beside the falls, which has a metal handrail in place.
The base of the falls is protected by a handrail and the rocks around here are quite slippery but I imagine quite a few people duck under to have a dip as it is a stunning spot.
After breathing in the waterfall air, it is time to make our way back to the Nature Track and onto Lillian’s Glen and this is where you will find the hidden gem - Asmodeus Pool.
Asmodeus Pool
If you are not looking for this natural pool, you won’t find it and will walk right on by over Lillian’s Bridge.
Asmodeus Pool is a pristine little swimming hole which sits at the bottom of a narrow slot canyon, there’s even a waterfall that runs into it!
It's quite simply a dream destination and it’s nicely hidden away, despite being just moments from a popular walking track. It's not signposted and does require climbing over a boulder to access but then you have this magical spot all to yourself and it feels very private.
A chilly dip in the pool
We did a quick change into swimwear to have a (freezing) wild swimming experience. The pool isn’t deep (enough to dunk your head under) and it is kind of like a sandy beach so you don’t need to worry about rocks.
Our swim didn’t last too long in the roughly 2-degree water before it was back out and into our dry clothes for the hike back out.
Lillian’s Bridge
From Lillian's Glen the trail heads uphill and then you will pass through some impressive overhangs. The next rest stop (we needed it after going up the stairs) is Edinburgh Castle Rock Lookout.
This section of the trail is so different to the lush bush you have come through. It is an unfenced lookout on top of a rock formation, overlooking the northern part of the Valley of the Waters.
Edinburgh Rock
After this the path evens out (read: no more stairs) and you follow a fire trail all the way back to the Conservation Hut.
The walk itself is fairly easy, although of course this being the mountains, there are still quite a few stairs to climb so expect to get your heartrate up!
Stay nearby in Wentworth Falls and enjoy a longer break.
