The Nature Track is a gorgeous and often overlooked walk in Wentworth Falls. Whilst the trail itself is pretty, with plenty of great views, it’s the un-signposted hidden spots which make this walk really special.
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.
The walk itself is fairly easy, although of course this being the mountains, there are still quite a few stairs to climb!
In this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including how to find the hidden spots.
The Nature Track
Distance: 3.6km circuit
Elevation: 170m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
The Nature Track is a relatively easy trail, but there are quite a few stairs to climb along the course of the track. All of the walk is on a well maintained pathway - so there’s nothing to worry about in terms of tricky terrain.
The only bits which can be a little slippery are when accessing the hidden spots; they only take a few minutes to reach though, and taking it slowly should mean you have no problems at all.
It took us 1 hour 15 to complete the walk at a very leisurely pace, (not including time spent swimming).
Starting the trail at the Conservation Hut
The Nature Track is a circuit walk so you can do in either direction; we always walk clockwise, heading down the steps in front of the Conservation Hut (the alternative direction starts behind the Conservation Hut).
Walking in this direction means you have a more gradual climb back up on the return part of the walk, but you do see all the best sights at the beginning - so it depends whether you prefer to start or end with a bang!
Starting in a clockwise direction the track heads straight into the bush and down a series of wooden steps.
They are fairly shallow and it makes for an easy descent. After 320m you’ll come to a junction with the Queen Victoria Lookout. It’s just seconds off the path and worth a look at the stunning valley view.
The view from Queen Victoria Lookout
Another 130m beyond this viewpoint you’ll reach Empress Falls Lookout. It’s quite a distant view of the falls, but very pretty and you’ll often see tiny little canyoners about to make their descent.
Empress Falls Lookout
To the falls and creek
From the lookout the staircases get a little bit steeper, but there are handrails to help if needed.
After descending several more staircases you’ll reach a junction with Empress Falls.
The Nature Track continues to the right but if you haven’t seen Empress Falls before it’s very much worth making the short detour (it’s just 250m each way).
The waterfall is a real beauty and one of the best in the Blue Mountains.
Once you’re back at the junction you head right and immediately come to a lovely little shady patch of rainforest, complete with picturesque picnic bench.
There’s a small cascade and a real feeling of tranquility. Until now the trail is very popular (as the first part of the track is shared with the Valley of the Waters walk), but from this point on you branch away from that track and it will become much quieter.
From the picnic spot the walk heads uphill for a time before it undulates down to the creek, which is a few hundred metres away.
Finding the gorgeous Floras Bath
Once down at the creek you’ll see a few rocks which act as stepping stones and the track carries on directly across the water.
After hopping across the stepping stones, head to the right instead of taking the maintained trail that goes uphill.
Almost immediately you’ll see a gap next to a big cliff on the other side of the creek - this is where you’ll find a hidden waterfall.
The trail to the hidden waterfall is on the right side of this cliff
Depending on water levels you will be probably be walking in the water - for us it was low enough that it didn’t flood our boots.
The first waterfall - Floras Bath - is just 40m from the stepping stones, tucked away and not visible from the main trail.
Just watch as you walk through the creek as the rock here is very slippery, I tried it in boots and bare foot and both required care.
It only takes a few minutes to reach and you’ll see the unusual looking waterfall which cascades into a small pool. It’s not big enough for a swim, but it’s a lovely spot for a paddle.
It’s surrounded by high canyon walls which keep it both shady and secluded. It’s a wonderful place to sit and relax, and hard to believe it’s so close to the main trail and yet few people know it’s here.
You’ll notice a set of stairs cut into the rock which leads to the top of the falls.
The first part was easy, but the stone steps themselves were extremely slick so we didn’t chance a fall and instead chose to spend our time relaxing at the base.
Onto the sublime canyon pool
Floras Bath is wonderful, but Asmodeus Pool is even better. In fact it’s one of our favourite spots in all the mountains. It’s 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 has real wow factor and you will definitely want to have swimmers with you! The total walk from Floras Bath to the pool is less than 100m and only takes a few minutes.
To find it, head back to the main walking trail and continue along it for a few minutes until you reach a series of man-made stepping stones across a creek. This is Lillian's Glen, which is signposted.
If you go to the creek and look left, you will see a boulder that blocks a narrow entry into a canyon - this is the entry to Asmodeus Pool.
From the trail, step into the creek and head towards the boulder, you can walk through the water or use the path to the left which avoids the water - but you’ll get wet in the pool anyway!
You’ll soon get to the boulder, which has a log jammed into it. Use the log to climb into the pool - it’s very easy and wasn’t slippery at all. It’s literally a few steps and you’re in.
Asmodeus Pool is magical. The water is shallow at first so you can opt to paddle if you don’t fancy a full swim, and there’s also a boulder to sit on if you want to relax out of the water.
The water gets deeper the closer you get to the waterfall and is more than deep enough to swim.
It’s hard to describe how wonderful this spot is, there’s just something about it. It’s perfectly shady and the cold water is invigorating on a hot day.
Completing the loop
From Lillian's Glen the walk heads uphill and then follows some impressive overhangs. At the 1.7km mark (500m beyond Asmodeus Pool) you’ll reach Edinburgh Castle Rock Lookout.
The rocky outcrop offers some pretty views over the dense forest.
Continuing along the trail you have a little more climbing to do and will come to a junction 400m from the lookout.
You want to turn right, following for the Valley of the Waters picnic area - it’s not signposted as the Nature Track. From here you have 250m of narrow bush track before you join a fire trail.
You head right and follow the fire trail all the way back to the Conservation Hut - it narrows into a bush track as you get close to the end, but the best of the walk is behind you.
This section is a pleasant stroll through the bush but doesn’t really have any sights. It’s mainly flat though so it’s an easy finish to the walk.
Getting to the Nature Track
The Nature Track begins at the Conservation Hut in Wentworth Falls. It’s roughly 95km and a one hour 20 minute drive from Sydney. You can get there by train too but it adds on an additional 2.5km each way. It’s easy enough but it is longer than the main walk itself!
In terms of facilities there are toilets and picnic benches, and the Conservation Hut also has a cafe.
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