The steep and lesser-known walk down to the base of Empress Falls means that it’s not as busy or popular as the nearby Wentworth Falls – but it’s an equally if not more spectacular waterfall. The Valley of the Waters Creek cascades 37m over multiple tiers, surrounded by towering coachwoods, sassafras and tree ferns.
Because of its immense scenic beauty, much of the land around Empress Falls Canyon was among the first in the Blue Mountains to be set aside as a recreation reserve back in the 1870s, during the reign of Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and her Australian colonies. Another of Victoria’s titles was Empress of India and the stunning falls were named in her honour. The name is perfectly apt. Empress Falls Canyon, I believe, is the queen of Blue Mountains canyons.
Blue Mountains Adventure Company
As you approach the waterfall from the top, there’s a nice view of the top segment of the falls through the rainforest.
Just before the very bottom of the waterfall, the water plunges into a deep, shaded pool. You can swim here – but the water will be very cold and getting in can be a bit tricky due to slippery rocks (Empress Canyon is a popular canyoning route, especially with with commercial tour groups, and this pool is where you finish.)
At the base of Empress Falls is a much shallower pool, which is ringed by ferns.
Getting to Empress Falls
The bushwalk to Empress Falls, while a little steep, is beautiful – and it’s a great option for a warm day, with much of the track in the shade. The shortest access is from the Conservation Hut at the end of Fletcher St in Wentworth Falls (about 2.5km from Wentworth Falls station)
- Take the signposted Valley of the Waters Track.
- A very short side-trip to Queen Victoria Lookout provides some great views over the Jamison Valley
- Continue descending to Empress Lookout.
- From Empress Lookout, the Valley of the Waters Track drops below the cliff-line, and passes Isobel Falls before reaching the top of Empress Falls.
- Return the same way
- Continue further down the valley to Sylvia Falls along the Valley of the Waters Track
- You can also visit continue via the much longer and more challenging Hippocrene and Vera Falls Loop.
0 Comments