The National Pass
The National Pass
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Jane G
Armidale, Australia129 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We walked as a family of 2 adults and our kids age 16 and 14, setting off from the Wentworth Falls picnic area and completing the circular trail in a clockwise direction. The walk is challenging in places, so there is a level of fitness required in order to enjoy. 'Slack Stairs' wasn't as bad as it was made out to be I felt. The infrastructure was secure, though some of the paths along the bottom were a bit rough. We walked at a steady pace and thoroughly enjoyed the walk which took us 3 hours.
Written 16 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Pale_Ridah
Gladesville, Australia1,956 contributions
July 2014 • Couples
The National Pass is considered the best walking trail in Australia, at 6kms in length it packs in everything for a pretty good day of sight-seeing, from crazy cliff stair-cases, zig-zaging mountain paths, rain-forest, waterfalls, moss covered paths & rocks, fresh water streams, birds & wildlife. Its free, two magic words that ring loudly in the ear make this experience, inside a world heritage site a much greater memory than seeing the Three Sisters.
The track is easy to walk, incredible that much of it was created by men using picks, shovels & dynamite over 100 years ago by cutting into claystone ledges to connect sandstone cliffs with walking paths purely for leisure. The National Pass at different points transforms from stone steps to boulders at the base of waterfalls to crazy staircases on the side of cliffs & boardwalks amongst rainforest ferns, every part of it is very safe showcasing the professional workmanship of recent restoration which has won recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Trying to manage your time resting around rock bases of waterfalls, cliff ledges or under the canopy of cool rainforest trees becomes more necessary as time begins to drag on & dwindle.
The Coo’ee bush call originated in this area from the local Aboriginal Dharuk tribe & is something crazy Australians of older generations do whenever they stand near a valley. The National Pass is a perfect place to test the strength of your coo’ee & to listen to responses from anonymous walkers somewhere off in the distance.
The trail starts off from the car park at the Wentworth Falls picnic area to the grand Jamieson Lookout just before the first flight of steps that lead down in amongst the trees into the bush. Within 15 mins you arrive at the first creek which is the source of the Wentworth Falls before it drops suddenly 100 feet below, which is only a mid-point. A series of concrete steps crosses the creek for hikers to skip across. Once on the other side there is another small waterfall with a picturesque rocky face covered in ferns called the Queen’s Cascades. The path now hugs along a rock cliff & the real descent downwards begins. There is a fantastic spot where the path leads to a corner along the ledge where a clear unobstructed view of the horizon & the Jamieson Valley present themselves over a long drop downwards, simply an amazing spot for photos.
The Grand Stairway, the highest stairway in Australia starts here & so does the fun of walking on something far out of the ordinary. The staircase isn’t just any set of stairs. It is on the side of a sandstone cliff, over the side is a drop a hundred feet or more & also offering wide expansive views of the Jamieson Valley. The staircase zig-zags down towards the middle section of Wentworth Falls where the National Parks & Wildlife Service have placed large stone blocks to step across the cascading water. A good place to stop & rest under the cool shade of the surrounding cliffs like a rocky amphitheatre. This is an ideal picnic spot to enjoy a drink & the view. It is easily possible to get right under the cascading water of Wentworth Falls for a shower if you’re game.
Continuing further you will eventually come across a low sandstone overhang, most people will have to bend slightly. This section & beyond is known as the Upper Track. A few hundred metres past the overhang is a halfway marker on a concrete post, around here the path forks into two with one leading further down into the valley to the base of Wentworth Falls where a collection pool is found. The National Pass from here onwards to the Valley of the Waters visibly changes to a more forest environment, green & very photogenic. The path leading down features seven caged ladders with hand rails & forms part of the Wentworth Pass trail snaking along the valley floor eventually joining back up with the National Pass trail & is an hour extra. The two paths reconnect around the Valley of the Waters.
The Valley of the Waters is a beautiful area & is basically the bottom of the cliff. Directly above is the Conservation Hut/Café. There are several cascading waterfalls & pools all connected to each other set in amongst lush forest tress & large leafy ferns. There are steps cut out or laid along the path with hand rails for much of the way up & flat resting areas overlooking the waterfalls. One or two of these resting areas has evidence of ancient Aboriginal axe-grinding grooves used long ago. Once back up to the Conservation Hut there is a 15 mins walk back to the starting point either thru a trail or via the road, both of which are clearly marked. Once you’re finished, it’s time to consider returning next weekend to do the slightly longer Wentworth Trail down to the base of the waterfall but not before a cold VB longneck & a foot massage before you pass out drunk or dead tired.
The Wentworth Falls starting point is located at the picnic area & car park. It is under 2kms from the Wentworth Falls train station down Falls road off the main Great Western Highway. Wentworth Falls is 95 kms from Sydney & about 90 mins drive mostly along highways making it relatively easy to get to. In my opinion it is not necessary to carry an emergency locator beacon on this trail as it is clearly marked but they can be hired from most of the Visitor Centres in the Blue Mountains for use in an emergency, Amazingly, I still get mobile reception with Telstra along most of the track. As always it is best to start the walk early in the morning to enjoy the best conditions.
The track is easy to walk, incredible that much of it was created by men using picks, shovels & dynamite over 100 years ago by cutting into claystone ledges to connect sandstone cliffs with walking paths purely for leisure. The National Pass at different points transforms from stone steps to boulders at the base of waterfalls to crazy staircases on the side of cliffs & boardwalks amongst rainforest ferns, every part of it is very safe showcasing the professional workmanship of recent restoration which has won recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Trying to manage your time resting around rock bases of waterfalls, cliff ledges or under the canopy of cool rainforest trees becomes more necessary as time begins to drag on & dwindle.
The Coo’ee bush call originated in this area from the local Aboriginal Dharuk tribe & is something crazy Australians of older generations do whenever they stand near a valley. The National Pass is a perfect place to test the strength of your coo’ee & to listen to responses from anonymous walkers somewhere off in the distance.
The trail starts off from the car park at the Wentworth Falls picnic area to the grand Jamieson Lookout just before the first flight of steps that lead down in amongst the trees into the bush. Within 15 mins you arrive at the first creek which is the source of the Wentworth Falls before it drops suddenly 100 feet below, which is only a mid-point. A series of concrete steps crosses the creek for hikers to skip across. Once on the other side there is another small waterfall with a picturesque rocky face covered in ferns called the Queen’s Cascades. The path now hugs along a rock cliff & the real descent downwards begins. There is a fantastic spot where the path leads to a corner along the ledge where a clear unobstructed view of the horizon & the Jamieson Valley present themselves over a long drop downwards, simply an amazing spot for photos.
The Grand Stairway, the highest stairway in Australia starts here & so does the fun of walking on something far out of the ordinary. The staircase isn’t just any set of stairs. It is on the side of a sandstone cliff, over the side is a drop a hundred feet or more & also offering wide expansive views of the Jamieson Valley. The staircase zig-zags down towards the middle section of Wentworth Falls where the National Parks & Wildlife Service have placed large stone blocks to step across the cascading water. A good place to stop & rest under the cool shade of the surrounding cliffs like a rocky amphitheatre. This is an ideal picnic spot to enjoy a drink & the view. It is easily possible to get right under the cascading water of Wentworth Falls for a shower if you’re game.
Continuing further you will eventually come across a low sandstone overhang, most people will have to bend slightly. This section & beyond is known as the Upper Track. A few hundred metres past the overhang is a halfway marker on a concrete post, around here the path forks into two with one leading further down into the valley to the base of Wentworth Falls where a collection pool is found. The National Pass from here onwards to the Valley of the Waters visibly changes to a more forest environment, green & very photogenic. The path leading down features seven caged ladders with hand rails & forms part of the Wentworth Pass trail snaking along the valley floor eventually joining back up with the National Pass trail & is an hour extra. The two paths reconnect around the Valley of the Waters.
The Valley of the Waters is a beautiful area & is basically the bottom of the cliff. Directly above is the Conservation Hut/Café. There are several cascading waterfalls & pools all connected to each other set in amongst lush forest tress & large leafy ferns. There are steps cut out or laid along the path with hand rails for much of the way up & flat resting areas overlooking the waterfalls. One or two of these resting areas has evidence of ancient Aboriginal axe-grinding grooves used long ago. Once back up to the Conservation Hut there is a 15 mins walk back to the starting point either thru a trail or via the road, both of which are clearly marked. Once you’re finished, it’s time to consider returning next weekend to do the slightly longer Wentworth Trail down to the base of the waterfall but not before a cold VB longneck & a foot massage before you pass out drunk or dead tired.
The Wentworth Falls starting point is located at the picnic area & car park. It is under 2kms from the Wentworth Falls train station down Falls road off the main Great Western Highway. Wentworth Falls is 95 kms from Sydney & about 90 mins drive mostly along highways making it relatively easy to get to. In my opinion it is not necessary to carry an emergency locator beacon on this trail as it is clearly marked but they can be hired from most of the Visitor Centres in the Blue Mountains for use in an emergency, Amazingly, I still get mobile reception with Telstra along most of the track. As always it is best to start the walk early in the morning to enjoy the best conditions.
Written 22 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aphroditehalo
Aberdeen, NJ57 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Many people coming from Sydney into the Blue Mountains area blindly pay the $38 to hop on and off the Blue Mountains Explorer bus only to not truly experience the Blue Mountains.
We are so glad we went the National Pass route. With a MyMulti 3, we were able to ride the public Blue Mountains Company buses free of charge, which dropped us off at the Conservation Hut, where we commenced our walk. If you don't have a MyMulti, the trip would only take a couple of dollars I believe.
As for the actual hike, the board outside the hut says that the pass takes 4 to 6 hours, we were able to finish the entire walk in 1.5 hours. You would need to walk REALLY slow and take a ton of picture breaks for the hike to take you 6 hours. Maybe you walk fast...I don't know.
The views are stunning. You walk through the top and bottoms of waterfalls, through dense forest, and over high cliffs. There are some pretty steep steps so you need to be in some degree of fitness to complete the walk. I'm not an athlete and sometimes get breathless climbing a couple flights of regular stairs and I was able to make it without any trouble!
I highly recommend this walk. If you care to explore Katoomba and Leura, you will have plenty of time left in the day to take the public buses there. We were able to do the National Pass, go to Leura village, go the Wentworth Falls village, Three Sisters/Echo Point, and explore Katoomba all in one day riding on the public bus and saw a ton more than what the people on the explorer bus were able to see.
We are so glad we went the National Pass route. With a MyMulti 3, we were able to ride the public Blue Mountains Company buses free of charge, which dropped us off at the Conservation Hut, where we commenced our walk. If you don't have a MyMulti, the trip would only take a couple of dollars I believe.
As for the actual hike, the board outside the hut says that the pass takes 4 to 6 hours, we were able to finish the entire walk in 1.5 hours. You would need to walk REALLY slow and take a ton of picture breaks for the hike to take you 6 hours. Maybe you walk fast...I don't know.
The views are stunning. You walk through the top and bottoms of waterfalls, through dense forest, and over high cliffs. There are some pretty steep steps so you need to be in some degree of fitness to complete the walk. I'm not an athlete and sometimes get breathless climbing a couple flights of regular stairs and I was able to make it without any trouble!
I highly recommend this walk. If you care to explore Katoomba and Leura, you will have plenty of time left in the day to take the public buses there. We were able to do the National Pass, go to Leura village, go the Wentworth Falls village, Three Sisters/Echo Point, and explore Katoomba all in one day riding on the public bus and saw a ton more than what the people on the explorer bus were able to see.
Written 4 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelinSuz
Fernley, NV939 contributions
May 2019
We took a day tour from Sydney to the blue mountains. Did the tram cable car thing the most popular hikes and drive. Saw Australia’s Grand Canyon and the 3 sisters. It was nice and pretty but I wouldn’t go again.
Written 12 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adrian p
Melbourne, Australia84 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
Just a brilliant walk with stunning views.
We did it on a cool sunny day (16oC) and it was perfect. I rate it as best walk in NSW. Cliff above you and cliff below you for most of the walk.
Yes, there are lots of steps to get down and back up, but the walk mostly traverses the cliff. You will forget the steps when you see the views.
The yellow and orange colours of the cliff face backdropped against the green bush and brilliant blue sky was magnificent.
We took our 7 & 10 yr olds and although they are seasoned hikers, they did this walk easily.
It is in shade much of the day (at the time of year we went) so you might need to rug up on cold days and layer off for the final climb back up.
It can also be a little wet on the track. There are several tiny waterfalls you go under throughout the walk, depending on how much recent rain there has been, that will trickle down on you a little. But the path is very well constructed with stepping stones build through all the wet spots.
I get a little bit of vertigo, but on this track there are very sturdy railings at the steep bits and I felt very comfortable.
This should be your number 1 walk in the Blue Mountains, forget the 3 Sisters area as it is way too touristy and the walks aren't as good.
Note this walk is relatively short (5km) but you can combine it with other walks to make it as long as you like.
Good lunch spots in the sun on the East side of the walk if it is cold. If it is hot, there are plenty of spots all the way along.
We did it on a cool sunny day (16oC) and it was perfect. I rate it as best walk in NSW. Cliff above you and cliff below you for most of the walk.
Yes, there are lots of steps to get down and back up, but the walk mostly traverses the cliff. You will forget the steps when you see the views.
The yellow and orange colours of the cliff face backdropped against the green bush and brilliant blue sky was magnificent.
We took our 7 & 10 yr olds and although they are seasoned hikers, they did this walk easily.
It is in shade much of the day (at the time of year we went) so you might need to rug up on cold days and layer off for the final climb back up.
It can also be a little wet on the track. There are several tiny waterfalls you go under throughout the walk, depending on how much recent rain there has been, that will trickle down on you a little. But the path is very well constructed with stepping stones build through all the wet spots.
I get a little bit of vertigo, but on this track there are very sturdy railings at the steep bits and I felt very comfortable.
This should be your number 1 walk in the Blue Mountains, forget the 3 Sisters area as it is way too touristy and the walks aren't as good.
Note this walk is relatively short (5km) but you can combine it with other walks to make it as long as you like.
Good lunch spots in the sun on the East side of the walk if it is cold. If it is hot, there are plenty of spots all the way along.
Written 12 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JacquieFromToronto
Toronto, Canada52 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
The National Pass is very accessible from Sydney even though I was a tourist without a car. I simply bought a train ticket and arrived at the Wentworth Falls station without any issues. I walked to the Conservation Hut and started my hike from that point. I passed by the Empress Lookout and walked down a fairly wet and slippery part to see the Empress Falls. Then, I walked along the National Pass and I eventually met the beautiful Wentworth Falls. The National Pass is very well maintained and the signages are very clear. It offers a good view of the valley. There were hardly any tourists on the trail. Maybe that was because I was doing the hike on a weekday in mid October. My solitary hike was only accompanied by a couple of cockatoos. When I reached the Wentworth Falls, there is a good picnic spot right in front of the falls. It is a very good spot to refuel before I climb the steep Grand Stairway back to the top.
Overall, I really like this trail but you definitely need a pair of good hiking shoes to make the experience enjoyable. There are a couple of spots that are wet and slippery due the water overflow from the falls. Make sure you hold onto the railings in those parts if you don't want to fall off the mountain. I also recommend taking the Darwin's Walk to get to the trail from the train station. It is a more scenic route than the main road.
Overall, I really like this trail but you definitely need a pair of good hiking shoes to make the experience enjoyable. There are a couple of spots that are wet and slippery due the water overflow from the falls. Make sure you hold onto the railings in those parts if you don't want to fall off the mountain. I also recommend taking the Darwin's Walk to get to the trail from the train station. It is a more scenic route than the main road.
Written 30 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyssa O
5 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
I went to do the National Pass yesterday and it is actually closed because of falling rock. There is no way to get through it. Instead, starting at Conservation Hut, I did the Overcliff track to Undercliff track, down to Wentworth falls, slack stairs, to Wentworth pass up through Empress falls, and back to the Conservation Hut.
IT WAS INCREDIBLE and about 7-8 miles of absolute beauty! Definitely hard with all the stairs, but if you were going to do National Pass, you were doing to get the stairs in anyways.
Also, it was really easy to get there from Sydney by train and totally worth it!
IT WAS INCREDIBLE and about 7-8 miles of absolute beauty! Definitely hard with all the stairs, but if you were going to do National Pass, you were doing to get the stairs in anyways.
Also, it was really easy to get there from Sydney by train and totally worth it!
Written 21 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan D
3 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
The National Pass is a fantastic experience. It's only problem is it's popularity.
Many, many people do this walk but not all understand how to show respect for the bush.
There is a problem here with thoughtless people dropping rubbish and leaving the place in a mess. Coffee cups, wrappers, plastic bottles and tissues are the main problem but last week we had to pick up a (disgustingly full) disposable nappy that someone thought was too hard to carry out, so they just left it next to Weeping Rock on the Darwin Track. Who thinks like that?
If you are coming to do this walk, or any other walk in the bush, please, bring a plastic shopping bag with you and show your appreciation and respect by not only taking your own trash with you, but by also picking up after the people who don't know better. You'll have to carry the bag out and drop it in a bin, or even take it home, but you will be making a difference to a beautiful part of the world. You will be giving back.
Anyone walking after you will have a better experience and maybe, just maybe, they'll think twice about dropping their rubbish in the bush.
Thanks to anyone who acts on this.
Many, many people do this walk but not all understand how to show respect for the bush.
There is a problem here with thoughtless people dropping rubbish and leaving the place in a mess. Coffee cups, wrappers, plastic bottles and tissues are the main problem but last week we had to pick up a (disgustingly full) disposable nappy that someone thought was too hard to carry out, so they just left it next to Weeping Rock on the Darwin Track. Who thinks like that?
If you are coming to do this walk, or any other walk in the bush, please, bring a plastic shopping bag with you and show your appreciation and respect by not only taking your own trash with you, but by also picking up after the people who don't know better. You'll have to carry the bag out and drop it in a bin, or even take it home, but you will be making a difference to a beautiful part of the world. You will be giving back.
Anyone walking after you will have a better experience and maybe, just maybe, they'll think twice about dropping their rubbish in the bush.
Thanks to anyone who acts on this.
Written 28 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SledD0g
Metro Detroit, Michigan35 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
My wife and I hiked the National Pass trail on 2 January 2014 and it was one of the major highlights of our 3-1/2 week small campervan tour of eastern and central NSW to see and hike in national parks. The park ranger at the Govetts Leap Visitor Center in Blackheath recommended we hike the trail in the opposite direction from the guidebook, so we started/finished at the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area rather than the Conservation Hut. This direction had us descend the Giant Stairs rather than climb them, which ensured we would look up and see the grandeur of the cliffs and valleys below us instead of keeping our noses pressed to the stairs. The entire round trip was rated as “hard” and “4 hours” in the park guide book but we easily hiked it in about 3 hours with stops and breaks. Sturdy walking shoes are all that are needed. Bring adequate water in the summer. Start early in the summer because the picnic area parking starts overflowing by late morning and people park over a KM away in the adjacent neighborhoods. An outstanding, well-maintained, and beautiful trail!
Written 20 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WollemiBill
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
The National Pass at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains is arguably the most spectacular and exhilarating walking tail in Australia. It is free, open all the time, and is part of the National Park's walking trail network in the upper mountains. I have walked it many times and have not grown tired of its breathtaking beauty. Australia’s tallest outdoor staircase; the ledge trail perched on the edge of eternity; waterfalls and cascades of sparkling crystal water; canyons that have never seen the sun.
You can do it in a day - it is only 6kms round trip, but there is plenty of good tourist accommodation within a very short distance from the start and end of the trail.
You can do it in a day - it is only 6kms round trip, but there is plenty of good tourist accommodation within a very short distance from the start and end of the trail.
Written 14 June 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, how easily accessible is the National Pass by train? We're contemplating hiring a car but think that would be a hindrance in Sydney itself and seems a bit silly just to do a days hire! Thanks :)
Written 12 November 2018
The National Pass in not accessible by train. You can catch a train to Wentworth Falls then walk or taxi the rest of the way - 2.5km - to the Wentworth Falls Picnic Reserve, from where you can walk to the falls
Written 19 February 2024
Hi
If we take wentworth falls entrance do we not pass through the walkway which is at the edge of the mountain walls? It looks amazing but scary (For height phobia). Also i can drive to the falls entrance and back there also? or what would i miss if i do that as we will be driving.
Written 3 October 2018
National Pass has been closed since November 2017 between The Valley of the Waters (below Conservation Hut) and Slack Stairs (west of the base of the first drop of Wentworth Falls). It will remain closed for some time if not forever. The closure was due to a fatal rockfall which has not been repaired.
You can still access the base of the first drop of Wentworth Falls via the spectacular Grand Stairway down the cliff wall. But you do need to ascend the same route to get back up to the top.
You can also walk the Overcliff-Undercliff Track between Conservation Hut and Wentworth Falls.
Park at the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area to do the walk to the top of Wentworth Falls and the Grand Stairway.
Written 19 February 2024
Hi Darren,
i saw there are areas where the walk is by the side wall of the mountain. Is it that scary?
I have a slight height phobia but your picture looks with an amazing view :)
Written 3 October 2018
Yes, the Grand Stairway can be scary. But it is safe. The steps are solid and there is plenty of cabling to hold onto.
Written 19 February 2024
We will be there in early June. What will the hiking conditions be like? Do we need to plan for wet or cold weather?
Written 18 May 2018
peter2780
Blue Mountains, Australia
2,220 contributions
Be aware that much of the National Pass (and Wentworth Pass) is closed due to fatal landslides and rockfalls late last year.
You can still walk to the base of the first drop of Wentworth Falls down the Grand Stairway, but no further. You will need to return the same way.
You can also descend into the Valley of the Waters below Conservation Hut (and do the clifftop walk between Conservation Hut and the Wentworth Falls picnic ground), but again you need to return the same way as the track is closed below Empress Falls.
Yes, plan for cold weather. Winter is approaching and we had a light snowfall the other day. Wear layers.
The tracks are very dry though as we have not had rain for a while.
Written 19 May 2018
Hi all,
Could somebody pease tell me if the National Pass Walk is open,i will be up there at the end of February. Thanks
Written 7 February 2018
peter2780
Blue Mountains, Australia
2,220 contributions
National Pass is closed between the base of the first drop of Wentworth Falls and the base of Empress Falls in the Valley of The Waters.
Written 19 May 2018
Are sneakers appropriate for hiking National Pass?
Written 21 December 2017
peter2780
Blue Mountains, Australia
2,220 contributions
No, not really! But hey, I've seen people wearing high heels, business shoes, thongs, bare feet, etc etc on the Grand Stairway so what do I know?!
Written 19 May 2018
Are sneakers appropriate for hiking National Pass?
Written 21 December 2017
Hi I must say that I always wear boots when I walk in the australian bush. Reason is for both ankle support on the variety of terrain/trip hazards, to provide some protection against snake bites and some tracks even in dry weather can have some muddy/wet bits. In saying this I have seen many walk the track in sneakers. So guess my short answer appropriate no; but manageable with care. NOTE THIS TRACK IS STILL CLOSED DUE TO THE RECENT ROCK FALL/FATALITY - Options Charles Darwin to Centre of the Falls; Conservation Hut to Empress Falls. Overcliff/under cliff. Google these for track notes - particularly a site called Wild Walks
Written 22 December 2017
I saw quite a few dogs. Some areas would be a challenge - long dropoffs along narrow paths over slippery stone, with a handrail suitable for humans but not likely to prevent a dog from sliding off into the canyon ... and there are steep sections where hands are useful, as well as spiral stairs. But some sections were perfectly safe.
Written 9 September 2017
How long does this take? On youtube it says under 2 hours but some people are saying 4.5 hours?
Written 10 July 2016
I would plan for the ~4 hours. Of course, it depends on your fit, how long the breaks on the way would be, etc.
But do it, don't skip it ...
Written 14 July 2016
Do you have an adress for the National Pass or directions (off which road etc) please?
Thanks
Written 19 March 2016
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