Wentworth Falls

The exploratory efforts of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth in 1813 gave the country a triple treat of native wonderlands to explore. One of the more beautiful and often overlooked of these areas, Wentworth Falls, is home to the Blue Mountains' most stunning natural waterfalls and bush walking trails.

Hang Your Hat

The Falls Mountain Retreat in Wentworth Falls is a slice of urban luxury on the edge of the Blue Mountains national park. The accommodation comes in the form of studio, loft or one- or two-bedroom serviced apartments. Each room features open  fireplace, a two-person hydrotherapy spa bath, a stereo and DVD player, kitchen facilities and wireless internet. Comfortably furnished, with a décor that is subtle yet stylish, the rooms are designed to be light and airy, and the proximity to the park ensures a peaceful atmosphere at all times. In winter, the reverse cycle air-conditioning keeps the rooms warm and cosy, while the balcony areas are perfect for dining outside during summer. Rooms start from $240 a night during the weekend, or $180 if you can get up there mid-week.

Get on out there

A mere five-minute walk from the Falls Mountain Retreat is the Charles Darwin Trail. Named after the famous scientist who reportedly visited the town in 1836 and created the original path, the trail follows Jamison Creek from the town of Wentworth Falls to the falls themselves. The early sections of the trail snake through the forest, occasionally joining the creek at small ponds or minor waterfalls. In the spring and summer, the local flora is in full bloom and the air is redolent with the tang of eucalyptus oil and the sounds of native birds. Eventually, brief glimpses of a sweeping panorama appear through the foliage until you arrive at the falls and the full majesty of the Jamison Valley is spread out below. The Parks Services have taken good care of the trails, and there are several options at this point. The Under cliff track is the shortest route back to civilisation, a one and a half hour walk along the cliff face through some not-too-challenging terrain. The more adventurous walker can take the National Pass, a five-hour trek that winds down staircases cut into the sandstone and takes in some of the best vantage points of the falls and the valley. No matter which walk you choose, they all lead to the same place: the Conservation Hut.

Grab a feed

Open for breakfast and lunch, the Conversation Hut Café serves light snacks, meals, desserts and coffees. The wide vista of rolling bush land visible through the picture windows make it a stunning place to dine. The positioning of the café makes it handy for a pre-walk breakfast, or a reward to aim for after a few hours hiking the trails. Coffees are around $5, while a hearty meal starts at roughly $15. If you travel to Katoomba to visit the Three Sisters during your stay, be sure to drop into Cupid's, a little bakery that specialises in delicious cupcakes to suit any sweet tooth. They also serve pies and pastries, and a complete lunch will set you back no more than $10.

The Falls Mountain RetreatWentworth Falls

The Conservation HutWentworth Falls

Cupid's Cup Cakes Katoomba

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