Another week, another amazing day hike—this time, like last week, we’re back in the stunning Blue Mountains National Park, starting from Wentworth Falls train station and making our way to Lawson. This lesser known hike has it all: waterfalls, dells, creek crossings, and even a slippery surprise. If you’re looking for a moderate hike with plenty of variety, this one’s worth adding to your list.
Wentworth Falls To Lawson Hike Details
- When: 9 April 2025
- Where: Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains National Park,
- Weather: A sunny amd mild autumn day. Low of 53.6°F (12°C) and a high of 73.4°F (23°C)
- Departure: Trailhead off Railway Pde, Wentworth Falls
- Length: 8.51 miles, 13.7 km
- Elevation gain: 1443 ft, 437 m
- Duration: 4 hours 39 minutes moving time
The Start: From Station to Trailhead
Our group of eight kicked off the day at 9:25 am, walking about 800 metres (0.5 miles) along the road from Wentworth Falls Train Station to the trailhead just off Railway Parade. It’s a gentle and easy start—perfect for warming up the legs before hitting the dirt trail.
First Stop: Water Nymphs Dell
Our first scenic stop was the charming Water Nymphs Dell. As soon as we turned onto Dell Road, we began descending. The sound of a waterfall soon filled the air, guiding us toward a lush, shaded oasis. The trail curves along a rock face, where water tumbles down from above.
We tucked into our morning tea under a rock ledge—cool, peaceful, and surrounded by greenery. It’s an ideal place to pause and soak in the natural beauty.
Climbing Out of the Dell
What goes down must come up! After crossing the creek twice, we began our climb out of the dell. It’s a manageable ascent, following the track back up to Glenview Road. From there, we took a mix of quiet streets—Wood St, Westbourne Ave, Henderson Rd, and Lawson Parade—for about 2.8 km (1.7 miles) before re-entering the bush via Lawson View Parade Extension.
Into the Bush: Slippery Descent on Lawson View Parade Extension
This section begins as a wide fire trail running along a ridge, gently descending into the heart of the Blue Mountains bushland. It starts off easy but keep an eye out—things get interesting a few kilometres in.
Soon, we hit a steep, slippery descent. The track here is still wide but earthy, and covered in loose leaf litter, making footing a little tricky. I found myself zigzagging across the 2-metre (6.5-foot) wide path to make the descent a bit easier. It was challenging, but in a fun, adventurous kind of way.
Lunch at the Bottom
At what was not quite the lowest point of the hike, we stopped for a well-earned lunch break. We found ourselves in a peaceful gully, surrounded by tall eucalyptus (gum) trees, with sunlight filtering through the canopy. It was quiet, calm, and the perfect spot to recharge.
The Creek Crossing and the Final Climb
Post-lunch, we followed the track down to Blue Mountain Creek. There’s no marked crossing here, so we picked a spot that looked manageable and carefully stepped across. No one got wet feet—success!
From the creek (the lowest elevation point), we immediately faced a short, sharp climb back out. This section is rocky, with a few larger boulders to navigate, but nothing too technical. Just take your time and watch your footing.
The Final Stretch to Lawson
After finishing the climb, we were back on a wider fire trail. From there, we followed a mix of tracks, including Kent Street and Bruces Walk, eventually connecting to St Bernards Drive and finally reaching Lawson Station for the train ride home.
Terrain Overview
- This trail offers a bit of everything:
- Urban roads at the start and end for easy access
- Bush tracks with moderate elevation changes
- Fire trails along ridge lines
- Steep, earthy descents that require caution
- Creek crossings and short climbs
While most of the trail is well-marked and easy to follow, the steep and slippery section may be a challenge for less experienced hikers. Good hiking boots with solid grip are highly recommended.
Flora & Fauna
The Blue Mountains are known for their rich biodiversity, and this hike doesn’t disappoint. Along the trail, we passed through lush pockets of temperate rainforest and eucalypt woodlands. Keep an eye out for:
- Towering gum trees
- Banksia
- Tree ferns and moss-covered rocks in the gullies
- Colourful wildflowers in spring and summer
Wildlife-wise, you might see lyrebirds, rosellas, cockatoos, and the occasional goanna basking on a rock. As always, leave no trace and respect the natural habitat.
My Final Thoughts
This hike from Wentworth Falls to Lawson was another Blue Mountains gem—with scenic diversity, a bit of adventure, and a peaceful vibe throughout. That slippery section definitely added some excitement, but that’s all part of the fun. If you’re looking for a moderately challenging day hike accessible by train, this one is a winner.
Have you hiked this lesser known hike? Please leave your comments below.