The National Pass bushwalk

Without a doubt, the National Pass trail has to be one of the most incredible bushwalks in Australia.

Traversing and descending stunning, jagged cliffs in the beautiful Blue Mountains, this challenging bushwalk eventually leads down into lush rainforest to the base of a 100 metre cascading waterfall.

During this bushwalk you’ll cross the top of the magnificent Wentworth Falls and walk along a trail steeped in history. First opened in 1908, the National Pass was the winner of a Blue Mountains tourism attraction competition. The upper section was built directly into the side of a sheer cliff, and towers 100 metres above the valley floor. The National Pass trail was restored in 2008.

There are interesting historical and flora and fauna information signs along the way. There are incredible views across the Jamison Valley, both along the way via a series of lookouts, and straight from the trail itself.

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Where is the start of the National Pass trail?

The National Pass trail is located in the Blue Mountains National Park at Wentworth Falls, a small town located in the Blue Mountains of NSW.

Directions to the National Pass hike

By car

Tip: Put “Wentworth Falls” into your phone or car’s navigation system – “Wentworth Falls Picnic Area” is not recognised by Apple Maps.

To get to the start of the National Pass trail by car, from Sydney drive up the M4 Motorway towards Penrith. Passing Penrith, continue up into the Blue Mountains onto the Great Western Highway. Continue on to the town of Wentworth Falls, which is approximately 45 minutes drive from Penrith.

At the town of Wentworth Falls turn left into Falls Road and follow it to the end. At the end turn to the right, following the signs to the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area carpark and park your car. You’ll need to walk from here.

This is also a nice place to stop for a picnic, and there is a public toilet block here too. Below is a detailed map of Wentworth Falls to the carpark (marked as B) from the NSW National Parks website.

From the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area Carpark walk past the Jamison Lookout and 300 metres along Sir H Burrell Drive to the Wentworth Falls Lookout. There is a hard paved footpath alongside of the road, making both the upper Lookouts wheelchair accessible.

Directly next to the Wentworth Falls Lookout is the start of the Wentworth Falls Track bushwalking trails. There is an excellent signage system to direct you all the way to the start of the National Pass trail via the Wentworth Track.

By train

Currently closed From Sydney, catch a train on the Main Western Sydney rail line to Wentworth Falls station and proceed to the Charles Darwin Walk across the Great Western Highway to bush walk and meet with the National Pass trail. (2.5km).

How hard is it to walk the National Pass bushwalk?

It will take you around 30 minutes of good underfoot bushwalking down a dirt, descending path – the Wentworth Falls Track – to make your way to the head of the Wentworth Falls waterfall crossing leading to the entry and upper cliff section of the National Pass trail. Some parts of the trail can be wet and slippery after rain and around the waterfall.

The spectacular built-in upper cliff section of the National Pass trail is solid rock underfoot, wide and easy to walk along. It leads to the hardest part of the National Pass walk – the descent into the valley, and the base of the Wentworth Falls. If you are worried about the steep staircases, or have very young children, it may be best to turn around before you get to this point. After all, you’ve already completed a beautiful bushwalk, and viewed the waterfall from above and alongside!

Steep stone staircases

Three very long, steep stone stairs lead down the cliffside. It takes firm, steady hands and a slow descent to make your way down safely. Children would need to be closely supervised. Cables are attached to the cliff side of the stairs, and sturdy metal handrails are on the outer edge of the stairs to give you something to hold onto. Taken slowly and surely with rest stops in between each flight, for the reasonably fit individual, this descent – and ascent – is absolutely manageable.

What is at the bottom of the National Pass cliff descent?

When you reach the bottom of the stairs you are met with lush rainforest and the simply stunning Wentworth Falls raining down into pools and rivulets. Huge plumes of mist float through the air, and towering cliffs provide a spectacular backdrop.

This beautiful oasis is a fitting reward for your hard work to get down to the bottom of such high cliffs! Sit and take it in, enjoy the beautiful surroundings. When you’re ready, it’s time to retrace your steps back to the car!

The lower half of the National Pass Blue Mountains trail is currently closed

The complete National Pass Trail loop can’t be walked at the moment due to a long section of the trail along the valley floor (heading to the Valley Of The Waters) being closed due to rockfalls and landslides (current at Winter 2022). It’s anticipated that this is a temporary closure. This does mean that your National Park bushwalk needs to be a turnaround walk, retracing your steps back up the cliffs the way you came – at least until the trail is reopened.

The perfect Blue Mountains Instagram location

The sheer cliff section of National Pass before starting to descend to the base of the valley also happens to be the perfect spot for a unique photo or Instagram shot. Rounding a blind corner and seemingly suspended over thin air, this is a photo that never fails to amaze! Ask fellow bushwalkers to take a photo of you from the top of the staircase leading towards the cliff corner for a the perfect photo. You don’t even have to do the most difficult part of the trail if you don’t want to, because it is AFTER the dramatic cliffside location!

How long does it take to do the National Pass bushwalk?

It took myself and my teenage girls three hours return to walk all the way to the bottom and return the same way. We walked at a leisurely pace, stopping for rests and to enjoy the various lookouts and vistas, and took a little time at the base of the waterfall too. It was a truly hike and made some more lovely family memories together for us to treasure.

National Pass handy information

What to wear: Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen and water.
In winter: Wear warm clothes and take extra layers – it gets very cold and even snows in the Blue Mountains on occasion.
Is it safe for families?:  Closely supervise children capable of descending long flights of stairs – I wouldn’t recommend taking small children, as you will be supporting yourself on the staircases and so it would be difficult to carry or support them safely too.
Stay on the trail: This is a cliffside bushwalk. Don’t attempt to climb any barriers or stray from the clearly marked trail to preserve flora and fauna and stay safe.
Find out more:  Find out more about the National Pass, including trail updates and closures at the NSW National Parks official website here.

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The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a must-see when visiting Canberra. It’s full of native wildlife, has a great adventure playground and plays host to numerous beautiful Canberra bushwalks.

One of the top-ten things to do in Canberra

An incredibly beautiful corner of Australia, the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is nestled in a valley surrounded by the stunning Tidbinbilla ranges. Huge, eucalypt-covered mountains contain a vast array of Australian native flora and fauna. All yours to see and explore via a network of well-maintained mountain and valley trails.

Access within Tidbinbilla is simple via a central “Ring Road” with several carparks branching off it. These areas often have attached picnic table areas and public toilets.

It’s almost impossible to visit Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and NOT see Australian wildlife here. On the open plains which the ring road passes through, Kangaroos graze and rest in groups. Rare Rock Wallabies have a special habitat too, hopping about in the foothills. A koala area is a mere stroll from a nearby carpark. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve truly is a mecca for Australian wildlife and nature lovers.

Our list of favourite things to do at Tidbinbilla

My family has been lucky enough to have visited Tidbinbilla many times over the years, Whilst I have enjoyed all of these with my kids, most of these activities will suit everyone – whether you are bushwalking alone, as a couple, with friends or family. Whether you live in Canberra and have an annual pass, or are visiting Canberra and visiting just for the day. In no particular order, here are my Tidbinbilla highlights for visitors:

Go on a Canberra picnic with kangaroos

There are several picnic areas scattered around Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where you can sit and picnic whilst watching wild kangaroos graze nearby. There is no wild animal feeding at Tidbinbilla to keep both animals and humans safe in the reserve.

A couple of these picnic areas you will come across almost immediately upon entering the reserve are Dalsetta on the right, and Flints on the left (all marked on the free Tidbinbilla map available from the front entrance). They are also trail setting-off points.

(It’s also very possible to spot kangaroos around the Visitors Centre before even entering the park if you’re super-short on time!)

Do the wheelchair accessible Koala Path walk

For a sure-thing sighting of koalas, go for a walk along the Koala Path at Eucalypt Forest. There is a Koala enclosure at the start where you can see koalas close up, and at only 700 metres, this level, wheel chair accessible loop trail is a must-do at Tidbinbilla – particularly if you love seeing koalas (and surely that’s everyone, right?!).

Do the wheel chair accessible Sanctuary walk – see Platypus and more!

Another wheel chair friendly trail loop around huge and beautiful water ponds, pools and dams is the Sanctuary. This gorgeous, level and peaceful walk incorporates hard, wide paths with long bridges spanning peaceful waterways chock-full of water birds and other native animals.

Here you’ll have the opportunity to see a lot of native wildlife that you’ll rarely get the opportunity to see anywhere else in Australia in such a natural setting, like the small but industrious Platypus. Don’t miss this one!

Take the kids to the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground

A favourite Canberra adventure playground of many Canberran parents is the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground, which is fantastic for kids of all ages. It includes a tiny tots play area, plus a big climbing frame, a huge twin slide and flying fox – all big enough for primary school aged children right up to teenagers.

There are a couple of shaded picnic tables at the top of the playground, and also large picnic grounds featuring covered areas and a toilet block just below the playground at Sheedys.

Watch our video of the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground

Watch this video to see what visiting the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground is like…

Bushwalks for beginners to advanced

A big highlight of visiting Tidbinbilla is going for a walk. From the long and difficult Gibraltar Peak hike to the gentle, flat Sanctuary stroll, there are a myriad of great walks and bushwalks at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, all well-signposted. This includes wheel chair accessible trails to makes sure everyone can get out there to enjoy the beautiful scenery and animals.

Tidbinbilla Hanging Rock short, easy bushwalk

The Hanging Rock bushwalk trail leads you through towering gum trees to a large, rocky outcrop which local Aboriginal people once used for shelter. Only 500 metres return, Hanging Rock is a short, gentle bushwalk suitable for those who are short on time, or perhaps aren’t able to walk very far, but still want to enjoy a walk through the beautiful Tidbinbilla bushland. It also makes a great introductory family-friendly bushwalk for those with toddlers who may tire more quickly. With it’s level, short path, it’s great for little ones to run along without coming to any harm.

Tidbinbilla Cascades Loop moderate bushwalk

One of our favourite bush walks at Tidbinbilla is only 1.8km long. The Cascades Loop is classed as “moderate” in difficulty, however it is big on beauty. It takes my family about one hour to complete this trail at a very gentle pace. My kids have been hiking the Cascades Loop since my youngest was about 6 years old, so it’s definitely do-able with school-age kids.

The Cascades Loop bushwalk encircles a very small and beautiful waterfall cascade and stream. Along the way it takes you up the foothills into the eucalypts, across quaint bridges spanning bubbling streams, and passes by huge boulders set deep in ferny gullies. There is a bit of uphill walking involved including rock stairs, but you don’t need to be a super-fit hiker.

The trail is wide dirt and mostly good underfoot, with a few short rocky sections or inclines. This is also a great trail for a hot day, as there’s plenty of shade. If you’re still wanting more at the end of the Cascades loop, you continue on to the Lyrebird loop and double the distance – and the fun!

To get to the Cascades trail start, head along the Tidbinbilla Ring Road until you reach the right-hand Mountain Creek turn off. Follow the road to the carpark at the end and follow the signs.

Watch our video of the Tidbinbilla Cascades Loop bushwalk

Watch this video to see what hiking the Tidbinbilla Cascades Loop bushwalk is like…

Important info and tips

• Bring your sunscreen, hat, drinking water and walking shoes
• Drinking water & free maps are available from the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre
• Don’t feed or pet the animals – this can be threatening to both animals and humans
• Don’t stray off the walking trails and do walk within your physical limits
• Sign the bushwalk registration book at the start of each trail (where provided)
• Be aware that there is little or no mobile phone coverage at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Where is the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve?

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is located off Paddy’s Road/Tidbinbilla Road, approximately 40 minutes drive from Canberra’s city centre in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

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