Wentworth Falls (waterfall)

Wentworth Falls is a three-tiered waterfall fed by the Jamison Creek, near the town of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia. The falls are accessible via the National Pass Walking Trail and the Overcliff/Undercliff Walk. The total height of the waterfall is 187 metres (614 ft).[1]

Wentworth Falls
Upper Wentworth Falls, the first section of Wentworth Falls waterfall, as viewed from the base. The falls are in two drops, with Lower Wentworth Falls below the frame. Both the first and second drop pictured.
Wentworth Falls (waterfall) is located in New South Wales
Wentworth Falls (waterfall)
LocationBlue Mountains National Park, Australia
Coordinates33°43′41″S 150°22′27″E
TypeTiered
Total height187 m (614 ft)
Number of drops3
WatercourseJamison Creek

Features and description

Near the falls, there is a rocky knoll that has a large number of grinding grooves created by rubbing stone implements on the rock to shape and sharpen them. These marks have been determined to be signs of early human habitation nearby.

In February 2013, following a period of high rainfall, the Wentworth Falls was reported as looking "spectacular" with torrents of water flowing.[2]

Access

A picnic area, accessible via a sealed road from the Great Western Highway, is located a short distance from the town of Wentworth Falls, with parking for cars and larger vehicles.[3]

A view of the top of the falls is easily accessible from the Wentworth Falls Lookout which is accessed by a slightly sloping concrete path (wheelchair accessible) from the car park area. Stop first at the Jamison Lookout for views over the Jamison Valley.

There are two access points which lead down well-formed steps to Princes Lookout from where you can see most of the first two sections of the falls before they disappear into the valley below. A good way to do this walk to Princes Lookout is to walk out to the Wentworth Falls Lookout and then take the steps leading down to the falls, about an eight-minute walk. When returning take the left fork when you come to the meeting of two stairways, this will bring you back to the main pathway at the top near the Jamison Lookout.

Other easy and challenging walking trails loop from the picnic area and follow the Jamison Creek south to the top of Wentworth Falls where scenic views over the expansive Jamison Valley to the south can be enjoyed. A trail follows the creek as it cascades down several waterfalls;[4] with a further trail leading down into the valley floor.[5]

Arriving by train

Accessed via the Blue Mountains Line from the Wentworth Falls railway station, the easiest way to reach the Blue Mountains National Park is to walk the Charles Darwin Walk. This walk follows Jamison Creek along a track that provides access to waterfalls and birdwatching. The walk is 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) one way (45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes) and starts from Wilson Park (10 minutes from the railway station).

Incidents
  • In January 1996, 32-year-old Australian musician Stevie Plunder was found dead at the bottom of the waterfall after he reportedly committed suicide.[6]
  • In December 2000, 27-year-old English tourist Paul Marshall from Leicester died after accidentally falling 76 metres (250 ft) off the waterfall.[7]
  • In January 2013, 20-year-old English tourist Josh Furber from Runcorn died after accidentally falling 100 metres (330 ft) off the waterfall.[8][9]
  • The Upper falls as viewed from the Overcliff / Undercliff Walk.
    The Upper falls as viewed from the Overcliff / Undercliff Walk.

See also

References
  1. "Wentworth Falls". World Waterfall database. 2004. Retrieved 20 February 2008.
  2. "Spectacular waterfall at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains, Australia". news.com.au. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  3. "Wentworth Falls picnic area". NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. Government of New South Wales. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  4. "Charles Darwin walk". NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. Government of New South Wales. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  5. "Wentworth Pass loop walking track". NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. Government of New South Wales. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  6. Buchanan, Matt (26 November 1999). "It's Tim(e): The Whitlams Chart New Waters". The Sydney Morning Herald. The Whitlams Official Website. Archived from the original on 12 February 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  7. "Backpacker killed in waterfall". The Telegraph. London. 11 September 2000.
  8. "British tourist falls to death from Australia waterfall". BBC News. 7 January 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  9. "Australia waterfall death man Josh Furber 'lived to max'". BBC News. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2013.


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