Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 0m
Min elevation: 0m
Total Ascent: 0m
Hike overview
Follow in the footsteps of the famous naturalist, Charles Darwin, who walked this popular track in 1836. Starting from Wilson Park, today's visitors can stroll the boardwalk and bush track through open forest, shrub, and hanging swamps to the national park boundary, where the walk meets Weeping Rock loop.
Along the way, Jamison Creek's rock pools and cascades are tranquil spots to cool your feet on a hot day. Bird watchers should keep an eye out for honeyeaters, shrub wrens, and the raucous black cockatoos that can't resist the native banksia trees.
From the park boundary, it's only 400m to Wentworth Falls via picturesque Weeping Rock, or 15mins to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Spend some time exploring the many walks and lookouts in the park, including Fletchers lookout, that offer incredible views of the waterfall and vast Jamison Valley, before retracing your steps back along the walk or taking Falls Road from Wentworth Falls picnic area back to town.
Tips
This walk is managed by Blue Mountains City Council and is located outside Blue Mountains National Park.
For more information visit the council's visitor centres at Echo Point, Katoomba or on the Great Western Highway at Glenbrook.
For walking track and council reserve closures visit the Blue Mountains City Council website.
Please take care as the ground may be muddy and slippery in areas, particularly in the sections with stairs. Please report any incidents or safety issues along this track to the council.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Walk map and GPX file
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Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Gallery
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Blue Mountains National Park.
To Victoria Park, Falls Road. Charles Darwin walk starts from Wilson Park in Wentworth Falls village, just outside Blue Mountains National Park. To get there from Sydney:Drive along the Great Western Highway west, towards KatoombaAt Wentworth Falls village, turn left at the traffic lights onto Falls Road, where there is signage for Wentworth Falls and the national parkWilson Park is on your left, immediately after the lights, or follow Falls Road to Wentworth Falls picnic area Park entry points Victoria Park, Falls Road See on map Wentworth Falls carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Wilson Park, on Falls Road and in the national park at the Wentworth Falls picnic area carpark. By public transport Regular trains run from Sydney Central Station to Wentworth Falls. Charles Darwin walk begins in Wilson Park, 500m from the station.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
About the region
Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and Country NSW regions
Blue Mountains National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. Some parts of the park close overnight; details are provided for specific attractions.
9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Blackheath, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lawson, Leura, Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Woodford
Let someone know
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Blue Mountains National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Suggest an edit
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Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
4 Reviews on “Charles Darwin Walk (2.4km)”
The Charles Darwin Walk is currently closed at one point due to storm damage with a detour on the nearby streets to continue
Colin DeCosta thank you. A good reminder to always check current conditions before heading out.