Trail Fast Facts
Charles Darwin walk is a 2.4km, grade 3 hike in Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 1 hour to complete.
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.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
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.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
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.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Blue Mountains National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
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.
3 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.