Valley of the Waters
There are many “waterfall walks” in the Blue Mountains, but the Valley of the Waters Track is arguably the best of them… it offers eight waterfalls along the relatively short track, 3 of which you are required to visit for this virtual. While most impressive after rain, even during dry periods the Valley of the Waters Creek has a decent flow. There are also a couple of lookouts along the way… The track was named around 1895 by Peter Mulheran, who built and maintained many of the walking tracks around Wentworth Falls as caretaker of the Wentworth Falls Trust.
The easiest way to complete the walk is from the National Park Conservation Hut at the end of Fletcher Street in Wentworth Falls, although you can reach the falls in other ways, like the Overcliff Track or National Pass. From the conservation hut, it is about a 1.8km return walk to complete the virtual, which combined with the change in elevation and slipperiness of the track gives the T3.5 rating.
As this virtual cache is located in the Blue Mountains National Park, please abide by all National Park rules, stick to the path and do not cross any barriers or track closures under any circumstances, please add a note to the cache page informing us of any track closures or issues with this cache. For more information on track closures, please visit this site.
Logging Requirements.
To log this cache, you will need to answer two questions and include three photos in your online log. You may log your find immediately - we will reply to all messages and emails. If we do not receive your answers and photo within 10-14 days, your log will need to be deleted.
When answering these questions, do not attempt to pass any handrails/barriers. GPS reception in the valley is flaky - the waypoints are in obvious locations.
Queen Victoria Lookout - WP1
The Queen Victoria Lookout is perched above the Valley of the Waters, The fenced lookout has views into the narrow section of the valley. The views are made more dramatic by the roar of the waterfalls below and the mists that frequent the area. Empress Falls are only just visible – the main views extend down Jamison Valley. Kings Tableland (left) and Sublime Point(right) dominate the views and the eastern edge of Mount Solitary and beyond is also visible.
a.) Your task here is to take a photo, with the views of the valley behind, similar to the one pictured here. If you don't wish to show your face in the photo, include your caching name, GPSr or a personal item instead.
Isobel Falls - WP2
At this location, you will find yourself at some stepping stones between the 2 lower sections of Isobel Falls. A lot of the time, the falls have little to no water in them, but if you come at the right time, after some heavy rain, it's a beautiful waterfall to visit.
b.) Your task here is to count the number of stepping stones that span the creek, excluding the base of the step on the eastern side.
Empress Falls - WP3
The steep and lesser-known walk down to the base of Empress Falls means that it’s not as busy or popular as the nearby Wentworth Falls – but it’s an equally if not more spectacular waterfall. The Valley of the Waters Creek cascades 37m over multiple tiers, surrounded by towering coachwoods, sassafras and tree ferns. The waypoint is at the very base, where the track crosses the creek and continues down to Sylvia Falls. You have 2 tasks here.
c.) Count the number of stepping stones that span the base of the creek.
d.) Take a picture similar to the one shown here, showing the whole waterfall in the background. You can take it from one of the sides of the falls if you wish. If you don't wish to show your face in the photo, include your caching name, GPSr or a personal item instead.
Sylvia Falls - WP4
Sylvia Falls is another amazing waterfall, only about 5 minutes further walk from Empress Falls but just as amazing. While the crowds flock to Empress, you'll have these amazing cascading falls to yourself. My only recommendation is don't cross the barrier, it is much much slipperier than it looks, and the perfect photo isn't worth broken bones.
e.) Take a picture like the one shown here, which has the whole waterfall in the background. As stated above, don't step over the barrier unless you want to end up feet over face!
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Please send the answers to the two questions directly to me through the message center, and include the 3 photos in your online found it log. You are free to log as soon as you please, but if the logging tasks aren't completed within a reasonable timeframe, your log will be deleted without warning.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.