Throngs of Sydneysiders and out-of-towners flood Katoomba and Blackheath when the weather starts warming up. While both towns have plenty to offer including excellent dining spots, iconic mountain scenery, lush walking trails, and brilliant local shops, they are far from the only holiday haven in the Blue Mountains. For a quieter, albeit equally rewarding getaway, the town of Wentworth Falls offers a serene alternative packed with its own small-town charm. It’s home to one of NSW’s most popular waterfalls which shares its namesake with the town but there is a lot more to see and do here that tends to fly under the radar. Here are some of the best local spots and hidden gems to help you experience Wentworth Falls from a local perspective.
Wentworth Falls, NSW
Lined by trees and home to a historic train station, Wentworth Falls has plenty of cosy cafes and bakeries with a distinct European charm to hunker down in and streets flanked by a number of heritage-listed buildings and sites. Needless to say, like every other town in the Blue Mountains, lookouts, beautiful landscapes, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures abound and there’s no dearth of options if you’re looking to get amongst nature. Here is everything you need to do for a perfect weekend getaway here.
1. Dine at the charming cafes around town
Start the day with a bite and a cuppa at one of the cosy, no-frills cafes around town. For excellent coffee, breakfast, or brunch pop into LoveBites Coffee Co. or make your way to Fed for quality homemade food and an intimate atmosphere. Another spot to add to your list is Conservation Hut which offers high tea, all-day breakfast, lunch and cocktails with a side of stunning mountain scenery, and Bakery Patisserie Schwarz for handmade cakes, pastries, pies and more.
2. Stroll along the Charles Darwin Walk
This popular walk is named after renowned naturalist, Charles Darwin who walked this same path in 1836. The easy walking trail connects Wentworth Falls Village with the Blue Mountains National Park and offers some of the best scenery around town with Jamison Creek’s rock pools, peaceful waterfalls, opportunities for birdwatching, and many excellent lookouts. Check for closures before planning a trip here. Other stellar walks in the area include the challenging Wentworth pass walking track that is worth the hike for the views across Jamison Valley, picturesque little waterfalls and dense rainforest and the National Pass walk for crisp air and beautiful views of the national park.
3. Spend an afternoon at the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
Wentworth Falls is easily one of the most visited and photographed waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. The three-tiered waterfall is fed by Jamison Creek and drops almost 300m into a large pool. If you’re visiting the town of Wentworth Falls, it’s a must-do. We recommend packing a picnic and heading out to the picnic area that offers excellent panoramic views and lookouts, then follow the track to Fletchers lookout and onto the stunning Wentworth Falls waterfall. Find more information about the picnic area and the walking trails in the vicinity here. Another much-loved cascade near Wentworth Falls is Empress Falls which flows through a narrow slot canyon and tumbles into a crystal clear pool.
4. Walk around the Wentworth Falls Village
Located along Station Street, the Wentworth Falls Village is a walkable downtown area with many lovely cafes and eateries and a strong community vibe. It’s also the gateway to the popular Wentworth Falls and the beautiful Wentworth Falls Lake which offers picnic and BBQ facilities, safe swimming options, and peaceful views, perfect if you’re travelling with family. A stroll along the tree-lined Sinclair Crescent will lead to the lake and the street is often bursting with colour in spring and autumn.
5. Discover the local bookshops
Did you know the Blue Mountains have a dedicated bookshop trail that winds past 9 villages and features 11 lovely little bookshops? One of them is located right here in Wentworth Falls and it’s called Good Earth Bookshop. A local favourite spot for readers and bookish folk, you can find everything from new and preloved books to vintage items and collectibles. The bookshop also hosts board game nights, craft workshops, and other community events. Another bookstore that won’t disappoint is Wyrdbooks, a haven for fantasy, science fiction, and horror lovers with a stacked collection of books.
6. Check out the galleries and stores in the area
Like any small town in NSW worth its weight, Wentworth Falls offers plenty to culture vultures who prefer exploring a town through its shops and galleries. Local favourites include the charming It’s The Little Things store where guests can shop for homewares, women’s clothing, gifts, natural skincare, and more, The Lemon Tree grocer for gourmet food and produce and Grow & Co. for Children’s clothing, dinnerware, plants and pots. Wentworth Art Gallery and Falls Gallery offer excellent Australian contemporary and Aboriginal art while the Wentworth Falls School of Arts host a diverse range of plays, recitals, and market stalls.
Read more about Wentworth Falls and find accommodation options here.
How to get there
Wentworth Falls is a short 1.5-hour drive from Sydney and easily accessible by public transport with regular trains running daily between Central and Wentworth Falls Station.