After years of uncertainty about it’s future, and significant investment from Blue Mountains City Council, the Charles Darwin walk (now known as simply Darwins walk) has fully reopened to the public in September 2025. The Council has replaced footbridges, resurfaced the tracks and constructed raised boardwalks to enable locals and visitors alike to enjoy it again.
Tucked away between residential streets at Wentworth Falls, this short but remarkable track rewards those willing to slow down and look closely. Darwins Walk is not a hike defined by dramatic lookouts or steep climbs, but by subtle beauty: filtered light through eucalypts, moss-covered rocks, birds flitting between branches, and water quietly making its way along Jamison Creek.
For photographers, this walk is a place where patience, observation, and soft natural light come together beautifully. It’s no surprise that this landscape captured the attention of Charles Darwin himself when he passed through the Blue Mountains in 1836.
This post contains affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links earns a small commission at no additional cost to you, and is a great way of showing your support for this site.
History of Darwins Walk
The story of the Charles Darwin Walk at Wentworth Falls begins with the visit of Charles Darwin in 1836, when the young naturalist walked from the Weatherboard Inn along Jamison Creek to the escarpment of the Jamison Valley. He was so struck by this landscape he described the “immense gulf” before him in his writings.
The Charles Darwin Walk was created in the mid-1980s. In 1986, local community groups and volunteers retraced Darwin’s original path and helped establish a public track commemorating his visit, complete with boardwalks, bridges, and interpretive markers. A commemorative plaque was unveiled recognising Darwin’s journey through this valley, marking a symbolic connection between the past and the present.
Since then, the track has been periodically upgraded, including improvements to boardwalks and steps. It has become part of a broader vision to connect it with the ambitious Grand Cliff Top Walk network linking Wentworth Falls to neighbouring ridge trails. Significant restoration work has been undertaken following successive flooding events so damaging it resulted in the tracks closure for four years. The full track reopened in September 2025 now known as Darwins Walk.
Where to find Darwins Walk
While there are a number of access points from residential streets along the track, Darwins walk begins from Wilson Park on Falls Road. Simply walk past the swings and toilets and beside the tennis courts you will find the stone entrance marking the beginning of both Darwins Walk, and the newly finished Grand Cliff Top Walk. The Grand Cliff Top Walk is 20 kilometres and connects lookouts between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. Numerous access points to the walk enable walkers to tailor their own experience, with the full walk intended to be done over 2 days.
Darwins Walk follows the length of Jamison Creek, which eventually flows over Wentworth Falls into the Jamison Valley.
When Charles Darwin crossed the Blue Mountains during the voyage of the HMS Beagle, he was struck by Australia’s unfamiliar plants, animals, and geology. While the modern walking track didn’t exist in his time, the environment it passes through remains remarkably similar to what Darwin would have experienced.
Walking here today, it’s easy to imagine the same curiosity driving his observations; the urge to stop, examine, and question what you’re seeing. Darwins Walk invites you not to rush, but to notice.
Difficulty level
Darwins walk is rated as Grade 3, meaning it has rough surfaces and steps. It’s an easy Blue Mountains walk, the steps are short and the inclines aren’t steep. It is important to note though that while the boardwalks may seem to make this an accessible walk, they do not cover the full track so it wont be suitable for people with mobility difficulties.
It is roughly 2.4 kilometres from the Wilson Park entrance to the beginning of the Blue Mountains National Park. Up until this point this is one of the dog friendly walks of the Blue Mountains, however the final steel walkway is not suitable for dogs paws so a sign will recommend dog walkers turn back at this point. There is also a sign at the Fletcher Street entrance to the track which is the last exit before the beginning of the National Park.
This short walk can be easily incorporated into your Wentworth Falls day trip, and can be easily shortened further if time is more limited.
Best Time to Visit
While the track follows the creek through the bushland it is important to note that much of the route is exposed with very little shade or shelter. This makes it one to complete in the morning or afternoons, rather than when the sun is high in the sky directly above. This will also create better light for photographing the many opportunities this walk offers. Alternatively, look for an overcast day.
What you can see on Darwins Walk
This track offers a diverse range of photographic subjects within a compact area, making it especially appealing for nature and wildlife photographers and one of the best photography walks in the Blue Mountains. Wildlife and Macro photographers in particular will find plenty to photograph.
Waterscapes and Forest Scenes
Jamison Creek is the visual backbone of the walk. Slow-moving water, small cascades, reflections, and moss-covered rocks provide endless composition opportunities.
A large overhang which the creek flows beneath after a small cascade offers some interesting compositions and potential macro shots.
Details and Textures
Look beyond the obvious scenes and you’ll find:
- Lichen and moss patterns on sandstone
- Ferns and leaf textures along the creek
- Fungi and tiny ecosystems after wet weather
This is an ideal location for photographers who enjoy slowing down and working small.
Wildlife
I personally logged over 20 species of bird life on my last visit to Darwins Walk, including larger birds and parrots, and smaller birds such as the White-browed Scrubwren, Rufous Whistler and Thornbills. Keep an ear out for the haunting call of the Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos, often found in the Pine trees on the perimeter. You can check out my top tips for wildlife photography here.
Those with their eyes to the ground may spot the threatened Blue Mountains Water Skink or other reptiles, and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Giant Spiny Crayfish in the pools as you pass by.
The hanging swamp is prime habitat for smaller birds, and offers a platform to sit and quietly observe.
Plantlife
The walk meanders through large trees and a wide variety of native flowering plants, including threatened species. Seasonal changes mean there will always be something to see.
Know Before You Go
As with any outdoor activity, even locations so close to civilisation, its important to bear some common safety principles in mind;
- Make sure someone knows where you are – you wont always have mobile reception
- Carry enough water, snacks and basic first aid
- Wear good quality shoes intended for outdoor use, the track can be slippery after rain
- Bring appropriate weather protection and potentially insect repellent
An Invitation to See Differently
Darwins Walk is more than a pleasant bushwalk; it’s an invitation to observe the natural world with intention. For photographers, it offers a rare combination of accessibility, atmosphere, and subject diversity and all within a short distance!
Whether you’re new to nature photography or looking to refine your skills, this track encourages you to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with the quiet rhythms of the bush.
If you’d like to experience Darwins Walk through a photographer’s lens, I run guided photography walks in the Blue Mountains including this location. The walks are designed to help you see more, shoot with confidence, and enjoy the process as much as the results.
Book a photography walk with me and discover just how much this gentle track has to offer when you take the time to truly look. Follow my events page to stay up to date with scheduled events or reach out to me directly at bestofbluemountains@gmail.com to discuss your needs.
