Nature Track is one of those walks you can walk around in an hour, or alternatively explore for half the day. Heathland views, hidden pools and fern-lined creeks make for many lovely diversions along the way.
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Grade: Medium.
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Time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
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Distance: 3.1 kilometre circuit.
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Ascent/Descent: 210m descent, 210m ascent.
Walk Directions
The track starts just to the right of the cafe, next to the old toilets, and is clearly signposted. Follow the level sandy track northwards. After 10 minutes or so the track bends to the left (ignore the rocky track leading up to your right). 300 metres further on, a signpost indicates the start of the Nature Track. Head left, away from the noise of the highway and down towards the creek. At the T-junction a few minutes later, turn left again. Metal steps lead across a large expanse of hanging swamp, with a variety of sedges, grevilleas, tea-trees and hakeas. This is a great place for bird watching, especially early in the morning. Another 300 metres and you arrive at Edinburgh Castle rock, a platform of eroded rock formations with views to the east. Aboriginal axe-grinding grooves are hidden away on rocks surrounded by the low vegetation of dwarf banksia and tea-tree. After exploring, continue along the main track, heading down to your right. Around a bluff and an exposed outcrop treats you to wind, silence and 180-degree views. Look down to where Valley of the Waters canyon cuts its way towards Empress Falls. The track curves around slightly and then descends steeply through a cool, fern-lined gully. At Lillian's Glen (marked by old concrete stepping stones crossing a small creek), a short scramble upstream to your right leads to the dark, mossy and rather mysterious Asmodeus pool, where light filters down from the canyon above. Back on the main track you soon come to another creek crossing. If time allows, leave the track again and head up to your left to the junction of two creeks. A few metres paddle up the right-hand tributary reveals a flight of steps carved into the side of a waterfall, leading to the old Flora baths at the top (be careful, these steps are very slippery with no handrail and a big drop.
Empress Lookout
Queen Victoria Lookout
Asmodeus Pool
Asmodeus Pool
Asmodeus Pool
Asmodeus Pool
Isobel Falls
Isobel Falls
Isobel Falls
Queen Victoria Lookout