Western Rim Walking Track NSW (3.8km)
Morton National Park
Nearest Town
Moss Vale, NSW
Best Time of the Year to Travel
Year round although its a bit cool in mid winter
Starting Location
Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, Morton National Park
Finish Location
Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, Morton National Park
Western Rim Walking Track Review
Previously when we visited Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park we chose to head along the eastern side of the gorge walking both the Eastern Rim Walking Track and the Eastern Rim Wildflower Walks. We really enjoyed both walks and after a number of month’s absence we decided to head back to do the Western Rim Walking Track.
This walk starts at the same location as the other walks but instead of crossing over the bridge to the eastern side of the gorge you keep to the righthand fork and head towards the lookout platform for Fitzroy Falls. Spend some time taking in the view at the falls before continuing on. The trail skirts around the western edge of the gorge stopping at a the viewing platforms that all provide different views of the various falls along the way as well as along the gorge.
If you do the entire track it will take you around 1hour and 45 minutes return. The time it took me was a surprise for a walk that measured in at 3.8 km but I spent more time taking photos on this walk than I have done in a long time. There were so many views and so many wildflowers, it took me just on an hour to do the outward leg. On your way to the midpoint you will come across the following lookouts:
- Fitzroy Falls lookout
- Jersey Lookout
- The Grotto
- Striker’s Lookout
- Renown Lookout
The distance for this walk according to the park website and signage says 3.5 km but really by the time you add all the lookouts, including the Grotto which takes you down to a lovely little waterfall, brings this walk in at 3.8 km. The walk on this trail consists mainly of formed trail with the odd small section on management road. In addition there are some steeper sets of stairs including a couple that require you to bend down or turn sideways and squeeze past rocks as you go. On the day I visited there had been rain over the previous week and there was the odd area of wet muddy trail so if you do head out after heavy rains, make sure you have grippy footwear that will cope with the mud.
Animal life on this walk was limited to the regular rosella that flew away as soon as I got close enough to get a camera out and the occasional skink that was sunning itself on the trail. Where this walk really excels is the amazing views as well as the never ending supply of wildflowers, particularly on the second half of the trail.
In December 2021 the cafe was also closed for redevelopment but no doubt this will change over the coming months. When we arrived there were two other cars in the car park and if you want the views and the bush to yourself, an early arrival is a good option.
One thing to note with this walk is that Fitzroy Falls is popular with tourists who visit the falls and then continue on until the first or second lookout after that. The first lookout provides great views back to Fitzroy Falls.
This walk is a really lovely walk and from our perspective the best of those that starts from the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre. Overall its not too difficult for the average hiker but once you pass the Twin Falls Lookout the going can be a bit more difficult.
As a heads up the Burrow Cafe at Fitzroy Falls is open and a great place for a tea break before or after your walk.
Park payment metre in the car park – if you don’t have a park permit, you’ll need to pay for parking
No pets allowed
Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
Past the Visitor Centre
Outdoor seating area
Fitzroy Falls trail signage
Closed toilets – open 9:00am to 4:30pm at least during winter
And away we go
Head right to the Western Rim Walking Track and to the falls
Fitzroy Falls Lookout
Heading off from Fitzroy Falls
Lookouts along the Western Rim Track
Termite mound on the trail
Trail signage
Jersey Lookout
Richardson Lookout
Fitzroy Falls as viewed from the first lookout
View down the valley
View to one of the Twin Falls
Management Road
Callistemon in flower
Waterfall
Banksia spinulosa – Harirpin Banksia
Trigger plant
Fringe Flower
Mountain Devil
Rock overhang
Grotto waterfall from above
Bridge over a river
Another lookout on the Western Rim Track
Heading down to the Grotto
The Grotto Waterfall
Heading back from the Grotto
Mountain Devil
Fringe Flower
Renown Lookout
Banksia flower forming
Heading home
Fitzroy Falls from Renown lookout
Back to the Visitor Centre at Fitzroy Falls
Tourist bus
The main car park was full on our return
Trail Videos
This short video contains photos and videos to show you the walk from start to finish
Getting There
Google map from Moss Vale, NSW. The trip from Moss Vale is around 19 km and around 20 minutes driving
Turnoff into Fitzroy Falls
Entering Morton National Park at Fitzroy Falls
The main car park at Fitzroy Falls. There’s another car park behind this one
Park payment metre in the car park
Picnic area at Fitzroy Falls
Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
Things to Know
- Phone: There is variable phone signal (Telstra) on this track and it can be too weak to make a call
- Water: You need to bring your own water or a filter
- Toilets: There are toilets located at the visitor centre but they are closed early morning and late afternoon
- Trail: This trail consists of formed track, small sections of management road and occasional small bridge sections
- Dogs: No dogs allowed
- Other:
- This walk is an out and walk back experience
- Keep an eye on young kids so they don’t get close to steep drop offs
- There will be some slippery sections on the trail after periods of rain so watch your footing
- This is a really popular tourist area so get there early in the day to avoid the rush
- There is a cafe at the trail head
Disclaimer
This walk was undertaken by the team from Australian Hiker