About the event
Join Jay on our continuing series of Photo Adventures in the Blue Mountains, exclusive to Sony Scene. This absolutely epic photo adventure takes us on a blood pumping bush walk along the remote and literally breathtaking Wentworth Pass.
Commencing at the Conservation Hut, we begin our journey descending the many stairs into the Valley of the Waters with its famous waterfalls of Empress, Sylvia, Lodore and Flat Rock to photograph as we continue into the valley. After some 200 metres descent and a couple of fun creek crossings, we turn onto the Wentworth Pass, navigating this narrow track underneath the cliff, crossing over and even climbing up several waterfalls as we traverse the tricky seldom walked tracks, where we find ourselves at the very base of Wentworth Falls, with the epic three tiered view all the way to the top a must to photograph and the goal of this challenging bush walk. And with the potential for misty days, the images you can capture from here will be simply stunning.
If you think it was a tough track to this point, now we begin the ascent back to the top, climbing the caged ladders that are the Slack Stairs, crossing the middle tier of the falls, and continuing the climb up the Grand Staircase to the top. The views and the ascent are simply breathtaking and a must for any photographer to capture.
At the top, we will climb up to rocket point for a glimpse of the whole falls from the top, before concluding our climb via Weeping Rock.
Our final walk will be on the Shortcut track back to the conservation hut, but those with the power left can opt to walk the Overcliff/Undercliff walks all the way back taking in Den Fenella falls and Breakfast Point on the way.
As we travel, your guides will introduce you to the flora, fauna and history of the Blue Mountains and Wentworth Falls giving photographers and non-photographers alike an enjoyable insight into this superlative World Heritage Listed area.
This Bushwalk is considered Grade 5 - Very Hard - Steep Stairs Down and Up and Ladders - Muddy, slippery bush tracks with few markings.
Weather Dependent - We will still host this photo adventure in light / medium rain. In the event heavy rain or storms are forecast we may cancel or postpone the event. If rain is forecast we will instruct you to bring a rain jacket. Also a small towel to cover your camera will help protect it from rainfall while on a tripod. Where temperatures will exceed 30 degrees, we may seek an alternative less strenuous bushwalk.
Meals & Water - You will need to bring some snacks or a packed brunch, large water bottle and spare water carrier as there are no facilities while we are inside the valley.
NB - in warm weather, we recommend you carry a minimum of L of water. Water in the valley is NOT safe to drink. We will provide further details of water carriage once we know what the forecast temperature will be on the day.
Fitness & Mobility Requirements - This walk, will cover approximately 7kms of distance in a loop. Despite us traversing well formed and maintained tracks, Bushwalking is a dangerous activity requiring a good level of fitness and self awareness. We do not recommend you attending this bushwalk if you are suffering from any physical injuries or ailments (especially knees, ankles or hips) or suffer from medicated heart conditions or acute asthma. The bush walk will take us down and up steep and uneven national park stairs, ladders and bush tracks with access to some remote areas requiring creek crossings. You should ensure you are capable and prepared to cover this distance as while in the valley there are no alternative options to exit.
Travel Light - We recommend you plan to travel light for this bushwalk. You will need a comfortable backpack and minimise the amount of equipment you bring to the essentials, including space for clothing and allow space to carry up to 2 litres of water. To maintain your comfort, we recommend pack weights including water of no more than 10kgs.
Parking - Car Parking is available at the Conservation Hut. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive and reach the meeting point in time for departure.
Accommodation - Why not #goblue #stayanightortwo Due to the early start, we recommend you stay in one of Katoomba, Leura, or Wentworth Falls many guest houses or hotels, giving you the opportunity to visit and capture the many other photographically stunning locations you can access nearby.
Jay is licensed to operate Photography Tour and Bushwalk activities in NSW National Parks under an Eco Pass License # LIC20/116.
Techniques covered
- Bushwalking for Landscape Photographers
- Landscape Photography Essentials
- Waterfall Photography Essentials
- Capturing the Blue Mountains
What to bring
- Mirrorless or DSLR Camera & Lenses
- Lens Choice - Wide Angle 16-35mm, Telephoto 24-105mm. You may wish to bring a Macro lens.
- Tripod & plates/mounts for your camera
- Shutter Remote
- Charged Batteries and empty memory cards
- Good Camera/Neck Strap
- Landscape filters inc Grad ND and CPL (if you own them)
- Comfortable Camera Backpack
- Good Hiking boots or Walking shoes (waterproof high ankle support boots are essential)
- Hiking clothing suitable for the weather
- Small towel, Rain jacket & Pack cover if rain is forecast
- Hiking poles if you use them
- Snacks or packed breakfast
- Water bottle (750ml minimum main bottle recommended)
- Spare Water bottle or carrier (1l minimum recommended)