The historic Stonehaven Pass in Wentworth Falls is an unmarked, abandoned walking trail that features four scenic lookouts.
While this walking track isn’t overly challenging, the lack of maintenance means it has become quite overgrown, and the lookouts have old, unsafe fencing.
| Stonehaven Pass | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.2 km (return) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Moderate (unmarked trail) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Getting There
The walk starts from the main carpark at the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, located along Sir H Burrell Dr, an easy drive from the Great Western Highway via Falls Road.
Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular weekend spots in the Blue Mountains, so it’s well worth arriving early in the day to secure a parking space.
If you’re using public transport, you can take the 2.4 km Darwins Walk from Wentworth Falls train station through to the waterfall area, and walk to the picnic area from there.
Important:
This walk is suitable for experienced bushwalkers only. While it isn’t overly challenging, the trail is unmarked and quite overgrown in several sections. On top of that, the old fencing at all four lookouts is unsafe. This track is not suitable for children.
Track Notes
Stonehaven Pass was named after John Lawrence Baird, 1st Viscount Stonehaven, who served as the Governor-General of Australia from 1925 to 1930. The track was originally built during the 1920s by a ranger working for the Wentworth Falls Reserve Trust.
Established in 1878, the Wentworth Falls Reserve Trust was a local management committee tasked with overseeing and developing the public crown lands and scenic reserves in the area. In 2011, local historian Jim Smith formally named all four lookouts along Stonehaven Pass after key figures historically connected to the trust.
Even though this walk is located in a popular pocket of the Blue Mountains, the overgrown path and lack of signage make it easy to wander off-track. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, stay well clear of the cliff edges, and avoid leaning on any of the rusted, unstable lookout fences. This walk is unsuitable for young children.
Note that while Stonehaven Pass technically forms a loop, we opted to treat it as an out-and-back return walk instead. We’ll explain why a little further below. In the map (not to scale) below, the red line represents the section between the fourth lookout and the Princes Rock Track, making it a loop. We didn’t do that section.
The four lookouts:
- Cashman’s Lookout
- Bill Wilson’s Lookout
- Rose’s Lookout
- Murphy’s Spiral Lookout
Start of the Walk
Stonehaven Pass branches off the popular Den Fenella Track. To locate the start, look for the main trail leading into the bush from the south-western edge of the carpark.
A few hundred metres in, you’ll spot an informal path branching off to the left (as shown in the photo above). This is where Stonehaven Pass officially begins.
Even though it looks like a fairly obvious side trail once you know what to look for, it’s very easy to walk straight past if you aren’t paying attention.
Just moments later, you’ll encounter a prominent danger sign, reminding walkers about the unstable cliff edges, slippery rock surfaces, and deteriorated, unmaintained fencing at the lookouts.
1. Cashman’s Lookout
The first lookout is located just a short distance past the danger sign, though it’s quite easy to walk past if you aren’t looking closely. Keep an eye out for the rusty fencing along the cliff edge.
Cashman’s Lookout was named after James Arthur Cashman (1880–1956), a trustee of the Wentworth Falls Reserve and a former president of the Wentworth Falls Progress Association.
From this quiet vantage point, the views sweeping across the Jamison Valley are simply stunning.
2. Bill Wilson’s Lookout
Retrace your steps back to the main trail and turn right to head towards the second lookout, which sits only a short distance further along the track.
Bill Wilson’s Lookout was named in honour of William (Bill) Page Wilson (1867–1926), who served as a Wentworth Falls Reserve trustee and a member of Wentworth Falls Progress Association.
This lookout is arguably the most impressive of the four. Set high on a rocky outcrop, it offers unobstructed panoramas over the Jamison Valley. Aside from a pair of old, rusty iron poles, the safety fencing here has completely disappeared.
3. Rose’s Lookout
Continuing along the path brings you quickly to the third vantage point, Rose’s Lookout. It is a small lookout that, like the others, features almost non-existent fencing, so be sure to watch your footing closely.
Rose’s Lookout was named after Samuel Charles Rose (1864–1941), another prominent Wentworth Falls Reserve trustee and president of the Wentworth Falls Progress Association.
4. Murphy’s Spiral Lookout
The final vantage point, Murphy’s Spiral Lookout, lies a little further along the pass and is undoubtedly the most unique of the four.
The lookout sits atop a rocky outcrop, with steps carved into the natural stone leading to a tiny viewing platform. The sweeping views across the Jamison Valley from there are quite special.
Murphy’s Spiral Lookout was named after Thomas Charles Murphy (1888–1967), who also served as a trustee of the Wentworth Falls Reserve.
Loop or Return?
The original Stonehaven Pass is a loop, linking up with the Princes Rock Track, which then climbs back up towards Sir H Burrell Drive. However, the section of trail beyond Murphy’s Spiral Lookout leading through to Princes Rock Track can be a bit sketchy to navigate.
This stretch is heavily overgrown in parts and often turns quite boggy as it meanders through a low-lying swamp area. Because of these conditions, we recommend turning back at the fourth lookout and simply retracing your steps along the pass back to the Den Fenella Track.
If you do decide to push on and complete the full circuit, please exercise caution and ensure you are confident navigating faint, muddy trails.
Beginners Guide to the Blue Mountains
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