Access: Short section of dirt road then an easy walk. Thanks to Ty N. for his hard work fixing up the old track it is an easy walk up to the falls, though as of July 2024 the trail is a little overgrown.
Navigation: Navigation is fairly straight forward.
Map: Lithgow 1:25000 These can be purchased at Lithgow Tourist information center or online for around $10 each though not really needed here
Time: It takes about 20 min to walk up to the falls
Cicada Falls is a small waterfall in a very pretty gorge on the outskirts of Lithgow.
The walk up is straight forward on an informal trail, though there is some scrambling and exposure.
Getting There:
From the end of Inch street continue onto Bells road then past the water treatment plant onto the dirt road towards Water Works Gully. This can be a little rough with large puddles after rain.
Just before the first creek crossing look for a road up to the right (2wd vehicles will need to park here.) Turn right and follow the road up 100m and take the left option at the intersection. Follow this along the side of the creek. This road can get very boggy but walking on the right bank is easy going.
The walking track continues from the end of the road, slightly higher to the right. As of July 2024 the trail is over grown so can be hard to spot. A few large trees have fallen across the trail near the start, however it follows a flat bench above the creek and other than clambering over the trees it is easy going.
The trail crosses the creek at some industrial relics as the gorge starts to close in.
This section is the most over grown at the time at the time of writing, as you push through the ferns.
After another creek crossing the trail climbs slightly on a bench and then swings around to the right and the falls appear.
Return:
Return the same way.
Extras:
Above the falls is a cute little micro canyon that leads up to a small dam (now totally silted up)
And at the very top of the scrubby gully above is a low, wide horseshoe style falls that really only flows at more than a misty drizzle after good rain.
Note: The great outdoors is an ever changing place. Bush fires, changing weather, vegetation growth and forestry activities can all effect the trail conditions and thus the difficulty of the walk. These are a rough guide only and are by no means meant to be a definitive guide . They do not replace the need adequate map reading and navigational skills
Note 1: Taking care While reasonably well known these spots are still wild places and care needs to be taken around cliff edges and on the steep trails. Carrying the right gear as well as having adequate food, water and clothing is important. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back.
Emergency beckons (PLBs) can be hired from Katoomba Police for very little.
Note 2: First aid A basic first aid kit is essential bit of kit whenever heading into the Aussie bush. A basic first aid is highly recommended
Note 3: Maps and Navigation Having the right map, a compass and knowing how to read them is very important when heading into the bush. If you are new to bush walking joining a club or accompanying more experienced walker for you first few outing is a very good idea. I found practicing map reading on well defined trails was helpful when I started out.
The Maps mentioned are the 1:25000 series. They can be purchase at Lithgow tourism information center, from outdoors shops or online for around $10 each.
Note 4: These are wild and beautiful places, respect them. If you are able to carry something in you can carry it out. Don’ be a tosser. Leaving your rubbish behind is a sure way to ruin it for every one else.
Note: The great outdoors is an ever changing place. Bush fires, changing weather, vegetation growth and forestry activities can all effect the trail conditions and thus the difficulty of the walk. These are a rough guide only and are by no means meant to be a definitive guide . They do not replace the need adequate map reading and navigational skills
Note 1: Taking care While reasonably well known these spots are still wild places and care needs to be taken around cliff edges and on the steep trails. Carrying the right gear as well as having adequate food, water and clothing is important. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back.
Emergency beckons (PLBs) can be hired from Katoomba Police for very little.
Note 2: First aid A basic first aid kit is essential bit of kit whenever heading into the Aussie bush. A basic first aid is highly recommended
Note 3: Maps and Navigation Having the right map, a compass and knowing how to read them is very important when heading into the bush. If you are new to bush walking joining a club or accompanying more experienced walker for you first few outing is a very good idea. I found practicing map reading on well defined trails was helpful when I started out.
The Maps mentioned are the 1:25000 series. They can be purchase at Lithgow tourism information center, from outdoors shops or online for around $10 each.
Note 4: These are wild and beautiful places, respect them. If you are able to carry something in you can carry it out. Don’ be a tosser. Leaving your rubbish behind is a sure way to ruin it for every one else.
sleepwhenwearedead 