Passes - Roberts Pass
| Grading | 4 | Medium-Hard |
| Track Type | 2 | Marked track. |
| Track Condition | 2 | Good. |
| Exposure | 1 | No Exposure |
| Navigation | 1 | Easy. |
| Length | 3.6km to Lindeman Pass + 1km to Vera Falls Track | |
| Vertical | 300m (+80m to Vera Falls Track) | |
Robert's Pass is an easy way into the valley. It has less steps than the Valley of the Waters track, is relatively dry (unlike Gladstone Pass) and has none of the exposure that Copeland Pass on Sublime Point has. It offers good views from its side trips and the novelty of a ladder through a very narrow cleft in the rock.
Roberts Pass was originally just known as 'The Pass'.1 It is not known who the pass was named after but Jim Smith suggested that it might have been Sir Alfred Roberts a surgeon who died in his Wentworth Falls home in 1908.2 The pass original ladder was made of wood and perished in the 1950s. In the 1960s petitions were made to the Blue Mountains Cirty Council to have it replaced but to no avail. It was finally funded and replaced privately by Jim Smith and Bruce Forbes in 1985.3 The track is now maintained by NWPS.
Access:
- Sublime Point Rd, Leura (Fairmont Resort) and Grand Cliff Top Walk
- Lindeman Pass
- Vera Falls Track
Map: Katoomba
Track Notes:
Starting at the gate to the Fairmont resort walk down the drive and turn right at the first building. Follow the service road down the south side of the resort, continue on the dirt road for about 500m. After passing the old 'comando course', work sheds and tennis courts you will come to a golf tee. There are signs for the Grand Cliff Top Walk to Valley of Waters. Follow this track for 250m and take the track to Moya Point and Gladstone Lookout (549 653).
Short excursions; 2min to Moya Point (550 648) and 5min to Gladstone Lookout (549 648) are well worth the time. Moya Point gives great views of Wentworth Falls and the Eastern end of the Jamison Valley. Gladsone Lookout overlooks the Gladstone Pass and the East side of Sublime point as well as a view to Mt Solitary.
The track now descends into the Gully of Roberts Pass. The first section, which leads to the ladder, can be slippery when wet. Some may need to take their packs off to negotiate round the bottom of the ladder. The ladder gives onto a flight of stairs and then another short steep section, which may be slippery when wet. Warning: The track has been washed away in some of this section with lots of fallen trees.
After this the pass runs south along the point and then zigzags down the end to meet with Lindeman Pass (550 645). Robert's Pass continues to the left and is relatively easy to follow as it navigates a couple of small landslides and descends to the Vera Falls Track (180m vertical, 1.5km horizontal).
Comments...
Grading System
Grade 1 (Easy)
Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.
Grade 2 (Easy-medium)
Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.
Grade 3 (Medium)
Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20 km.
Grade 4 (Medium-Hard)
Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 (Hard)
Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30 km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 (Very hard)
Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
Grades courtesy of John Cooper of The Bush Club
Exposure
Exposure is assessed on the hardest part of the track / pass
1: No Exposure.
2: Some simple climbing involved
3: Climbing with tape or rope neccessary for non-climbers. Still free climbable.
4: Belay advised for non-climbers. Aids for climbers.
5: Belay required for experienced climbers.
Track Condition
Track Conditions are assessed on the worst major section of the track / pass
1: Excellent.
2: Good.
3: OK, but needing some trimming or erosion repairs.
4: A number of sections in poor condition.
5: Overgrown, badly eroded or no track.
Track Type
1: Maintained Tourist track.
2: Marked track.
3: Unmarked track.
4: Footpad.
5: Off track.
Navigation
Navigation is an overall assessment of the track / pass
1: Easy. Track and offshoot tracks are signposted.
2: Easy-Medium. Track is and offshoots are well marked (cairns / tape).
3: Medium. Simple route finding is neccessary.
4: Hard. Route finding can be difficult.
5: Challenging. GPS or map and compass necessary.