The Blue Mountains is a must-visit destination for hiking enthusiasts worldwide. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy if its stunning colours , that is why so many visitors explore the area each year. The are different hikes where you can choose from, ranging from easy walks to more challenging level 3-5 hikes, allowing you to choose based on your abilities and experience. If you’re visiting with family or elderly members, we recommend a short hike (1 to 3 hours), such as the Three Sisters Walk. Many of these trails are wheelchair-accessible and well-marked with signposts, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
On the other hand if you love adrenaline and like to enjoy the pure nature we recommend you to do the Grand Canyon walk or the undercliff walk where you will have the experience of using ropes and prove your survival skills.
Come and discover our best five hikes in the blue Mountains!
1. Three Sisters Walk
Level: Easy/ Grade 1
Distance: 0.8 Km return.
Time: 45 minutes.
This is an easy walk, suitable for everyone, it has wheel chair access (up to the Oreades Lookout) and also breath taking views. To start this walk pass through next to the Echo Point Visitor Centre in Katoomba, Blue Mountains National Park. then you will see immediately the path and the signs. you will be surrounded by stunning eucalyptus trees, birdlife and fresh air.
You will have the opportunity to see the amazing scenery of the valley and stop at the Oreades Lookout to admire the Three sisters. this spot is great for taking pictures and making family videos. There are also other lookouts such as Lady Game Lookout, Honeymoon Bridge and the Spooners Lookout.
Make sure you bring enough weather and and a raincoat, the temperature might be cooler than Sydney, due to the altitude, you will be expected to walk for about 45 minutes. This walk might be a bit more crowded than the rest but still a great spot to take lots of pictures and enjoy of the majestic mountain. If you feel energetic you can start any of the other amazing walks there including the Prince Henry Cliff walk, and the Ruined Castle Walk
2. Prince Henry Cliff Walk
Level: Moderate/ Grade 3
Distance: 7 km (one way)
Time: 3-4 hours
This is a moderate- easy track for people who want to explore the magic sceneries of the mountains. The Prince Henry Walk is about 7 km (one way) and can be done in 3 to 4 hours. You do not need any prior experience to do this hike. The signs and path are clearly displayed. According to the Australian Walking Track Grading System this is a Grade 3 track which means that there might be short steep hill sections and rough surface at some points. However, it is suitable for most fitness levels and age groups.
This walk has over 20 lookouts that will allow you to see amazing views of the valley and three waterfalls. the Price henry Clift walk starts at the Scenic World in Katoomba , then you will pass the tourist hub in the Blue Mountains and finish at the Cascades to Gordon Falls near Leura. The track is perfectly sign posted and and there are a few spots to do some picnic whilst enjoying the view.
3. Ruined Castle Walk
Level: Challenging/ grade 4
Distance: 6.6 Km
Time: about 4-5 hours
This is a grade 4 Track that will offer you the opportunity to interact closely to nature. The adventure is about 6.6 km return and you are expected to do the track in about 4 to 5 hours. Because of the remote nature of the walk, the paths aren’t quite clear, you might need an experienced guide or a compass to make your way around.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends you to fill up a trip intention form to send important details in case of an emergency. you should also tell family of friends of your whereabouts. You can also hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath. In addition to your hiking gear you should bring drinking water, GPS and topographic maps.
The walk starts at Golden Stairs carpark, you are expected to go deep in the valley and enjoy the amazing trees. This track used to be a mining route, that is why you might see some ruins of old cottages used by the miners. You will see impressive rock formations and also delight yourself with the views of the Jamison Valley and Cedar Creek Valley.
4. Grand Canyon Walk, Canyoing.
Level: Hard
Distance: 5 km in and out.
Time: Depends on level of fitness and group
This is a hard mountain track due to the features of the place. You are expected to go across in about five hours. To do this track you nee a moderate to high level of fitness, as well as canyoning experience. You should be good at using ropes and equipment. It requires you to walk about 5 km to get in and out of the Canyon and there is a 30 mts unavoidable swimming path.
There isn’t any wheel chair access and you are required to use all the necessary equipment for the track. The Grand Canyon Track starts at The Neates Glen parking area and finishes at the Evans Lookout Road. In the first part of the walk you will go down the hill for about 2 km, after that you will find the beginning of the canyon to the left of the track which is marked by a set of chains. Remember to follow the tracks and marks, there might be dangerous points along the track.
You might be expected to go with a travel guide to prevent any accidents. to get to the Canyon you have to walk through a rock tunnel and walk near the cliffs. If you decide to take this adventure, you should tell you family and friends about your intentions and fill in a trip intention form You are advices to hire a Personal Locator Beacon and visiting in a group. you should take enough drinking water, canyoning equipment, wetsuit suitable shoes and clothing, first aid kit, mobile phone, dry bag and a GPS. Please do not visit the Canyon during or after heavy rain periods. Check park alerts before you go.
We recommend you to go with a tour guide, the tour will be for about 8.5 hours and they will provide you with all the equipment plus ropes instructions for about $350AUD, for more information about the tours visit this link Blue Mountains Adventure Company.
5. Grand Cliff Top Walk (2 days/nights walk)
Imagen taken from https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/documents/grand-cliff-top-walk-map
Level: Moderate, Grade 3
Distance: 19km
Time: 2 days (1or 2 nights)
To finish this five top walks I want to bring up the Grand Cliff Top Walk because it is a 2 days (2 nights) experience that can transport you to a maximus connection with the nature and magic of the Mountains. There is a special energy coming from the mystery of the mountain and the natural sources of water. it is available all through the year, however, you should always check the park alerts and the weather forecast to have a better experience. The walk starts at Wentworth falls to Katoomba. there are lots of lookouts and places to picnic, as well as different places where you can spend the night and relax for the rest of the journey.
This walk can be done with older children, some level of fitness is required, you will be expected to walk for about 4-7 hours a day. we recommend you to bring enough water and snacks for the day as well as basic gear, hats, ideal clothing, raincoat and comfortable shoes, use your walking sticks if you need to.
Download the map for Blue Mountains National Park in the NSW National Parks app before you leave home. This helps you geolocate yourself on the map, even when you’re offline and have no mobile reception.
First portion of the track. Wentworth Falls to Gordon Falls
Level: Moderate, Grade 3
Distance: 11km
Time: 4-7 hours
This first track start at the Wentworth Falls village where you can have some breakfast and get some snacks before starting the track. Then you will cross the Great Western Highway to Wilson Park picnic area where you can have a break and then direct yourself to the Darwins Walk. if you follow the path you will find Jamison Creek which will take you to the Blue Mountains National Park.
You will be able to capture amazing views of the Jamison Valley and see the Wentworth Falls. You will also appreciate lots of cliffs, cascades and birdlife. Continuing this path you will find a bridge and then Den Fenella Creek.
You will then emerge to a steep track to the Valley of waters Lookout and Conservation Hut Cafe where you can have a toilet break and refuel if you need to. Once you are ready to continue on the Grand Cliff Top Walk you’ll get to Lilians Bridge and then you will see the Empress Falls lookout. you will then have to climb upstairs to arrive to the Fairmont Resort where you will cross the Town of Leura to rejoin the walk after 1 km.
You can then go to the Golf Links Lookout to appreciate the view of the Three sisters and continue walking for 1.5 Km to the Gordon Falls to finish the track. You can then return to Leura or find accommodation nearby by taxi, train or bus.
Second day of the Journey, Gordon Falls to Katoomba.
Level: Moderate, grade 3
Distance: 8km
Time: 4 to 5 hours.
After a well deserved rest at Leura, you will start the track at Gordon falls picnic area. you can see to begin with the Gordon Creek and the valley. Then you can head to the west to Jamison Valley and there continue to your left. you will then meet the Elysian, Olympian, and Tarpeian Rocks lookouts. you will cross the Buttenshaw Bridge between the Twin Rocks and continue the path downstairs.
You can then continue to Leura Cascades and Leura Creek where you will see the cascades and take a rest in the picnic area. After the Leura Creek you can make your way to the Echo Point Lookout where you can find some water and toilets. There is also train or bus rides there if you need to.
Once you are ready to continue you can follow the path to the Narrowneck Plateau and the Ruined Castle, then make your way to Katoomba Falls, and find the picnic area. Follow the track to Scenic World and enjoy the cafes and snacks of the coffee shop. You can then take a 2 Km ride to Katoomba village on a bus, taxi or train when you can spend the night and meet the locals.
Final thoughts
the Bulue Mountains in Australia is a great spot to enjoy the amazing landscapes, nature and the fresh air of the moutain. there are different levels and grades of hikes to do with family and friends. You can bring you family and have a great time and take lots of pictures. We cant wait to come back again to discover more of this wonder of Australia. Don’t wait any more to visit, you will make great friends, taste great food and love the wildlife.
Can’t wait to hear from you an all the adventures there! 🙂
