Sandstone cliffs, deep valleys and waterfalls make the Blue Mountains one of the best places to hike near Sydney. Here are six walks to know, what to expect on each and the kit for changeable mountain weather.
Grip for the stairs and layers for weather that turns quickly.
Hiking shoes and boots for steep stairs and wet rock.
Waterproof jackets and ponchos for sudden mountain showers.
Warm fleeces for cool lookouts and shaded valleys.
Day packs and trekking packs for short or longer trips.
Hiking poles to steady you on long staircases.
Hiking socks, including wool pairs, for long days.
Clifftop lookouts, canyon floors and one big multi-day trek.
A 7 km one-way track along the cliff edge from Katoomba Cascades to Gordon Falls, with more than 20 lookouts over the Jamison Valley. Echo Point and its view of the Three Sisters sit along the way.
Good to knowIt is clearly signposted with gentle hills but many steps. You can join or leave at lookouts along Cliff Drive, so it is easy to shorten.
A 6.3 km loop that drops from the Grand Canyon car park into a fern-filled canyon along Greaves Creek, with sandstone walls and waterfalls. You climb back out to Evans lookout.
Good to knowThe shady canyon is a good choice on warmer days. Never walk it before, during or after heavy rain, as the creek can flood.
A 4.5 km loop on a track built into the side of the cliff, passing the top of Wentworth Falls and descending the hand-built Grand Stairway. It starts at the Wentworth Falls picnic area near Jamison lookout.
Good to knowExpect sections of steep stairs and hidden cliff edges, so stay on the track and supervise children. Some sections can become impassable after rain.
A 4.7 km one-way walk that descends more than 800 steel and stone steps from Echo Point past the Three Sisters, then follows Federal Pass to Katoomba Falls. It ends at Scenic World.
Good to knowThe way back up is either the Scenic Railway or the steep Furber steps, so check the railway's times on the day. NSW National Parks suggests clothes for all weather plus a map.
A 7 km return walk from Govetts Leap along the cliffline to Pulpit Rock, a pinnacle standing out from the cliff on a blade of rock. Expect heath, hanging swamps and wide Grose Valley views.
Good to knowThere is a lookout above Horseshoe Falls along the way, and wildflowers in November. To walk one way, leave a car at Pulpit Rock lookout off Hat Hill Road.
A historic 42 km track that follows an 1884 horse route from near Katoomba down into the Megalong Valley, over a swing bridge and up through forest. Most walkers take about three days and camp along the way.
Good to knowIt is managed by NSW Crown Lands, can be boggy after rain and finishes away from public transport, so arrange a pick-up. Carry a personal locator beacon and check for closures before you go.
Conditions on the plateau can change quickly, and shaded valleys can feel cool. NSW National Parks suggests clothes for all weather on its harder walks, so pack a rain jacket and a warm layer.
Many classic walks drop into the valley on long staircases, such as the Giant Stairway's 800-plus steps. Good grip, strong legs and a pole or two make the climb back out easier.
Keep well back from cliff edges and waterfalls, especially when taking photos. Never enter a canyon before, during or after heavy rain.
Download maps in the NSW National Parks app before you leave. For longer or remote walks, fill in a trip intention form and carry a personal locator beacon.
The Prince Henry Cliff walk gives big views without a deep descent, and you can cut it short at any lookout.
Tracks can close for poor weather, maintenance or high fire danger. Check park alerts and the forecast the morning you go.
NSW National Parks lists Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls and Blackheath stations as ways into the park, which makes one-way walks simple.
| Item | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking shoes | Grip on stairs and wet sandstone | Waterproof pairs help near waterfalls |
| Rain jacket | Showers and mist roll in fast | Keep it at the top of your pack |
| Fleece | Lookouts and valleys can be cold | A thin fleece packs down small |
| Day pack | Room for layers, food and water | Use the hip belt on long climbs |
| Hiking poles | Long staircases up and down | Stow them on narrow ladders and ledges |
| Head torch | Shaded gorges and shorter winter days | Pack spare batteries or a charged lamp |
| Water bottle | Climbs out of the valley are thirsty work | Do not drink untreated creek water |
The Prince Henry Cliff walk is a good start. It is clearly signposted, needs no previous experience according to NSW National Parks and has more than 20 lookouts, so you can walk as much or as little as you like. The Pulpit walking track from Govetts Leap is another moderate option with big Grose Valley views.
You can drive along the Great Western Highway or catch the train. NSW National Parks lists stations including Glenbrook, Leura, Wentworth Falls, Katoomba and Blackheath as access points for the park. Several popular tracks start close to these stations, so plan your trip with the Transport NSW trip planner.
Dress in layers. A breathable top, a warm fleece and a waterproof jacket cover most days, as conditions can change quickly between the clifftops and the valley floor. Wear hiking shoes with good grip for the many stairs and wet rock, and add a hat and sunscreen for exposed clifftop sections.
Yes, in part. The full track is about 42 km and usually takes three days with overnight camping, but NSW National Parks notes that shorter sections can be walked on their own. The track finishes away from public transport, so arrange transport at each end, and check with NSW Crown Lands for closures before you go.
Not in the national park. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in most NSW national parks and reserves, including Blue Mountains National Park. Some regional parks and state forests allow dogs under control, so check the land manager for the area you plan to visit.
Pick your track, check the weather and pack a layer. We have the kit to help you enjoy every lookout.
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