The Best Hikes and Trails to explore in the Blue Mountains

So you know you want to get out and walk in nature. You want the experience to be supportive in that you don’t have to sacrifice too many of your creature comforts, but it needs to be challenging and engaging enough that it takes you out of your comfort zone. With the proviso that, at the end of the day, you can safely say you’re feeling better for it. If that’s you then read on. This article outlines the 10 best in the Blue Mountains where you can gain easy access to walks but without the hassle of carrying big back packs or the inconvenience of having to camp in a tent.

The suggestions range from easy walks to more challenging, but well within most people’s ability. Although, disclaimer: if you haven’t walked much please alert yourself to the distances and difficulty outlined for each walk and make a judgment call.

About Auswalk Walking Holidays

Auswalk is a leading provider of guided and self-guided walking holidays, offering an exceptional way to explore the breathtaking beauty of Australia’s landscapes. Specialising in creating unforgettable walking experiences, Auswalk curates itineraries that cater to all levels of fitness and interest, ensuring that every hiker finds the perfect walk. Our offerings are designed to blend the thrill of exploration with the comfort of well-planned logistics, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the natural wonders without the hassle of organising the details. With Auswalk, you can embark on a journey through the stunning Blue Mountains National Park, where each step reveals a new facet of this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s diverse scenery and rich cultural heritage.

Whether you prefer the independence of a self-guided tour or the camaraderie of a guided group, Auswalk has the ideal holiday to suit your needs. Our Blue Mountains walking holidays are meticulously planned, providing you with detailed maps, comprehensive notes, and all necessary transfers, so you can focus on the joy of walking. Enjoy the luxury of pack-free walking, where your luggage is transported for you, leaving you free to explore with just a day pack. With Auswalk, you’ll discover the iconic trails of the Blue Mountains, from the majestic views of the Grand Cliff Top Walk to the enchanting rainforest gullies of the Jamison Valley. Let us help you experience the best of the Blue Mountains with ease and comfort, making your walking holiday a memorable adventure.

Introduction to the Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the most popular national parks in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year. The park is known for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The Blue Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those looking to experience the beauty of Australia’s natural environment.

The park is home to over 400 species of animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and platypus. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds documented in the area. The park’s diverse landscape includes rainforests, eucalyptus forests, and heathlands, providing a unique and varied environment for visitors to explore.

The Blue Mountains National Park is also steeped in history and culture. The area has been home to the Darug and Gundungurra Aboriginal people for thousands of years, and visitors can learn about their history and culture at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre. The park is also home to many historic sites, including the famous Three Sisters rock formation and the scenic village of Leura.

10 Best Blue Mountains Walks

1. RUINED CASTLE

Moderate to Challenging / 16km / 5 to 6 hrs

This walk is located in the Katoomba area. One of the easiest walks to access is the trek out to Ruined Castle from the bottom of Scenic World. Aside from the train ride down which is unique in itself, the trail will have you tramping across the bottom of the cliff face from where you came, then on through pristine forest that has remained untouched since the dawn of time. This is an out and back walk in the Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains so you can manage fairly easily how far you want to walk.  The terrain is reasonably flat and there is a great view point from the top of the cliff face at the start and at Ruined Castle once you arrive.

Ruined Castle Walks in the Blue Mountains

2. GRAND CANYON

Moderate to Challenging / 10-16km / 4 to 6 hrs

This grand canyon walk is located in the Blackheath area. The Grand Canyon, not to be confused with its namesake in the US, is fascinating and perhaps one of the most surreal landscapes in Australia. The walk takes you down into the valley, crossing creeks amongst massive tree ferns (Polypodiopsida Cyatheales). Strolling through the canyon is one of the highlights of the region. The walk can start in Blackheath or Neats Glen and, if you’re willing, you can traverse the entire loop back to your starting point in about 6 hours. Shortening the walk is possible too. The terrain is solid, even underfoot, but expect some elevation and descent. There are two brilliant lookout points as you begin the walk and as you end, not to mention a lovely walk via the canyon along the creek.

Always check for closures on the National Parks website as things can change rapidly in the mountains before you set out.

3. OVERCLIFF UNDERCLIFF WALK

Easy / 4.5km / 1.5 to 2 hrs

This walk is located in the Leura area. A quintessential Blue Mountains walk, a unique experience in itself. This 4.5km loop trail near Leura and Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains is a one-of-a-kind walk. Generally considered an easy walk to complete, but stunningly beautiful as you get to walk on a track that was carved into the sandstone decades ago, with great views as you go. This is a walk not to be missed, and can be tacked on to the Prince Henry Walk. The trail is well formed and easy to walk on.

 

4. SIX FOOT TRACK

Moderate to Challenging / 10-16km / 4 to 6 hrs

This walk is located in the Katoomba area. The Six Foot track is getting ample publicity and for good reason. The track itself has a long history; it follows a heritage horse track from 1884. It starts from Katoomba and travels to Jenolan Caves. The first day’s walk from Katoomba to Cox’s Creek is the best of the 3 days. Immerse yourself in a mixture of forest, with the ever-present massive escarpments, native fauna and running water, what better way to spend a few hours. The track is OK underfoot, but check for closures as this track has had some issues over the years. The track also descends for quite a while, but once you are in the valley it flattens out. Expect great views, amazing forest and rivers.

5. THE NATIONAL PASS WALK

Moderate / 10-15km / 4 to 6 hrs

This walk is located in the Katoomba and Leura area. Then there is the National Pass Walk, possibly the most popular of all the walks in the blue mountains in this region. If you’re up for it and want a more demanding walk, then try the Undercliff Overcliff Walk or Wentworth Pass which are simply epic. All of the routes have magnificent views, and if you take the later it includes a stroll alongside the massive trees that inhabit the Jamison Valley. Waterfalls cascade from steep, vertical cliffs, culminating at the beautiful Wentworth Falls. If you want something simpler take the Prince Henry Walk and witness soaring escarpments from Katoomba’s Echo Point lookout plus all the other marvellous vantage points along the way. The track is superb and has views and views after views. A brilliant walk and weel worthy the trip to the Blue Mountains.

Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains Hiking

 

6. BURRAMAKO RIDGE HANGING ROCK TRAIL

Easy to moderate / 11.4km / 3 to 4 hrs

This walk is located in the Blackheath area. This is one of the most photogenic spots in the Blue Mountains, Hanging Rock at Burramoko Ridge is a must-visit for anyone with a keen sense of aesthetic and wanting to get that photograph. The walk has you traverse an old fire trail to Baltzer Lookout and Hanging Rock. The views over the Grose Valley take your breath away, especially in the morning and evening when the light is just right. If you’re a confident walker you can scale Hanging Rock itself.

7. GRAND CLIFF TOP WALK (ALSO PARTLY THE PRINCE HENRY CLIFF WALK)

The Grand Cliff Top Walk is a 19km trail that takes in some of the most spectacular views in the Blue Mountains National Park. The walk begins at Wentworth Falls and ends at Katoomba, passing through some of the park’s most stunning landscapes. The trail includes the famous Prince Henry Cliff Walk, which offers breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters.

The walk is considered moderate to difficult, with many stairs and steep sections. However, the scenery is well worth the effort, with stunning views of the valley floor and the surrounding cliffs. Visitors can also stop at scenic lookouts, such as Echo Point and Rocket Point Lookout, to take in the views and enjoy a picnic.

The Grand Cliff Top Walk is a must-do for anyone visiting the Blue Mountains National Park. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage.

7. GRAND CLIFF TOP WALK  (ALSO PARTLY THE PRINCE HENRY CLIFF WALK)

Easy  / 8km to 19km / 2 to 3 hrs or 5 to 6hrs

This walk is located in the Katoomba Leura area — The Grand Cliff Top Walk and the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, connects the towns of Katoomba and Leura and then all the way to Wentworth Falls. Scenic World is at the Katoomba end and the gondola so it might be a nice idea to end here so and walk from Wentworth Falls end. This trail follows the endless cliffs and escarpment that borders the Jamison Valley. The views are amazing. This is a busy walk but well worth the effort. You might want to break the walk into two stopping at Leura and completing the the other half the next day.

The Grand Cliff Top Walk is a must-do cliff top walk blue in the Blue Mountains National Park. This top walk blue mountains connects Katoomba and Leura, extending to Wentworth Falls. Scenic World is at the Katoomba end and the gondola so it might be a nice idea to end here so and walk from Wentworth Falls end. This trail follows the endless cliffs and escarpment that borders the Jamison Valley. The views are amazing. This is a busy walk but well worth the effort. You might want to break the walk into two stopping at Leura and completing the the other half the next day.

8. VALLEY OF THE WATERS

Moderate  / 7.5km / 2 to 3 hrs

This walk is located in the Leura area.

This Valley of the Waters Track connects two of the most impressive waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. You will need some time to enjoy the waterfalls (there are 6 along this route!) and watch the canyoners as they repel down the falls. The drop-dead gorgeous landscape is also time consuming as you won’t want to leave. The walk spans between Den Fenella Falls and Wentworth Falls, and you will have multiple viewpoints to enjoy as you walk including vistas over the Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary.

9. JENOLAN CAVES

Easy / 3 km / 2hrs

This walk is located in the Oberon township and Jenolan area. A tour of Jenolan Caves, particularly if you hit rain in the mountains, is another way to walk but stay dry. This spectacular cave system is one of the best in the world, and is one of the most ancient known open caves in the world. With no less than 11 show caves, its’ pure underground rivers and incredibly beautiful limestone formations; it is no wonder this is one of the most visited cave systems in Australia. The cave system is so large, with more than 40 kms of caves that are still undergoing exploration to this day.

Small group enjoying a tour through a cave system at Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains Walk.

10. PORTERS PASS AND COLLIERS CAUSEWAY

Moderate  / 6km / 2 to 3 hrs

This walk is located in the Blackheath area. This walk is one of the walks that is off the beaten track and few people know about it, except for the locals who all know about it and commonly make this their morning walk. It is also very popular with climbers. You can start at Centennial Glen car park, a short walk of 1 km from Blackheath Train Station. As you descend steeply there are hand-carved rock steps and waterfalls and cascades of Centennial Glen Creek. The track passes right underneath towering sandstone cliffs with views of the Kanimbla Valley as you walk. On top of this, there are rainforest gullies, dripping with endemic flora. What goes down must go up in this case, so look forward to a work out as you head back up to Centennial Park from whence you came. There are a few uneven and slippery surfaces, natural rock steps on this walk.

All the walks outlined above are not difficult and can all be completed in 6 hours which is taking into account many stoppages along the way. With one million hectares of pristine, protected bushland, this wilderness has an amazing choice of walks on offer. Hanging Rock at Blackheath is another one and then there’s all of the Southern end of the Mountains if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the list is endless. The best time to is April, May, September and October. However, if you want to avoid the rain then winter is on record as being the driest time and a great time to visit.

Blue Mountains Walks by Location

The Blue Mountains National Park offers a wide range of walks for all levels of fitness and experience. Here are some of the most popular walks in the park, organized by location:

• Wentworth Falls: The Wentworth Falls walk is a popular trail that takes in the stunning views of the falls and the surrounding valley. This walk is perfect for those looking to experience the beauty of cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.
• Jamison Valley: The Jamison Valley walk is a challenging trail that takes in the stunning views of the valley floor and the surrounding cliffs. This walk offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge and want to immerse themselves in the heart of the Blue Mountains.
• Leura: The Leura walk is a scenic trail that takes in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the historic village of Leura. This walk is ideal for those who want to combine natural beauty with a touch of history and culture.
• Katoomba: The Katoomba walk is a popular trail that takes in the stunning views of the Three Sisters and the surrounding cliffs. This walk is a must for anyone visiting the Blue Mountains, offering iconic views and a memorable experience.

A LIITLE BIT MORE ABOUT WALKING AND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

First of all, what’s different about the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains is its diversity. The Blue Mountains City Council plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the area’s natural beauty and accessibility for visitors. You might know about the vast and spectacular vistas, the iconic 3 Sisters and the numerous lookouts give you a widescreen view over waterfalls and valleys stretching out to the horizon. But it’s the lesser-known canyons and valleys, with masses of trees and other flora, which if you take the time and effort to explore on foot provide you with the greatest benefit. This article is

Interestingly we know that walking in nature has been scientifically proven to make you healthier physically, but there’s now evidence it improves psychological outcomes dramatically. Walking in nature changes your brain for the better, improving not only cognition but also mood.

The blue haze emanating from the vast eucalyptus forests provides the inspiration for the name of these mountains. The tiny droplets of oil that the trees give off are inter-dispersed with moisture that splits the light and makes the mountains look blue.

The only way to breath in the ‘Blue Haze’ (that’s not purple Hendrix fans) and to maximise the benefit of walking in the Blue Mountains, is to get right up and close to the forest, namely by walking in it. It’s literally like immersing yourself in a bath, but in this case, it’s in nature. So why not give it a try. The Japanese have even given this a name, Shinrin-yoku, which when translated literally means ‘Forest Bathing’.

Of course, a visit to the Blue Mountains doesn’t need to be only about the walking. This region has become a mini-Mecca for fine food and produce so check it out if you have the time. There are ample fine dining establishments in the Mountains, Lilianfels, or Echoes, the Hydro Majestic and Cinnabar Kitchen to name but a few. Of course, the townships of Leura and Wentworth are well worth a wander and are a great way to round out a day in the Mountains after a good walk.

If you really want to get out and extend your walking but you don’t want to rough it, and like the idea of carrying only a day pack (sometimes referred to as pack free, meaning you will be unburdened by all your other luggage), having a glass of wine and a comfortable bed at the end of the day, Auswalk has you covered. Everything is organised for you, including transfers along the track which leaves you with a stress and pack free walking holiday through one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world in comfort.

THE ESSENTIALS FOR BLUE MOUNTAIN HIKING

Getting there: The Blue Mountains hikes are a 2-hour train ride from Sydney’s ‘Central’ train station. Conversely, hire a car and take the M4 motorway to be there in an hour or less depending on the traffic out of Sydney.

The walking: The tracks are all well maintained and the walks are mostly moderate. If you walk down in the Jamison Valley expect an arduous but extremely rewarding walk back up the cliff face. Many trails feature dramatic drops leading to a cliff edge, offering breathtaking views. Some routes navigate close to unfenced cliff edges, providing a blend of scenic beauty and the thrill of high elevations.

What you need to take: You will need rain protection no matter what time of the year, plus warm clothes. Check the weather as it can get quite cold and then warm, all on the same day. Good quality walking shoes are recommended as are gaiters particularly after it has been raining.

More info: Learn about the region and the tracks at www.visitnsw.com/destinations/blue-mountains/bushwalking or at Auswalk.

We offer the following Best Blue Mountains Walks:

Blue Mountains Walks – 3 Day Self Guided Blue Mountains Walking Tour 

Blue Mountains Traverse Walks – 7 Day Self Guided Blue Mountains Walks

Blue Mountains Traverse Walks – 5 Day Self Guided Blue Mountains Walks

To book the best Blue Mountains hike or walk package, book now online or call us on (03) 9597 9767.

Related Posts: 9 Things You Must Know Before Hiking Blue Mountains

7 Easy Steps to take when preparing for a hike

Best Walks in the world