OVERVIEW

PLEASE NOTE WE ARE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO OFFER THE SIX FOOT TRACK DUE TO THE CLOSURE OF BOWTELLS BRIDGE. THIS SECTION OF THE TRACK IS PLANNED TO REOPEN IN MAY 2024. WE ARE STILL ABLE TO OFFER OUR 3, 5 OR 7 DAY BLUE MOUNTAINS ITINERARIES. PLEASE FEEL WELCOME TO CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The Blue Mountains is approximately one and a half hours from Sydney and is the most accessible World Heritage-listed wilderness area in Australia. This walk starts in Mt Victoria and finishes in Wentworth Falls covering off on all the best walks in the Blue Mountains.

You manage to get so up close to the Three Sisters rock formation you can touch them. Witness stunning views of the famed Blue Mountains blanketed in the distinctive blue haze for which they were named. Hike through lushly forested areas to vantage points with close up views of waterfalls.

Want a little extra comfort? Upgraded accommodation is available in the Blue Mountains please contact us for more information. 

Please note: We offer our Blue Mountains walks all year round. November to March are the warmest months however they also tend to have the highest rainfall with January and February being the most affected. Track closures are common after periods of heavy rain. We will do our best to provide alternative walking options when possible. 

Highlights

  • The spectacular waterfall of Bridal Veil Falls and stunning clifftop views from Govett's Leap Lookout
  • An incredible walk down into the Grand Canyon
  • The best day's walk of the beautiful Six-Foot Track
  • Incredible views from the Jamison Valley via the Scenic Railway, the Waterfall Valley near Leura, and the Three Sisters
  • Soaking up the rainforest trees, made more magical as the sunlight filters in
  • Delicious breakfasts, filling lunches and dinners at local restaurants

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Chance to ride out on longer walks greater than 12km. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.  C

PRICE FROM
$ 2645

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 995

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
BLACKHEATH

The Blue Mountains Traverse starts in Blackheath any time after 2pm. There is no walking scheduled for today but there are several galleries and coffee shops in the village worth exploring.

Meals: A la carte dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation: Parklands Country Garden & Lodges in ensuite rooms

DAY 2
MOUNT VICTORIA TO BLACKHEATH

The Blue Mountain Traverse walks begins with an easy climb to the highest point in the mountains, Mt Piddington, followed by a descent through remote forest into the heart of Cox’s Cave. Marvel at the tenacity of the early explorers who forged a route through this rugged terrain. There’s more remote bushwalking this afternoon as you explore the first pretty canyon, emerging into a huge natural rock amphitheatre. Finish the day with a stroll through magnificent Rhododendron gardens nearby.

Walking: Easy / 16km / 5–6.5 hrs / shorter 12km walk available

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Parklands Country Garden & Lodges in ensuite rooms

DAY 3
GRAND CANYON LOOP

Traverse the sheer cliff tops to see Bridal Veil Falls plummet 180 metres in a single drop. Enjoy breathtaking views from Govetts Leap and Pulpit Rock, at the same time discovering why the Blue Mountains appear blue. Then walk down into the Grand Canyon, undoubtedly one of the Blue Mountains, if not Australia’s, most beautiful walks. The canyon carved out by nature over millions of years, the huge tree ferns, the lichen and other flora and fauna work together in concert to create an unheralded sense of immersion.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 16km / 5–6 hrs / shorter walk available

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Parklands Country Garden & Lodges in ensuite rooms

 

DAY 4
KATOOMBA TO RUINED CASTLE VIA THE SCENIC RAILWAY

Take an exhilarating ride down the Scenic Railway into the depths of the rainforest then retrace the route used by coal miners over 100 years ago. Mining relics, tunnels and adits can be seen along the way and observant walkers are often rewarded with a glimpse of an elusive Lyrebird. Lunch today will be shared with flocks of cheeky Currawongs at an impressive rocky outcrop called Ruined Castle. Take the Furber Steps Challenge; an alternative to riding up the Scenic Railway. This track climbs steeply through dense rainforest past delightful waterfalls and pretty grottoes. This day also includes a ride in the spectacular Scenic Skyway gondola ride suspended across the Jamison Valley.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 16–17.5km / 5.5– 7 hrs / shorter option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a la carte dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation: Carrington Hotel in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
SIX FOOT TRACK

Today’s walk is one of our favourites. Be transferred to the start of your walk, where the old Explorers Tree used to be, the track winds its’ way down the escarpment into Megalong Valley to the end at Dryridge Winery. On the way be treated with superb views over the valley. The Six Foot Track was originally built 2 metres (six-foot!) wide, in 1884 to provide access to Jenolan Caves by horse. The route was swiftly renamed the Six Foot Track, and the name has stuck. The way down to the valley is by far the best part of the Six Foot Track.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 21.4km + optional side trip / 5 – 6 hrs/ mostly downhill or flat

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: The Carrington Katoomba in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
KATOOMBA TO LEURA LOOP

Learn the Aboriginal legend of how the famous Three Sisters were formed as you descend the 862 steps of the Giant Stairway. Then it’s away from the throng of tourists and into the depths of Leura Forest. Delicate ferns and mosses hug the rainforest trees as filtered sunlight creates a magical scene. There is a thriving arts scene in the Blue Mountains including in Leura, scores of restaurants, cafes and providores.

Walking: Moderate / 11–14km + optional extra / 4 – 5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Carrington Hotel Katoomba in ensuite rooms

DAY 7
KATOOMBA TO WENTWORTH FALLS

The final Blue Mountains Traverse walk is into Waterfall Valley. The route winds its way past waterfalls, beneath overhanging cliffs and through magnificent grottoes. A real highlight today is the mid-cliff walk along a wide path that has been carved into the sheer cliff face. Handrails, ladders and airy lookouts provide a birds-eye view over hundreds of miles of forests. The spray from spectacular Wentworth Falls refreshes weary walkers before climbing to the clifftop.

Walking: Moderate / 15km / 4–5.5 hrs / shorter 10km option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch

Accommodation: Carrington Hotel Katoomba in ensuite rooms

DAY 8
FINISH IN KATOOMBA

The Blue Mountains Traverse finishes when you check out. Breakfast is included at this accommodation. You will either have your car with you or it is a short walk to Katoomba train station. If you wish we can have you stay an extra night and simply relax or wander some more in the gorgeous Blue Mountains.

Meals: Cooked breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • The best of the Blue Mountains walks including the Six Foot track
  • 7  nights’ accommodation in excellent rooms with ensuites
  • Cooked breakfast each morning, walkers lunches each walking day and select ala carte dinners at local restaurants
  • Vehicle transfers and luggage transport
  • Scenic world Railway, Skyway and Gondola all-day pass
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

The friendly locals we work with for accommodation, meals and transfers are attentive to your itinerary and eager to help make your departure and arrival each day as smooth as possible. Each night walkers will stay in a beautiful choice of accommodation ranging from lodges and a 4-star hotel, finishing with a bed and breakfast. These luxurious escapes provide a welcoming and comfortable base to relax and recount the day’s highlights. All rooms have their own ensuite. Upgraded accommodation is available; please see the Blue Mountains Traverse Luxury trips for further information or contact the office.

The Blue Mountains is noted for its international cuisine with restaurants attracting some of the best chefs in the country. Award-winning wines from the nearby Hunter Valley winery district add to the dining experience.

A delicious and hearty breakfast is included at your accommodation each morning. The breakfasts will vary and be either cooked, continental or both. In the morning you will be provided with a substantial walkers lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walker’s lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

The included dinners are at local restaurants that have either won awards or received great reviews. There’s an emphasis on local produce and wine from the region. When dinner is not included, it is because there are many great restaurants close by to choose from. Your hosts are more than happy to give their advice.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

  • NIGHTS 1, 2 & 3

  • NIGHTS 4, 5, 6 & 7

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE

Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

GENERAL INFO

This Blue Mountains Traverse starts and finishes in the Blue Mountains with a short two-hour train ride (fare not included) from Sydney to the first accommodation. The Blue Mountains walks are mostly along well-marked tracks and trails, with occasional steeper sections either ascending out of or descending into the gorges and valleys below. It’s a great combination of easy-going, moderate and more challenging walking terrain offering something for every level of experience.

Importantly, we walk in and out of accommodations and move you along the track in order to limit the travel time in a vehicle. Your luggage moves along with you seamlessly as you walk from one accommodation to the next with just your day pack.

The Blue Mountains Traverse comprehensive walk notes provide lots of information on the flora, fauna, history and geology of the Blue Mountains. For further information on this trip watch this walk being featured on an episode of the Sydney Weekender in 2017.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

Available all year. October-November is usually mild to warm. With the warmer weather comes higher rainfall. Temperatures warm up from December-February with frequent heavy rainfall. March-April is usually cool to mild. Temperatures drop from May onwards and the days are cool to cold but with little rain and good for walking. Warmer, spring weather returns around September.

Track closures are common after periods of heavy rain. We will do our best to provide alternative walking options when possible. Please note that unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds due to track closures please ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover any losses.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

climate graph for the Blue Mountains

Source: BOM

HOW TO GET THERE

Travelling to the Start of the walk

This walk starts in the village of Blackheath.

The walk ends in Katoomba with a short walk to the train station.

You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk. i.e. you will need to organise your travel to the start of the walk in the Blue Mountains. To make it easy we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.

Public Transport: By far the easiest option is to catch a train from Sydney. Your starting destination is Blackheath. It is approximately a 6 minute walk to your accommodation so you may prefer to catch a taxi (at your expense).

The train will take around 2hrs 10min from Sydney Central station and costs approximately AUD$8 to $12. You can buy tickets directly at the train station; there is no need to book. You can also catch the train at Sydney airport and swap at Central station. The trains in peak times depart approximately every 15 mins, out of peak every 30 mins to 40 mins.

Please note:  If you would prefer a private taxi transfer we can provide details for you to arrange. This will be an additional cost.

Travelling from the End of the walk

Public Transport:  Take the train from Katoomba; times and cost see the timetable for Blue Mountains trains.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2023 - 31 Mar 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2645

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $995
  • 1 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2745

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1025

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Laura B

    5 July, 2022 at 12:34 PM
    5

    This walk was very enjoyable. The food was very well organized and was exactly what we needed as a pick me up on the walk. There were some challenging moments of the walk and also some beautiful moments of the walk. Definitely recommend this walk.

  2. Lyndell G

    5 July, 2022 at 11:33 AM
    5

    Everything was well organised, the accommodation and meals provided were great and all transportation options went seemlessly. Some of the walks were more challenging so a moderate to good level of fitness is required. The Blue Mountains is a fantastic place to visit with stunning scenery and a walking tour is a great idea to escape from the normal day to day activities. I would recommend the self-guided walk to anyone interested and Auswalk were a very professional company to go through

  3. Melinda B

    5 July, 2022 at 11:10 AM
    5

    Thankyou for a great walk with beautiful scenery. Very relaxing and fun. Side note – the lunch provided was amazing!

  4. Abbey T

    5 July, 2022 at 10:57 AM
    5

    This was a great walk! Information was great and each day the walks took us to all the great lookouts and areas of interest. The food was delicious and very well planned. Each day was both challenging and very rewarding.

  5. Andrea K

    11 February, 2021 at 2:44 PM
    5

    Auswalk provided us a sensational self guided walk in the Blue Mountains with a good balance of stunning walking, lovely accommodation with super nice hosts. Doing it in spring did include some rain but the fabulous gardens of rhododendrons, azaleas and blossom trees in the towns were a lovely bonus to go with our afternoon coffee.

  6. Nicola S

    11 February, 2021 at 2:54 PM
    5

    Very happy with our self-guided Blue Mountains hike as organised by Auswalks. The info pack was very detailed, contained all we needed and was personalised to our particular trip. The itinerary gave us the flexibility to do as we wanted when we wanted and to add in extra side walks. We liked having some meals organised for us, and leaving us to do what we wanted on other nights. The accommodation was spot on in terms of comfort, privacy and location in the villages. We will definitely organise another self-guided walk with Auswalk. Thank you for a great week!

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Overview

OVERVIEW

PLEASE NOTE WE ARE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO OFFER THE SIX FOOT TRACK DUE TO THE CLOSURE OF BOWTELLS BRIDGE. THIS SECTION OF THE TRACK IS PLANNED TO REOPEN IN MAY 2024. WE ARE STILL ABLE TO OFFER OUR 3, 5 OR 7 DAY BLUE MOUNTAINS ITINERARIES. PLEASE FEEL WELCOME TO CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The Blue Mountains is approximately one and a half hours from Sydney and is the most accessible World Heritage-listed wilderness area in Australia. This walk starts in Mt Victoria and finishes in Wentworth Falls covering off on all the best walks in the Blue Mountains.

You manage to get so up close to the Three Sisters rock formation you can touch them. Witness stunning views of the famed Blue Mountains blanketed in the distinctive blue haze for which they were named. Hike through lushly forested areas to vantage points with close up views of waterfalls.

Want a little extra comfort? Upgraded accommodation is available in the Blue Mountains please contact us for more information. 

Please note: We offer our Blue Mountains walks all year round. November to March are the warmest months however they also tend to have the highest rainfall with January and February being the most affected. Track closures are common after periods of heavy rain. We will do our best to provide alternative walking options when possible. 

Highlights

  • The spectacular waterfall of Bridal Veil Falls and stunning clifftop views from Govett's Leap Lookout
  • An incredible walk down into the Grand Canyon
  • The best day's walk of the beautiful Six-Foot Track
  • Incredible views from the Jamison Valley via the Scenic Railway, the Waterfall Valley near Leura, and the Three Sisters
  • Soaking up the rainforest trees, made more magical as the sunlight filters in
  • Delicious breakfasts, filling lunches and dinners at local restaurants

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Chance to ride out on longer walks greater than 12km. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.  C

PRICE FROM
$ 2645

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 995

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
BLACKHEATH

The Blue Mountains Traverse starts in Blackheath any time after 2pm. There is no walking scheduled for today but there are several galleries and coffee shops in the village worth exploring.

Meals: A la carte dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation: Parklands Country Garden & Lodges in ensuite rooms

DAY 2
MOUNT VICTORIA TO BLACKHEATH

The Blue Mountain Traverse walks begins with an easy climb to the highest point in the mountains, Mt Piddington, followed by a descent through remote forest into the heart of Cox’s Cave. Marvel at the tenacity of the early explorers who forged a route through this rugged terrain. There’s more remote bushwalking this afternoon as you explore the first pretty canyon, emerging into a huge natural rock amphitheatre. Finish the day with a stroll through magnificent Rhododendron gardens nearby.

Walking: Easy / 16km / 5–6.5 hrs / shorter 12km walk available

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Parklands Country Garden & Lodges in ensuite rooms

DAY 3
GRAND CANYON LOOP

Traverse the sheer cliff tops to see Bridal Veil Falls plummet 180 metres in a single drop. Enjoy breathtaking views from Govetts Leap and Pulpit Rock, at the same time discovering why the Blue Mountains appear blue. Then walk down into the Grand Canyon, undoubtedly one of the Blue Mountains, if not Australia’s, most beautiful walks. The canyon carved out by nature over millions of years, the huge tree ferns, the lichen and other flora and fauna work together in concert to create an unheralded sense of immersion.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 16km / 5–6 hrs / shorter walk available

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Parklands Country Garden & Lodges in ensuite rooms

 

DAY 4
KATOOMBA TO RUINED CASTLE VIA THE SCENIC RAILWAY

Take an exhilarating ride down the Scenic Railway into the depths of the rainforest then retrace the route used by coal miners over 100 years ago. Mining relics, tunnels and adits can be seen along the way and observant walkers are often rewarded with a glimpse of an elusive Lyrebird. Lunch today will be shared with flocks of cheeky Currawongs at an impressive rocky outcrop called Ruined Castle. Take the Furber Steps Challenge; an alternative to riding up the Scenic Railway. This track climbs steeply through dense rainforest past delightful waterfalls and pretty grottoes. This day also includes a ride in the spectacular Scenic Skyway gondola ride suspended across the Jamison Valley.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 16–17.5km / 5.5– 7 hrs / shorter option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a la carte dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation: Carrington Hotel in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
SIX FOOT TRACK

Today’s walk is one of our favourites. Be transferred to the start of your walk, where the old Explorers Tree used to be, the track winds its’ way down the escarpment into Megalong Valley to the end at Dryridge Winery. On the way be treated with superb views over the valley. The Six Foot Track was originally built 2 metres (six-foot!) wide, in 1884 to provide access to Jenolan Caves by horse. The route was swiftly renamed the Six Foot Track, and the name has stuck. The way down to the valley is by far the best part of the Six Foot Track.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 21.4km + optional side trip / 5 – 6 hrs/ mostly downhill or flat

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: The Carrington Katoomba in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
KATOOMBA TO LEURA LOOP

Learn the Aboriginal legend of how the famous Three Sisters were formed as you descend the 862 steps of the Giant Stairway. Then it’s away from the throng of tourists and into the depths of Leura Forest. Delicate ferns and mosses hug the rainforest trees as filtered sunlight creates a magical scene. There is a thriving arts scene in the Blue Mountains including in Leura, scores of restaurants, cafes and providores.

Walking: Moderate / 11–14km + optional extra / 4 – 5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Carrington Hotel Katoomba in ensuite rooms

DAY 7
KATOOMBA TO WENTWORTH FALLS

The final Blue Mountains Traverse walk is into Waterfall Valley. The route winds its way past waterfalls, beneath overhanging cliffs and through magnificent grottoes. A real highlight today is the mid-cliff walk along a wide path that has been carved into the sheer cliff face. Handrails, ladders and airy lookouts provide a birds-eye view over hundreds of miles of forests. The spray from spectacular Wentworth Falls refreshes weary walkers before climbing to the clifftop.

Walking: Moderate / 15km / 4–5.5 hrs / shorter 10km option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch

Accommodation: Carrington Hotel Katoomba in ensuite rooms

DAY 8
FINISH IN KATOOMBA

The Blue Mountains Traverse finishes when you check out. Breakfast is included at this accommodation. You will either have your car with you or it is a short walk to Katoomba train station. If you wish we can have you stay an extra night and simply relax or wander some more in the gorgeous Blue Mountains.

Meals: Cooked breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • The best of the Blue Mountains walks including the Six Foot track
  • 7  nights’ accommodation in excellent rooms with ensuites
  • Cooked breakfast each morning, walkers lunches each walking day and select ala carte dinners at local restaurants
  • Vehicle transfers and luggage transport
  • Scenic world Railway, Skyway and Gondola all-day pass
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

The friendly locals we work with for accommodation, meals and transfers are attentive to your itinerary and eager to help make your departure and arrival each day as smooth as possible. Each night walkers will stay in a beautiful choice of accommodation ranging from lodges and a 4-star hotel, finishing with a bed and breakfast. These luxurious escapes provide a welcoming and comfortable base to relax and recount the day’s highlights. All rooms have their own ensuite. Upgraded accommodation is available; please see the Blue Mountains Traverse Luxury trips for further information or contact the office.

The Blue Mountains is noted for its international cuisine with restaurants attracting some of the best chefs in the country. Award-winning wines from the nearby Hunter Valley winery district add to the dining experience.

A delicious and hearty breakfast is included at your accommodation each morning. The breakfasts will vary and be either cooked, continental or both. In the morning you will be provided with a substantial walkers lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walker’s lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

The included dinners are at local restaurants that have either won awards or received great reviews. There’s an emphasis on local produce and wine from the region. When dinner is not included, it is because there are many great restaurants close by to choose from. Your hosts are more than happy to give their advice.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

  • NIGHTS 1, 2 & 3

  • NIGHTS 4, 5, 6 & 7

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE

Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

This Blue Mountains Traverse starts and finishes in the Blue Mountains with a short two-hour train ride (fare not included) from Sydney to the first accommodation. The Blue Mountains walks are mostly along well-marked tracks and trails, with occasional steeper sections either ascending out of or descending into the gorges and valleys below. It’s a great combination of easy-going, moderate and more challenging walking terrain offering something for every level of experience.

Importantly, we walk in and out of accommodations and move you along the track in order to limit the travel time in a vehicle. Your luggage moves along with you seamlessly as you walk from one accommodation to the next with just your day pack.

The Blue Mountains Traverse comprehensive walk notes provide lots of information on the flora, fauna, history and geology of the Blue Mountains. For further information on this trip watch this walk being featured on an episode of the Sydney Weekender in 2017.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

Available all year. October-November is usually mild to warm. With the warmer weather comes higher rainfall. Temperatures warm up from December-February with frequent heavy rainfall. March-April is usually cool to mild. Temperatures drop from May onwards and the days are cool to cold but with little rain and good for walking. Warmer, spring weather returns around September.

Track closures are common after periods of heavy rain. We will do our best to provide alternative walking options when possible. Please note that unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds due to track closures please ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover any losses.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

climate graph for the Blue Mountains

Source: BOM

HOW TO GET THERE

Travelling to the Start of the walk

This walk starts in the village of Blackheath.

The walk ends in Katoomba with a short walk to the train station.

You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk. i.e. you will need to organise your travel to the start of the walk in the Blue Mountains. To make it easy we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.

Public Transport: By far the easiest option is to catch a train from Sydney. Your starting destination is Blackheath. It is approximately a 6 minute walk to your accommodation so you may prefer to catch a taxi (at your expense).

The train will take around 2hrs 10min from Sydney Central station and costs approximately AUD$8 to $12. You can buy tickets directly at the train station; there is no need to book. You can also catch the train at Sydney airport and swap at Central station. The trains in peak times depart approximately every 15 mins, out of peak every 30 mins to 40 mins.

Please note:  If you would prefer a private taxi transfer we can provide details for you to arrange. This will be an additional cost.

Travelling from the End of the walk

Public Transport:  Take the train from Katoomba; times and cost see the timetable for Blue Mountains trains.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2023 - 31 Mar 2024
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2645

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $995
  • 1 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2745

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1025
Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Laura B

    5 July, 2022 at 12:34 PM
    5

    This walk was very enjoyable. The food was very well organized and was exactly what we needed as a pick me up on the walk. There were some challenging moments of the walk and also some beautiful moments of the walk. Definitely recommend this walk.

  2. Lyndell G

    5 July, 2022 at 11:33 AM
    5

    Everything was well organised, the accommodation and meals provided were great and all transportation options went seemlessly. Some of the walks were more challenging so a moderate to good level of fitness is required. The Blue Mountains is a fantastic place to visit with stunning scenery and a walking tour is a great idea to escape from the normal day to day activities. I would recommend the self-guided walk to anyone interested and Auswalk were a very professional company to go through

  3. Melinda B

    5 July, 2022 at 11:10 AM
    5

    Thankyou for a great walk with beautiful scenery. Very relaxing and fun. Side note – the lunch provided was amazing!

  4. Abbey T

    5 July, 2022 at 10:57 AM
    5

    This was a great walk! Information was great and each day the walks took us to all the great lookouts and areas of interest. The food was delicious and very well planned. Each day was both challenging and very rewarding.

  5. Andrea K

    11 February, 2021 at 2:44 PM
    5

    Auswalk provided us a sensational self guided walk in the Blue Mountains with a good balance of stunning walking, lovely accommodation with super nice hosts. Doing it in spring did include some rain but the fabulous gardens of rhododendrons, azaleas and blossom trees in the towns were a lovely bonus to go with our afternoon coffee.

  6. Nicola S

    11 February, 2021 at 2:54 PM
    5

    Very happy with our self-guided Blue Mountains hike as organised by Auswalks. The info pack was very detailed, contained all we needed and was personalised to our particular trip. The itinerary gave us the flexibility to do as we wanted when we wanted and to add in extra side walks. We liked having some meals organised for us, and leaving us to do what we wanted on other nights. The accommodation was spot on in terms of comfort, privacy and location in the villages. We will definitely organise another self-guided walk with Auswalk. Thank you for a great week!

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