Blue Mountains Traverse 5 Day

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.

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.

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 it is 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 Station.

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.