Bushwalking in the Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains bushwalks for all ages 

In the heart of the Blue Mountains, near the breathtaking panorama of Echo Point Lookout in Katoomba, the family-friendly Three Sisters Walk takes you down a gentle slope to an outcrop near the iconic landmark, resonating with spiritual significance for the region’s traditional owners. 

Another longer but still easy walk is the seven-kilometre Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Echo Point to Gordon’s Falls in Leura. Featuring 20 lookouts with stunning views of Jamison Valley and three waterfalls, this track is a visual delight. 

Scenic views across Blue Mountains National Park and the Three Sisters, Katoomba

Near Blackheath, there are two easy, seven-kilometre hikes that begin at the scenic Govetts Leap Lookout and offer spectacular views over the vast Grose Valley. Cliff Top Trail rides high along the ridgeline with a gentle gradient and some short steep hills. You’ll spy she-oaks and banksias, along with black cockatoos and king parrots, before arriving at the incredible Evans Lookout. 

On Pulpit Walking Track, you’ll pass several small lookouts before walking along the cliff line, around hanging swamps and open heathland, before arriving at Pulpit Rock Lookout – a multi-tiered lookout that juts out high above magnificent Grose Valley. 

Evans Lookout, Blackheath

In Katoomba, Charles Darwin walk is an easy 2.4-kilometre track that famous naturalist Charles Darwin once graced back in 1836. There’s, therefore, plenty of opportunity to view wildlife like honeyeaters, wrens and black cockatoos, as well as beautiful rock pools and cascades. 

Charles Darwin walk, Blue Mountains National Park - Credit: Elinor Sheargold/DPE

Challenging bushwalking tracks 

Spectacular medium-to-hard walks take you deeper into a wonderland of secluded valleys, tumbling waterfalls, moody canyons, ferns and brooks. The seven-kilometre Lockleys Pylon walking track from Leura will take you through a sea of wildflowers and promises awe-inspiring views of the eucalypt forests of Grose Valley. 

Near Blackheath, Grand Canyon track is a looping 6.3-kilometre hike where you’ll meander through luscious native vegetation of ferns and golden wattles, and pass by waterfalls and creeks. While there are many challenging semi-ledges, this track is one of the few that doesn’t require specialist hiking gear to explore a canyon.  

Grand Canyon Walking Track, Blackheath 

The historic, 13-kilometre Federal Pass walk in Leura will take about 12 hours and see you pass through dense forest and cool clear waterfalls, with some great picnic spots along the way. For a heart-pumping finish, take the stairs back to the top. Or enjoy an exhilarating train ride to the top from Scenic World. 

In Wentworth Falls, the Wentworth Pass Loop Walking Track is a short but steep hike that promises stunning views. You’ll descend around 200 steps to the cliff edge of Fletcher’s lookout and see a waterfall plunging 100 metres to the valley floor. Further down, you can even have a swim at the base of the waterfall.  

If you're feeling energetic, combine this track with the short Weeping Rock circuit, the varied Undercliff track or the historic Princes Rock lookout track. 

Weeping Rock Walking Track, Blue Mountains National Park - Credit: Elinor Sheargold/DPE 

Multi-day hikes for experienced bushwalkers 

One of Australia’s classic bushwalks, the three-day Six Foot Track hike follows an 1884 horse track built wide enough for horse-drawn vehicles – in other words, six foot. Covering 42 kilometres, the track begins in Katoomba and descends into Megalong Valley, where you can visit vineyards like Dryridge Estate. 

A bridge will take you over Coxs River where you can get some well-earned rest at Old Ford Reserve campground. On day three, the track climbs the range before the descent into Jenolan Caves, one of Australia’s most spectacular cave systems. 

Jenolan River Walking Track, at Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains - Credit: Elinor Sheargold

Starting from Katoomba, the three-day, 34-kilometre Mount Solitary walking track promises scenic mountain views, historic ruins and bush camping. On day one you’ll descend to the floor of Jamison Valley, where you can watch the sunset from atop the Ruined Castle rock formation and camp amid mining ruins from 1882.  

The second day will be a hard slog up Mount Solitary to take in spellbinding valley views, before heading back down to camp at Kedumba River Crossing campground. Day three will take you through a rainforest gully and past several waterfalls, before the steep ascent back up to Katoomba.  

Kedumba River Crossing campground, Blue Mountains National Park - Credit: Simone Cottrell/DPE

Night bushwalking in the Blue Mountains 

The Katoomba Falls Reserve Night-lit Walk offers a truly unique Blue Mountains bushwalking experience that’s suitable for all ages and abilities. At dusk until 11:00pm, floodlights and path lights illuminate this 1.5-kilometre track to give hikers a night-time viewing experience. 

You’ll take in views of amazing natural landmarks like Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, Katoomba Falls and Katoomba Cascades. At certain points you can also see the Three Sisters in full glow. 

Katoomba Falls Reserve Night-lit Walk, Blue Mountains - Credit: Blue Mountains City Council

Please note: Before departing on any long walk, make sure you are prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips, check the weather and notify friends, family or police of your plans. You can also register your trip online with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service or at the Heritage Centre near Govetts Leap.