Best Blue Mountains Walks
If you are looking for a very special experience then calling Careel Cottages home for a short stay will place you literally a 15 minute walk away from breathtaking panoramas and the natural beauty of what is an Ancient World Heritage Area.
Hiking or Bushwalking as we like to call it here in Australia is an ever increasingly popular activity for those wanting to take in the magical vistas and array of spectacular lookouts on offer. Whether you are a novice or an experienced hiker there is an array of walks and trails to suit everyone starting from guided easy walks at Scenic World to walks deep in the National Park with steep and rugged terrain over 20km. Whichever you choose, make sure you bring a topographic map, GPS, a compass, water and sturdy shoes! Here are some of our favourites.
Best Walks From Katoomba
1. Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
- A short 15 minute walk from Careel Cottages to Echo Point.
- Distance: 4.7km one-way
- Estimated time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Grade 4, relatively difficult
- Lookouts and views: Echo Point Lookout, the Three Sisters Giant Stairway, Lady Darley’s Lookout, Cliff View Lookout, Katoomba Falls, Prince Henry Picnic Area, Scenic World.
Why is it worth it?
This walk through the Jamison Valley allows you to see some of the most famous and awe-inspiring natural wonders and viewpoints Katoomba has to offer.
Starting at the renowned Echo Point, overlooking the Three Sisters, you’ll make your way down the Giant Stairway, before continuing along the scenic mountainside track, all the way to Katoomba Falls, before looping round to finish at Scenic World where you can hop aboard the Scenic Railway and rest your laurels while enjoying the views from a new vantage point.
You’ll probably be hungry after all that, luckily it’s a 10 minute taxi ride from Katoomba Town Centre, so visit one of the local restaurants or pubs, or head back to the cottage for a well-deserved meal.
2. Three Sisters Walk
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? A short 15 mins stroll from Careel Cottages.
- Distance: 0.8km one-way
- Estimated time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Grade 1, nice and easy
- Lookouts and views: Echo Point Lookout, the Three Sisters (of course), Oreades lookout, Lady Game Lookout, Giant’s Stairway, Honeymoon Bridge, Spooner’s Lookout, Jamison Valley, Mt Solitary.
Why is it worth it?
Even if you’re not much of a walker, this is a must-do in Katoomba. Right at the end of Cliff Drive you’ll find yourself at Echo Point Lookout where you can see the Three Sisters. The Three sisters have immense cultural significance for the Gundangurra, Wiradjuri, Tharawal and Darug nations, not just the mountain-top, but also the valley below as an area for cultural ceremonies.
On the walk, you’ll be able to see an array of stunning views in quick succession and even get a close-up look when you cross Honeymoon Bridge, which connects to the first sister.
There is a gift shop at Echo Point where you can buy souvenirs, winter woollies and refreshments. There are some fantastic pubs and eateries where you can enjoy the blissful views with a drink or a delicious meal.
3. Prince Henry Cliff Walk
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? A short 15 mins stroll from Careel Cottages. Offering magnificent views from over 20 lookouts.
- Distance: 7 km one-way/13km return
- Estimated time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Grade 3, moderately challenging
- Lookouts and views: (Enter at Cliff Drive), Katoomba Falls, Prince Henry Picnic Area, Echo Point Lookout, Oreades lookout, Lady Game Lookout, Giant’s Stairway, Honeymoon Bridge. Spooner’s Lookout, Jamison Valley, Mt Solitary, Lady Carrington Lookout, Tallawarra Lookout, Honeymoon Point, Banksia Streamlet, Leura Cascades, the Rock, Olympian Lookout, Elysian Lookout, Gordon Falls Lookout.
Why is it worth it?
This walk, also overlooking Jamison Valley, will take you all the way from Katoomba Falls to Leura, via over 20 lookouts. This means you’ll get to see all of the most famous sites from Katoomba, including the Three Sisters, then carry on to see two stunning waterfalls and many more breathtaking lookouts as you wind your way to the adorable town of Leura.
Once you arrive there, you’ll find an array of cosy cafes and pubs where you can have a well-deserved sit down and a bite.
4. Dardanelle’s Pass Loop Walking Track
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? A short 15-minute walk from Careel Cottages to Echo Point.
- Estimated time: 2.5-3.5 hours/5.3km loop
- Difficulty: Grade 4, hard
- Lookouts and views: Echo Point/the Three Sisters, Oreade’s Lookout, Giant Stairway, HoneyMoon Bridge, Lady Game Lookout, Banksia Lookout, Honeymoon Point and Lady Carrington Lookout, Marguerite Cascades, Fern Bower track, Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Jamison Valley, Kings Tableland
Why is it worth it?
You get to experience the famous Three Sisters, then walk through Leura Forest, where you’ll see Linda Creek, then three delightful waterfalls in succession: Lila Falls, the stunning Marguerite Cascades and Linda Falls. From there you can take Fern Bower track back out of the valley.
This track is filled with (you guessed it) plenty of plush ferns, as well as providing a home for native wildlife.
On the way back up you’ll walk along the cliff edge, and from that vantage point you’ll be able to enjoy amazing views of Jamison Valley and Kings Tableland from above.
5. Federal Pass Walking Track
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? You have three possible starting points for this track:
- Start in Leura, a 5-minute drive from Careel Cottages to the Leura Cascades Track carpark on Govett Street and enter via the Leura Cascades Track.
- Start in Katoomba at Echo Point, via the Three Sisters Walk, a 15-minute stroll from Careel Cottages.
- Start in Katoomba via Furber Steps, near Scenic World on Cliff Drive, a 5-minute drive from the cottages to Scenic World carpark.
- Distance: 13km one-way/26km return from Leura
- Estimated time: 6.5 hours one way/13 hours return
- Difficulty: Grade 4, hard
- Lookouts and views: Leura Cascades, Echo Point, The Three Sisters
Why is it worth it?
This day-long hike is for the experienced trekker.
If you start at Leura, you will wind around the base of the cliffs from Leura, marvel at Lila Falls and Marguerite Cascades, then walk through Leura Forest, before the path starts to climb upward at Dardanelles Tracks, and you find yourself walking along the cliff edge from Federal Pass to the Scenic Railway.
If you start at either Leura or Katoomba you’ll walk alongside the Kedumba River before you pass the famed Katoomba Falls and The Landslide.
If you start at Furber steps you’ll go almost straight through the Scenic Walkway, before winding through the lush forest, towards Narrow Neck lookout. Around here you’ll be able to climb the Golden Staircase which will take you up to the fabulous Botting’s Lookout. You can choose to turn around here, and climb up back to Katoomba either via the Golden Staircase or via the Scenic Railway (which will be easier and probably more fun).
If you want to do the whole of this track return to Leura, it is 13 hours in total, as you need to turn back the way you came when the path ends. However, you also have the option to turn back sooner if you’re getting tired. This is a long track which will take you deep into the national park and immerse you in nature. It’s highly recommended to bring GPS.
6. Ruined Castle Walking Track
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? A quick 9-minute drive from Careel Cottages to the Golden Stairs car park on Glenraphael Drive.
- Estimated time: 4-5 hours, 6.6km return
- Difficulty: Grade 4, hard
- Lookouts and views: The Golden Staircase, Bottings Lookout, Federal Pass, Ruined Castle, Sublime Point, Kings Tableland, Mount Solitary, Lake Gurragong.
Why is it worth it?
The Ruined Castle is a beautiful rock formation that looks (funnily enough) like the ruins of a castle. The views from Castle Track on the way there are phenomenal too.
You’ll see the entirety of Katoomba Falls and the Three Sisters as you look back towards Echo Point, as well as Sublime Point, Kings Tableland, Mount Solitary and Lake Gurragong.
You’ll also amble through 3km of lush forest, where you’ll hear the calls and maybe even see the displays of the delightful lyrebirds.
One of the main draws of Ruined Castle is you can climb it if you’re up for a fun challenge. At the top you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the area, including a fantastic view of Mount Solitary.
Best Walks From Blackheath
7. Cliff Top Walking Track
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? A 16-minute drive from Careel Cottages to the carpark at Govetts Leap in Blackheath.
- Estimated time: 3.5 hours, 6km return
- Difficulty: Grade 3, moderately challenging
- Lookouts and views: Cliff Top Track, Govetts Leap, Hayward Gully, Govetts Leap Brook, Grose Valley, Barrow Lookout, Bridal Veil Falls, Evans Lookout
Why is it worth it?
Govetts Leap Lookout is named after William Govett, the first European settler in the area, who discovered this lookout in 1831. From the picturesque Govetts Leap lookout, you will follow the Cliff Top Track overlooking the stunning Grose Valley.
You can also see one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Blue Mountains at Govetts Leap Brook, where the waterfall drops down for 200m into Grose Valley.
You’ll then move through pretty heathland, which is filled with wildflowers in the spring, and see if you can spot black cockatoos, king parrots, honeyeaters and other birdlife, as well as enjoying waterfall views from Barrow Lookout.
8. Grand Canyon Track
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? A 16-minute drive from Careel Cottages to either the Evan’s Lookout carpark, the Neates carpark or the Grand Canyon carpark in Blackheath.
- Estimated time: 3-4 hours, 6.3km loop
- Difficulty: Grade 3, moderately challenging
- Lookouts and views: Evan’s Lookout, Valley View Lookout, Greaves Creek, Beauchamp Falls, the Rotunda. Glow worms at night.
Why is it worth it?
You start your walk off well at Evan’s Lookout, with incredible views of Grose Valley from the get-go. Then you’ll move at a leisurely downhill pace through a wooded path, into the lush green canyon, before walking through rainforest gullies and rock-hopping over the creeks in this beautiful World-Heritage listed landscape.
The track and creek crossings are picturesque and mostly made of rocks, and you’ll pass by miniature waterfalls and plunge pools as you go.
It’s a loop, so if you haven’t brought a picnic, you could treat yourself to lunch in Blackheath town when you return.
If you’re daring enough to go down at night, the gully is filled with thousands of glow worms.
9. Lockleys Pylon Walking Track
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? A 24-minute drive to Lockley’s Pylon Trailhead on Mount Hay Road, where there is a small (10 cars approx.) car park.
- Estimated time: 2-3 hours, 7km return
- Difficulty: Grade 3, moderately challenging
- Lookouts and views: Grose Valley, Lockley’s Pylon, Mount Hay, Mount Banks
Why is it worth it?
This walk is deep in the bush and feels like entering a faraway world. This out-there track takes you through wildflowers and heath, up towards a peak overlooking the Grose Valley. You’ll see an interesting looking rock formation called The Pinnacles and views of Fortress Ridge and Fortress Creek too.
Fun fact: Lockley’s Pylon Track is named after J.G. Lockley, a writer who supported efforts to prevent deforestation in the Blue Gum Forest in the 1930s.
10. Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? A 22-minute drive to the parking area at the locked gate that marks the beginning of the Burramoko Ridge, on Ridgewell Road.
- Estimated time: 3 hours, 10km return
- Difficulty: Grade 3, medium
- Lookouts and views: Baltzer Lookout, Grose Valley, Hanging Rock.
Why is it worth it?
It’s a nice and easy, mostly flat trail which is good to walk or bike. Set deep in the Grose Wilderness, Burramoko trail leads you through forest and wildflowers, along a ridge to a dramatic rocky bluff, where you’ll see fantastic gorge views.
Baltzer Lookout will allow you breathtaking views of Grose Valley, and Hanging Rock is an absolutely striking part of the landscape, jutting out dramatically, making for a fantastic photo. It should, however, be treated with care.
Best walks from Wentworth Falls
11. Charles Darwin Walk (temporarily closed)
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? It’s just a 9-minute drive to Wilson Park, where this walk begins.
- Estimated time: 45 mins to 1 hr 15 mins, 2.4km
- Difficulty: Grade 3, easy-medium
- Lookouts and views: Wilson Park, Jamison Creek, Weeping Rock, Queen’s Cascades, Wentworth Falls, Sublime Point
Why is it worth it?
We all know Charles Darwin, and incredibly, he himself walked this very track back in 1836. It’s a relaxing and easy walk through the rainforest, past rockpools and cascades, including Weeping Rock waterfall, as this walk follows the Jamison Creek. As you might expect, the area is teaming with wildlife – particularly black cockatoos, shrub wrens and honeyeaters. You’ll also see Queen’s Cascades just before the magnificent Wentworth falls.
12. Wentworth Falls Track
- How far is the start of this walk from Careel Cottages? It’s just an 11-minute drive from the cottages to Wentworth Falls picnic area, where this walk begins.
- Estimated time: 45 mins – 1 hour
- Difficulty: Grade 3, moderate
- Lookouts and views: Wentworth Falls Lookout (of course), Fletchers Lookout, Jamison Lookout, Rocket Point Lookout, Princes Lookout.
Why is it worth it?
This wouldn’t be a list of Blue Mountains walks without including the renowned Wentworth Falls Track, where you will see the famous Wentworth Falls, a breathtaking 3-tiered, 187m high waterfall. Short and steep, you’ll descend to see the waterfall in all it’s glory. You can even swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall if you climb all the way down. Then you will ascend to see epic views from Fletchers Lookout.
As well as being able to see this iconic waterfall, you can also visit one of the cute coffee shops and cafes in Wentworth Falls Village for lunch.
What are some other things to do in Katoomba and the Blue Mountains?
We hope you find some great walks and beautiful views here. If you're looking for (even) more of a physical challenge and want to run some of the trails, you can check out our guide to the Ultra Trail Australia from Katoomba.
If you're looking for more outdoorsy things to do in the Blue Mountains, you can check out our guides to the Jenolan Caves, the Glow Worm Tunnel Walking track, Megalong Valley and Mayfield Garden. There's also so much to see in Katoomba and the other charming villages in the area, including some fabulous artisans and antique stores, which we've written about in our guide to the Best Shops and Boutiques in the Blue Mountains.
If you're looking for some well-deserved grub, a drink, or some entertainment after all of your exertion, we've put together some guides on the Best Restaurants in the Blue Mountains, the Best Pubs and Bars in the Blue Mountains, the Best Live Music in the Blue Mountains, and Blue Mountains Events. We hope you have an amazing stay.
Blue Mountains FAQs
For more useful information that will help you plan your stay, we invite you to take a look at our Visiting the Blue Mountains FAQ guide, which will help you plan when to come, what to wear, where to stay and more.