How to enjoy the Grand Cliff Top Walk in the Blue Mountains, NSW: a two-day guide
Key info:
- A short 10-minute car ride from Careel Cottages to Wentworth Falls.
- Or, a 5-minute taxi to Katoomba Station, then a 30-minute train ride from Katoomba Station to Wentworth Falls
- Distance: 19km one-way
- Estimated time: 9-12 hours.
- Difficulty: Grade 4, relatively difficult
- Lookouts and views include: Wentworth Falls, Jamison Lookout, Leura Cascades, Gordon Falls, the Pool of Siloam, Echo Point Lookout, the Three Sisters Giant Stairway, Lady Darley’s Lookout, Cliff View Lookout, Katoomba Falls, Prince Henry Picnic Area and Scenic World.
Why is it worth it?
The Grand Cliff Top Walk is a must-do for any scenery-lover. The walk offers fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains.
This brand new trail has been created to connect Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba, allowing the avid bushwalkers among us a chance to see some of the best sights the Blue Mountains have to offer, all in one walk!
How to enjoy it:
It’s a 19km one-way walk, which starts at Wentworth Falls and ends in Katoomba. The trail can be done in either one day or two, and if you’d prefer to do it in two, you’ll break up your walk with an overnight stay.
While some people recommend staying one night in Katoomba and one night in Leura, changing accommodation multiple times over one long weekend isn’t really the move! It’s much better to settle in and get comfy. So, this guide is designed for those staying in Katoomba both nights.
Day 1: Wentworth Falls to Leura
Wentworth Falls Lookout. Image via visitnsw.com
Fletchers Lookout. Image via sydneyuncovered.com
Wentworth Falls. Image via visitnsw.com
Wentworth Falls Lookout
Begin your walk at Wentworth Falls Lookout, where you can enjoy sensational views of the waterfall and the valley below. This is a great spot to start your journey with some memorable snaps.
Charles Darwin Walk
Move on to the Charles Darwin Walk and follow this trail along Jamison Creek. This section of the trail is relatively easy and offers beautiful scenery, leading you to the top of Wentworth Falls.
Jamison Lookout
Jamison Lookout is located near the beginning of the Charles Darwin Walk and offers a fantastic view over the expansive Jamison Valley. This lookout provides a panoramic view of the lush, forested valley and the towering cliffs that define the area. It's a great place to start your day and get a sense of the grandeur of the Blue Mountains.
Fletchers Lookout
Just a short walk from Jamison Lookout, Fletchers Lookout provides an excellent vantage point to see Wentworth Falls from above. From here, you can see the water cascading down the cliff face and into the valley below, creating a stunning and serene scene.
Wentworth Falls
Take your time appreciating Wentworth Falls, a spectacular waterfall that cascades into the Jamison Valley. The views from the top are breathtaking, and you can explore the area around the falls before continuing on the main trail.
Valley of the Waters Lookout
As you continue along the trail, you'll reach the Valley of the Waters Lookout. This lookout offers breathtaking views of the Valley of the Waters, where numerous waterfalls cascade down the cliffs into a lush, green valley. The sound of the waterfalls and the sight of the mist rising from the valley create a magical atmosphere.
Empress Falls Lookout
Empress Falls Lookout provides a close-up view of Empress Falls, a beautiful waterfall that plunges into a deep pool surrounded by ferns and mossy rocks. The lookout is easily accessible and offers a great spot to take a break and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waterfall. It's a popular spot for canyoners, so you might see some adventurous souls abseiling down the falls.
Leura Cascades
As you approach Leura, you'll come across Leura Cascades. This picturesque spot features a series of small waterfalls and tranquil pools, making it the ideal spot for a lunch break, or just a breather.
Gordon Falls Lookout
After Leura Cascades, continue to Gordon Falls Lookout, which offers sweeping views over Gordon Falls and the valley below.
The Pool of Siloam
After this you’ll see the serene Pool of Siloam, considered to be a bit of a ‘hidden gem’ along the trail. You can even take a cheeky dip if you like!
Sublime Point
You can also take a slight detour to Sublime Point for one of the most breathtaking views in the Blue Mountains.
End of Day 1: rest and refuel in Katoomba
After exploring Leura Cascades and the surrounding lookouts, head back to Katoomba for the night. You could either opt for dinner at one of the pubs or cafes in Leura or head back and spend the evening in Katoomba to enjoy the charming pubs and restaurants there.
Day 2: Leura to Katoomba
Return to Leura
Start your second day by taking a short 10-minute train ride from Katoomba Station to Leura Station, then a quick 4 minute taxi to Leura Cascades, or take a short 7 minute car ride from Careel Cottages back to Leura Cascades to resume your walk.
As you head towards Katoomba, you’ll stop at a number of fantastic lookouts.
Elysian Rock Lookout
This lookout offers heavenly views from above the clouds, with the cliffs and forest stretching out before you. It's a peaceful spot to take in the beauty of the Blue Mountains.
Olympian Rock Lookout
Another fantastic vantage point, Olympian Rock Lookout provides unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, making it a favourite among photographers.
Tarpeian Lookout
This lookout gives you a unique perspective of the Blue Mountains, offering a less crowded spot to enjoy the stunning scenery.
Bridal Veil View
Here, you can see the delicate Bridal Veil Falls as they flow gracefully over the cliffs. It's a serene and picturesque spot to take a quick break. And it’s clear how the name came about – the resemblance is uncanny!
Tallawalla Lookout
This lookout provides sweeping views of the valleys and cliffs, offering another stunning panorama of the Blue Mountains.
Katoomba Falls
As you approach Katoomba, you’ll of course stop at Katoomba Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades into the Jamison Valley.
Katoomba Falls. Image via bluemountainstoursydney.com.au
Echo Point Lookout. Image via nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Cliff View Lookout. Image via brookebeyond.com
Echo Point Lookout
A must do! As you near the end of your walk, Echo Point Lookout offers one of the most iconic views in the Blue Mountains, including the famous Three Sisters rock formation and the expansive Jamison Valley.
Lady Darley Lookout
Lady Darley's Lookout is another hidden gem in the Blue Mountains, offering great views of the Jamison Valley. Named after Lady Darley, this peaceful spot is perfect for a quiet moment.
Cliff View Lookout
The final lookout on your walk, Cliff View Lookout lives up to its name with jaw-dropping views of the Blue Mountains' cliffs. From here, you can see the sheer cliff faces rising from the valley floor. It's perfect for snapping panoramic photos and just taking in the epic natural beauty.
Return to Katoomba:
After finishing your walk at Echo Point, head back into Katoomba. You can refuel after the walk with dinner at one of the excellent local pubs. We can personally highly recommend The Bootlegger Bar, Station Bar or the Katoomba Family Hotel. And you can check out our full list of the best pubs in Katoomba for more ideas. Or if you just want to get straight home and get cosy, you can head back to Careel Cottages for a barbecue or a slow-cooked meal you prepared earlier. Either option is perfect for celebrating the completion of your walk!
Congratulations, you did it!
Splitting the walk over two days allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Blue Mountains without feeling rushed. Staying in Katoomba both nights offers the convenience of returning to a familiar place to relax and recharge, without having to pack and repack.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual walker, the Grand Cliff Top Walk offers something for everyone, making it a must-do on any Blue Mountains itinerary.
Planning and practical tips
Before embarking on the Grand Cliff Top Walk, proper planning is a must! So here are some of our top tips.
- Get a map ready: make sure you have a detailed map of the Blue Mountains and the Grand Cliff Top Walk. We recommend this one.
- Check the weather: the weather up here in the Blue Mountains can change very quickly. We recommend you check the forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Dress for the weather: layered clothing, waterproof jackets, and sturdy hiking boots are your friends!
- Bring the essentials: must-have items include a weatherproof jacket, warm clothes, a sunhat, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and mosquito repellent!
- Pack your snacks: carry enough water, snacks, and a packed lunch. There are limited facilities along the trail, so you’ll want to be self-sufficient.
- Stay safe: stay on marked paths and, of course, avoid venturing close to the cliff edges. Also, be mindful that the terrain can be slippery, especially if it’s been raining.
- Pace yourself: the trail can be a bit tough in parts, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. Rest as much as you need to along the way and stay hydrated.
- Enjoy the wildlife: keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds - such as honeyeaters, black cockatoos and lyrebirds, lizards – such as blue tongues and mountain dragons, and maybe even kangaroos!
- Get ready to take some great pics: you’ll want to bring a good camera or have your smartphone handy to capture the incredible views. A little tip: early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photography!
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.