A Guide To The Best Hikes In The Blue Mountains

Discover the secrets of the Mountains’ natural wonders with this ultimate guide to the best hikes, curated by a local expert.

The World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is home to the most visited national park in all of New South Wales. Stretching across one million hectares, its vast web of walking trails connects you to its immense natural beauty: from soaring sandstone cliffs to precious native wildlife and habitats, quiet rainforested glens to thundering and unceasing waterfalls—this guide will take you to its absolute best.

Upper Mountains

THE GRAND CANYON, BLACKHEATH

The award-winning Grand Canyon Track draws you down through impossible sandstone cliffs, amid a diverse array of habitats following the sound and pathway of an ancient waterway. It includes more than 1200 thoughtfully laid-out sandstone blocks designed to complement the natural stone and leads you through a surprising tunnel that kids will love.

Grand Canyon Walk, Blackheath, NSW — Wander under ancient trees along the way. (Image: Destination NSW)

One of the most popular day walks in the Blue Mountains, its thousand shades of green will lure you in and then reward you with dramatic views across the Grose Valley.

Distance: 6.3-kilometre loop
Time: Three to four hours
Difficulty: Grade 3 = some bush-walking experience necessary
Terrain: Well-maintained track, slippery and uneven in parts. Stairs: remember what goes down must come up.
Tips: If you start the loop walk from the Grand Canyon Carpark (which has a toilet) and walk in an anti-clockwise direction towards Neates Glen, you will be rewarded with expansive views from Evans Lookout at the end of your steep ascent.
Must-see sights: Take lunch or snacks and spend some time sitting by the creek listening to this hidden world.

FAIRFAX HERITAGE WALKING TRACK, BLACKHEATH

This track is an excellent choice for families wanting to connect young ones with nature, in a gentle, accessible trail guaranteed not to raise a sweat. Starting at the National Parks Visitors Centre, near Govetts Leap lookout, the wheelchair-friendly Fairfax Heritage Walking Track – which is also suitable for kids’ bikes – meanders through eucalypt and heath forest towards jaw-dropping views across the Grose Valley from the George Phillips Lookout and Govetts Leap.

Fairfax Heritage Walk in the Blue Mountains — The walking track is wheelchair friendly. (Image: Elinor Sheargold/DCCEEW)

Distance: 1.8 kilometres one way
Time: 30 to 45 minutes
Difficulty: Grade 1 = easy
Terrain: Well-formed and sealed track.
Tips: This walk can be enjoyed all year round, however, you’re guaranteed to see waratahs erupting in flower during October.
Must-see sights: Drop into the National Park Heritage Centre for helpful advice and to see the permanent ‘Outside In’ exhibition. Visitors can also experience the wonders of Claustral Canyon without getting wet with the NPWS virtual reality experience.

PORTERS PASS & COLLIERS CAUSEWAY, BLACKHEATH

Hidden away on the quiet side of Blackheath, the Porters Pass & Colliers Causeway track is popular with locals and rock climbers.

Starting at the Centennial Glen car park, just 1.2 kilometres from Blackheath Station, you’ll descend hand-carved rock steps beside the waterfalls and cascades of Centennial Glen Creek. As the track swings away from the creek, the path leads underneath soaring sandstone cliffs, as views to the Kanimbla Valley open before you. Rainforest gullies, dripping with green life draw you upwards, ascending to the top once again, where well-formed walking tracks and magical views close the loop back to the car.

Distance: 6 kilometres
Time: Four to five hours
Difficulty: Grade 4 = suitable for experienced hikers
Terrain: Uneven and slippery surfaces, natural rock steps
Tips: Start at the end of Centennial Glen Road, where there are toilets
Must-see sights: The views from Fort Rock across Kanimbla Valley

COXS CAVE CIRCUIT, MOUNT VICTORIA

Perfect for teens and those with an adventurous streak, the short Coxs Cave hike leads you away from the Mount Piddington Lookout and into what feels like a secret smugglers cave. Let your imagination go wild as you climb a steep exposed ladder and enter a hidden grotto, wondering about the lives of those who have taken shelter here over thousands of years.

Distance: 1.6 kilometres
Time: One hour
Difficulty: Grade 4
Terrain: Often wet, slippery and overgrown
Tips: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy

VICTORIA FALLS TRACK, MOUNT VICTORIA

If your knees are feeling strong and you love the idea of scrambling up behind a waterfall or cooling down with a wild swim, drive to Victoria Falls Lookout and descend the well-defined bush track to the Silver Cascades and Victoria Falls. After a refreshing dip, prepare yourself for the lung-busting 300-metre vertical ascent back to the car park.

Victoria Falls Track in the Blue Mountains — Cool off at the Victoria Creek Cascades along the way. (Image: Grant Purcell/DCCEEW)

Distance: Four-kilometre return
Time: Two hours
Difficulty: Grade 3
Terrain: Often wet, slippery and overgrown
Tips: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy and bring your cossie

SIX FOOT TRACK, KATOOMBA TO JENOLAN CAVES

The best known of the Blue Mountains’ multi-day hikes, this classic journey starts in Katoomba, ending three days and 45 kilometres later, at historic Jenolan Caves House. Originally built to be “six foot" wide (for horse and cart) you’ll need to carry all your own equipment (or go with a licenced guide) to tackle this epic historic route.

Six Foot Track in the Blue Mountains — The Six Foot Track is a multi-day hike. (Image: Elinor Sheargold/DCCEEW)

Distance: 45 kilometres
Time: Three days
Difficulty: Grade 4 = suitable for experienced hikers
Terrain: Established single track and fire trail. Steep ascents and descents.
Tips: Start early each day and avoid walking in summer. Consider staying at Six Foot Track Eco Lodge as an alternative to camping on night one.
Must-see sights: Stay overnight at Jenolan Caves House (circa 1896) to shower and rest after your adventurous journey. This place oozes old-world charm, while the ancient limestone caves it’s built upon draw you deep into the mysterious underground world. Take a guided tour in one of the show caves to top off your Jenolan experience.

WALLS CAVE, BLACKHEATH

It’s not surprising that you start to speak in whispers as you approach Walls Cave. This site was a significant habitation site for the local Darug people and its hallowed, wave-like sandstone roof feels like an embrace from the past.

Walls Cave Track in the Blue Mountains — Breathe in the fresh air along the Walls Cave Track. (Image: Stephen Alton/DCCEEW)

Distance: 1.8 kilometres return
Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Grade 3
Terrain: Well-maintained stairs and stepping stones
Tips: Stay inside the fence to help protect this heritage site
Must-see sights: If you’re sure-footed on slippery, rough tracks, take the side trip to the right to discover the hidden slot canyon.

Middle Mountains

GRAND CLIFF TOP WALK, WENTWORTH FALLS TO KATOOMBA

If you love the idea of a two-day hike in the Blue Mountains, but don’t want to camp, you’ll be wrapped by the latest addition to NSW National Parks’ 13 Great Walks .

Designed as a village-to-village walk in the European Camino style, this journey stretches 19 kilometres along the Jamison Valley escarpment with vast, yawning views (up to 50 kilometres on a good day) between Wentworth Falls Station and Scenic World at Katoomba.

Grand Cliff Top Walk, Blue Mountains, NSW — Soak in views over the Jamison Valley along the way. (Image: RBrand)

Pack your PJs and toothbrush with your usual day hike items, then take advantage of local accommodation and eateries in Leura.

Refuel at one of many great local dining options such as Sparrows for breakfast or sizzling Korean BBQ, Jiggle, for dinner. And if your tired muscles need a salve, you could immerse yourself in a traditional Finnish sauna (and cold plunge) at Blue Mountains Sauna .

Distance: 19 km
Time: 2 days
Difficulty: Grade 3
Terrain: Established single track, natural and landscaped steps
Tips: Best accessed by train to Wentworth Falls station, finishing with the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus or public bus from Scenic World.
Must-see sights: The Pool of Siloam waterfall is the perfect hidden spot for afternoon tea.

LYREBIRD DELL AND POOL OF SILOAM, LEURA

This short loop is perfect for people not wanting to step too far off the beaten track, yet hungry for a sense of wonder amid towering tree ferns, babbling brooks and waterfalls. Starting at Gordon Falls Reserve, (where you’ll find picnic facilities, toilets and a kids’ playground), take the Lone Lyrebird Track towards Lyrebird Dell Picnic Area .

Lyrebird Dell and Pool of Siloam Track in the Blue Mountains — Cross over bubbling brooks. (Image: Michael Arrell/DCCEEW)

It follows a peaceful creek, passing waterfalls and a historic picnic cave, before leading you down beside the magical Pool of Siloam.

Distance: 1.7-kilometre loop
Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hrs
Difficulty: Grade 3 = some bush-walking experience necessary
Terrain: An established well-signposted single track that can be a little overgrown at times.
Tips: Take the short side trip down the stairs to the stepping stones of the Pool of Siloam – a popular spot for keen photographers and a great spot for lunch. Don’t forget to take all your rubbish with you.
Must-see sights: The historic picnic cave (with tables) near the top waterfall provides a glimpse back to the 1930s when the Blue Mountains attracted honeymooners and weekenders to, ‘Take the Mountain Air’. It’s still a wonderful spot for a picnic today.

NATURE TRACK, WENTWORTH FALLS

If you’ve got kids who are up for a mild physical challenge (with the promise of a milkshake at the end), the Nature Track Wentworth Falls circuit can include moments of cooling off in mountain creeks, views across enclosed gullies and glimpses into Empress Canyon.

Framed by the constantly changing vegetation of mountain heath, lush fern-filled gullies and ironstone banded cliffs, this walk has a little bit of everything. Peer down over Lillians Bridge and spy canyoners in wetsuits below as you add another activity to your adventurous bucket list .

Nature Track, Wentworth Falls, NSW — The Nature Track is a walk the whole family can enjoy. (Image: Salton/DCCEEW)

Distance: 3.3-kilometre loop
Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Grade 3 = some bush-walking experience necessary
Terrain: Established walking track, uneven steps
Tips: Start at the Conservation Hut in Wentworth Falls and finish with a rewarding coffee and cake at the end. On a hot day you’ll be glad you wore your cossie underneath, to cool off in the creeks and pools before climbing back up the hill.
Must-see sights: The diversity of vegetation attracts myriad native birdlife. Take your time and allow moments of quiet to pause and listen for them; Edinburgh Castle Rock is the perfect place for this.

LOCKLEYS PYLON, LEURA

Crossing to the rarely-seen, North side of Leura, you’ll drive out on a fire trail, best accessed by AWD or 4WD vehicle. Heading out from the tiny car park (hint: parking can be tricky on busy weekends) you will venture out along an undulating ridgetop track with demanding views on all sides. As you approach the summit cairn at the end of the track, you’ll be gob-smacked by the top-of-the-world feeling and eagle’s point of view… look hard enough and you might even see a few.

Lockleys Pylon Track in the Blue Mountains — Meander through stunning wildflower heaths. (Image: Craig Marshall/DCCEEW)

Distance: 7-kilometre return
Time: Two to three hours
Difficulty: Grade 3 = some bush-walking experience necessary
Terrain: Uneven single track
Tips: Avoid after heavy or prolonged rain as the Mount Hay Road may become unpassable.
Must-see sights: The ancient sandstone layers of the Grose Gorge carved by water over millions of years.

SOUTH LAWSON WATERFALL CIRCUIT

Any landscape photographer worth their salt has heard about this multiple-falls walk in South Lawson Park , which dates back to the 1870s. Today, the three-kilometre track links five picturesque waterfalls on a well-formed track popular with locals as a dog-friendly bushwalk. Before heading down, grab lunch from the Lawson shops, where you’ll find a variety of good cafes, like the social enterprise Ben’s Cafe and Cortado Cafe.

South Lawson Waterfall Track, Lawson, NSW — Stop by Junction Falls to cool off. (Image: MCave/DCCEEW)

Distance: 3.5-kilometre circuit
Time: Two hours
Difficulty: Grade 2 = easy to moderate
Terrain: Established track, can be wet or slippery in parts
Tips: Start at the trailhead near 95 Honour Avenue, Lawson
Must-see sights: Managed by Blue Mountains City Council, dogs (on leash) are welcome to enjoy this bushwalk with you.

THE EMPIRE PASS TRACK VIA DANTES GLEN, LAWSON

One of Lawson’s local secrets, you’ll find the Empire Pass Track trailhead hidden away beyond the town’s 50-metre outdoor swimming pool. Hugging a small cliff overhang, a short section of steps leads you down to the faerie feel of Dantes Glen, only 15 minutes from the car.

If you’re after a short adventure, you can return from here, or keep walking along the verdant trail to take in St Michaels Falls and Frederica Falls. The full circuit is about five kilometres and follows a delightful creek through a deep oasis of ferns. A great walk with active kids to spark imaginations and dreams.

Distance: 5.1-kilometre loop
Time: 15 minutes to 2.5 hours for the full circuit
Difficulty: Grade 3 = some bush-walking experience necessary
Terrain: Established track, cross the creek on stepping stones, occasionally overgrown.
Tips: Look out for the old ruined tower as you drive through North Lawson to the trailhead. This is what remains of the 1882 Blue Mountain Sanatorium.
Must-see sights: In the warmer months, take your swimmers and spend the afternoon cooling off in one of the region’s best outdoor swimming pools or enjoy the picnic facilities at North Lawson Park.

Lower Mountains

BLUE GUM SWAMP & SHAWS RIDGE TRAIL, SPRINGWOOD/VALLEY HEIGHTS

Suitable for hiking, trail running or mountain biking, this 13-kilometre loop (including an optional side trip to the spectacular Grose Mountain Lookout) scratches all the itches: peaceful giant stands of grandmother trees, a breathless ascent to inflate the lungs, lonely, quiet views across the lesser visited lower Grose River and ancient connections Aboriginal heritage.

Distance: 13-kilometre loop
Time: 3.5 hours for the full circuit
Difficulty: Grade 2 = some bush-walking experience necessary
Terrain: Fire trails and well-formed walking track
Tips: Start early morning for a magical meander along the creek, accompanied by musical birdsong as the sun penetrates the towering Blue Gums.
Must-see sights: The rock platforms near Grose Mountain Lookout tell stories of the oldest living culture with axe-grinding grooves at viewpoints: an incredible ‘office’ to work in.

RED HANDS CAVE, GLENBROOK

Walk in the footsteps of Aboriginal people and gaze upon some of the best examples of stencil art in the Sydney Basin. This quiet gully is a haven for birds, reflecting the chatter of stories told long ago. The full loop leads you beside Campfire Creek, where you can see axe-grinding grooves and listen to water’s gentle flow on its way to Glenbrook Creek and Jellybean Pool.

Red Hands Track in the Blue Mountains — This well-formed track is good for beginners. (Image: Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW)

Distance: 8-kilometre loop
Time: 30 mins (shortcut) to 2.5 hours for the full circuit
Difficulty: Grade 2
Terrain: Well-formed walking track, some stairs and uneven surfaces
Tips: Cool down afterwards with a swim in Glenbrook Creek by following the signs to the Blue Pool
Must-see sights: You’re sure to spy wallabies, kangaroos and other wildlife in the early morning and late afternoon at nearby Euroka Clearing campground. Why not stay overnight and enjoy more walks the next day?

General tips for hiking in the Blue Mountains

The easiest way to keep safe when hiking is to remember the acronym, TREK .

T = Take what you need
R = Register your intentions (tell someone where you’re going)
E = Emergency communications (mobile phones don’t always work in the gullies, so grab a Personal Locator Beacon if you’re heading somewhere remote)
K = Know your route and stick to it (grab a map and download the helpful NPWS App ).

Blue Mountains lookouts

By its very nature—a gradually rising plateau—the Blue Mountains is fringed with dramatic lookouts and viewpoints from almost every angle. With weeks to uncover them, you would still not see them all. By learning the key outlooks and which valleys they sit in judgment over, you can ensure you capture the best from every angle and time of day. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and narrowed it down to the best of the best.

TO THE NORTH: Grose Valley (Blackheath, Medlow Bath, North Leura)

Anvil Rock (via Perry’s Lookdown Road)
Baltzer Lookout with views to Hanging Rock (accessed via an 11.3 km return hike along a firetrail, at the end of Ridgewell Road)
Govetts Leap (wheelchair accessible)
Evans Lookout (wheelchair accessible)
Mount Banks (via Bells Line of Road)
Walls Lookout (via Bells Line of Road)

Govetts Leap Lookout, Blackheath, NSW — Witness the sun dip below the mountains at Govetts Leap. (Image: Destination NSW)

TO THE SOUTH WEST: Megalong Valley (Blackheath, Katoomba)

Hargraves Lookout (end of Shipley Road, Blackheath)
Cahills Lookout (Cliff Drive, Katoomba)
Narrowneck Lookout (Cliff Drive, Katoomba)

Cahills Lookout, Katoomba, NSW — Cahills Lookout is located just outside Katoomba. (Image: Destination NSW)

TO THE SOUTH: Jamison and Kedumba Valleys (Katoomba, Leura)

Cliff View Lookout (Prince Henry Cliff Top Walk, near Scenic World)
Echo Point (Three Sisters)
Olympian Rock (via Olympian Parade)
Sublime Point (end of Sublime Point Road)
Fletchers Lookout with views of Wentworth Falls (via Wentworth Falls Picnic Area)

Echo Point Lookout, Katoomba, NSW — Admire the Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout. (Image: Destination NSW)

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Newcastle Live (@newcastlelive)

3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Creator Incubator (@thecreatorincubator)

5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

A guide to the best walks in the Blue Mountains