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Blue Mountains Grand Cliff Top Walk to host inaugural 17.5km trail race

Credit: RBrand/DCCEEW

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Walkers and runners will pass through majestic ancient forest, along cliff-edge tracks.

It feels like just about everyone in Sydney has taken up running. And one of Australia’s most popular hiking tracks is responding to the trend by hosting an epic trail event along one of the country’s most photogenic escarpments. The inaugural Grand Cliff Top Race will take place on Sunday 12 April 2026 along the Grand Cliff Top Walk in Blue Mountains National Park, offering outdoor and runing enthusiasts a unique chance to partake in a scenic, professionally supported trail race.

People walking over a bridge along the Grand Cliff Top walk
Discover ancient forest along the way. (Image: RBrand/DCCEEW)

Organised by Blue Mountains Tourism (BMT), a not-for-profit body, the event is also a response to the community seeking out more nature-based activities. “The Grand Cliff Top Race is about connecting people to place," says Blue Mountains Tourism General Manager Lou Clifton. “It’s an opportunity to experience one of NSW’s most spectacular escarpment walks while directly contributing to the sustainable future of the Blue Mountains visitor economy. Every entry gives back."

Escarpment views on the Grand Cliff Top Walk
Epic views await. (Image: Lauren de Sousa)

Starting at the Charles Darwin Walk (Wentworth Falls) and finishing at Scenic World (Katoomba), the 17-kilometre trail event will showcase striking cliffside scenery, sweeping views across the Jamison Valley and several waterfalls such as Wentworth Falls. 

Open to all fitness levels, walkers and runners will have six hours to complete the event which will use staggered wave starts to reduce track congestion.

A couple hiking the Grand Cliff Top Walk in the Blue Mountains
This trail is one of the most beautiful in NSW. (Image: RBrand/DCCEEW)

Everyone’s a winner in this race, with all finishers receiving a race memento and a Blue Mountains Explorer bus pass. Podium prizes (male, female, non-binary categories) will also be awarded and forty-plus additional random prizes will be donated by local businesses. 

Those looking to make a weekend out of the event should refuel at one of the region’s best cafes or cosy pubs, and book a stay at one of the cute country accommodations in Leura or the delightful Ardour Lilianfels.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Details

When: Sunday 12 April 2026

Entry fee: $135. Funds are reinvested into destination marketing.

Registration: raceroster.com

Distance: 17 kilometres

Difficulty: Challenging yet beginner-friendly 

Start times: Wave A: runners aiming to complete the course in under 2:15; Wave B: 2:15-3:15; Wave C: 3:15-4:15; Wave D: 4.15-6hrs.

How to get there: Catching the train or car pooling is recommended.  Wentworth Falls Station is a short walk to the start line.

Parking: Parking is available at Wentworth Park. No parking available at Senic World or Wilson’s Car Park. 

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
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