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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 a freelance travel journalist. 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, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. 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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How to spend a restorative weekend on the Central Coast

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Leave the frenetic pace of city life behind for a weekend of relaxation and entertainment on the Central Coast.

    Home to more than 40 idyllic beaches, an eco-certified wilderness and a burgeoning hospitality scene, the Central Coast is a favoured holiday destination for good reason. Located just 90 minutes north of Sydney, you can easily enjoy a day trip here. But with so much to offer, this coastal haven deserves at least a weekend of your time – especially when a stay at Encore by Mingara makes lingering so effortless.

    Here’s how to spend a memorable weekend on the Central Coast discovering its best offerings.

    Day 1

    Afternoon

    Modern, comfortable room interiors at Encore by Mingara, designed for a restful stay on the Central Coast.
    Savour a slow morning before heading home.

    Holiday mode can be switched on as soon as you check into Encore by Mingara, a centrally located boutique hotel in Tumbi Umbi. Loved for its sleek rooms, diverse offerings and unbeatable location, in 2026 the property even received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Taking cues from its coastal surrounds, the hotel’s design is luxurious yet welcoming. A sophisticated palette of ocean blues, ochre and sand tones is complemented by light joinery and punctuated by abstract artworks by the hotel’s artist in residence, Sarah Isbel Hill.

    As the hotel is conveniently found in the Mingara Destination Precinct, you can spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the property’s impressive offerings. Energise the body at Mingara Recreation Club – complete with a world-class gym and Olympic-sized swimming pool – or pop into one of many restaurants or bars. You can also grab a wine from the bottle shop to imbibe in the comfort of your luxurious Harmony or Bravo suite; these generously sized rooms feature plush king beds, separate lounge spaces and dedicated working areas.

    Evening

    couple dining inside restaurant at encore by mingara
    Treat yourself to an evening of great food and cocktails.

    There’s no need to venture out when your hotel gives you access to fantastic dining options. Allow plenty of time to savour the culinary dishes at modern Australian restaurant, Hadley’s. Helmed by chef Peter Streckfuss, the relaxed eatery’s menu spans rib-sticking bites such as wood-fired pizzas and chicken parmigiana through to premium meats and fresh seafood. Pair them with the solid line-up of Australian and international wines.

    Mosey over to Hadley’s Bar for a post-dinner nightcap. The stylish cocktail lounge’s mixologists shake up masterful tipples using the bar’s extensive spirit collection, as well as pouring local craft beers and fine wines.   

    Day 2

    Morning

    Waterfall along the Girrakool Loop Track, at the Brisbane Water National Park, on the Central Coast.
    Explore the Central Coast’s great outdoors. (Image: Destination NSW)

    With so much happening onsite, it’s tempting to stay put, but early birds can start their day by catching the sunrise at nearby Toowoon Bay, where a vivid display of warm tones is reflected in the calm waters.

    Back at Mingara Recreation Club, top up your caffeine levels and try treats including scrolls, cakes, scones and tarts at The Roasted Berry. Or settle in for smashed avo or a mushroom bruschetta.

    Fuelled and ready to go, spend some time exploring the Central Coast’s natural beauty. The region is a playground for outdoor lovers who can discover the Brisbane Water National Park, a haven for hiking, cycling and fishing. The 12,000-hectare reserve features stunning waterfalls, including the three-tiered Somersby Falls, and vantage points such as the Staples Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay.

    Afternoon

    Friends enjoying a tour through Distillery Botanica, Erina.
    Sip the flavours of Distillery Botanica. (Image: Destination NSW)

    A well-deserved lunch in the garden at Distillery Botanica awaits just a 20-minute drive away. The brainchild of herbalist and master distiller Philip Moore, this innovative distillery is found in a lush landscape and produces a range of botanically infused craft spirits. Tuck into bruschetta, toasted sandwiches and charcuterie boards, paired with standout concoctions like the Framboise Martini with Botanica Vodka or Botanica Raspberry Liqueur, vanilla, lime and pineapple.

    Evening

    Head back to Encore by Mingara to freshen up for dinner at the onsite restaurant, Ming Dragon. The Chinese eatery offers a traditional yum cha experience with succulent favourites such as sweet and sour pork and steamed prawn dumplings.

    End the night on a high note with entertainment at Mingara Recreation Club. The jam-packed schedule includes live music, major touring acts and big-name tribute band performances, such as Live Baby Live: The INXS Tribute Show.

    Morning

    Breakfast at The Roasted Berry encore by mingara
    Enjoy breakfast at The Roasted Berry.

    The dreamy rooms at Encore by Mingara make sleeping in a little too easy, so take the morning at your own pace with a lie-in and a final swim or a yoga or pilates class. Amble down to The Roasted Berry for another delicious breakfast before your departure.

    Afternoon

    Guest examining a freshly farmed pearl on a tour of the Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
    End your escape with a pearl farm visit. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Another highlight of the Central Coast is the Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the Lower Hawkesbury River, a must-visit on your way home. Head to their ‘shellar door’ and join a tour out on the water, where you’ll discover their working oyster leases and indulge in the freshest Australian Akoya, Angasi and Sydney rock oysters. You’ll also get to witness a live pearl harvest and learn the fine art of pearl grading. Those with an appetite can also enjoy a gourmet grazing lunch while soaking up scenic river views. Commemorate the weekend with an elegant pearl memento from the farm’s shop.

    Start planning a Central Coast weekend at your own pace at encorebymingara.com.au.