Blue Mountains (Katoomba)

This walk provides the shortest access to Lady Darley Lookout from the road. Starting from Panorama Dr, in Katoomba, the walk heads down a hill with stairs, to the lookout. The lookout is on the Prince Henry Cliff walk, and provides great views of the Kedumba Valley. Although popular, this is much less busy than the nearby Echo point lookout.

Total climbing: 50m

This short walk starts at Katoomba Falls Park, on Cliff Drive. The track heads down to the popular Katoomba Cascades. There is some shade and a bench seat at the base of the falls. There are a few spots to enjoy a snack or get the feet wet on a hot day. An optional side trip can extend the walk to follow the Kedumba river to the spot it falls into the valley, a few hundred meters below, providing excellent views.

Total climbing: 19m

This walk starts near Katoomba Kiosk, opposite Katoomba Park, on Cliff Drive. The walk heads through the bush, on a well established track, out to Reids Plateau. The loop around Reids Plateau explores several lookouts and the bush through the area. There are a couple of short side trips out to extra lookouts, including one that passes through a natural tunnel. Reids Plateau Picnic area has a few picnic tables, shelter, and a great view making a great spot for a picnic lunch.

Total climbing: 29m

This very pleasant walk starts from the Katoomba Falls Park. The walk explores the cliffs and dense vegetation in the area, and enters the Blue Mountains National Park to enjoy the views from the Cliff View Lookout. The lookout provides stunning views up the Kedumba Valley. The walk is well signposted, has handrails and fencing. The walk passes under the skyway just below the eastern station. An easy walk with spectacular views.

Total climbing: 38m

This short walk starts from, and returns to, the Carrington Park track head and winds down along the Prince Henry cliff walk to the Burrabarroo Lookout. There are great views across the Jamison valley and Leura Forest from the lookout. Being such a short walk to a great lookout, this is a great walk if you don’t have a lot of time to spare, but still want to see a great piece of the mountains.

Total climbing: 52m

This walk starts at Silver Mist Park and follows a section of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The walk visits Tallawalla Lookout, with great views up the valley, and Honeymoon Lookout. An optional side trip, taking in more views from Banksia Lookout, is great if you are still feeling energetic. Either organise someone to pick you up at Honeymoon Point, or head back to your car along Cliff Drive.

Total climbing: 40m

This is a short walk out from the beautiful Leura Park. The walk heads past cliffs, the cascades, large ferns and even a historic bridge. The walk is a great one to do between meals at a picnic. Leura Cascades themselves are a great set of waterfalls, and worth taking the camera for.

Total climbing: 62m

A great walk exploring the upper section of Furber Steps. Starting at the Katoomba Kiosk, this walk visits Witches Leap, Juliets Balcony and Vanimans Lookout to loop back to the Kiosk. There are great views down the Kedumba Valley and of many of the surrounding features. A well shaded walk with some pleasant rain forest areas along a well signposted track. There are plenty of stairs, mostly with handrails.

Total climbing: 52m

This popular walk descends into the Jamison Valley, passing great views of Mt Solitary and Katoomba Falls. Be sure to allow time to explore as many of the side trips as possible as these are just amazing (especially the cascading water at Katoomba Falls). To save the walk back up the hill, take a ride on the Scenic Railway (make sure you get there before the last train at 4:50pm).

Total climbing: 46m

This walk leads from the information center at Echo Point down through the Blue Mountains National Park to Oreades Lookout. It is a popular walk and follows a smooth concreted path the whole way. There are no steps but sections do get steep in places. The short side trip to Spooners lookout is well worth the extra effort. A lovely walk suitable for the whole family.

Total climbing: 48m

This short walk starts from, and returns to, the Carrington park track head and takes you to the Bridal Veil Lookout, on the western side of the Leura Cascades. This lookout provides you with a spectacular view, just a short stroll from Katoomba. This is a great walk for those keen to start bushwalking. There are a couple of other possible side trips to lookouts along the way.

Total climbing: 69m

Going from Echo Point (the most popular lookout in the Blue Mountains) to the Three Sisters (one of Australia’s most famous landmarks), this walk is extremely popular with both tourists and locals, and rightly so. Be prepared for great views of Mt Solitary, the Jamison Valley and especially great views of the Three Sisters. You can even cross a bridge to stand in a cave on one of the Sisters.

Total climbing: 100m

A great circuit walk near Scenic World, Katoomba. This walk heads into a temperate rain forest, following a shrouded trail through Witches Leap, a small creek crossing, before emerging near Katoomba Kiosk. The kiosk is a good spot to stop for a coffee before heading back along the flat trail to Scenic World. Special features of this walk include the great views from Juliet’s Balcony.

Total climbing: 89m
Note: There is no car transport option to the start of this walk.

This is a excellent return walk, starting from the Katoomba kiosk and winding down to the Furber Steps, where it continues along a well signposted side track to the Katoomba Falls lookout. As this walk starts and finishes at the Kiosk, it is can be a great place to grab some tucker before heading off on the walk, or for a coffee afterwards.

Total climbing: 116m

This walk starts from Scenic World and winds part way down the Furber Steps and along a small, well travelled side track to the Katoomba Falls lookout. Providing great views, and plenty of visitor information at Scenic World, this is a great walk for those who like waterfalls, ferns and grottos, and don’t mind steps.

Total climbing: 146m

The walk out to Copelands Lookout and back is a walk with some variety. The track winds down past some cascades, then past some views into the Jamison Valley and then another view of the cascades. This walk is capped off with the view from Copelands Lookout before returning to Leura Park.

Total climbing: 99m

For those looking for a walk involving more than simple boardwalk, this trail winding through the temperate rain forest could be just the thing. Katoomba Falls cannot fail to dazzle as they cascade down the cliffs, and the opportunity to stop for a quick cup of coffee in Katoomba Falls Kiosk makes this walk all the more appealing.

Total climbing: 159m

This walk starts from the Katoomba Kiosk, on Cliff Drive, winds down to the bottom of Furber Steps and continues to the base of the Katoomba Falls. There are optional side trips to Katoomba Falls lookout and Vera’s Grotto on the way. By the creek at the base of Katoomba Falls is a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch, before walking back up the hill (alternatively, catch the scenic railway back up).

Total climbing: 272m

This walk explores the eastern end of Federal Pass track. Starting near Carrington Park, on Cliff Drive, the walk descends steeply, passing the Jamieson Lookout, Fern Bower and Lila and Linda falls. A couple more stair cases and the track comes to Marguerite Cascades. A side trip down to Laura Forest is also described, this is a nice spot to rest.

Total climbing: 368m

This pleasant walk starts at the popular Scenic World, in Katoomba, where the Scenic Railway and the Skyway are located. The walk finds its way down the Furber steps, where there are some great side trips to lookouts. At the bottom, the walk heads around through the forest to the base of the Katoomba falls. This is a great spot for a lunch break before tackling the climb back up to the top.

Total climbing: 302m

This walk is a lovely clifftop walk above the Jamison Valley, with extensive views out to Mt Solitary. The Three Sisters make a wonderful highlight, along with great views from Echo Point Lookout. The walk takes in many additional lookouts along the way, each with its own unique view of the Blue Mountains.

Total climbing: 196m

This walk is relatively short and takes in some magnificent views. The walk visits Olympian, Bridal Veil View and Tarpeian Lookouts, which are all perched high on top of the cliffs. A great walk, exploring some of the quieter, but still very spectacular, lookouts in the Blue Mountains.

Total climbing: 170m

This walk has heritage interest and views, starting at the famous Explorers Tree and finishing with views of the cliffs from Nellie’s Glen lookout. The briefness of this walk makes it a great way to finish your 6 Foot Track walk if you have come from Jenolan. It’s also a great way to start the 6 Foot Track by seeing the terrain.

Total climbing: 117m

This is one of the most popular tourist walks in the Katoomba area. The walk follows the cliffs along a well maintained and signposted track between two popular destinations, Scenic World and Echo Point. You will see amazing views of the Jamison Valley and Mt Solitary before enjoying the majesty of the Three Sisters.

Total climbing: 192m

This short walk explores the Blue Mountains National Park just west of Katoomba, winding around the cliff tops to the Nellies Glen lookout, and offering a side trip to the Therabulat Lookout, both of which provide great views across the Megalong Valley. This walk can be enjoyed by the whole family and offers a great introduction to what the National Park has to offer.

Total climbing: 215m

This walk follows the Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Echo point to the Scenic Skyway eastern station. The pleasant cliff top walk explores many great lookouts. There is the option to go for a ride on the Skyway one way or return (fee applies). This walk can be done one way, there is vehicle access at both ends of the Skyway.

Total climbing: 280m

This walk starts from Carrington Park and winds down into the valley below, to Leura Forest. Leura Forest was a pleasure ground in years gone by, and now boasts a nice little picnic area with a shelter, picnic tables and seats. This is a great spot for lunch. Take some time to explore the forest before climbing back up the valley the way you came.

Total climbing: 432m

A great walk for those exploring Scenic World as it passes the old coal-mining sites of Katoomba. Following the base of the cliffs the views are largely shrouded until breaking out into the open at the Landslide. As you walk, be sure to look up and see if you can spot any abseilers, especially in the Malaita Point area.

Total climbing: 353m

This walk starts at the world renowned Echo Point lookout. After exploring the Three Sisters, the walk descends steeply into the valley and meanders around the base of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. A leisurely and exciting ride up the Scenic Railway replaces the long walk back up the hill.

Total climbing: 282m

This walk starts at the most popular lookout in the Blue Mountains, and passes one of Australia’s most famous landmarks, The Three Sisters. After descending into the valley and enjoying the views along the bottom of the cliffs you catch the scenic railway back up the hill. With great views of the valley, and a beautiful forest environment, this is a popular walk. All the more because at the end, the world’s steepest railway is available to take walkers back up to the top of the cliffs. This walk is not suitable for people with heart or breathing difficulties and for those with a fear of heights.

Total climbing: 273m

From one magnificent lookout to more magnificent lookouts of the Jamison Valley this walk just gets better as it heads from the highly popular Echo Point, to Katoomba Falls. Hidden below Katoomba Park these falls are enchanting to watch as the water cascades down the rocks and along the stream. From here, the walk continues for a short distance to another great lookout before returning to Echo Point.

Total climbing: 310m
Note: There is no car transport option to the start of this walk.

Starting at Australia’s most popular lookout and passing one of the most beautiful sets of waterfalls in this part of the park, this is one of the most breathtaking cliff walks around Katoomba. Signposted as part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, this walk passes stunning lookouts including Copelands, Burrabarroo and Honeymoon lookouts. Each of these offers surprise after surprise in their magnificence.

Total climbing: 204m

This walk explores the area around the wonderful Leura Cascades. The track includes many of the great viewing points for the falls. The walk also provides some other great views out across the Jamison Valley. A wonderful walk to enjoy the Bridal View lookout.

Total climbing: 224m

Starting at Leura Park, this walk passes above Leura Cascades before working its way along the route of Prince Henry’s Cliff Walk. The walk winds past many lookouts with brilliant views over the Jamison Valley. The views are even more exceptional from the turn-around point at Gordon Falls Lookout.

Total climbing: 380m

This walk starts from the popular Echo Point, in Katoomba, and winds down to the base of the Three Sisters via the Giant Stairs. From the bottom of the stairs the track follows Dardanelles pass to the Leura Forest, a great place for lunch. The track then heads back to the Giant Stairs along the Federal Pass and climbs back up to Echo Point. This walk will visits popular and hidden treasures of the area.

Total climbing: 512m

This short walk takes you from the western end of Katoomba, initially following the cliff line, then following Pulpit Hill Road to the Explorers Tree. There are optional side trips to lookouts, providing great views across the Megalong Valley. In addition to the great views, the walk provides the opportunity to see a piece of Australian heritage.

Total climbing: 302m

Following the cliffs, this track is primarily a lookout track with frequent, fantastic views of the Jamison Valley. These lookouts can be accessed directly from the track, without the frequent side trips (and thus backtracking) of other Katoomba cliff walks. On reaching Barrabaroo Lookout, the trail heads back along the cliffs to the extremely popular Echo Point.

Total climbing: 258m

From the locked gate on Glenraphael Dr, on Narrow Neck, this walk heads out to Castle Head lookout. From the Lookout, there are fantastic views over the Jamison Valley back to Katoomba and over to Mount Solitary. You get a birds eye view of Ruined Castle, and distant views of the Three Sisters. Much of the walk follows the western escarpment, giving views most of the way. The road out to the gate is dirt, and is generally well maintained.

Total climbing: 229m

The Federal Pass is an excellent track that guides you past much of Katoomba’s iconic scenery. The walk starts from Cliff Drive, in Leura, and winds into the Jamison Valley, exploring Leura Forest and passing the base of the Three Sisters. The walk follows the historic Federal Pass beneath Katoomba Falls, before you catch the Scenic Railway out of the valley (the last train up is at 4:50pm).

Total climbing: 433m

The Federal Pass is an excellent track that guides you past much of Katoomba’s iconic scenery. The walk starts from Cliff Drive, in Leura, and winds into the Jamison Valley, exploring Leura Forest and passing the base of the Three Sisters. The walk follows the historic Federal Pass beneath Katoomba Falls, before you catch the Scenic Railway out of the valley (the last train up is at 4:50pm).

Total climbing: 433m

This walk is a fantastic way to see Leura Forest. The walk descends from Carrington Park, visiting Leura Forest and following a loop along the base of the cliffs and beneath the Three Sisters, before climbing back up to Carrington Park. This walk explores a variety of forests types and a few waterfalls. Leura Forest is a lovely picnic area, a great place to relax.

Total climbing: 674m

Forming a circuit around the cliffs and then the valley floor, this is a walk more then capable of convincing a walker of the beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park. There are plenty of fantastic views including Echo Point, Tallawarra Lookout and Honeymoon Point. Leura Forest is a great spot to break for lunch, and there is even an opportunity to cross a bridge to one of the Three Sisters. This walk has it all.

Total climbing: 588m

This walk offers a grand way to explore above and below the cliffline of Echo Point in Katoomba. Starting and finishing at Echo Point, the walk passes the Three Sisters and heads down the steep Giant Staircase. The walk along Dardenelles Pass is lovely as it winds through many areas of rainforest. The walk then climbs up Federal Pass and returns to the scenic Echo Point along the cliff tops.

Total climbing: 595m

This walk starts from the popular Scenic World, in Katoomba, and winds down the Furber steps into the Jamison Valley, following the bush track around the Three Sisters, before climbing up the Giant Staircase and returning along the clifftops. This walk takes you on a crash course of the Blue Mountains National Park, providing you with great views, green forests, and iconic rock formations.

Total climbing: 722m

Exploring below the cliffs on the western side of the Scenic Railway, this walk passes some spectacular lookouts, especially the view from the Landslide. In addition to this, it goes through beautiful shrouded forest before climbing steeply up the Golden Staircase. Once out of the valley, be prepared for a long walk back along dirt and asphalt roads to Scenic World.

Total climbing: 723m

Any walk that begins with a trip on the world’s steepest railway is bound to be exciting, but its the tranquility of Leura Forest that makes this walk extra special. From the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk goes through the cool forest at the base of the cliffs, until reaching Leura Forest. This is a great spot to relax and enjoy the serenity of a day in the bush before returning back along the bush track.

Total climbing: 622m

This walk starts from the popular Scenic World tourist spot. The walk winds down into the Jamison Valley via the Furber steps, heads west around the edge of the valley, past the landslide, and climbs the Golden Stairs, before returning to Scenic World along the roads. This is a great day walk, providing access to some nice, optional side trips. As an alternative to the walk down, you can take the popular Scenic Railway down into the Jamison Valley.

Total climbing: 769m

Going from Katoomba to Leura, this walk covers the top of the cliff line and most of the major lookouts. With brilliant vistas all along the way, the views of the Jamison Valley are truly amazing. Time should be set aside to dawdle along the cliffs and soak up the serenity of the cliffs.

Total climbing: 575m

Enjoying a variety of different environments, Devil’s Hole trail descends into the valley below Katoomba via the Six Foot Track, before rising up through the difficult, and often slippery, Devil’s Hole. This is definitely one of the more difficult trails in the area. Walkers can enjoy great views from the top of the valley at both ends of the walk, as well as an extremely pretty creek environment as the track passes through Nellie’s Glen.

Total climbing: 572m

Entering into the Jamison Valley via the popular Golden Staircase, this walk climbs one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Jamison Valley – The Ruined Castle. A beautiful rock formation that offers great views over the valley as far as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. Explore some of the history of the coal mining in this part of the Jamison Valley.

Total climbing: 666m

This is a great walk, with much to offer photographers and those who only have a day in Katoomba. The walk descends into the valley from Solitary Kiosk before climbing up the scenic (and steep) Furber steps and soaking up the views around the rim of the valley. A great way to take in both the valley and the cliff tops of Katoomba.

Total climbing: 1009m

With quite significant hills, this is a great walk is for the day-walker looking for something more challenging than the average Katoomba cliff top walk. With fantastic views at Botting’s Lookout, from the top of the Ruined Castle, and especially good views from Mt Solitary, this walk is well worth the time invested.

Total climbing: 1048m

This is a very popular, full day walk, in the Katoomba Area, offering great views of the valley. The walk follows the edge of the cliffs, through the undergrowth, from the Scenic Railway to the Ruined Castle. There are great views to enjoy from the Ruined Castle. Arrive back in time to catch the Scenic Railway back up, or be prepared for the walk up Furber Steps, an alternate exit.

Total climbing: 963m

Starting from Megalong Rd, this walk will take you past the historic Megalong Cemetery and then through some farmland as you wander along private dirt roads on part of the Six Foot Track. Just shy of 1km into the walk, you will then follow a track as it crosses the Guyvey Bridge and meanders through the pleasant open farmland with views of the distant escarpment. In time, the walk leaves the farms and explores the more dense forest and granite boulders before coming to the granite carved Coxs River. There is a chance to explore the river up close or take a bird’s-eye view from the swing bridge. The tracknotes also describe a side trip to the Six Foot Track lodge, great if you want to stay and explore the area for longer.

Total climbing: 772m

One of the longer day-walks in the Katoomba area, this track goes from the very popular Scenic World to the fantastic lookout on top of the Ruined Castle and then on to the amazing Mt Solitary. Be prepared for a long, but amazing, day of viewing the Jamison Valley. Make sure you are back to catch the train up in time, or be prepared to walk out one of the alternate routes, either via Furber Steps or via the Golden Staircase.

Total climbing: 1345m

This walk follows the Glenraphael Drive management trail along Narrow Neck, enjoying plenty of great views of the Jamison Valley and across to Mount Solitary. The climb down Taro’s ladder requires skill, and much care and caution should be used. There are plenty of pleasant spots to rest along the way. As this walk follows the management trail, there are likely to be people on mountain bikes sharing the area.

Total climbing: 671m

This is the two day version of this popular and challenging walk. This walk passes popular sights including the Landslide, Ruined Castle, Mt Solitary and Wentworth Falls, and is a great way to explore the Jamison Valley. Water is rarely available at the campsite, with the Kedumba River being the only source of reliable water in the middle of this walk.

Total climbing: 2135m

Circling the Jamison Valley, this spectacular three day walk is packed with great views and beautiful scenery. From Scenic World the walk heads around the base of the cliffs before climbing up to the Ruined Castle and then Mt Solitary. Walkers can rest in the sheltered Chinaman’s Gully campsite overnight (don’t expect water). Day two takes a rough track across Solitary and down to the Kedumba River. On the third day, the walk climbs to King’s Tableland and the beautiful and amazing Wentworth Falls.

Total climbing: 2147m

On this 3 day walk you will explore some remote areas around the Kedumba Valley, and some of the most famous spots in the Blue Mountains. The walks starts at Scenic World to head down Furber Steps and follow the Federal pass past the Scenic Railway, the land slide, to an optional side trip up Ruined Castle. The walk then climbs steeply up to Mount Solitary to stay the night. The next day the walk heads steeply down to cross the Kedumba River then follows the trail through the valley to stay near Leura Creek. Day three brings you back to the federal pass, the up the Giant Stair case, past the Thee Sisters and some grand lookouts back to the start of the walk.

Total climbing: 2863m

This classic walk takes you from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves via a historic horse route. The walk travels mainly along well-maintained service tracks and explores Nellie’s Glen, Megalong Valley, Cox’s River, Black Range, and Jenolan. There are well established and popular campsites along the way.

Total climbing: 2066m

The Six Foot Track is a classic walk which takes you from the Explorers Tree in Katoomba out to the amazing Jenolan Caves. This walk stays the night in Alum Creek Reserve before tackling the long hill up to Black Range Road. The walk is a classic and normally done in 3 days, this two day option is for the fit and keen.

Total climbing: 2066m

This tough, three day walk descends from Katoomba to the peaceful Megalong Valley. It uses the Six Foot Track to navigate its way down to the Cox’s River from where it returns to Katoomba via Dunphy’s campsite and Narrowneck. The walk has some stunning panoramas which are complemented by the close-up views over the Cox’s River and Katoomba cliffs. These notes are now several years old, and the environment will have changed, This walk is only for people comfortable walking off track, dealing with cliff passes and steep terrain in remote areas.

Total climbing: 2390m

This walk is a great, two day walk that drops down from Katoomba to Cox’s River in the Megalong Valley. From the scenic Cox’s River, the walk returns to Katoomba via Dunphy’s campsite and Narrowneck. The trip is two solid days of walking that takes in some breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains. These notes are now several years old, and the environment will have changed, This walk is only for people comfortable walking off track, dealing with cliff passes and steep terrain in remote areas.

Total climbing: 2390m