Blue Mountains

Highlights

Grand Canyon, Blackheath

Grade 3, Loop 6.3km

This is without question one of the most beautiful walks in the Blue Mountains, if not all of Australia, and that’s not just what the locals think! The well-trodden loop track will take you into the heart of this World Heritage-listed landscape and on a personal journey of discovery; this particular track was opened in 1907 and has left its visitors in awe ever since.

Setting out from Evans lookout, the well-shaded track meanders through remarkable native vegetation of ferns and golden wattles; stepping stones show us the way as we weave back and forth across Greaves Creek.

After navigating a ledge above Blackheath’s Grand Canyon we will meander though lush rainforest gullies, pass by stunning rock overhangs and dramatic waterfalls; as walkers we tend to keep our eyes on the track ahead but be sure to look up occasionally at the towering sandstone walls, take in the beauty of the Australian bush and feel the mist on your face from the breathtaking waterfalls. Let this moment in nature soak in to your bones and fill your heart with simple joy.

About halfway in to our journey we will walk through a narrow sandstone tunnel and cross under a trickling waterfall, soon we will reach a ledge on our left where we will take a moment to admire the views of the canyon below. Take this time to have a drink, take a photo or just reflect on the journey so far before making our way down to the canyon floor.

This incredibly beautiful walk concludes with us returning up to the carpark and a shortcut back to our vehicle at Evans Lookout for our last glance at the awe inspiring views of the Grose and Govetts Creek Valleys.

Mt Solitary, Katoomba

Grade 5, Loop 18km

Mt Solitary is an isolated sandstone plateau, easily visible from Echo Point that stands alone in the Jamison Valley below Katoomba. Today’s walk is the most challenging of our fantastic exploration of the Blue Mountains so far but don’t worry, the last couple of days of bushwalking will hold you in good stead for the trek ahead.

We will begin our walk on Narrow Neck and make our way down the Golden Stairs to the beautiful valley floor. If time permits, and you would like to, we may take a side track and that leads to a large collection of rocky boulders affectionately known as the Ruined Castle, the perfect spot to take a minute to yourself and reflect on your journey so far. By this point in your holiday hopefully all the thoughts and stresses of ‘normal’ life have disappeared and you have completely given yourself over to the wonder of nature and her healing powers.

We will spend some time enjoying the valley floor before doing a bit of rock scrambling up the knife-edge ridge to the first peak which is about half way to the top. Here you will witness incredible vistas looking back at where we have just travelled as well as Katoomba and the iconic Three Sisters.

When we reach Chinaman’s Gully via a short detour you’ll be rewarded with more spectacular views and be able to take in the enormity of Lake Burragorang, a man mad reservoir that holds over four times the capacity of Sydney Harbour and provides almost 70% of Sydney’s drinking water. Keep an eye out and camera ready as you may witness the mighty wedge-tailed eagles surfing the valley thermals.

Take a minute to bask in spellbinding views across the untamed Jamison Valley. To the south, you will spot the rugged ravines of the Wild Dog Mountains and the unspoilt Southern Highlands. Keep an ear out for the distinctive call of peregrine falcons as they swoop at lightning speed on their prey.

We will finish this fantastic walk by retracing our steps up the Golden Stairs and the Narrow Neck. At the end of today’s epic journey, give yourself a hug and revel in the knowledge you have accomplished something pretty special and rare that is giving yourself the gift of time and space to bring clarity to the mind and peace to the soul… and you did it just one step at a time.

Rodrigues, Blackheath

Grade 5, Loop 12km

Rodriguez Pass walking track is a must for experienced bushwalkers looking for a heart-pumping day hike so put on your walking shoes and let’s get going!

Descending the steep track from Govetts Leap, we will pass a large swamp before making your way down the steep cliff line. Don’t let the name ‘leap’ alarm you! It is not a suggestion but a Scottish word for waterfall and that’s what you’ll see, from every angle on Govetts Leap descent into the wilderness of Grose Valley in Blue Mountains National Park.

This is a hard track but you will find yourself refreshed on the steep walk down by nature’s own spritzer as crystal clear droplets fall from the moist moss clinging to the cliff walls above. These cliffs are covered by spectacular hanging swamps, and the ecologically endangered Isopogon Fletchers, which is a rare shrub species endemic to the Blue Mountains. They are more commonly called ‘drumsticks’ and are one of the many features that make this walk so unique.

Birdlife is prolific in this part of the Blue Mountains; keep an eye out for the red headed gang gang and yellow tailed black cockatoo. Don’t forget to take a minute to breath in the distinctive perfume of the native bush as she calls your soul back to balance.

At the base of the valley stands the majestic Blue Gum Forest, a large stand of Eucalyptus deanei trees on the junction of the Grose River and Govetts Creek, this area is also known as the spiritual home of bushwalking in NSW.  The historical and natural significance of the mighty Blue Gum Forest can’t be understated. It’s spoken of in hushed tones by those who know of it, and once seen, is never forgotten. Saved from the axe in 1932, it has been the focus for many subsequent conservation campaigns and is now protected. Despite being burnt in 2006, it has recovered well.

After spending time exploring the forest and valley floor we will retrace our steps back up via Beauchamps Falls, part of Grand Canyon, and on to Evans Lookout. A cliff walk will take us back to our car at Govetts Leap and from there we will drive back to your base in the gorgeous township of Katoomba. As we head back to your accommodation take a minute to hold on to the energy you felt while standing among those ancient gum trees, let it seep in to your cells and energize your body while at the same to soothe your soul. Be proud of another day’s exploration of nature and yourself…as always just one step at a time.

Wentworth Pass

Grade 4, Steep 5km

The Wentworth Falls and Wentworth Pass is one of the most popular and challenging hiking tracks in the Blue Mountains. The name Wentworth Falls refers to the famous 3-tiered, 187m high waterfall, but it is also the name of the town where the waterfall is located.

This is a loop walk so your guide will decide on the day which direction the group will take but any which way be prepared for a truly special experience that will leave you a little breathless and completely invigorated.

Before you head down to the basin there are a couple of notable lookouts from which to get your bearings and a sense of place. Jamison lookout is not far from the picnic area and while you can’t see the waterfall from this spot the views are amazing enough to get you excited about what lies ahead. Wentworth Falls lookout is where you can enjoy astounding views of the Kings Tableland, Sublime Point and the Narrow Neck escarpments. This is the perfect place to truly comprehend and appreciate the scope of this World Heritage listed area.

As part of the Wentworth Pass trail you will get to experience the exhilarating enjoyment of the Undercliff walk; a cliff edge path that’s sure to clear the head and revive the spirit. You will be delving deep in to the Valley of the Waters and on to Empress Falls lookout; as you walk you will notice the eucalypts and gnarly angophoras give way to lush fern trees and moss-covered rocks. Once down in the valley everywhere you look there’s water; from the gentle splashing of creeks to the dull roar of cascading waterfalls.

The famous Slack Stairs is not for the faint-hearted (but nothing worth doing ever is) and in places it has caged and open ladders but the sense of achievement when you have completed this type of walk is priceless and absolutely intoxicating.  On arriving at the pool beneath Wentworth Falls indulge your senses in its tropical lagoon surroundings and revel in the moist cool air. Take a minute to quieten the mind and breathe in the organic aromas of nature.

Now in the basin we will carry on along the valley floor to the gorgeous Valley of the Waters, then up past the impressive Empress Falls towards Conservation Hut which is also the head office of Blue Mountains Conservation Society and the perfect spot for a break, coffee and/or lunch. Finally we will make our way back to Wentworth Falls picnic area via Shortcut Walk to finish the loop and back to the car.

Today’s walk will have been stimulating and inspiring so don’t forget to congratulate yourself on taking the time out for you, renewing your soul and completing the challenge. Give yourself a hug, and maybe a hot bath for your tired muscles, before we head out again tomorrow.. one step at a time.

Lockleys Pyllons, Leaura

Grade 3, Return 7km

Lockleys Pylon walking track, just near Leura, is an invigorating and mostly flat walk which follows a ridge atop a plateau. There is some minor tricky spots to step up or down carefully but generally speaking this not a hard walk and you are rewarded with awe inspiring views of the Grose Valley and of course even more outstanding photo opportunities. This beautiful walk is named after J.G. Lockley, a journalist who supported conservation efforts to save the Blue Gum Forest from logging back in the 1930s, a man well ahead of his time.

Offering some of the best views in the Blue Mountains, this walk criss-crosses through the open country to a small peak overlooking the ancient eucalypt forests of the Grose Valley and is basically the exact opposite viewpoint of the Grand Canyon Trail giving you a sharpened perspective of your footprints over the last few days leading to an even greater appreciation of your time spent in this magical spot.

Along the trail the flora varies from open heath, grasslands, scribble gum and banksia forest with spectacular views presenting themselves at every turn. At the end of the track take a short walk up some steep steps to the summit of Lockleys Pylon and take in the Golden sandstone cliffs of Mount Hay and Mount Banks.

As walks go in the Blue Mountains this is one of the quietest, not many people venture over to this side of the range, yet the views are amazing and you will find yourself looking back across to where everyone else is on the Blackheath side. So take a breath and enjoy the peace brought on by the solitude.

Please Note: All walks are dependent on being open as per NSW Nation Parks and Wildlife Service advice. If a particular trail is closed on the day of our scheduled walk then an equivalent walk will be done; the variety of walks is limitless so we can assure you that you will not be disappointed on any day spent in the Blue Mountains.