The Blue Mountains – a must-visit weekend getaway where some of the best bushwalks near Sydney wend their way through jaw-dropping topography that must be seen to be believed. Just an hour’s drive from the bustle of Sydney, it’s hard to fathom the endless forests, cascading waterfalls and plunging golden cliffs just waiting to be explored.
So leave the breakneck pace of Sydney, off road camper packed with all the essentials, and get back to nature! These are our top picks for the best bushwalks in the Blue Mountains.
Grand Canyon Track
Where: Blackheath area. Track starts at Grand Canyon carpark.
Distance: 6.3km loop, 3-4 hours
Who is this for? This is a short hike that’s considered manageable for most ages and fitness levels, especially those with some experience with bushwalking. However, keep in mind that this is quite a challenging walk with multiple stairs, rough surfaces, and semi-ledges to navigate. The track can be wet and slippery in sections.
Good To Know: Phone reception is limited. No dogs allowed.
Always wanted to explore a canyon on foot without the need to climb rocks or abseil down cliffs? Then the Grand Canyon track holds much to be savoured. For over 100 years, intrepid visitors to the Blue Mountains have been venturing into this leafy canyon to seek the secrets of the range. You’ll encounter spectacular views, sandstone walls, rock formations and little waterfalls throughout. With a range of terrains, creek crossings and stepping stones to traverse, the Grand Canyon Track is an adventure to remember.
Grand Cliff Top Walk
Where: Track starts at Wentworth Falls and ends at Katoomba.
Distance: 19km, 2 days (Day 1: Wentworth Falls to Gordon Falls – 11km. Day 2 – Gordon Falls to Katoomba – 8km)
Who is this for? A reasonable level of fitness is required. It’s always best to have some bushwalking experience before setting off on an overnight hike.
Good to know: Check local alerts before setting off in case of track closures.
Ready to take on something more challenging? As you wind your way along cliff-top tracks on the Grand Cliff Top Walk, you’ll be perfectly positioned to take in the views of various geological features including the magnificent sandstone peaks of the Three Sisters, a culturally significant Aboriginal Place. You’ll pass breathtaking waterfalls aplenty and gaze in admiration at the many unique rock features and wildlife species you’ll encounter.
Pool of Siloam Walk
Where: Katoomba area. Track starts at the Gordon Falls picnic area.
Distance: 1.6km return, 1 hour
Who is this for? This short walk is suitable for most fitness levels but includes a sharp descent into and ascent out of via stairs.
Good to know: It’s a popular walk and a lovely place to have a splash during the warmer months.
If the multi-day hike is not for you, you can enjoy a short section of the Grand Clifftop Walk by taking the Pool of Siloam walk. Surrounded by lush rainforest, you’ll hike down steps until you reach the Pool of Siloam, a beautiful shallow waterhole and waterfall. You’ll head back up towards Golf Links Lookout to take in truly breathtaking views across Jamison Valley to Mount Solitary and Three Sisters.
Wentworth Falls Track
Where: Katoomba area. Track starts at the Wentworth Falls picnic area.
Distance: 1.4km return, 1 hour
Who is this for? This is a short walk but it is steep. You’ll need to manage over 200 stairs.
Good to know: Be mindful of hidden cliff edges in this area.
Ready to feel the burn? With over 200 steps to descend, Wentworth Falls track may make you question why you ‘went’ and whether it’s really ‘worth’ it, but persevere! The steep descent is well worth making for the spectacular views offered once you reach the cliff-edge Fletchers lookout. This short bushwalk takes you up close to the spectacular Wentworth Falls and its epic 100m drop. You’ll also have postcard views of the Jamison Valley stretching into forever.
Overcliff-Undercliff Track
Where: Katoomba area. Track starts at the Wentworth Falls picnic area.
Distance: 3.5km loop, 1.5 hours
Who is this for? This hike has uneven surfaces to navigate, so some bushwalking experience is helpful.
Good to know: If you run out of steam, the Shortcut track provides an easy way to return to the Wentworth Falls picnic area.
With big rock overhangs above and sweeping clifftop vistas across the Jamison Valley as far as the eye can see, all the stresses and nonsense of daily life will melt away as you take in the vast beauty of Mother Nature. The Overcliff-Undercliff track is a clockwise loop that leads you through changing vegetation including swamp and rainforest. There’s plenty of birdwatching to enjoy and if you’re travelling during the warmer months, expect to see wildflowers dotting the landscape like brightly coloured jewels.
Where to stay
With plenty of fantastic camping options in the Blue Mountains, you’re spoilt for choice. These are our top spots for getting a little dirt on the tyres and making the most of your JAWA Off Road Camper.
Murphy’s Glen campground
If you like your nights punctuated with the sounds of wildlife rather than the bustle of other humans, Murphys Glen campground is just the spot. With just 5 campsites available, you’ll be serenaded to sleep by the high-pitched squeaks of bats and the night-time noises of possums and sugar gliders up above.
Burralow Creek campground
This peaceful campground is accessible by 4WD only. A haven for wildlife, you’ll be on the lookout for owls, glossy black cockatoos, and even rare giant dragonflies. Burralow Creek campground is the perfect place to get away from it all and even features its own little waterfall walk.
