Blue Mountains walks

Many walking tracks, roads and fire trails within Blue Mountains National Park remain closed following sustained wet weather causing subsidence hazards, major landslides or infrastructure upgrades. On some tracks, detours are in place. Your guide will adjust this itinerary as required to ensure your safety and enjoyment on this trip.

Welcome to the Blue Mountains! Your adventure begins in Sydney, your gateway to a land of rugged peaks, soaring waterfalls and dense eucalyptus forest. Here you’ll meet your fellow travellers and local leader for a 8.30am welcome meeting and to get your hiking packs ready to go, then it’s time to hit the road and drive to the town of Wentworth Falls.

Continue through to Conservation Hut where you’ll jump out the vehicle and begin your explorations on foot. Take in awe-inspiring views of the Jamison Valley and Mt Solitary as you follow the Valley of the Waters track towards the eponymous Wentworth Falls and watch as the cascade plunges through rainforest into a beautiful pool below. Climb down the sandstone-carved Grand Stairway to the bottom of the falls to admire it from a different perspective, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a quick dip in its cool waters. Step onto the Wentworth Pass and weave through spectacular forests broken up by meandering creeks and lovely little waterfalls, then climb up through the Valley of the Waters into lush rainforest.

Soak in some amazing views over an al fresco picnic lunch then loop back around to where your walk began, passing by more stunning falls including the magical and much-photographed Empress Falls. After your walk, drive to the town of Katoomba and settle into your accommodation, then perhaps get to know your group a little better over dinner at a local brewery.

Overnight: Katoomba Hotel

Meals: L

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 8.30am today as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time and departing on the tour straight after.

Embrace an early start and an exciting day ahead. Today you’ll learn about the traditional owners of the land, the Darug and Gundungurra peoples, during a morning walk from Echo Point with a First Nations guide. Hear stories of one of the world’s oldest living cultures and see how it’s still present and celebrated today. Return to your accommodation to fuel up with breakfast, then lace up your boots for another fantastic walk. Kicking off from Leura Cascades, follow the Leura Creek through beautiful forest down into the impressive greenery of the Jamison Valley.

Arrive at the Leura Forest, alive with the song of lyrebirds, then continue beneath the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, along Federal pass and past the remains of shale mines that sit at the bottom of the Jamison Valley’s dramatic cliffs. Arrive at the Ruined Castle, an unusual rock formation that teeters above the valley, named for its castle-like appearance. Take a moment to appreciate epic views of the Southern Blue Mountains, then leave the valley via the Golden Stairs and relax during the minibus journey back to your accommodation. This evening you may like to check out a local award-winning restaurant with a delicious and sustainable menu.

Overnight: Katoomba Hotel

Meals: B, L

The Grand Canyon track is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated and beloved in the Blue Mountains region, and today you’ll find out why. Set off along this historic trail, walking through an ever-changing ecosystem of dry sclerophyll forest and dense green rainforest. Arrive in the heart of the Grand Canyon and hike beneath Coachwood and Sassafras trees, looking up at the huge sandstone walls that surround you. Your leader will let you in on local secrets and share insight on the fascinating flora and fauna within the canyon. Stop in a scenic spot for a picnic lunch then climb out of the canyon to the Evans Lookout for incredible views over the Grose Valley.

This afternoon, head to a local family run winery to sample a delicious range of vintages and drink in views as impressive as the wine. You may also like to pay a visit to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre to learn more about the diverse landscapes of the region and the communities who live within them. This evening, why not round off your adventure with a group dinner at a local microbrewery – the perfect chance to look back on all you’ve seen and done over the last few days.

Overnight: Katoomba Hotel

Meals: B, L

It may be your final day but there’s still plenty of memorable sights to discover. Take a scenic drive to Pierces Pass before arriving at the little-visited and totally beautiful Grose Valley. Here you’ll set off on your last walk in the dazzling landscapes of the Blue Mountains. Wander beneath tree ferns and along cliff tops then make a gentle descent into a shady eucalyptus forest, followed by a steeper and at times challenging descent down to the river. Take some time to enjoy your peaceful surroundings and perhaps have a swim in the river before ascending from the valley.

Begin the drive back to Sydney, stopping off en route at a local cider farm to taste the delicious drink made from apples discovered in the Blue Mountains region. Arrive back in Sydney around 6.30pm, at which point your Blue Mountains adventure will come to an end.

Meals: B, L

• Guided walks with a local leader
• Sunrise First Nations Cultural Walk
• 3 nights Hotel in Katoomba
• 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches
• Local winery and cider farm visits
• Private vehicle trailhead transfers
• Return transfers from Sydney
• Carbon offset for your trip
• 10% GST

• Dinner each evening
• Breakfast on day 1

This trip is operated by our partner Intrepid Travel and their local supplier. Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here. Walks indicated in the day-by-day itinerary are our best pick, but we may need to change them sometimes depending on the track and weather conditions.

We classify this as a moderate to challenging walk that best suits hikers with a reasonable level of fitness and confidence. The walks may not be long on distance but the terrain underfoot still poses a challenge for even a seasoned walker, with rocky descents down the escarpment through gorges. The path varied, being open in some sections and is narrow and steep in other places with plenty of rocks and tree roots which can be very slippery to negotiate.

Spring and autumn are the recommended and most popular time to for Blue Mountains Walks, with milder weather conditions conducive to multi-day walking and overnight camping. In spring and autumn the daytime temperatures are usually quite comfortable and in the 20s, although days with higher temperatures into the 30s are also experienced especially in March and November.

The summer months from December through to early March are hotter and drier, with more sunlight and longer days. The weather can be humid and water supplies scarce, with higher bushfire danger.

The winter months from June to late August/early September also require more caution and planning, with less daylight hours so shorter walking days are possible.