Best trails in Blue Mountains National Park
The Blue Mountains National Park is an iconic patch of mesmerizing wilderness in New South Wales, Australia. The Blueys, as they're commonly known, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Prepare to be enchanted as you explore the park's dramatic landscapes, from towering eucalyptus forests to cascading waterfalls and rugged sandstone cliffs. The name Blue Mountains originates from the ethereal blue haze that blankets the region, creating a surreal and captivating atmosphere.
The park is easily accessible from anywhere in the greater Sydney area. The intercity trains run from Central Station every hour and take 2 hours to reach the top of the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountain line makes stops at most of the Blue Mountain towns to allow you to get out and explore the many hundreds of kilometres of walking trails without the worry of parking.
Top trails
1
(4053)
•Moderate
•3.6 mi
•Est. 2–2.5 hr
Waterfalls, ferns and breathtaking views define the Grand Canyon Track, one of the most popular walks in all of the Blue Mountains National Park. This is a challenging but short hike through lush vegetation that takes you along a series of ledges that make up this World Heritage-listed landscape.
From the Grand Canyon Carpark off Evans Lookout Road in the Blackheath area, this historic loop track dives deep into the looming sandstone walls that have been carved over millions of years by the...
2
(1238)
•Moderate
•1.1 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
This is an amazing short walk with waterfalls and lookouts galore. There are a lot of stairs to go down – and back up – but most people won’t find them too difficult. There are 5 lookouts to take in along the way: Jamison Lookout, Wentworth Falls Lookout, Fletcher's Lookout, Rocket Point Lookout, and Princes Rock Lookout. You can connect to the National Pass track from the end of the Wentworth Falls Track but it will make for a much harder walk.
Taking the undercliff track you can finish...
3
(1456)
•Moderate
•2.7 mi
•Est. 1–1.5 hr
This is a beautiful trail through the Blue Mountains National Park, located less than 1.5 hours drive from the centre of Sydney, New South Wales. This looped route begins and ends from the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, where parking is available.
Enjoy making a clockwise loop through a good mix of swamplands, heath and lush rainforest. The trail passes several lookout points along the way with awesome views across Jamison Valley.
4
(1446)
•Hard
•8.3 mi
•Est. 4.5–5 hr
This wonderfully scenic walk begins from Govetts Leap lookout and the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath. Following the cliff edge along the appropriately named cliff top walking track hikers are treated to spectacular views extending across the Grose Valley and the cliff-lined mountainscape of the Blue Mountains.
Dropping down from the cliff tops you enter the wonderland of the Grand Canyon, a lush track between tall sandstone cliffs with an abundance of waterfalls and creeks to...
5
(1750)
•Moderate
•7.0 mi
Just to the northeast of Blackheath lies the Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) trail. This fire trail is relatively flat and visitors can choose to walk, run, or mountain bike out through crisp mountain air to the Baltzer Lookout at Hanging Rock.
From the lookout there is a faint path you can scramble down where you can stand on Hanging Rock itself. Be careful if you decide to hike down off the lookout as the sheer cliffs drop off a long way to the ground.
The route out to Baltzer Lookout...
6
(707)
•Moderate
•1.3 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
This track is ideal if you're short on time but keen to soak up some of the best views in the park. Rocket Point Lookout is a perfect place for a picnic with the stunning waterfall and valley views.
Follow the path from Wentworth Falls Picnic Area down to the stepping stones at Queens Cascade. You'll cross over the stones and follow the track as it ascends steeply. The trail is beautiful and lines with ferns, moss and heath.
There are loads of other trails in this area if you do have time...
7
(705)
•Hard
•11.2 mi
•Est. 6–6.5 hr
Discover the Grand Cliff Top Walk, nestled in the breathtaking Blue Mountains. This two-day adventure delivers unparalleled views of the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, and Katoomba Cascades, offering a perspective like no other.
The route winds along historic and restored sandstone tracks and stops by plenty of stunning lookouts. Located on Gundungurra Country, the track offers plenty of interesting flora and fauna, including lyrebirds and yellow-tailed black cockatoos known as Wumbarrung...
8
(1050)
•Moderate
•4.4 mi
•Est. 2–2.5 hr
This is a short but challenging walk said to have some of the most spectacular views in all the Blue Mountains National Park. This is a great hike for people just getting in to bushwalking.
For your efforts you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Grose Valley and if you climb the Pylon you can view Mount Hay and Mount Banks.
Named after J.G. Lockley a Journalist who helped with conservation efforts to stop logging of the Blue Gum forests in the 1930's.
This trail can have loose and...
9
(571)
•Moderate
•0.9 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
This is a short but steep trail through dense forest near Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains.
Leaving the parking lot you descend many stairs and steep sections down the imposing Empress Falls with Sylvia Falls and Lodore Falls looming just beyond. You may see some adventurous parties abseiling down the rushing falls from above. When you are ready to leave the waterfalls be prepared for the rigorous climb out of the valley of waters and back up to the car park.
Highlights of the trail:
-...
10
(557)
•Moderate
•0.6 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
This is a popular little walk down to the famous Three Sisters - a place of special cultural significance to Aboriginal people. The track itself is well signposted and easy to follow, with some spectacular views given how short the trail is!
Be careful and take your time as your make your way to Lady Game Lookout, this is a popular track so be patient and let people pass if need be.
There are plenty of other hikes and sites to see in this area to explore if you have the time. Be sure to...
Showing results 1–10 of 391
Trail reviews for Blue Mountains National Park
A brilliant walk, one of the best I’ve done in NSW. The views are unbelievable of the Blue Mountains. Majority of the walk is super easy, a few ups and down but nothing major. Last 20 mins or so are pretty tricky getting to the pools. Have to take it easy and would definitely avoid if it has been raining, more dangerous than a pain in the ass.
A staple walk for anyone that wants to experience the Blue Mountains. We chose to do this over two days camping at Kedumba River. This equates to two days of pretty solid walking but is achievable if reasonably fit. There are plenty of good campsites on the top of the mountain. We camped by the river which was nice though there weren't a lot of great campsite options - certainly not suitable for a large group. Hindsight we probably would have diverted to the formal Kedumba campground. The walk on the second day had about 1350M of vertical ascent. It is predominately fire trail, but the views are amazing, so don't let that put you off. Due to recent rain the section of Federal pass/Dardenelles pass was closed so we turned right at Dardenelles pass and went up the Giant Staircase. Great walk overall and a good physical challenge over two days.
Parking: Free, Large lot
Difficulty: Hard
The best hike I’ve personally done in the Blue Mountains! Consider taking with you waterproof footwear
Conditions: Muddy
Great walk for a first one through the blue mountains. Easy to follow
Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail
From Scenic world to YHA Blue Mountains in Katoomba via bottom of Giant Stairway (998 stairs) and Echo point.
Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
This hike is fantastic from start to finish, between the lookouts with their magnificent panoramas of the Blue Mountains, and the canyon floor, with its Tomb Raider-like mission, the effort is well worth it. Most of the 300 m of ascent is via stairs, so a good level of fitness is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Blue Mountains National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Blue Mountains National Park is Grand Canyon Track, which has a 4.8 star rating from 4,053 reviews. This trail is 3.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 987 ft.
What is the longest trail in Blue Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Blue Mountains National Park is Unreasonable East 200 Miler Course 2022. This trail is estimated to be 196.8 mi long.
How many trails are in Blue Mountains National Park?
There are 391 trails in Blue Mountains National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 48,625 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Blue Mountains National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Blue Mountains National Park has you covered. Unreasonable East 200 Miler Course 2022 boasts the most elevation gain with 35,803 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Unreasonable East 100 Miler Course 2022, which will get you 16,400 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Blue Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 72 camping trails in Blue Mountains National Park and the most popular is Sassafras Gully, Victory Track, and Magdala Gully Loop with an average 4.4 star rating from 635 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Blue Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 102 running trails in Blue Mountains National Park and the most popular is Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 1,750 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Blue Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 37 biking trails in Blue Mountains National Park and the most popular is Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 1,750 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 171 trails with waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park, including Grand Canyon Track, Wentworth Falls, Fletcher's Lookout, and Rocket Point Lookout Track, Overcliff-Undercliff Track, Cliff Top Track and Grand Canyon, and Rocket Point Lookout Track.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 118 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Blue Mountains National Park, including Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail, Grand Cliff Top Walk, Lockleys Pylon Walking Track, Three Sisters Walk, and Fortress Falls via Fortress Ridge Walking Track.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 217 trails with scenic viewpoints in Blue Mountains National Park, including Grand Canyon Track, Wentworth Falls, Fletcher's Lookout, and Rocket Point Lookout Track, Overcliff-Undercliff Track, Cliff Top Track and Grand Canyon, and Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail.
Are there any trails with beaches in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 15 trails with beaches in Blue Mountains National Park, including Popes Glen, Govetts Leap, and Braeside Loop, Memorial Park to Govetts Leap Lookout via Boyds Beach, Duck Hole, Blackheath to Cliff Top Track, and Sand Bar to Duck Hole via Glenbrook Creek Loop.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with historical ruins in Blue Mountains National Park, including Asgard Swamp Track, Blue Gum Forest Track, Mount Victoria to Blackheath via Victoria Falls and Grose Valley, Fortress Rock Lookout to Katoomba Station, and Ikara Head, Valhalla Head, Asgard Head.
Are there any trails with rivers in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 58 trails with rivers in Blue Mountains National Park, including Grand Cliff Top Walk, Grand Cliff Top Walk: Gordon Falls to Katoomba, Maple Grove to Echo Point Lookout via Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Prince Henry Cliff Walk, and Leura Cascades via Katoomba Falls Loop.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 72 trails with cliffs in Blue Mountains National Park, including Cliff Top Track and Grand Canyon, Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) Trail, Cliff Top Walking Track, Leura Cascades via Katoomba Falls Loop, and Sassafras Gully, Victory Track, and Magdala Gully Loop.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with archaeological sites in Blue Mountains National Park, including King's Table, Red Hands Cave via Campfire Creek Track Loop [CLOSED], Crayfish Pool and Red Hands Cave via Campfire Creek Track [CLOSED], Glenbrook to Duck Hole and Red Hand Cave Loop [CLOSED], and Red Hands Cave Walking Track [CLOSED].
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 75 trails with picnic areas in Blue Mountains National Park, including Wentworth Falls, Fletcher's Lookout, and Rocket Point Lookout Track, Overcliff-Undercliff Track, Cliff Top Track and Grand Canyon, Rocket Point Lookout Track, and Wentworth Falls and Rocket Point Lookout Loop .
Are there any trails with caves in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 19 trails with caves in Blue Mountains National Park, including Mount Solitary Walking Track, Narrow Neck Trail, Ruined Castle from Scenic World, Furber Stairs to Mount Solitary, and Walls Cave Track.
Are there any trails with huts in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with huts in Blue Mountains National Park, including Ruined Castle from Scenic World, Kedumba Campground, Katoomba Loop, Ruined Castle via Giant Stairway and Golden Stairs, and Katoomba Train to Mount Solitary and Kedumba River Crossing Loop.
Are there any trails with rock shelters in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with rock shelters in Blue Mountains National Park, including Fortress Rock and Doctor Dark's Cave, Lindeman Pass via Sublime Point, Sublime Point, Pool of Siloam and Edinburgh Castle Rock Circuit, Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K), and Wentworth Falls to Sublime Point.
Are there any trails with streams in Blue Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with streams in Blue Mountains National Park, including Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit, Echo Point, Prince Henry Cliff, Gordon Falls, Bridal Veil Swimming Hole, Katoomba Station to Leura Station via Federal Pass and Leura Cascades, and Golden Stairs, Mount Solitary and Leura Cascade.
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Points of interest
- Lower Wentworth Falls
- Grose Valley
- Govetts Leap Falls
- The Ruined Castle
- Mount Banks
- Mount Hay
- Jamison Valley
- Three Sisters
- Orphan Rock
- Upper Wentworth Falls
- Beauchamp Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Mount Solitary
- Wentworth Falls
- Evans Lookout (Upper)
- Perrys Lookdown
- Chinamans Cave
- Lomandra Lookout
- Hanging Rock
- Fortress Rock Lookout