This 5km hike traipses through two Blue Mountains canyons – Centennial Glen and Porters Pass – without the need for canyoning gear. But waterproof shoes are essential!

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Two canyon-iferous cliff passes
  • Stunning views over this Blue Mountains valley
  • Walk by a café on the way back to the car

 

Please note: This adventure is dangerous if there’s been recent heavy rain in the area or if it’s on the forecast. Best to save this one for a clear day.

Enter From Centennial Glen Circuit Walk

Porters Pass sits in the cliff line west of Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, making it an easy day trip by car or train from Sydney.

We pulled up in the car park at Centennial Glen and ummed and ahhed for a few minutes about walking in the drizzly weather, before deciding to go for it. The track dipped down below the shrubbery of the car park and headed to the cliff line for a stunning view – at least I assume it’s stunning – the rain meant we enjoyed the shifting fog over the valley while staring into the abyss.

Read more: 5 Must Do Adventures In The Blue Mountains

 

 

From the first lookout, the trail quickly headed down the hill and to the first cut through the cliff line. Centennial Glen is a canyon in its own right that extends back up towards Blackheath, but the track took us into it from the side through a series of steps cut into the sandstone side of the canyon, with a railing along the side for much of the path.

Once in the pass, cliffs rising up above us, the path led us between a car-sized boulder and the wall of the canyon. With the recent rain, the path was flooded with ankle-deep water.

Read more: 7 Tips for Rainy Day Hiking

Figuring we were already pretty wet from the foliage leaning over the trail, we went for it, and were rewarded with a staircase carved down the side of a waterfall. No ropes needed for this one, there’s even another railing!

From the bottom of the falls, we looked back up at the grey sky highlighting the pale oranges and yellows in the cliffs, as we hopped across rocks to cross the stream and continue under the cliff line.

The track below the cliff line was much softer, and in parts more eroded, than the firm and well-cleared trails on the harder soil of the clifftops. Whenever we got the chance to glimpse up or out through the foggy abyss, the towering cliffs above always made it worthwhile.

As we walked along the well-marked track the fog cleared, and we started to figure which protrusion of the escarpment our ascent might be through.

Read more: Where to Find Waterfalls in the Blue Mountains

 

Porters Pass Appears

It wasn’t long before we crossed another small creek, looked at the waterfall it was cascading down and started our climb through Porters Pass.

The steep stairs and switchbacks quickly give way to views over the valley once again. As the fog cleared, the void slowly became defined by trees and ridgelines off in the distance rather than the immediate crags and shrubbery.  

 

 

Once back atop the cliff line, the track continued up hill back to town. The roots and rocks sticking out of the hard yellow dirt were a welcome contrast to the loamy path below. From the end of the track, we followed the streets on the edge of town back to the playing fields and across the clifftops back to the car.

But why not walk up into town for a pie, kebab, or sandwich at one of the many cafes in Blackheath? There’s even a climbing shop worth a visit too!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Essential Gear

How To Get There

There’s parking at Centennial Glen on the south end of the walk and some street parking on Burton or Ada Rd at the northern end of the walk. The hike is also super easy to access from Blackheath train station.

Skill Level

Beginner – Intermediate

The Porters Pass walk is well marked, so as long as you’re confident walking down hill on rough tracks you’ll smash it.

Distance / Duration / Elevation

5.13km return via Blackheath / 2.5 hours / approx. 380m