The NSW Grand Cliff Top Walk is a Tough Trail With Dreamy Blue Views

Complete with heart-stopping cliff-edge trails, unobstructed mountain views, and scenic waterfalls, the Blue Mountains’ Grand Cliff Top is unlikely to disappoint, but as Tayla found out, this Grade 3 hike has a cheeky secret.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Dharug and Gundungurra people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

The 19km, Grade 3, 2-day Grand Cliff Top Walk is located in the NSW Blue Mountains National Park, about 95km from Sydney CBD. The track links the towns of Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba via a well-maintained, though sometimes poorly marked, trail.

While it’s recommended to complete the track over two days, those with a relatively good level of physical fitness can complete the track in a day.

Pretty hard to miss the start

Grand Cliff Top Walk Facts

Distance: 19km (however be prepared for anything up to 22km. The track is often undergoing restoration work and some detours add additional distance)
Duration: 2 days (or 6 hours for those keen to complete it in a day)
Elevation gain: 795m
Nearest Town: Wentworth Falls

You might take longer than expected if you like to stop and enjoy your surroundings

About the Grand Cliff Top Walk

Opened in March 2024, after nearly four years in the making, the $10 million Grand Cliff Top Walk links new and existing trails with a well-maintained track, consisting of sandstone steps, metal grates, concreted lookouts, and relatively smooth natural paths.

As the track teeters along the cliff edges, it rewards hikers with unobstructed views over the Jamison Valley and its iconic blue haze. It then winds down into dense fern-filled forests, which’ll have you questioning whether you’ve stumbled into Jurassic Park.

The track ends at Katoomba’s Scenic World, but not before bypassing the famous Three Sisters Aboriginal site.

This world-renowned beauty comes at a hefty price, which will surprise hikers who are expecting a relatively easy Grade 3 walk. There are over 4000 steps along the track with some pretty steep sections, and that number is only set to increase if you add on the optional side routes to see the waterfalls – and it’s a waste if you don’t!

So be prepared for a challenge, particularly if you’re doing it in a day!

The Grand Cliff Top Walk History 

The Grand Cliff Top Walk is in the Blue Mountains National Park on Gundungurra Country, which is rich in Aboriginal culture. While it’s unknown when Aboriginal people first inhabited the area, evidence of early habitation can be seen through art carved into the rock. One particularly well-preserved rock carving is ‘The Flight of the Great Grey Kangaroo’, located at the foot of Hawkesbury Lookout.

The Blue Mountains formed around one million years ago as part of the Kosciusko Uplift during the Pliocene Epoch. It was originally named ‘Carmarthen Hills’ and ‘Lansdowne Hills’ by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788. However, the name was later changed to the Blue Mountains due to the distinctive blue haze surrounding the area, which is caused by light reflecting off eucalyptus oil and water droplets in the air. 

The Grand Cliff Top Walk pays homage to Aboriginal culture through its walk totem/wayfinder, the black cockatoo, which was designed by local Aboriginal artist Kelsie King, and is located on the directional posts along the track. 

 The black cockatoo, named Wumbarrung in the Gundungurra language, is a significant bird to the traditional custodians of Gundungurra Country, with its flight reflecting the moods and seasons of the area.

Love to see it

How to Get to The Grand Cliff Top Walk

While the walk can be done in either direction, most hikers tend to start at Darwins Walk in Wentworth Falls, which is a short ten-minute walk from the train station. 

If you’re travelling via public transport from Sydney, you can catch a two-hour train directly from Central Station to Wentworth Falls. Bus number 686 will take you from the end of the hike at Scenic World to Katoomba Station, where you can catch the train back to the CBD.

If you’re travelling by car, the best option is to park at Katoomba Station and catch a 12-minute train to Wentworth Falls. By car, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Darwins Walk

Where to Stay Along the Track

There are no camping options for hikers along the track, so if you plan to complete the walk over the recommended two-day period, it’s best to head into the town of Leura, located just over halfway at the 11km mark.

Some popular spots to stay in Leura include the Leisure Inn Spires, the Magical Mandalay, or the Leura Gardens Resort. These accommodation spots are also some of the most affordable and will cost you between $170 and $320 per night (at the time of publishing).

Read more: Ultimate Guide to the Best Campsites in NSW

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate 

The walk is classified as a Grade 3 hike and requires a beginner to intermediate level of outdoor experience. Beyond Darwins Walk, the track becomes relatively well signposted. However, it does require a good level of physical fitness – any less, and you’ll end up puffed and sore well before the midway point!

The walk isn’t wheelchair accessible and only has patchy reception points, however, there are points for water refills along the way.

Read more: Best Bushwalks in Sydney

Essential Gear for the Grand Cliff Top Walk

• Water – hydration pack recommended
• Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
• Sun protection such as sunscreen and a hat – parts of the walk are exposed, and depending on the time of year, it can get very hot!
• First aid kit
• Food/electrolytes – even when doing the walk as a two-day hike, each day will be a challenge, so ensure you have enough food for energy
•  Map – the beginning of the walk is poorly signposted, so knowing where you’re going will help prevent frustration (and getting lost!)

Read more: Navigating With a Map & Compass

If you’re blister-prone, don’t forget Band-Aids!

What’s it Like to Hike the Grand Cliff Top Walk

Day 1: Wentworth Falls to Leura

Distance: 11km
Duration: 4 hours

The bad news is, the most confusing part of the walk is right at the beginning. The good news is, you get it over and done with early. The Grand Cliff Top Walk begins at Darwins Walk, which is a gentle, easy stroll along well-maintained tracks. You’ll pass a couple of waterholes where you’ll be joined by locals and their dogs swimming.

And incredible views, of course

Follow the signs towards ‘Wentworth Falls Picnic Area’ to keep you on the right track until the Grand Cliff Top Walk wayfinders begin to appear.

After the picnic area, you begin the trek along the cliff edge. You’ll hike under overhanging rock formations and witness the panoramic valley views at Jamison and Empress Falls lookouts. You’ll also see the towering waterfalls of Empress Falls and the 100m tall Wentworth Falls.

Read more: Best Waterfalls To Visit Near Sydney

Jamison Lookout

After emerging at the Fairmont Resort at Leura, follow the wayfinder signs down Sublime Point Road for about 1km until it rejoins the bush track. This section of the walk requires walking on the road, so be careful of the traffic.

You’ll eventually come across the Pool of Siloam, where, if the mood strikes you, you can swim before arriving at Gordon Falls Picnic Area, near the centre of Leura.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

Stunning Pool of Siloam

By this point, you’ll have lost count of the number of steps you’ve climbed, so you’ll be ready for a rest!

Leura town centre is approximately 1.5km from Gordon Falls Picnic Area. It offers a limited amount of accommodation, so it’s best to book in advance.

Day 2: Leura to Katoomba

Distance: 8km
Duration: 3 hours

The stairs continue on day two, but so do the views! First up, take a quick detour to Gordon Falls Lookout where you’ll see Gordon Creek drop 200m over the cliff edge into the valley below. 

As you continue along, you’ll pass the Elysian, Olympian, Tarpeian, Tallawalla, and Lady Carrington lookouts, where you’ll stand stunned in awe over the lush green valley, which extends for as far as the eye can see. These lookouts also provide an impressive view of Mount Solitary, which rises prominently in the distance.

Mount Solitary

Eventually, you’ll begin to trek alongside Leura Falls Creek, which winds through the damp, dense rainforest, shielding you from the sun.

As you near the end of the walk, you’ll cross paths with a lot more people completing the short day walk from Scenic World to the Leura Cascades Picnic Area. If you’re up for a short detour, the picnic area is a great spot for a snack break!

Continuing along, you’ll eventually arrive at Echo Point and the incredible view of the Three Sisters. If your legs allow it, take a short walk down and around the rock formation to witness it up close. 

From here, it’s a quick walk back up to Scenic World where you’ll end your hike, and be rewarded with a view over the valley and Mount Solitary.

The unmistakable Three Sisters!

Tips for Hiking the Grand Cliff Top Walk 

• Start early – this way you can avoid the heat in the middle of the day
• Take your time and add on the side trails to the waterfalls and lookouts along the way – it might add distance, but it’s a waste to miss them
• None of the signposts along Darwins Walk mention the Grand Cliff Top Walk, but if you follow the arrows pointing you in the direction of ‘Wentworth Falls Picnic Area’, you’ll stay on the right track
• Sections of the walk are often closed for maintenance due to rain damage; however, if you follow the blue detour signs, they’ll lead you in the right direction
• After Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, the Grand Cliff Top Walk wayfinders begin to appear, making the rest of the track easier to follow. However, there’s an intersection close to the beginning with confusing signage. Here, follow signs for the ‘Undercliff Track’ toward Conservation Hut (this is also where you can find the toilet!)

FAQs NSW Grand Cliff Top Walk

How long is the Grand Cliff Top Walk?

The walk is officially 19km long, but detours and side tracks can push it closer to 22km.

How difficult is the Grand Cliff Top Walk?

It’s rated Grade 3, and is suitable for hikers with a moderate level of fitness. There are over 4,000 stairs and some steep sections, so expect a solid workout.

Can the Grand Cliff Top Walk be done in one day?

Yes! Fit hikers can complete the track in 5–7 hours, but many prefer to split it over two days for a more relaxed experience.

Is there camping along the Grand Cliff Top Walk?

No, there are no campsites on the trail. If you’re walking it over two days, your best bet is to book accommodation in Leura at the halfway point.

How do I get to the Grand Cliff Top Walk from Sydney?

Take a two-hour train from Sydney Central Station to Wentworth Falls Station to start the walk. From the end of the trail at Scenic World, bus 686 connects you to Katoomba Station for the return journey.

Is the Grand Cliff Top Walk signposted?

Mostly. The early section (Darwins Walk) has confusing signage, but once you reach the Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, dedicated Grand Cliff Top Walk wayfinders appear.

What are the highlights of the Grand Cliff Top Walk?

Panoramic views over Jamison Valley, Wentworth and Empress Falls, lush rainforest, sandstone lookouts, and a finale at the iconic Three Sisters.

Is the Grand Cliff Top Walk family-friendly?

Families with older kids and teens who enjoy hiking will love it, but the steep stairs and length may be too much for young children.

Do I need a map or GPS for the Grand Cliff Top Walk?

Highly recommended! Signage improves after the first few kilometres, but having a map or GPS will help you stay on track, especially near detours.

More Adventures in the Blue Mountains

• Overnight Hike From Katoomba to Cox’s River Campground
• Climbing Sweet Dreams: Every Sydney-sider’s First Multi-pitch
• Soar Above the Blue Mountains at Pulpit Rock
• Hat Hill Canyon – One of the Blue Mountains’ Best Kept Secrets