A New 2 Day Hike Has Opened in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains now has a new multi-day hike with the opening of the Grand Cliff Top Walk on Gundungurra Country.

The 19km, two-day walk, traverses the spectacular escarpment from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba, with highlights along the way including the Three Sisters, Leura Falls Creek, Empress Falls Lookout, and the Pool of Siloam.

Katoomba Falls

The Grand Cliff Top Walk is the result of a four-year project, during which time NSW National Parks built more than 4,000 steps and 10km of track while upgrading lookouts along the route. Walkers can now experience some of the most iconic locations in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park as part of the two-day walk.

Due to the extremely steep nature of the landscape, there’s no camping option for hikers to stay overnight. Instead, accommodation for the walk can be found in nearby villages – so walkers won’t need to carry much gear. There are also public transport options to get you to and from the trail.

Crossing Buttenshaw Bridge

Hiking the New Grand Cliff Top Wall

The trail has been designed as a two-day walk, with plenty of accommodation and dining options available in nearby Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba. As well as the 19km of track, there are options for additional detours to see even more waterfalls, wildlife, and incredible views.

Day One – 11km Wentworth Falls to Gordon Falls

Day one is a suggested 11km walk – beginning from Darwins Walk at Wentworth Falls and finishing at Gordon Falls at Leura.

Highlights include Fletchers, Queen Victoria, Golf Links and Empress Falls lookouts, a crossing at Lillians Bridge,
and a refreshing stop at the Pool of Siloam – one of the best wild swimming spots in the Blue Mountains.

The first day can also include short detours on the Den Fenella lookout trail,
to the Valley of the Waters lookout
or to Conservation Hut.

Trek the Undercliff Track on day one

Day Two – 8km Gordon Falls to Scenic World

After a stay in Leura or nearby accommodation, the second day of walking is jam-packed with Blue Mountains highlights. It’s suggested as an 8km walk from Gordon Falls, past the iconic Three Sisters, to finish at Scenic World in Katoomba.

There are stunning views from Gordon Falls, Elysian, Olympian, Tarpeian, Tallawalla, Lady Darleys, and Cliff View lookouts. Plus a crossing at Buttenshaw Bridge and a walk alongside Leura Falls Creek – which leads to the iconic view of the Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout.

Detours can take walkers up close to the famous rock formations before the trail continues to Scenic World in Katoomba.

Views from Elysian Rock Lookout

Tours and Shorter Walk Options

Visitors to the national park can choose to walk shorter sections of the multi-day track – including half-day or full-day walks – as there are plenty of entry and exit points along the route.

A selection of guided tours are also available, including multi-day packages or a National Parks Ranger-guided two-hour tour – for those wanting to sample a short section of the track.

The Undercliff Track

Images thanks to RBrand DCCEEW