Best Bush Walks in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains offers some of Australia’s most beautiful walking trails, from short family-friendly strolls to challenging multi-day hikes. Here’s our complete guide to the best 17 bush walks, listed from the Lower Mountains up to the Upper Mountains.
Lapstone Zig Zag Walking Track – Glenbrook
Step back in time on this historic walk through old sandstone cuttings and railway remnants. The trail follows sections of the original 1867 railway line, with bridges and sweeping views across Glenbrook Gorge.
Time/Grade: 1–2 hours | Easy–moderate
Highlights: Railway history, dramatic sandstone formations, gorge lookouts.
Knapsack Viaduct Walk – Glenbrook
Walk across the impressive Knapsack Bridge, once part of the Great Western Highway. This short trail offers panoramic views over the Nepean River and Blue Mountains foothills.
Time/Grade: 45 minutes–1 hour | Easy
Highlights: Historic stone viaduct, views across Penrith and the Nepean.
Red Hands Cave Track – Glenbrook
A culturally significant trail leading to an ancient Aboriginal rock art site. The cave features red ochre hand stencils that are thousands of years old.
Time/Grade: 1.5 hours return | Easy–moderate
Highlights: Aboriginal heritage, tranquil bush setting, educational signage.
Jellybean Pool Walk – Glenbrook
A short walk to one of the Blue Mountains’ most popular natural swimming holes. Perfect for kids and families on warm days.
Time/Grade: 30 minutes return | Easy
Highlights: Sandy beach, swimming, picnic spots, safe for families.
South Lawson Waterfall Circuit – Lawson
A 2.5 km circuit trail passing four waterfalls: Adelina, Federal, Junction, and Cataract. A great option for an easy bush walk with plenty of variety.
Time/Grade: 1–1.5 hours | Easy
Highlights: Four waterfalls, family-friendly loop, shaded rainforest.
Charles Darwin Walk – Wentworth Falls
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who explored this track in 1836. The walk follows Jamison Creek through open forest to the spectacular Wentworth Falls.
Time/Grade: 1.5–2 hours return | Easy–moderate
Highlights: Creekside track, historic route, connects to Wentworth Falls Lookout.
Wentworth Falls Track – Wentworth Falls
A dramatic walk descending beside Jamison Creek to the top of Wentworth Falls, before continuing down steps for jaw-dropping views of the Jamison Valley.
Time/Grade: 2–3 hours return | Moderate
Highlights: Wentworth Falls, sweeping valley views, cascading creeks.
National Pass – Wentworth Falls
One of the Blue Mountains’ most famous heritage trails, cut into sheer cliff faces in the early 1900s. The path passes behind waterfalls and along exposed ledges.
Time/Grade: 3–5 hours | Hard
Highlights: Historic cliff-carved trail, Empress and Wentworth Falls, Jamison Valley vistas.
Note: Often subject to closures after rain — check alerts before walking.
Valley of the Waters – Wentworth Falls
Descend deep into lush rainforest past a series of waterfalls, including Empress, Sylvia, and Lodore Falls.
Time/Grade: 3–4 hours return | Moderate–hard
Highlights: Waterfall chain, rainforest gullies, links to National Pass.
Prince Henry Cliff Walk – Katoomba to Leura
A 7 km clifftop walk linking Katoomba and Leura, dotted with spectacular lookouts. You can walk the whole trail or choose shorter sections.
Time/Grade: 3–4 hours one way | Easy–moderate
Highlights: Echo Point (Three Sisters), Leura Cascades, Gordon Falls Lookout.
Three Sisters Walk – Katoomba
An easy, paved walk from Echo Point to the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Perfect for families and anyone short on time.
Time/Grade: 30–45 minutes return | Easy
Highlights: The Three Sisters, Jamison Valley views, wheelchair-accessible.
Ruined Castle Walk – Katoomba
A rewarding day hike to a rocky outcrop shaped like a castle, offering 360° views across Jamison Valley.
Time/Grade: 4–5 hours return | Hard
Highlights: Rugged valley trail, mining relics, panoramic lookout at the summit.
Six Foot Track – Katoomba to Jenolan Caves
A 44 km historic bridle trail turned into a three-day walking adventure. One of the Blue Mountains’ great long-distance hikes.
Time/Grade: 3 days | Hard
Highlights: Suspension bridge at Coxs River, camping, finishing at Jenolan Caves.
Grand Canyon Walk – Blackheath
This classic 6 km loop takes you into lush rainforest gullies, with mossy canyon walls, waterfalls, and creeks.
Time/Grade: 3–4 hours | Moderate
Highlights: Towering cliffs, ferns, cool canyon atmosphere, photography heaven.
Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout – Blackheath
A clifftop trail connecting two of the Blue Mountains’ most spectacular lookouts.
Time/Grade: 2 hours return | Easy–moderate
Highlights: Grose Valley views, Bridal Veil Falls, sandstone escarpments.
Pulpit Rock Track – Blackheath
A short track to a dramatic lookout with tiered platforms extending over the Grose Valley.
Time/Grade: 30–45 minutes return | Easy
Highlights: Multi-level viewing platforms, panoramic valley scenery.
Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest – Blackheath
A steep descent into the Grose Valley, leading to the towering Blue Gum Forest — a magical stand of eucalyptus regnans.
Time/Grade: 4–5 hours return | Hard (very steep)
Highlights: Blue Gum giants, wilderness feel, classic overnight camping destination.
Tips for Bushwalking
Carry water, snacks, and sunscreen — conditions can change quickly.
Always stick to marked trails and check NSW National Parks Alerts before you go.
Some walks involve steep climbs — allow extra time and pace yourself.
Mobile reception is patchy — download offline maps before heading out.