Top 5 Bushwalking Trails in the Blue Mountains Region

Set off along one of the many walking tracks and discover the natural wonders hidden within

If you venture over an hour away from Sydney and you’ll find yourself in the misty Blue Mountains region. A UNESCO World Heritage listed area, there are a multitude of natural attractions to see such as the Three Sisters formation, ancient rainforests, lookouts and waterfalls. You can even visit Scenic World for a unique way to experience the forest. This can be done by taking one of the three rides that pass through the Jamison Valley. Another way to really immerse yourself in the atmosphere is to take one of the many bushwalking trails in the valley. Whatever experience level you have, there will be a walk for you.

• Three Sisters to Katoomba

  This easy walk is a great introduction to bushwalking if you’re just starting out or are wanting something easy to get back into the swing of things. The whole circuit is 3.1 kilometres on a easily recognisable and paved track with very low elevation inclines. You’ll walk past Prince Henry Cliff Track and be inundated with a beautiful view of the valley. This track is suitable for most people to complete and the beginning of the track is only 5 minutes away from Katoomba’s main town centre.

• Charles Darwin Walk

  Ever wanted to trace the footsteps of legendary naturalist Charles Darwin? Well here’s your chance! In 1836, Charles Darwin walked this popular trail and took notes of the rock formations that he came across along the path. The entirety of the walk is 5 kilometres and has little to no elevation. It’s much less crowded than the rest of the Blue Mountains region and a very picturesque walk all together that finishes at Wentworth Falls.

• Grand Canyon Track

  This track is one of the most traversed throughout the Blue Mountains and has almost a magical atmosphere as you walk through cliffs gently blanketed with moss, giving the trail shade from the sun if you choose to do this track in the warmer months. The circuit is 5.4 kilometres and tends to be very steep, quite notably at the beginning and end of the track. This trail begins at Evans Lookouts, which offers up breathtaking views of the valley below and from there you’ll take a picturesque journey through a recently renovated portion of the track that is now in a good condition.

• Govetts Leap Loop

  The Govetts Leap Loop is the tougher of the two, as it is 9 kilometres return and has some elevation throughout. On the upside of this, you’ll be privy to amazing big views and lots of pretty ferns along the way. This loop will see you passing by tranquil waterfalls and iconic lookouts in the Blue Mountains.

• Scenic World to Ruined Castle

  This walking track begins at Scenic World and follows a 6 kilometre trail on a one way track to Ruined Castle. If you were wanting to add an extra challenge, take the thousand steps down Furber Steps at Scenic World to reach the boardwalk down below in the valley. It’s one of the longer day walks in the Blue Mountains, a full 12 kilometres up and back but there are stunning vistas throughout and famous rock formations that will make it worth it.

Related article: The Best Lookouts in the Blue Mountains