12 Best day walks in the Blue Mountains

This classic walk was first established in 1907, taking walkers along the path of a canyon. In places, the track follows a path cut halfway up the cliff, keeping you out of the most dangerous section of the canyon. The creek does flood after heavy rain, so check with the National Parks office before heading into this walk. The cool temperatures in the canyon make this walk particularly special on warmer days.

Total climbing: 425m

Entering into the Jamison Valley via the popular Golden Staircase, this walk climbs one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Jamison Valley – The Ruined Castle. A beautiful rock formation that offers great views over the valley as far as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. Explore some of the history of the coal mining in this part of the Jamison Valley.

Total climbing: 666m

Following Leura Creek down to a beautiful small waterfall, this is one of the prettiest short walks in the Leura area. Sit under the overhang and watch as the falls cascade down around you, then climb to great views of the Leura cliffline, before this circuit track leads back to the park.

Total climbing: 62m

This walk offers fantastic views of the Jamison Valley and the surrounding cliffs. Take time to explore the historic and very scenic ledge halfway down the cliffs. There are beautiful waterfalls at both ends and recent track maintenance has made this walk easier and more enjoyable. Allow time to soak up the wonders of the cliffs and waterfalls of this area before returning to Conservation Hut via the Shortcut Track.

Total climbing: 773m

Lockley Pylon Track is an outstanding walk, offering some amazing views and interesting side trips. From Mt Hay Rd, the walk passes the prominent features of the Pinnacles (with an optional side trip exploring these) and climbs to Lockley Pylon, which gives 360-degree views of the Mt Hay area and Grose Valley. Another optional side trip to Fortress Canyon Waterfall is well worth the walk, with its contrasting plateau, cliff and valley features creating some breath-taking scenery.

Total climbing: 338m

The Charles Darwin Walk follows the beautiful Jamison Creek south, arriving at the top of Wentworth Falls. Walkers can enjoy the beauty of the creek as it cascades down the frequent small waterfalls. The top of Wentworth Falls is a fantastic spot to rest, taking in wonderful views of the Jamison Valley and water tumbling over the cliffs. Well-managed and signposted, this track has bridges and boardwalk to help keep walkers’ feet dry. It is a great walk for those visiting Wentworth Falls by public transport.

Total climbing: 189m

Venturing into the canyon of the Valley of the Waters along a slippery winding track, this walk demonstrates the beauty of the deep valley of Wentworth Falls. This walk explores the upper section of the track as far as Wentworth Pass. The walk passes several waterfalls, a great highlight especially in early morning when the falls form a mist over the valley.

Total climbing: 303m

Forming a circuit around the cliffs and then the valley floor, this is a walk more then capable of convincing a walker of the beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park. There are plenty of fantastic views including Echo Point, Tallawarra Lookout and Honeymoon Point. Leura Forest is a great spot to break for lunch, and there is even an opportunity to cross a bridge to one of the Three Sisters. This walk has it all.

Total climbing: 588m

This circuit starts in Blackheath and heads down into the Grand Canyon and Rodriguez Pass. The track goes through a wide variety of ecosystems and changing views along the way. An interesting part of this walk is the change in mood of the cliffs that surround the Grose Valley as the light conditions change throughout the day.

Total climbing: 1254m

The Sassafras Gully loop is an excellent walk setting out from Springwood Station. The walk uses the gullies to navigate past some wonderful rock features, dense bushland and waterfalls. A nice cool walk in the shade and never too far from water.

Total climbing: 501m

Going from Katoomba to Leura, this walk covers the top of the cliff line and most of the major lookouts. With brilliant vistas all along the way, the views of the Jamison Valley are truly amazing. Time should be set aside to dawdle along the cliffs and soak up the serenity of the cliffs.

Total climbing: 575m

Starting from Megalong Rd, this walk will take you past the historic Megalong Cemetery and then through some farmland as you wander along private dirt roads on part of the Six Foot Track. Just shy of 1km into the walk, you will then follow a track as it crosses the Guyvey Bridge and meanders through the pleasant open farmland with views of the distant escarpment. In time, the walk leaves the farms and explores the more dense forest and granite boulders before coming to the granite carved Coxs River. There is a chance to explore the river up close or take a bird’s-eye view from the swing bridge. The tracknotes also describe a side trip to the Six Foot Track lodge, great if you want to stay and explore the area for longer.

Total climbing: 772m