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<Tash re-test 28/11/24)> Heavy rainfall and flooding across NSW is creating dangerous conditions and widespread closures of national parks and campgrounds.

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Grand Cliff Top Walk: 2 days self guided

Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Spend 2 days exploring the magnificent Grand Cliff Top Walk which seamlessly links Wentworth Falls village, Leura, and Katoomba. Book to stay in local accommodation, and enjoy some of the Blue Mountains’ best cafes and restaurants.

Grey icon of a clock face, representing time or duration. Image: DPE  2 days, 1 or 2 nights

Grey icon of a walker on a map routeline, representing distance. Image: DPE  19km Grade 3 - Some bushwalking experience needed

Grey icon of a hut, representing accommodation. Image: DPE  Check out Visit Blue Mountains to find places to eat and stay

Grey icon of a dollar symbol, representing price. Image: DPE  Free

Grey icon of a calendar, representing availability. Image: DPE  Available all year

Where to stay

Detailed itinerary

Is this walk right for you?

This is a Grade 3 walk. While the track is well-formed and clearly signposted, and you don’t need any bush walking experience, the 19 kilometres of terrain has many steps and short, steep sections up and down. 

Check the weather forecast before you set out and be sure to pack clothes for all conditions. You'll be walking along some sections of exposed cliff line so if storms or strong winter winds are forecast you need to be prepared or change your plans.

This walk is suitable for first time multi-day walkers and families with older children. A moderate level of fitness is required because you'll be walking 4-7 hours per day and covering 275-325m of elevation.

Price

Free.

What to bring

This is a 2 day self guided walk. As you’ll be staying in local accommodation, you won’t need to carry camping gear. Wear walking shoes and carry enough water for the day, as well as snacks. Check our bushwalking safety tips to make sure you pack all the essentials and are wearing the right gear.

Maps

Download the map for Blue Mountains National Park in the NSW National Parks app before you leave home. This helps you geolocate yourself on the map, even when you're offline and have no mobile reception.

Wheelchair access

The walking track is not wheelchair-accessible, but there are lookouts and picnic areas along it that are. These attractions can be easily reached and have accessible parking spaces:

Weather and seasons

Spring: From early spring into summer, wildflowers blossom across the heath and forested trails, attracting birds. Spot yellow wattles, rich red waratahs, pink boronias, and blue native iris flowers.

Summer: Beat the heat on a hot summer day and walk through cool rainforest gullies. With bright light and birdsong all around you, the mountains really feel alive.

Autumn: Cooler temperatures and clear skies make autumn perfect for bushwalking. Keep an eye out for vibrant red, orange and yellow fungus that blooms around Leura Cascades at this time of year. If you’re lucky you might see a male lyrebird putting on a show to attract females.

Winter: On a misty winter morning, Mount Solitary rising above the fog is a magnificent sight. Set out on a heart-pumping hike and Grand Cliff Top Walk will soon warm you up. After exploring the track and lookouts, indulge in a hot chocolate or hearty lunch in Wentworth Falls, Leura or Katoomba.

Getting there, public transport, and parking

The easiest way to travel is by train if you want to complete Grand Cliff Top Walk.

  • Depart the train at Wentworth Falls station, enjoy a coffee or a meal, then start your adventure immediately by taking Darwins walk which starts just south of the village.
  • Day 1 ends at Gordon Falls picnic area and it's a 1.5km walk, taxi ride, or Explorer bus ride to Leura village or train station.

  • Day 2 starts at Gordon Falls picnic area

  • Day 2 ends at Scenic World and it's a 2km walk, taxi ride, Explorer bus ride, or public bus ride (route 686) to Katoomba village or train station.

Visit the Transport for NSW website for trip planning.

If driving, Wentworth Falls village is a 1.5 hr drive from the centre of Sydney, or 45 mins from Penrith.

Paid parking is available at Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba. See Blue Mountains City Council website for details on parking zones.

Free all-day parking is available on some roads at Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba. Please check street signs and arrive early because these areas can become very busy on weekends.

For more information

  • National Parks Contact Centre
  • 7am to 7pm daily
  • 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles

Operated in partnership with Blue Mountains City Council

Grand Cliff Top Walk is operated in partnership with Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC).

Please check NPWS alerts as well as BMCC alerts and track status before setting off on your Grand Cliff Top Walk adventure.

See Visit Blue Mountains to find places to eat and stay.

 

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