A Spectacular New Two-Day, 19-Kilometre Clifftop Walk Has Opened in the Blue Mountains
It's been five years since the popular Grand Cliff Top Walk was earmarked for a $10-million upgrade — and you can now mosey along the end result.
One of the most-stunning parts of New South Wales, and Australia, now boasts a new reason for locals, Sydneysiders and interstate visitors to make a date with its spectacular scenery — and a new way to get immersed in its heritage-listed wonders. Everyone should visit the Blue Mountains at least once in their life. Everyone should combine that trip with soaking in Blue Mountains National Park. And now, everyone should also hike along Blue Mountains' Grand Cliff Top Walk.
Back in 2019, it was announced that the popular trail — which passes many waterfalls and lookouts on Gundungurra Country, and offers up some dazzling views of the national park and its many eucalpyts— was getting up upgrade to the tune of $10 million. It's taken some time, but the results have been unveiled. Walking the full new stretch now means taking a two-day, 19-kilometre journey, including along more than 4000 steps and ten kilometres of track that have been newly added.
Among the highlights: the rainforest, falls such as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba Cascades, and peering out over the Jamison Valley towards Mount Solitary, for starters. You'll also potentially spy everything from lyrebirds and yellow-tailed black cockatoos as you wander between lookouts, including on restored 100-year-old sandstone paths. And, the Three Sisters Aboriginal Place is on the walk as well.
If you're keen to experience the entire new Grand Cliff Top Walk, it's suggested that you take an 11-kilometre stroll on the first day, beginning at Wentworth Falls, with Gordon Falls at Leura your destination. Then, on day two, you can enjoy an eight-kilometre walk that kicks off at the same spot, heading to Scenic World at Katoomba via the Three Sisters.
The entire route is planned around access and accommodation, so the idea is that folks can spend two days putting one foot in front of the other is scenic surroundings without needing to carry a huge backpacks or take camping equipment with them. Walkers will also find public transport handy at either end, as well as dining options.
If that still sounds like a massive endeavour, you can make your way along sections of the track as half-day or full-day walks instead. There's also guided tour options, starting with a two-hour hike with a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger.
Find the Grand Cliff Top Walk in Blue Mountains National Park, starting at Wentworth Falls and ending at Katoomba. Head to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for further details.
Images: R Brand.
