See all the Blue Mountains’ greatest hits in one brilliant walk
There’s always another highlight just around the corner on the Grand Cliff Top Walk.
Whether you’re a regular visitor or preparing for your first time, the Blue Mountains always has something to offer. The mountain range begins about 50 km west of Sydney and is part of the Great Dividing Range, but it’s the valleys and cliffs that make the Worl d Heritage-listed Blue Mountains truly special. The steep sandstone terrain reaches over a kilometre above sea level at its highest point and hosts countless protected species, unique rainforest microclimates, and an almost unlimited supply of brilliant waterfalls.
The Grand Cliff Top Walk is the best new way to see them all. The 19km route from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba takes in a mind-bending number of highlights.
As you walk, listen for the call of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Wumbarrung in Gundungurra language). The Wumbarrung has special significance to Gundungurra traditional custodians, and its flight reflects the moods and seasons of Gundungurra Country. It’s also the wayfinding track icon for Grand Cliff Top Walk.
The Grand Cliff Top Walk is a joint project between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Blue Mountains City Council, to create a continuous multi-day walk from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba.
Regardless of when you hike it, it’s best done over two days or more, with a stay booked for the night to rest those weary legs!
Your Grand Cliff Top Walk itinerary
Getting to the start of the hike
You can approach the journey to the start of Grand Cliff Top Walk (known as the ‘trackhead’) in a few ways. The best way is via public transport — catch the train to Wentworth Falls train station.
The Grand Cliff Top Walk begins just across the road from the shops and train station at Wilson Park.
Water bottles full, snacks packed, hats and sunscreen on? You’re about to head into bushland for a bit so take a second to go to the bathroom (even if you don’t really need to), as there are limited options once you’re on the track.
Day 1 — Wentworth Falls Village to Gordon Falls, Leura
Distance: 11km
Darwins walk
Ease into Darwins walk with a stroll along Jamison Creek, a trail so well-known for its birdlife that Charles Darwin himself walked it way back in 1836. Keep an eye out for honeyeaters and shrub wrens, but if the yellow-tailed black cockatoos are out you won’t have to look very hard, you’ll hear their trademark call.
Fletchers lookout
Legs warmed up? Good, because the descent to Fletchers lookout is worth it. The historic lookout goes right down to the cliff edge with views that seem to hover over Wentworth Falls.
Overcliff-Undercliff track
Watch your head! of the This section Grand Cliff Top Walk ducks under numerous sandstone overhangs, meanders through lush pockets of cliffline flora, and hops across stepping stones. The walk is one big lookout with constant views into Jamison Valley and even all the way back to Wentworth Falls. (Hey Siri, play How Far We’ve Come by Matchbox Twenty.)
Once you cross a little bridge over Den Fenella Creek you’ll begin walking on top of the cliff instead of tucked in around the base. There are more lookouts along this part of the track including the steep 200m detour along the Den Fenella lookout trail, or the easier Breakfast Point and Lyrebird lookout vantage points.
Valley of the Waters lookout
At the end of the Overcliff-Undercliff track, you can take a right for a short, steep detour to Valley of the Waters lookout. Conservation Hut can be found here if you’re in need of coffee, snacks, or the bathroom.
Empress Falls lookout
Continuing left the Valley of the Waters track brings you to Empress Falls lookout, passing Queen Victoria lookout along the way. Despite the name, the Empress Falls lookout doesn’t give you a view of the falls, but it does let you peer into the Empress canyon, listen out for canyoners below!
If you’re keen to check out this impressive 30m cascade, which appears out of the cliff face from Empress Canyon, you’ll have to take a steep but very worthwhile detour.
Lillians Bridge
After descending the stairs, follow the Nature track past a picnic area and turn left crossing the quaint Lillians Bridge onto a fresh track. Notice the gum forest change and dry out as you climb out of the protected valley towards the Fairmont Resort.
The Leura Village section
There is a 1.5km section of road from Fairmont Resort to the Grand Cliff Top Walk, make sure you’re careful and paying attention here as cars will be using this road. Use the footpath where possible!
You’ll walk up Fairmont Place, take a left down Sublime Point Road, take a right at Willoughby Road, and round the corner into Carleton Road to find the trail again.
Pool of Siloam
From here you’ll descend to the frankly underrated Golf Link lookout on your way to the tranquil Pool of Siloam. This fern-filled grotto is known as one of the most gorgeous wild swim spots in the Blue Mountains. Soak up the cool air or water while you can to prepare for the climb out to Gordon Falls and the end of day one!
Now you just have to walk to your accommodation in Leura or jump into the transport you’ve organised. You’ll be back here to kick off day two. Or it’s time to keep walking if you’re hiking the Grand Cliff Top Walk in one day.
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Day 2 — Gordon Falls to Scenic World
Distance: 8km
Gordon Falls lookout and picnic area
This picnic area is a great place to use the bathrooms, fill your water bottles or devour a pre-hike snack before setting off for the day.
The short walk to Gordon Falls lookout is a must to get your bearings and check out the 200m cascade of Gordon Falls itself, as well as the stunning cliff faces of Sublime Point.
Elysian, Olympian, and Tarpeian lookouts
It might be hard to better name a set of lookouts than this trio along the Prince Henry Cliff walk. The wind-weathered surface of Elysian Rock lookout gives the viewing platform a natural clifftop feel (watch your step!) and Olympian Rock lookout ups the ante with possibly the best view of Mount Solitary and the rippling valley floor below. Collect them all and follow the trail to Tarpeian Rock where you’ll see the back of the Three Sisters, Ruined Castle and Narrowneck Plateau.
Buttenshaw Bridge
The steel bridge between the twin rocks of Elysian Rock lookout deserves its own mention. Built in 1935 and renewed in 2015, Buttenshaw Bridge allows you to float above the valley with unimpeded views. It’s a great spot for a photo!
Leura Cascades picnic area
If you need the bathroom or some tables for lunch, take the short detour to Leura Cascades picnic area.
Leura Falls Creek
You’ll follow Leura Falls Creek through this section which is incredibly dense with striking green rainforest vegetation. Listen for native bird calls over the roar of the cascades as you check out the many vantage points on the way to the view from the top of the falls.
Detour: If you have time, the 4.5km Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit takes you a little deeper into the lush grotto along the cliffline.
Bridal Veil view
That scenic view you saw before reveals itself at Bridal Veil view, where you’ll be able to witness Leura Falls Creek cascading 35m to the rocks below. When it’s running well the two parts of the waterfall merge, creating a ‘bridal veil’ effect.
There is another Bridal Veil Falls that can be viewed from Govetts Leap in Blackheath.
Tallawalla lookout
You’ll make quick time to Tallawalla lookout, which is a good place for a drink of water and a little dollop of extra sunscreen while you grab your last view back to Kings Tableland (that’s near where you started!).
Echo Point lookout
We’ve saved one of the most iconic for last. is the home of the Echo Point lookout Three Sisters — it’s a sacred Aboriginal Place home to an incredible vantage point to peer into the valley. Definitely take the short detour to the left that takes you to Honeymoon Bridge, which connects to the first sister, and Lady Game lookout where you can get a close-up.
Echo Point is very popular with visitors so you can find a visitor centre, toilets, a water fountain and bins. There might be a few people around so be patient — someone might even take your photo for you!
Lady Darleys lookout
Now you’re around the headland of Echo Point you’ll be able to see much more of the Narrowneck Plateau and Ruined Castle , as well as views all the way out to Kanangra Walls and the Wild Dog mountains on a clear day!
Cliff View lookout
You’d think this isn’t a very creative name for a lookout on the Grand Cliff Top Walk but thanks to the shape of the valley, Cliff View lookout gives you close up of the cliffs of Scenic World. You’ll see the cable car, scenic railway, and if you peer extra hard, the Furber Steps descending into the valley.
Katoomba Falls reserve
You’ll cross stepping stones here over Katoomba Cascades, the beginnings of the Kedumba River, before it pours into the valley over Katoomba Falls. The reserve managed by the Blue Mountains City Council, is famously lit up at night until 11pm.
You’ll finish Prince Henry Cliff Walk and walk onto Cliff drive towards
Scenic World
Congratulations! Once you see a big old steam engine you’ve reached Scenic World and you’ve finished the Grand Cliff Top Walk.
How difficult is the Grand Cliff Top Walk?
Grand Cliff Top Walk is a grade 3 walk and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience is recommended. While the walk doesn’t descend into the valley itself, there are many stairs and the climbing and descending add up.
For those more adventurous you can descend all the way into the valley at Fern Bower stairs and ascend at Furber Stairs, or take the Scenic World train back up (check last train times).
What to bring on the Grand Cliff Top Walk:
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Backpack
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- At least 2 litres of water per person
- First aid kit
- Lots of food for energy
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Download the Emergency + App and NSW National Parks app
Ranger tips: Before you set out always check the weather forecast and NSW National Parks alerts for up-to-date information on closed parks and safety alerts. Consider filling out a trip intention form.
Where to stay on the Grand Cliff Top Walk
While there aren’t any campsites or accommodation on the Grand Cliff Top Walk itself, there are countless Blue Mountains accommodation options in Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba. As well as boutique cafes, unique restaurants and specialty shops to explore.
Be aware that Uber doesn’t currently operate in the Blue Mountains so you’ll need to call a bus service, taxi service, or organise transport through your accommodation if you can’t walk there from the trail.
The Grand Cliff Top Walk is the perfect introduction to a multi-day walk and the wonders of the Blue Mountains, or a brilliant few days of walking for even seasoned visitors. It won’t be the first time for many on these trails, but hiking the entire cliffline in one hit is pretty special, and a reminder of just how phenomenal the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains really is.
Make the most out of your trip with these tips:
- Blue Mountains National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- Roads into Blue Mountains National Park can be busy, especially on weekends and public holidays during summer. For up-to-date traffic information, we recommend you visit the Live Traffic NSW website.
- All Blue Mountains National Park visitors planning a long hike, off-track, or overnight adventure are recommended to fill in the online trip intention form or on dedicated iPads available at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Katoomba or Springwood Police Stations.
- Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and hire one from the NPWS Office in Blackheath or from the Police Stations at Katoomba and Springwood.
- Keep back from cliff edges and waterfalls, especially when taking photos. Please stay on tracks and be aware of your surroundings and footing.
- Thinking of taking a dip? Stay safe in the water with our tips.
Disclaimer: All content is accurate at the time of publishing; for up-to-date information including park closures and safety notices make sure you check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Article by: Tim Ashelford
Originally published at https://blog.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au on February 6, 2024.
