Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth became the first Europeans to cross the Blue Mountains in New South Wales in 1813. It was a hard slog on foot, but it was worth every step for the development of inland Australia. The explorers blazed a trail that would lead, over the coming decades, to the settlement and farming of large tracts of land west of the Great Dividing Range.
In 1814, Governor Macquarie approved the building of a 163-km road over the Blue Mountains from Emu Plains, west of Sydney, to Bathurst Plains. With the opening of the road in April, 1815, the stage was set for the exodus of settlers who would trek there to build a new life in the region, supported by the sprouting of Australia’s first inland settlement, the regional city of Bathurst, which is today a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney on the Great Western Highway.
Just as they were back then, feet continue to be an important mode of transport in the Blue Mountains, but today’s explorers are bushwalkers.
The Greater Blue Mountains, which covers more than 10,000 square kilometres of mostly forested landscape, is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The region is home to more than 400 different species, including threatened or rare animals like the spotted-tailed quoll, the yellow-bellied glider, the long-nosed potoroo and the Blue Mountains water skink. One of the world’s rarest plants, the Wollemi pine, is found here, a living fossil which dates back to the age of the dinosaurs. A few surviving trees have been found in three small areas located in remote, inaccessible gorges in the Blue Mountains.
Breathtaking views abound in this World Heritage-listed landscape which ranges from high country wilderness to sprawling eucalyptus forests, rugged tablelands, sheer cliffs, deep ravines, hidden valleys, swamps, wetlands and grasslands.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual day-tripper, the best way to take in the fresh air and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains is on foot. Here’s a small snapshot of some of the hundreds of walking tracks that criss-cross the Greater Blue Mountains, ranging from easy to moderate and hard.
Fairfax Track Access Walk
This level and well-graded track is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. It is an easy circuit walk that wanders through the forests behind the cliffs of the Grose Valley. The track passes George Phillips lookout, with its magnificent views over the Grose Valley. Grade: Easy, Time: 1 hour, Distance: 2.2km
Charles Darwin Walk
Follows Jamison Creek south, arriving at the top of Wentworth Falls. The top of the falls is a fantastic spot to rest, taking in views of the Jamison Valley. Grade: Moderate, Time: 2 hours, Distance: 6km
Zig-Zag Railway Walk
Climbing to the ridges above the railway, walkers take in the line of the Zig Zag Railway from Clarence Station to Bottom Points Station. Grade: Moderate, Time: 3.5 hours, Distance: 9.2km return
Federal Pass Walking Track
This trail follows the base of the cliffs from Leura to the Golden Stairs, passing many of the popular sights of the Katoomba region, passing through Leura Forest and including Kedumba Falls. Grade: Hard, Time: 5 hours, Distance: 8km
Sassafras Gully Loop
Beginning at Springwood Station, the walk through dense bushland passes through gullies, past dramatic rock formations and tumbling waterfalls. Grade: Hard, Time: 4. 5 hours, Distance: 11km
Euroka Nepean River Circuit
Starting at Euroka Clearing, the track follows Euroka Creek and then steepens in places as it follows the Nepean River. The walk returns along Bennetts Ridge trail. Grade: Hard, Time: 1.25 hours, Distance: 2.8 km
Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock
The walk to Baltzer Lookout offers beautiful scenery and a view to dramatic Hanging Rock. The track is mainly management trail and walkers must tread carefully as the cliff edges are unfenced and exposed. The walk to Baltzer Lookout is worth it. Grade: Hard, Time: 3.5 hours, Distance: 8km
Echo Point to Leura Cascades
Starting at the famous lookout, this is one of the most breathtaking cliff walks in the Katoomba region, passing Copelands, Burrabarroo and Honeymoon lookouts. Grade: Moderate, Time: 1.7 hours, Distance: 3.3km
Nayook Canyon Bush Track
The track follows beautiful Nayook Creek, weaving through ferns along the creek bed, climbing around cascading waterfalls and rock pools. Some of the track is slippery and rope rails are used on some of the steeper sections. Grade: Hard, Time: 45 mins, Distance: 2.2km
Deep Pass Trail
Located near Lithgow, the trail takes walkers into a steep valley surrounded by cliffs and up the other side, with the cascading waterfalls in Nayook Canyon a beautiful side-trip. Grade: Moderate, Time: 1 hour, Distance: 1.9km
Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop
This track explores a section of the Glenbrook Gorge, with a side trip down to the creek below. The local bakery is a great start or finish to the walk. Grade: Hard, Time: 2.5 hours, Distance: 4.3km
The Blue Mountains Conservation Society is a voluntary group focused on the conservation of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains which organises regular bushwalks.
The not-for-profit National Parks Association of NSW organises more than 1000 bushwalks annually for members, ranging from easy strolls to multi-day full-pack walks.
For more information, visit Wild Walks
Photo Credits
Kangaroos – Destination NSW
Bush Walking – Paul Blackmore Destination NSW
Mt Marsden – Hamilton Lund Destination NSW
Mt Hay – Chris Jones Destination NSW
Kanangra Falls – Chris Jones Destination NSW
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