Hikes in
The Blue Mountains

South Lawson Waterfall Walking Track

Distance: 6.07 km
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Equipment: Hiking shoes or running trainers, sun cream, sunglasses, water, camera, swimming costume
Parking: Free on-road parking

Discover Tranquility in the Blue Mountains:

Embark on a waterfall adventure, a perfect escape on a scorching Sydney day. This trail, with its unique climate, offers a refreshing experience distinct from the higher elevations. Picture yourself hiking from one captivating waterfall to another, immersing yourself in the beautifully cool waters—I even had to paddle alongside Alma! Each waterfall unveils a distinct charm, making it an ideal day trip just an hour and a half drive from the city.

Enchanting Waterfall Loop:

Explore approximately 6-8 mesmerizing waterfalls along an easy-to-follow trail that forms a perfect loop. The diverse landscapes invite you to veer off the path, ensuring each waterfall is a unique discovery. Capture the magic by timing your walk during the early morning or golden hour, as the light dances down the cliffs, creating breathtaking scenes. If you're into photography, consider elevating your experience with drone photography, capturing the cascading beauty from above.

Popularity and Encounters:

Be prepared to share the trail with fellow nature enthusiasts and their canine companions, especially on weekends and holidays. The popularity of this hike speaks to its allure.

Plan Your Adventure:

Explore our detailed hiking map on AllTrails here to trace our journey, highlighting each waterfall we encountered.

Overall Rating: 8/10

This waterfall hike is not just a trail; it's a symphony of nature waiting to enchant you. Immerse yourself in the beauty, capture the magic, and plan your own escape to this natural oasis in the heart of the Blue Mountains.

Mount York and Lockyers Road Track

Distance: 12-13km
Duration: 3hr – 4 hrs
Parking: Free in car park at the top of the mountain, including free camping

Difficulty: Medium
Equipment: Hiking shoes or running trainers, sun cream, water, drone, camera, watering stick

Embark on an exhilarating small mountain hike in the Blue Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. Opting for a unique experience, we camped for free on Mount York and kicked off this adventure in the morning. Our journey began by heading left along the cliffs, away from the peak of Mount York, allowing us to absorb the panoramic views and familiarize ourselves with the upcoming route. Descending into the valley and ascending back to the mountain, the hike is not only fantastic but also incredibly easy to follow with the provided map. However, be prepared for a challenging climb towards the end, particularly if the terrain is slippery due to wet conditions.

At the base of the mountain, post-rain, the trail can become quite boggy. While charming stepping stones are present, there have been instances where the track was so waterlogged that even the wooden stumps were submerged. As a cautionary note, I encountered a brown snake at the beginning of the walk. Fortunately, Alma remained calm, and we continued without incident. Always exercise caution and consider using long or drag lines, especially in snake-prone areas.

Overall rating: 9/10

Explore the details of this adventure on AllTrails.

Lost City Viewpoint from Bungleboori Campground

Distance: 7-8km
Duration: 2hr – 3 hrs
Difficulty: Easy
Equipment: Hiking shoes or running trainers, sun cream, water

Parking: Free in layby at the start of the walk across from Bungleboori Campground

Embark on a captivating journey just beyond the Blue Mountains, as this trail winds along a 4x4 track that can get quite bustling. The path itself is easy to navigate, remaining flat and parallel to the road throughout its course. Navigating your way to this walk might be a tad perplexing; it's designated as a no-dog zone, extending to the campsite at the walk's commencement. However, the road leading to the lookout spans the state forest, lacking any explicit signs prohibiting dogs. Many hikers, following the local consensus, ventured forth with their canine companions.

Upon reaching the summit, a sneak peek over the valley provides a tantalizing preview of the scenic spectacle to come. The viewpoint itself is nothing short of magical, with rock faces reminiscent of an ancient lost city. It's as if the Blue Mountains have crafted their own Machu Picchu! The option to climb and explore within the rock formations unveils expansive vistas stretching for miles.

Our visit encountered gusty winds, prompting me to earmark this spot for a return trip. For the daring and equipped with a lifted 4x4, an alternative adventure awaits: driving the route all the way to the viewpoint.

Overall rating: 8/10

Explore the details of this adventure on AllTrails.

Blackmans Crown

Distance: 3km-4km
Duration: 1hr-2hrs
Difficulty: Hard
Equipment: Hiking shoes, sun cream, water, a map!

Parking: Free in layby on the roadside

Embark on an adventurous off-trail experience with the Blackman's Crown Hike. Spanning 3km-4km, this challenging route promises an exhilarating journey lasting 1 to 2 hours. Equipped with hiking shoes, sun cream, water, and a map, be prepared for an unconventional trek where the absence of a designated path sets the stage for a unique adventure.

Navigating this trail proved challenging from the onset, requiring us to forge our way through the woods up to the base of the imposing rock face crowning the woodland hill. Relying on the AllTrails map, we deciphered a rough route to guide us. Once at the foot of the rocks, we traced along the left-hand side, discovering a more manageable path. Vigilance with the map was crucial, considering the lack of a defined trail.

The ascent involved a bit of scrambling, but the panoramic view from the summit justified the effort. With cliff faces boasting substantial drops, safety precautions included securing Alma in a backpack, firmly attached throughout. Two accessible viewpoints offered breathtaking vistas, while a more challenging viewpoint was left unexplored due to safety concerns.

Navigating a large loop along the rock face, we circled back to the woodland top, descending through the woods. Although the return journey posed challenges and moments of uncertainty, Alma's remarkable intuition guided us back to the initial path. She retraced our steps, leading us meticulously back to the car.

Overall rating: 9/10

Explore the details of this thrilling hike on AllTrails.

Distance: 5.18 km
Duration: 1hr
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $17.50
Equipment: Hiking shoes or running trainers, sun cream, water
Parking: Free on-road parking next to the gardens

Embark on a serene 5.18 km hike through the enchanting Breenhold Gardens, a botanical paradise requiring a paid entry fee of $17.50. This verdant haven is open biannually, exclusively during Spring and Autumn. The latter season, adorned with a mesmerizing array of orange and red hues, is particularly captivating. Over the years, the leaves have begun their descent earlier, providing a vibrant display. To witness the foliage on the trees, visit earlier in Autumn, while those captivated by the colorful carpet under the trees should plan for a later visit.

Breenhold Gardens boasts diverse sections and gardens to explore, with a personal favorite being the lookout at the back. Positioned atop the valley, the view from this vantage point is truly breathtaking. Note that the gardens lack on-site cafes or food options, so pack a delightful picnic and discover a secluded spot to savor your culinary delights.

For an optimal experience, I recommend arriving as early as possible. The increasing popularity of the gardens, evident by the presence of approximately 400 visitors during our last visit, underscores the need to beat the crowds. This surge in popularity is a notable shift from 2021 when we enjoyed the gardens in near solitude.

Overall rating: 8/10

Explore the details of this delightful hike on AllTrails.

Breenhold Gardens

Horseshoe Falls Loop

Distance: 1.6km
Duration: 1hr
Difficulty: Easy
Equipment: Hiking shoes or running trainers (especially after rainfall), sun cream, water, long line, poop bags
Parking: Free on-road parking

Embark on the picturesque Horseshoe Falls Loop, a brief but delightful 1.6km hike with a suggested duration of 1 hour. The trail is rated easy, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers. Essential equipment includes sturdy hiking shoes or running trainers, particularly advisable after rainfall, along with sun cream, water, a long line, and poop bags.

Although our time was limited, the area offers a plethora of walks for those with more leisure. Our focus on this occasion was the enchanting waterfall. We indulged in a leisurely paddle along the streams, transforming our experience into a shorter, looped hike that conveniently led us back to the car.

The allure of the Horseshoe Falls lies in the captivating beauty of the waterfalls. As you stroll along the trail, you'll find yourself walking under the cave, allowing the waterfall to cascade gracefully over the cliffs above. The charm of this area is truly worth exploring, but caution is advised after rainfall, as the terrain can become slippery. Don't forget to equip yourself with appropriate hiking shoes to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Overall rating: 6/10

Explore the details of this scenic hike on AllTrails.

Centennial Pass Loop

Distance: 8.38 km
Duration: 2-3hrs
Difficulty: Medium
Equipment: Hiking shoes or running trainers, sun cream, water
Parking: Free on-road parking

Embark on the captivating Centennial Pass Loop in the Blue Mountains, boasting an impressive 8.38 km trail with a suggested duration of 2-3 hours. This moderate difficulty hike requires essential equipment such as hiking shoes or running trainers, sun cream, and an ample supply of water. Parking is conveniently available for free along the road.

The allure of this area lies in its breathtaking, almost magical views—undoubtedly one of the most picturesque parts of the Blue Mountains. Having explored this region previously via a different path, we chose a new route this time. While the specific hike detailed below presented challenges due to an overgrown middle section, we wholeheartedly recommend an alternative loop path for a seamless and rewarding experience. The alternate route ensures you don't miss any of the highlights, including mesmerising viewpoints, a beautiful waterfall nestled in a cave, and a hike up a path with the waterfall gracefully flowing alongside.

In addition to the scenic wonders, the area often attracts climbers, with the possibility of encountering tightrope walkers—a testament to the adventurous spirit prevalent in this stunning landscape. Despite the challenges faced on the specified route, the overall charm and beauty of the Centennial Pass Loop warrant a commendable rating of 8/10.

Explore the details of this captivating hike on AllTrails.