Autumn is a perfect time to visit the Blue Mountains, and there’s no better way to check out the region than on foot through the Blue Mountains National Park. With the weather getting cooler, now is the perfect time to get out and about in the Mountains.
Grand Canyon Track – Blackheath
With towering sandstone walls, waterfalls and lots of native vegetation, the Grand Canyon track is the top of many visitors lists to walk. First established in 1907, and with some of the track cut into the cliff, this 5.4km circuit walk is a great way to experience the Blue Mountains National Park.
Start your walk at the Grand Canyon Loop Track car park and follow the signs to and along the track. Discover the Rotunda, an area of cliff on Greaves Creek that has been carved out over the years to form an overhang. The Rotunda is the perfect spot for a rest with it’s small sandy beach. Beauchamp Falls are towards the end of the loop track, and fall approximately 10m from Greaves Creek through the canyon. Finish off the walk with views over the Grose Valley from Evans Lookout.
Charles Darwin Walk – Wentworth Falls
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin with the Charles Darwin Walk in Wentworth Falls. The walk follows the Jamison Creek through to the top of Wentworth Falls. You can start this walk from Wentworth Falls Railway Station if taking public transport or Wilson Park if driving. Follow the track through native plants and pass creeks and cascades, soaking in the atmosphere of the Blue Mountains National Park.
Weeping Rock is located on the Jamison River and provides some lovely falls, especially after rain. The water cascades over the overhang, and then down onto the rocks below. With a staircase beside the falls, you’ll get plenty of opportunity to view them from every angle. A little further down the track you’ll come across Queens Cascades, a lovely set of falls cascading down two sets of falls and into a sandy pool below. From Queens Cascades, the water falls under the fence and down the spectacular Wentworth Falls. You’ll also get some great photo opportunities with amazing views over the Valley to Sublime Point.
Capertee Valley Bird Trail – Lithgow
If you’re a bird lover, the Capertee Valley Bird Trail is a perfect spot for a day out in the Blue Mountains region. Capertee Valley is one of the top 50 bird watching places in the world, with some 242 bird species identified across the park including the endangered Regent Honeyeater. There are 19 bird watching sites that are easily accessible, giving you plenty of opportunity to catch a glimpse of some amazing bird and wildlife.
Capertee Valley is surrounded by the Wollemi, Capertee and Gardens of Stones national parks, which provide more walking tracks in the region including The Deep Pass Trail, the Glow Worm Tunnel Track and the Zig Zag Railway Track.
Mount Hay – Leura
At just over 3km return, the Mount Hay walking track is a lovely way to get some great views of the Grose Valley, as well as the area below Mount Hay. This walk will take you out of the rainforest, but it certainly won’t take away the views and photo opportunities. Start the walk at the Mount Hay car park and make your way along the track. There are a few rocky outcrops before you reach the summit to Mount Hay, a basalt-capped mountain. There are some great views on the track up to the summit, while at the top you’ll find a cairn made from basalt bricks.
If you don’t feel like walking, there are plenty of fire trails through the Mount Hay area that are perfect for mountain bike riding.
Three Sisters Walk – Katoomba
If you don’t have a lot of time in the Blue Mountains, the iconic Three Sisters Walk should be on your list of places to walk. This short walk (less than a km return) provides plenty of views over the Three Sisters and Echo Point. This walk is concreted and while there are no stairs, there are some steep sections. Start your walk at the Echo Point Information Centre and make your way over to Echo Point where you’ll get some great views over the Three Sisters.
From Echo Point, talk the walk to Spooners Lookout and Oreades Lookout for more great views of the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary and the Jamison Valley.
There’s always plenty to see in the Blue Mountains, and with the cooler weather, autumn is a great time to visit and explore the numerous walks, waterfalls and views of the Blue Mountains region.
Main Photo: Grand Canyon. Photo: Frugal Frolicker
