Grand Cliff Top Walk
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
Overview
Spend 2 days exploring the magnificent Grand Cliff Top Walk which seamlessly links Wentworth Falls village to Katoomba. Book to stay in local accommodation, and enjoy some of the Blue Mountains’ best cafes and restaurants.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 19km one-way
- Time suggested
- 2 days
- Grade
- Grade 3
- Trip Intention Form
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It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, clothes for all weather conditions, snacks, first aid kit, bottled water
- Please note
This trail is quite long and requires a moderate level of fitness.
This walk can be tackled in smaller sections, or you can walk the full 2 days staying in village accommodation along the way. You'll need to book your overnight stays.
Day 1: Wentworth Falls village to Leura
Distance: 11km
Time suggested: 5 to 7 hours
Toilets at: Wentworth Falls village, Valley of the Waters lookout and Conservation Hut, Gordon Falls picnic area
Arrive at Wentworth Falls village and enjoy coffee or a full breakfast at one of the many cafes. After fuelling up and using the toilets, begin the adventure by crossing Great Western Highway to Wilson Park picnic area and follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin by making your way south along Darwins walk which follows Jamison Creek. This will lead you to into Blue Mountains National Park.
As you stroll, allow the yellow-tailed black cockatoo to be your guide with our wayfinding signage. Take in panoramic views at Jamison and Wentworth Falls lookouts. Then head down the stairs and make your way to Weeping Rock, where Jamison Creek spills over a rock overhang into shallow pools below.
Once you’re finished taking in the sights, continue on the track as it winds up to Fletchers lookout. From here, you can watch Wentworth Falls cascade 100m over the cliff into the Jamison Valley.
Continuing on, the track dips down and leads you under the cliff edge, the rock arching over your head. Enjoy the sight of lush ferns and grasses growing from the cliff side and the sound of water trickling nearby as you traverse the sandstone stepping stones along this striking section of track. You'll cross a little bridge over Den Fenella Creek and begin walking on top of the cliff instead of tucked in around the base.
Emerging from the overhang, you have the option of taking a small but steep detour up to Valley of the Waters lookout and Conservation Hut café where you can use the toilets, fill your drinking water, or enjoy a meal.
If you continue on Grand Cliff Top Walk you'll get to Lilians Bridge, pausing along the way to take in the view at Empress Falls lookout. Turn left onto the bridge, make your way across, then climb the stairs up through a thick forest of eucalyptus trees. Don't forget to look down to see Empress Canyon stretching deep below.
When you emerge at Fairmont Resort, follow the signs to Sublime Point Road and continue through the pretty streets of Leura for around 1km. Please stay off the road and watch for cars here. Rejoin the track into Blue Mountains National Park and continue up high on the escarpment with your first view of the Three Sisters until you reach Golf Links lookout.
From here, the track leads to Golf Links lookout and then down into the delightfully cool, fern-filled grotto of Pool of Siloam before you ascend your final set of steps for the day to Gordon Falls picnic area.
Explore the area and refresh yourself, or head 1.5km into Leura village centre and check out the shops and restaurants. You'll be back here to start day 2 of walking, and the villages of Wentworth Falls and Katoomba are just a short bus, train, or taxi-ride away.
Day 2: Gordon Falls to Katoomba
Distance: 8km
Time suggested: 4 to 5 hours
Toilets at: Gordon Falls picnic area, Echo Point, Katoomba Falls Reserve, Scenic World
Day 2 starts where you left off at Gordon Falls picnic area. Take a quick detour to enjoy Gordon Falls lookout, where Gordon Creek drops an impressive 200m over the cliff, deep into the valley below. Then begin the journey and make your way to the track and head west, with Jamison Valley falling away to your left. The trail takes you past a trio of lookouts at Elysian, Olympian, and Tarpeian Rocks, providing even more impressive outlooks onto Mount Solitary. Buttenshaw Bridge is another highlight; a steel bridge first built in 1935 between the twin rocks of Elysian Rock lookout. It makes for an exhilarating crossing over a chasm, before you continue on down a short set of stairs.
From here, you can make a quick detour to Leura Cascades picnic area for a break, or continue your walk, following Leura Falls Creek as it winds through dense rainforest to the top of Leura Cascades. Here, you can watch the creek fall over the sandstone escarpment, with Mount Solitary on the horizon perfectly framed by the surrounding cliffs.
Keep going, following the track to take in the sight of Leura Cascades from above at Tallawalla lookout and Bridal Veil lookout. When it’s running well the two parts of the waterfall merge, creating a ‘bridal veil’ effect.
One of the most iconic lookouts is saved for last; Echo Point lookout, with an incredible view of the world-renowned Three Sisters Aboriginal Place. Stay a while and learn the stories of this culturally significant area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council visitor centre, top up on water, and use the toilets.
When you’re ready to continue, you’ll find the track on the other side of the lookout. Follow the path around the cliffside, taking in the sights from Lady Darleys and Cliff View lookouts. You'll spot Narrowneck Plateau and Ruined Castle, as well as Kanangra Walls and the Wild Dog mountains if it's a clear day. Then head towards Katoomba Falls, crossing the pool at its base and continuing up the track to Katoomba Falls picnic area. This special reserve, managed by Blue Mountains City Council, is lit up until 11pm at night.
Follow the track to its end at Scenic World. Congratulations, you've just covered 19km of cliffline hiking and can now tick that off the bucket list. Enjoy the rides and café at Scenic World, or get a taxi or the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus for 2km into Katoomba village or to Katoomba train station.
Also see
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Fern Bower to Furber Steps walk
Fern Bower to Furber Steps walk is a stunning walk in Blue Mountains National Park. With a steep descent and climb back up, it’s a challenging alternative route for walkers tackling Grand Cliff Top Walk.
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Wentworth Falls to Leura walk
Wentworth Falls to Leura walk is the first day for those hiking Grand Cliff Top Walk. This 11km journey though World Heritage area on Gundungurra County passes plunging waterfalls and lookouts in Blue Mountains National Park.
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Gordon Falls to Katoomba walk
Gordon Falls to Katoomba walk is 8km and the second day of Grand Cliff Top Walk, in the Blue Mountains. It offers impressive views of Three Sisters Aboriginal Place and Mount Solitary.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/grand-cliff-top-walk/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in the Katoomba area of Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Katoomba area is always open but some locations may close at times due to maintenance, poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Grand Cliff Top Walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
19km one-way
Time
2 days
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
Some bushwalking experience recommended
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
Many steps
Quality of path
Formed track
Getting there and parking
The easiest way to travel is by train if you want to complete Grand Cliff Top Walk.
If driving, Wentworth Falls village is a 1.5-2 hr drive from the centre of Sydney, or 45 mins from Penrith.
Parking
Paid parking is available at Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba. See Blue Mountains City Council website for detail on parking zones.
Free all-day parking is available on some roads at Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba.
Please check street signs and arrive early because these areas can become very busy on weekends.
By public transport
Depart the train at Wentworth Falls train station and start your adventure.
- From Wentworth Falls station it's a 3km walk along Darwins walk to Wentworth Falls picnic area
- Day 1 ends at Gordon Falls and it's a 1.5km walk, taxi ride or Explorer bus ride to Leura village or train station.
- Day 2 starts at Gordon Falls
- Day 2 ends at Scenic World and it's a 2km walk, taxi ride, Explorer bus ride, or public bus ride (route 686) to Katoomba village or train station.
Visit the Transport for NSW website for trip planning.
Facilities
The walk goes through the Blue Mountains villages of Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba where you can find facilities, cafes, restaurants and accommodation.
Toilets
Toilets are available Wentworth Falls village, Wentworth Falls picnic area (short detour), Valley of the Waters lookout and Conservation Hut (short detour), Gordon Falls picnic area, Leura Cascades car park (short detour), Echo Point, Katoomba Falls Reserve (near Katoomba Falls), and Scenic World.
Picnic tables
Cafe/kiosk
There are cafés at Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba villages.
Carpark
Drinking water
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
The walking track is not wheelchair-accessible, but there are lookouts and picnic areas along it that are. These attractions can be easily reached and have accessible parking spaces.
Prohibited
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Grand Cliff Top Walk is in Katoomba area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A haven for plants and animals
Katoomba area’s diverse landscapes are home to a wide range of native plants and animals. Rare and threatened species include the yellow-bellied glider and Blue Mountains water skink. Spotted tail quolls inhabit the deep shady valleys. The ancient dwarf mountain pine, which existed in the age of dinosaurs, lives only in a 9km stretch between Katoomba and Wentworth Falls. In November and early December, keep an eye out for the pink-purple blooms of the critically endangered Megalong Valley bottlebrush, along Six Foot track.
- Blue Mountains big day out with Colourful Trips Escape the city and expand your horizons on this action-packed Blue Mountains adventure with Colourful Trips. You’ll enjoy stunning views of mountains, valleys and waterfalls, and see native wildlife too.
- Blue Mountains e-bike adventure tours Just a short hop from Sydney are mountain bike trails that thread through beautiful World Heritage-listed parkland. Explore this amazing bushland on a guided e-bike tour with Blue Mountains Biking Adventures.
- Blue Mountains escape with Daily Sydney Tours Experience the stunning World Heritage surrounds of the Blue Mountains your very own way on these fun-filled private excursions with Daily Sydney Tours.
- Blue Mountains rendezvous with kangaroos tours Explore ancient rainforests and stunning sandstone escarpments with a qualified ecology guide in World Heritage surrounds. Learn about kangaroos, wombats and other unique wildlife on this private outing with Tread Lightly Eco Tours.
- Blue Mountains tours by Australian Luxury Escapes This delightful day tour with Australian Luxury Escapes is a great way to take in wilderness views and see native wildlife in the World Heritage surrounds of Blue Mountains National Park.
In the footsteps of early tourists
The Blue Mountains boasts one of the most complex track systems of any national park in Australia. Dating from as early as 1825, around 60 per cent of the tracks have national, state or regional significance. Follow in the footsteps of early European tourists along the many historic tracks near Katoomba and Wentworth Falls, like Princes Rock walking track. Discover mining heritage along the challenging Ruined Castle route, or head down to Federal Pass, built in 1900. As you descend the Giant Stairway, spare a thought for the men who built it by hand using picks, shovels, crowbars and dynamite.
- Blue Mountains mystery tours by ghost bus Join the friendly local guides of Blue Mountains Mystery Tours for an after-dark journey by bus to explore the spine-tingling myths and legends of the Blue Mountains.
- Blue Mountains scenic day tours for small groups Enjoy a big day out to some of the most scenic locations in the Blue Mountains with the friendly guides of Oz Trails. Visit beautiful mountain villages and see stunning natural wonders in World Heritage surrounds at an unhurried pace.
- Conservation Hut Conservation Hut at Wentworth Falls is perfectly-positioned amidst the beauty of Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy a bite to eat with uninterrupted views of the Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary.
- Federal Pass Historic Federal Pass is a challenging walk in Blue Mountains National Park. Set out from either Leura or Katoomba and enjoy views of the Three Sisters, waterfalls and Scenic World.
- National Pass National Pass is closed between Valley of the Waters and Slacks Stairs due to rockfall. From Wentworth Falls picnic area, you can walk the upper section of this loop walk, atop the escarpment, for epic lookouts with sweeping views of the waterfalls and Jamison Valley.
Ancient landscapes
The Katoomba area is one of the easiest places to see the park’s cliff walls and rock overhangs, multi-tier waterfalls and hazy blue forests. Millions of years of volcanic uplift and erosion have carved out the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters peaks. Eagle-eyed visitors can try to spot the grey coal and shale deposits between the sandstone. These were formed 245 to 290 million years ago when this area held vast swamps and deltas. Today, landscapes range from open forest and windswept heath, to hanging swamps that cling to the cliff face, and remnant rainforest in the spray zones of waterfalls.
- All about the Blue Mountains guided tours Join All About Australian Tours to explore scenic highlights in the Blue Mountains. Departing from Sydney, these tours are a great way to soak up the beauty of this ancient landscape of river gorges, sandstone cliffs and vast eucalypt forests.
- Blue Mountains dark sky stargazing tour Join Blue Mountains Stargazing on a mesmerising 90-minute astronomy tour in the dark skies of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.
- Blue Mountains escape with Daily Sydney Tours Experience the stunning World Heritage surrounds of the Blue Mountains your very own way on these fun-filled private excursions with Daily Sydney Tours.
- Blue Mountains guided photography tours Learn landscape photography in the spectacular outdoor classroom of the Blue Mountains. With a professional guide from Jaydid Photo, explore and capture the stunning beauty of this World Heritage-listed area.
- Blue Mountains rendezvous with kangaroos tours Explore ancient rainforests and stunning sandstone escarpments with a qualified ecology guide in World Heritage surrounds. Learn about kangaroos, wombats and other unique wildlife on this private outing with Tread Lightly Eco Tours.
Activities at your fingertips
Wentworth Falls picnic area was one of the first tourist facilities developed in the Blue Mountains. Today, you’ll find a viewing deck, picnic tables, accessible toilet facilities and carparks close to lookouts, waterfalls and walks. In Katoomba, enjoy the interpretative sculptures and multiple lookouts along wheelchair accessible Three Sisters walk. Combine your park experience with Scenic World attractions and the lively Katoomba street cafe scene. Kids can learn more on a school excursion or holiday activity. Why not get involved in a volunteer bushcare program.
- All-inclusive Blue Mountains guided discovery tour Explore Blue Mountains National Park in style on a discovery tour with AAT Kings. See the wildlife at Sydney Zoo, visit Scenic World, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this World Heritage-listed area.
- Blue Mountains escapes with Ready Steady Tour Let Ready Steady Tour pick you up from Sydney and whisk you away for a big day of sightseeing in the stunning World Heritage surrounds of the Blue Mountains.
- Blue Mountains highlights tour with FJ Tours Take a coach tour with FJ Tours to see the highlights of Blue Mountains National Park. You’ll visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, Echo Point and Jamison Valley before taking a river cruise back to Sydney.
- Blue Mountains tours with Activity Tours Australia Explore Blue Mountains National Park away from the crowds on a small group tour with Activity Tours Australia. You’ll discover secluded lookouts, remote waterfalls and hidden valleys on this flexible day trip.
- Conservation Hut Conservation Hut at Wentworth Falls is perfectly-positioned amidst the beauty of Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy a bite to eat with uninterrupted views of the Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary.
Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property
Blue Mountains National Park is 1 of 8 national parks and reserves that make up the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains Area (GBMA). In 2000, UNESCO recognised the area's outstanding biodiversity significance. The GBMA lies within the Country of the Dharug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Darkinjung, Wanaruah and Dharawal People. With over 1 million hectares of rugged plateaux, sheer cliffs and deep gorges, it protects unique ecosystems teeming with rare plants and animals. Over 99 species of eucalypt trees have evolved here over millions of years, making it the most diverse eucalypt forest in the world. Greater Blue Mountains Drive is a great way to see this ancient wilderness right on Sydney doorstep.
- All about the Blue Mountains guided tours Join All About Australian Tours to explore scenic highlights in the Blue Mountains. Departing from Sydney, these tours are a great way to soak up the beauty of this ancient landscape of river gorges, sandstone cliffs and vast eucalypt forests.
- Blue Mountains Aboriginal culture tour Join Zanza Tours and escape the city for a day of discovery in the beautiful Blue Mountains. You’ll experience a traditional Aboriginal ceremony, local food and amazing scenery in World Heritage surrounds.
- Blue Mountains big day out with Colourful Trips Escape the city and expand your horizons on this action-packed Blue Mountains adventure with Colourful Trips. You’ll enjoy stunning views of mountains, valleys and waterfalls, and see native wildlife too.
- Blue Mountains dark sky stargazing tour Join Blue Mountains Stargazing on a mesmerising 90-minute astronomy tour in the dark skies of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.
- Blue Mountains e-bike adventure tours Just a short hop from Sydney are mountain bike trails that thread through beautiful World Heritage-listed parkland. Explore this amazing bushland on a guided e-bike tour with Blue Mountains Biking Adventures.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)
With a complex mimicking call and an elaborate courtship dance to match, the superb lyrebird is one of the most spectacular Australian animals. A bird watching must-see, the superb lyrebird can be found in rainforests and wet woodlands across eastern NSW and Victoria.
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Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)
With a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. These Australian animals are found in woodlands across NSW, and have the ability to soar to heights of over 2km. If you’re bird watching, look out for the distinctive diamond-shaped tail of the eagle.
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Yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)
The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is one of the largest species of parrot. With dusty-black plumage, they have a yellow tail and cheek patch. They’re easily spotted while bird watching, as they feed on seeds in native forests and pine plantations.
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Eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii)
The eastern water dragon is a subaquatic lizard found in healthy waterways along eastern NSW, from Nowra to halfway up the Cape York Pensinsula. It’s believed to be one of the oldest of Australian reptiles, remaining virtually unchanged for over 20 million years.
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Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.
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Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
One of only 2 egg-laying mammals in the world, the short-beaked echidna is one of the most widespread of Australian native animals. Covered in spines, or quills, they’re equipped with a keen sense of smell and a tube-like snout which they use to break apart termite mounds in search of ants.
Plants
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Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)
Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.
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Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.
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Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma)
Easily identifiable Australian native plants, scribbly gum trees are found throughout NSW coastal plains and hills in the Sydney region. The most distinctive features of this eucalypt are the ‘scribbles’ made by moth larva as it tunnels between the layers of bark.
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Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)
Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.
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Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the best-known Australian native plants. This iconic Australian bush flower can be found on sandstone ridges around Sydney, in nearby mountain ranges and on the NSW South Coast. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, measuring up to 15cm across, and blossoms in spring.
Environments in this area
School excursions (5)
- Explore a national park, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- Living Country, living culture, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History
- Mountain landscapes: Blue Mountains, Stage 4 (Years 7-8), Geography
- Rainforests and waterfalls, Stage 3 (Years 5-6), Geography
- Living Country, living culture, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Geography