Mount Solitary walking track
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
Overview
Take a challenging, multi-day hike over Mount Solitary in Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy scenic mountain views, historic heritage, and bush camping, starting out from Katoomba.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 34km loop
- Time suggested
- 3 days
- Grade
- Grade 5
- 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.
- Personal Locator Beacon
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If you're planning to loan a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) from one of these locations, wait and fill out your trip intention form in person.
- What to
bring - Drinking water, clothes for all weather conditions, first aid kit, compass, personal locator beacon, topographic map, snacks, hat, sunscreen
- Please note
- You can buy maps and trail guides from Blue Mountains Heritage Centre at Blackheath or Katoomba visitor centre at Echo Point.
- Check for Total Fire Bans before you set out and get the latest track conditions from staff Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
- You’ll need to treat water from the creeks, waterholes and tanks before drinking.
- This walk is located in the Waragamba catchment for Sydney’s drinking water. Don’t wash dishes in creeks or rivers. Please walk at least 50m from rivers and creeks before toileting and bury toilet waste at least 15cm deep.
- Take a bag for rubbish and carry everything out with you.
For a chance to go wild for 3 days, pack your hiking boots and head for Mount Solitary walking track. A challenging track to enchant experienced bushwalkers, it passes through cool temperate rainforest, mountain heath, and tall Eucapytus forest.
Track notes
Day 1
Starting at Katoomba Falls Kiosk, descend Furber Steps to Federal Pass and walk the track where a horse-drawn tramway once ran. Day 1 covers 7km, passing by picturesque tree ferns and mountain blue gums. After 4.5hrs you’ll be refilling your water and pitching a tent at Ruined Castle campground amid the mining ruins from 1882. Take a short walk to the rock formation known as Ruined Castle and watch the sun set over the cliffs with deep shadows engulfing the Jamison Valley.Day 2
The second day is the hardest and you’ll need 8hrs to cover 9km of difficult terrain. Get the heart pumping with a hike up Korowal Knife Edge along a rough unformed track on the western ridge of Mount Solitary.
When you reach Chinamans Gully via a short detour you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and wedge-tailed eagles surfing the valley thermals. Bask in spellbinding views across the Jamison Valley. To the south, spot the rugged ravines of the Wild Dog mountains and the unspoilt Kanangra-Boyd wilderness. Take a moment to admire the hardy mountain heath, old man bankias, and scribbly gums while listening for the call of peregrine falcons.
Continue across the top of Mount Solitary before descending the steep eastern slope to Kedumba River campground. Remember to treat the water you collect from Kedumba River before drinking. Listen out for lyrebirds, possums and owls as you settle in for an evening of true bush-camping.
Day 3
The third and final day involves a 14km walk. From Kedumba River you’ll continue to follow Mount Solitary walking track for 2km.
When you meet Sublime Point fire trail, follow it to the west, passing Jamison and Leura Falls creeks. Wander through Leura forest and into the rainforest gully known as Fern Bower. Look out for the splash of red waratah flowers amid the grey forest gums if you happen to be here in spring. Finally, cool down under the spray of Linda or Lila, two waterfalls close to the track, before tackling the ascent back up the cliffline and into Katoomba.
If you opt to follow Prince Henry Cliff walk you’ll finish back at Furber Steps where you started.
Also see
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Golden Stairs walking track
Golden Stairs walking track is a short, steep walk, near Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Though challenging, it offers incredible views and access to the Jamison and Kedumba valleys.
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Ruined Castle walking track
The hard Ruined Castle walking track rewards with historic mining heritage and scenic views over Jamison Valley in Blue Mountains National Park near Katoomba.
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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.
Map
Map
Map legend
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/mount-solitary-walking-track/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 Mount Solitary walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
34km loop
Time
3 days
Quality of markings
No directional signage
Experience required
Very experienced bushwalkers
Gradient
Very steep and difficult
Steps
Many steps
Quality of path
Rough track, many obstacles
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Mount Solitary walking track is in the Katoomba area of Blue Mountains National Park. To get there by car:
- Drive west from Sydney on Great Western Highway to Katoomba
- Turn into Katoomba Road and follow signs to Cliff Drive
- Park at Katoomba Kiosk overnight, located near Katoomba Oval on Cliff Drive.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Parking
Free parking is available near Katoomba Kiosk and Katoomba Oval, on Cliff Drive.
If using a two cars you can park the second car at Kedumba Valley gate on Kedumba Valley Road.
By public transport
Catch the train to Katoomba. From here you can walk to Furber Steps near Katoomba Kiosk and Scenic World, or take the local hop-on hop-off tourist bus down to Katoomba Kiosk on Cliff Drive.
Facilities
Most facilities are available in Katoomba, Leura, and Wentworth Falls, including accommodation.
Toilets
Toilets only available at Ruined Castle.
- Non-flush toilets
Picnic tables
Picnic facilities only available at Ruined Castle.
Carpark
Overnight parking available at Katoomba Kiosk car parking area, next to Katoomba oval.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Gathering firewood
Prohibited
Cycling
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
Mount Solitary walking track 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