19 km grade 3 stroll linking Wentworth Falls to Katoomba
Heralded as a ‘new’ stroll, the Grand Cliff High Stroll is an easy-to-follow grade 3 monitor alongside the Jamison Valley escarpment, on Gundungurra Nation, that has been fashioned by linking previous tracks identified to us locals (and those that can learn maps) for years. Lots of the sections are a part of my every day walks, so when Nice Walks Journal requested me to put in writing an article in regards to the rebranded route, I knew I needed to expertise it by means of recent eyes and in a brand new (to me) method: over the NPWS advisable two days.
On this model of the article, I’ve included extra particulars on the logistics, with hyperlinks to advisable lodging, experiences and meals choices. Huge because of all of the native companies and individuals who supported this journey by means of Blue Mountains Tourism and to my fellow walker, Briar (she of the blue shirt) who can also be writing about it for different journey publications. Checkout my Insta Reel – 2 days in 90 secs!
Day 1 // Wentworth Falls to Leura – 11km
Because the 8.12 am prepare from Central lumbers into Wentworth Falls Station, college college students shoulder heavy backpacks for his or her day forward. Swinging mine into place, relieved to really feel the floatiness that comes from a lightweight day pack, there’s a jaunt in my step as I make my method beside the fantastically dressed store home windows of this tidy Blue Mountains village.
With a bag like this and 19 km of grade 3 monitor forward of me, it’s laborious to imagine I’m within the Higher Blue Mountains World Heritage Space with the whole lot I would like for the following two days.
Positive, I’ve received the standard suspects like a primary assist package, sunscreen, water and a raincoat on board, however not even my favorite home made scroggin made the minimize. The one barely uncommon addition is a spare pair of lingerie, PJs, cossie and my toothbrush.
That is inn-to-inn strolling at its greatest.
The idea is straightforward: Hike throughout the day carrying simply the necessities, then eat, drink, sleep and chill out within the villages alongside the best way. No tent, no sleeping bag and no heavy pack.
This traditional European model of multi-day mountain climbing, like a Camino (or pub-to-pub within the UK for a unique kind of spiritual expertise), is what makes the brand new (however very previous) Grand Cliff High Stroll (GCTW) distinctive within the Blue Mountains. Historically a area that requires self-sufficiency with full packs for in a single day walks, the GCTW welcomes hikers who get pleasure from exploring native communities together with the pure setting and the comforts of vacationer lodging.
Assembly my pal exterior Fed Cafe, we seize a wonderful espresso and wholesome takeaway lunch for the day. I’m impressed by the hiker-friendly snacks on provide comparable to rolled oat and white chocolate cookies or fig and nut slice—these may be higher than my scroggin!
My native information tells me this stroll traverses the undulating clifflines alongside the northern escarpment of the Jamison Valley; crossing waterfalls, cascades and lookouts steeped in limitless, yawning views. Who is aware of the place starvation will interrupt our steps? I higher purchase two.
Crossing the Nice Western Freeway and turning down Falls Highway, we arrive on the official begin of our journey – Wilson Park Picnic Space.
Getting into by means of the sandstone gates, there’s good interpretive signage to learn earlier than urgent onto this primary part of the monitor, often known as Darwins Stroll. [Read this excellent article by another writer mate (and lauded outdoor guide up here, Dan Lewis, about why Charles Darwin’s name is lent to this track.]
It’s right here that we spy the primary black cockatoo. Not like most conferences with this well-known Blue Mountains native, this one isn’t preceded by the tell-tale squeaky door screech or yellow-feathered tail flash as they take to the skies. And though science has debunked the parable that they’re the soothsayers of unhealthy climate, the ponderous sky above foresees in any other case.
This cockatoo — the fashionable emblem of the monitor, designed by native Gundungurra artist, Kelsie King (daughter of Uncle David King)— predicts straightforward navigation with method markers and arrows at key junctions.
Vacationers have been strolling tracks on this space for practically 150 years. It’s a part of an enormous labyrinthine community of trails, some that date again to the late 1800’s work of grasp trackmaker and Irish immigrant, Peter Mulheran, the primary ranger for what was then referred to as the Wentworth Falls Reserve.
Only some okay’s in and his affect is seen alongside the route in low stone partitions, paying homage to conventional Irish farm fences and stone water wells resembling pizza ovens. It doesn’t take a lot creativeness to image girls in lengthy frocks and ample petticoats, together with gents in stiff woollen fits, pausing on their amble to scoop water with a metal cup left behind for the general public’s comfort. There’s nonetheless crystal clear water on this effectively right this moment, however as with all water alongside this monitor, it’s good to deal with it first.
It’s with the ghosts of Peter, the following tens of millions of vacationers who got here to ‘take the mountain air’ and the 1000’s of years of Gundungurra folks’s historical past, that my pal and I step out on this numerous and wonder-filled Nation.
A lot has modified since Peter spent years toiling on these tracks, weathered by the seasons and situations. At present’s track-building strategies draw from a better understanding of abrasion and the circulation of water, the emergence of launched English-style gardens within the cities above that carry seeds and invasive species into the dear Nationwide Park and the impacts of Sydney’s inhabitants, pushing 6 million folks, simply an hour and a half away.
That is my yard, my dwelling. I’ve the luxurious of realizing hyperlink tracks, shortcuts and lookouts into one elegant journey, making it as lengthy or quick as I would like. And herein lies the actual nub of this joint NSW Nationwide Parks and Wildlife Service and Blue Mountains Metropolis Council initiative: linking collectively the earlier maze of historic tracks into one streamlined, cohesive journey—made straightforward to comply with by an iconic black cockatoo emblem and signage.
So if you happen to’ve ever wandered alongside sections of the Prince Henry Cliff Stroll, Three Sisters Monitor, Katoomba Falls Reserve Night time Lit Stroll or Katoomba Cascades (Katoomba); the Charles Darwin Stroll, Beneath Cliff, Over Cliff, Princes Rock Monitor, Wentworth Falls Monitor, Valley of the Waters Monitor (Wentworth Falls), Pool of Siloam Monitor (Leura), … you’ve already ventured onto the Grand Cliff High Stroll!
I like to consider it just like the components of an ideal recipe; every one bringing totally different flavours, textures, colors and moods, but making a harmonious, single dish. A hearty, tasty minestrone of strolling tracks with a smorgasbord of lookouts, packaged up in a well-balanced path.
Mild rain surrounded us as we took within the first (of many!) must-see quick aspect journeys to Fletchers Lookout. Considered one of my favourites, this spot lets you look down over the spectacular 187m drop of Wentworth Falls.
The roar by means of the mist beneath us felt just like the revving of our strolling engines and marked the primary of 4 key waterfalls that dissect the route: Wentworth Falls, Gordon Falls (50m), Bridle Veil Falls (55m) and Katoomba Falls (230m).
Off we go and the cockatoo reveals us the best way alongside strong sandstone stairs, pure earthen monitor and stepping stones as we peer by means of the curtains of cloud that swirl round us.
By addressing the degraded and badly eroded sections of the previous monitor, the undertaking has homogenised tough sections of the terrain so it now sits comfortably inside grade 3.
Taking our time to plunge deeper into the dripping rainforest side-trip to Den Fenella Falls, we arrive on the Conservation Hut Cafe for morning tea. Buoyed by espresso #2 and a cheeky cake, I began to suppose I might get used to this model of strolling!
Crossing the highest of Empress Falls, to the ‘woohoo!’ of canyoners beneath, the monitor shimmies by means of dry sclerophyll and allo-casuarinas (hear out for these hungry black cockatoos!) behind the Fairmont Resort and Leura Golf Course. From right here, our pal, the cockatoo, flew us alongside the 1.3 km part of highway, previous spectacular native properties to land us again within the Nationwide Park and heading for lunch.
With clouds closing in on us, we lastly succumb to raincoats. The sandstone faces of small cliffs tried to influence us to shelter for a dry lunch, however Briar humoured me to press on for lunch at one among Leura’s favorite delights—The Pool of Siloam. Right here, we rested and indulged within the takeaway lunch we purchased earlier from Fed.
Day trippers appeared, signalling that we had been nearing the tip of Day 1. Positive sufficient, it was solely 400 metres later that we emerged at Gordon Falls Reserve and started the light 1.6 km uphill stroll in direction of our lodging, dinner and particular end-of-day expertise at Blue Mountains Sauna.
This little piece of Finland, hidden behind Leura Mall, is the place you’ll discover 90c temps (adopted by a chilly plunge) to be the proper tonic to your bushwalking physique. You’ll must pack your cossie except you go for one of many clothes elective classes (you may lease towels and robes) and my sizzling tip is to e-book and full the waiver on-line upfront. It’s an excellent chill vibe and an ideal place to sit down and ponder all you’ve seen throughout the day earlier than heading for dinner and lodging.
Out into the cool evening air, our our bodies nonetheless heat and tingling from the sauna, it was solely one other 500 m across the nook to the luxe selection of the 2 lodging choices we’d expertise this journey: Varenna by Mountain Whispers. This large 1906 Edwardian guesthouse, can accommodate 8 folks over 4 bedrooms, 2 of which have 4-poster beds. That is traditional, old-world mountains boujie lodging at its greatest—good for a bunch of associates who like a couple of tasteful doilies and brass fittings. Proprietor Lorraine has considered the whole lot and has impeccable consideration to element, renovating and restoring 5 totally different mountain properties, that faucet into these, ‘cosy-by-the-fire-sunken-couch’ vibes. The property additionally has a washer (each walker’s dream!). spa bathtub and gardens large sufficient to host a Scout jamboree.
Oh sure, pricey associates… THIS is inn-to-inn strolling: sizzling bathe, scrumptious restaurant meal and loss of life by consolation – mountain guesthouse model.
Now, onto that meal… throughout the railway, 350 m away from Varenna is life-changing Korean BBQ restaurant, Jiggle. Korean born Jay and his Aussie spouse Hannah are captivated with bringing conventional Korean flavours, by means of the recipes of his household and childhood, to the Blue Mountains. I learnt a lot by having Hannah cook dinner for us on the desk, most significantly, {that a} signal of a great meal and delight in Korea is a full desk. My sizzling ideas are the wagyu, fried rooster and taking their recommendation on construct the proper lettuce wrap. Oh and go straightforward on the soju… soju… so good.
Day 2 // Leura to Katoomba – 8km
Day 2 bursts into sunshine and the primary of two breakfasts—perhaps I’m a Hobbit? That is shaping as much as be a significantly culinarily indulgent stroll.
Varenna offers a full breakfast on a visitor’s first evening, however our tummies and caffeine ranges had been calling us a block away at Sparrows Cafe, the place another person would cook dinner. A favorite with locals, Sparrows is the dream of former native maths trainer Josh and Jess. Identified for his or her wonderful espresso (Little Marionette) and good meals, additionally they do an enormous vary of takeaway gadgets appropriate for a day’s hike. Should you sit out the entrance, you’ll most likely end up chatting with an area and their canines.
Us hobbits had different plans for lunch although and had been among the first to style the GCTW packed lunch field providing from Blue Mountains restaurant stalwart, Bunker. Simply reverse Jiggle, we got instructions to return across the again to the kitchen door to gather what turned out to be an enormous providing! This field might have fed us for a whole day. Nom, nom, nom. These treasure chests of tasty morsels have to be ordered upfront, however are good for a straightforward seize n’ go day 2.
Again by means of the leafy streets to Gordon Falls and the wealthy, moody moments of yesterday’s skies have disappeared just like the chocolate left on my pillow. Throwing again the cloudy curtains to disclose the unmistakable grandeur of the Jamison Valley it’s laborious to maintain our eyes on the monitor, with Mount Solitary, Kings Tableland and Narrowneck wooing us on our left as we proceed to go west.
Tarpeian Rock (named after the 25m excessive rock in historical Rome the place probably the most unsavoury of sorts had been flung to their deaths) is our first aspect journey for right this moment; its rippled rocks betray the traditional underwater story that continues to carve the sandstone of the Blue Mountains to today. Dragging ourselves away, I enjoyment of sharing Bridal Veil View Lookout (to not be confused with Bridal Veil Lookout) with my pal:
‘It kinda provides you a drone’s perspective of Bridal Veil Falls’.
Me attempting to explain the distinctive angle of Bridal Veil View Lookout
Powered by yesterday’s rain, the side is greater than well worth the quick steep steel stairs and the 200m (one-way) offshoot. I’m certain our cockatoo pal received’t thoughts.
Graciously, the monitor drew us onwards and alongside the well-known Leura Cascades, singing to us as we rounded the highest of the falls, and onto our tasty packed lunch within the costume circle at Bridal Veil Lookout.
It’s alongside the following 5 km to the monitor finish at Scenic World, that anybody acquainted with the Prince Henry Cliff Stroll, will really feel proper at dwelling. Meandering out and in of spurs and gullies, but staying comfortably at across the similar elevation, the Grand Cliff High Stroll strikes alongside by means of areas common with lyrebirds and bower birds. Late afternoons (or early mornings) are a deal with for the total refrain as you duck out and in of myriad small lookouts and viewpoints.
Listen and don’t miss the grand dames of the Three Sisters by taking the sidetrack to the favored Woman Recreation Lookout, Honeymoon Bridge or the quieter (and my decide), Spooners Lookout.
We’re on the house stretch now, with round 2km to go (is it too early to toast ourselves at Bar NSW at The Lookout (the perfect bar view in Katoomba), however there’s nonetheless one key waterfall to absorb and it’s the most important of all of them: Katoomba Falls! Greatest seen from Katoomba Falls Lookout (100m aspect journey to Reids Plateau) and time to pause and replicate on the final two days and practically 20km of monitor.
From right here, it’s a straightforward ramble into the Scenic World forecourt and bus cease the place if you happen to arrive in time you may hop on the 686 bus or for the total vacationer expertise and fascinating commentary, hop on the purple Explorer bus.
Our planning fairy had different plans although and we discovered ourselves celebrating the tip of the stroll with but extra of the Blue Mountains nice hospitality.
Did somebody say, Gin?
Held inside the embrace of the lobby at Katoomba’s previous Savoy Theatre, pushing all of the swish and kitsch artwork deco buttons, is Katoomba Road’s Gin Parlour. A partnership between the Blue Mountains Gin Firm and the Avalon Restaurant upstairs, (the place you would refuel with classics like gradual roasted lamb, baked Atlantic salmon or confit duck), this whimsical venue offers prohibition period styling, dwell music and a stable providing of gin (and different) cocktails. My suggestion: go for the gin flight: a tasting of 4 gins (my decide is the Black Label), matched with garnishes and educated commentary from 50’s glamour-girl, Helen. [I wish I could style like she can!].
Feeling oh-so-relaxed after that wind-down and in determined want of a bathe, it’s an excellent factor that my cosy mattress for the evening is all downhill from right here at my favorite funds keep within the Mountains—No. 14 Lovel Road—simply 550 m away.
Annette and Gavin have poured their coronary heart and soul into this circa 1913 charmer, simply an 8 minute stroll from Katoomba Station. Loaded with cosy nooks for quiet moments (there’s no TV), I headed upstairs to the lovable dormer windowed room, whereas Briar luxuriated in her ensuite room downstairs. That is the proper place for teams, households or bushwalking golf equipment and importantly, Annette provides pre-booked visitor transport & gear transfers for the Grand Cliff High Stroll. Giddyup I say! That is the impartial walkers’ dream: catch public transport and have somebody take your baggage, then decide you up/drop you off. Oh and if you happen to wanted another excuse to remain right here, then you may attempt 10% off with low cost code: LOTSAFRESHAIR.
Day 3 // Katoomba to dwelling
Given the quantity of excellent meals and drinks we’ve imbibed during the last 2 days, one may very well be forgiven for pondering we don’t want breakfast. However when my favorite native brekky is on the best way dwelling, how might I not cease by Tempus Up Early for my beloved hash brown. Now, I do know what you’re pondering:
Severely, Caro, I do know there’s no Maccas on this a part of the world, however hash brown?
~ Mentioned everybody who hasn’t tried these
I’m betraying myself (but once more), as I could or might not have been quoted in this text; however I’ll say it once more… I’m ruined for all times. That, and the immense heat hospitality proven by Louise (she’s a path runner, so hit her up for concepts) and her crew with their love of meals. She is a wizard on the machine, slinging Little Marionette brews that all the time hit the correct steadiness, served in earthy-feel crockery that’ll have you ever ordering one other.
Transport
Formally, the GCTW is related with public transport (Wentworth Falls Station to Katoomba Station by way of 19 km bushwalk and bus), however consideration must be paid to the #686 bus timetables that join the tip of the stroll at Scenic World to Katoomba Station. Another excuse to consider staying someplace that may help with bag and physique transfers. Lookin’ at you No. 14 ;).
Taxi
Uber
Good luck. We don’t actually do Uber up right here. On a great day, you would possibly get one.
Caro’s different Blue Mountains meals suggestions
- KATOOMBA // The Bowery, Elysian, Cedar Kebabs, 8 Issues, Black Cockatoo, Cassiopeaia, Sushi & Co, Tempus, Station Bar, Basil Nut, Rustico, Sanwiye, Pho Moi, Mountain Tradition Brewery, Aunty Eds. (With so many choices, there’s actually no must help the Yellow Deli).
- LEURA // Purple Door Cafe, Mr Collins, Lily’s Pad.
- WENTWORTH FALLS // Bahn Me, soups and Asian groceries @ The Laughing Elephant, Cassiopeia
