Trip Overview

The Blue Mountains is one of the more spectacular areas of Australia. It encompasses a large area that includes numerous waterfalls, views, sheer cliff escarpments, forests, streams, and walks (of course). It has been described as Australia’s version of the Grand Canyon.

This accommodated trip will be based in Katoomba staying at a holiday rental over the Cup Weekend. There will be 3 full day walks to the various areas in the Katoomba region.

Attendees will need to make their own way to Katoomba. This will generally involve flying to Sydney Airport and catching the train to Katoomba (approx 2h) Friday afternoon/evening. The first full day walk starts Saturday morning.

Accommodation

A 5 bedroom retail house located in Katoomba has been booked for the 4 nights (Friday night onwards). Two people will be allocated per room.

A second 5 bedroom house has been booked nearby. The rooms consist of 3 double rooms, and 2 twin share rooms. One person will be allocated to the doubles, and 2 to the twin share rooms.

A third house has also been booked with 4 bedrooms.

Note that due to demographics, it may be necessary to move attendees between houses.

Once each house has been filled, extra attendees will need to procure their own accommodation. Some options are the Katoomba YHA, Mountain Lodge Hostel, & No. 14 backpackers.

Itinerary and Walk Descriptions

While the walking distance is relatively low, the ascents and descents result in a full day walk.

Bring sufficient water as there is generally no treated water available during any of the walks.

Day 1: Katoomba Falls, Echo Point, 3 Sisters circuit walk
This follows the top of the cliff to the 3 Sisters, and then descends via the Giant Staircase into the valley following the Dardenalles Pass to the Marguerite & Vivia Cascades, & Lila & Linda Falls. Backtracking a short distance, we follow the Federation Pass towards Katomba with a final ascent via Furber Steps and Katoomba Falls to the township (Medium-hard, approx. 13km, 6h) [start from Katoomba. Walk can be shortened by bypassing the falls and cascades.]

Day 2: Wentworth Falls & Federation Pass (based on walk #45)
This track begins near the Wentworth Falls lookout at the top of the cliff before reaching the falls proper and descending to the valley (via some steep ladders), and returning via the base of the cliff. (medium-hard, 7km, 4h30m). [best access by bus 685/695]

(This walk will be modified if the lower part of Wentworth Falls remains closed in November.)

Day 3: Govetts Leap/Bridal Falls
This starts from Evan’s lookout and follows the canyon rim to Govetts Leap and then descends into the valley reaching the base of Bridal Falls. The track continues to Junction Rock which is an ideal lunch and swimming spot. The walk then continues to Point Pilcher via the Grand Canyon and Beachamp Falls back to the starting point(hard, 10.7km, 6.5h, 955m ascent). Subject to group preference, a shorter version skips the rim walk and starts from Govetts Leap & finishes at Evan’s lookout (medium-hard, approx 9km, 5h, 955m ascent) [transport may involve bus 698, and train+taxi depending upon end point and timing]

(If this track is still closed in November then the alternative is the BlackHeath – Govetts Leap – Canyon Rim – GrandCanyon – Govetts Leap CP 3km + 13km circuit.)

There is an optional pub meal for the evening meal.

Day 4: Scenic Rim (1/2 day)
Departing from Katoomba, we follow the canyon rim from the 3 Sisters back to Katoomba.

Transport

You will need to make your own way to Katoomba. Generally this will be flying to Sydney airport followed by a 2 hour train ride to Katoomba.

Transportation to and from the day walks will be a mixture of bus, train and possibly taxi.

Booking

Booking is required for this walk. Please indicate what similar walks you have done recently (i.e. in the past few months) to give the leader confidence that you are capable of doing this one. Refer to Walking Grades which, in conjunction with the walk description, will help you assess whether you have the required walking fitness and experience to do this walk.

The Leader will confirm your acceptance on the walk, or not, via email.  The leader will provide details of where and when to meet.

By booking into this event you acknowledge that you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.

Trip Price:

House 1:

Members:  $256 + Booking fee (nil) = $256
Non-members: $256 + Booking fee ($12) = $268

House 2:

Members:  $272 + Booking fee (nil) = $272
Non-members: $284 + Booking fee ($12) = $284

Payment:
Members and non-members are required to pre-pay the trip price for this event.
You can pay by Paypal. If you are not a Paypal member, you can use Paypal to pay by credit or debit card.

Cancellation:
If you need to cancel, please advise the leader as soon as possible, so that someone else has the opportunity.
We will only be able to provide a refund if we can find a replacement for you (minus a $15 admin fee).

What to Bring

• All the equipment, clothing, food and water you will need for the walks and overnight stays (refer Trip details above).

Refer to our Gear Checklist page for more details, or discuss with the leader.  If you are not properly equipped, the walk leader can decide not to let you participate on this walk.

Safety and Ambulance Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have Ambulance cover. If conditions are hazardous, the walk may be cancelled. If any doubts at all, check your emails the night before and the morning of the event. For more details refer to: Joining a walk and your safety

For the latest government advice about Covid-19 refer to:
Better Health Victoria: Covid-19

Still have questions?

Check out What happens on a walk.

Check out Weekend and extended walks.

Contact the leader using the “Enquiry” button.

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