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). Note that the 1st full day walk begins 8.30am on the Saturday.

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

 

Accommodation

A 5 bedroom retail house located in Katoomba has been booked for the 4 nights. Two people will be allocated per room. The cost is $230 (+ $10 member fee if applicable).

Once the house has been filled, extra walkers who book into the trip will need to book and pay for 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 no treated water available during any of the walks.

Be ready to leave at 8.30am.

Day 1: Katoomba Falls, Echo Point, 3 Sisters circuit walk
This follows the top of the cliff to the 3 Sisters, and then descends and returns via Federation Pass ½ way up the escarpment. It is possible to escape the final climb by catching the scenic rail car (Medium-hard, approx. 11km, 6h) [start from Katoomba]

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]

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]

There is an optional pub meal for the evening meal.

Day 4: South Lawson Waterfalls or Katoomba lookout walk(1/2 day)
The waterfall walk is a relatively easy 4.5km walk Walking from Lawson Station (a few stops towards Sydney) & passes Adelina, Junction, Federal & Cataract Falls. (Need to take or store belongings.) [There are another 3 small waterfalls on the North Lawson Waterfall walk – 3.5km.]

The alternative is a walk around Katoomba to the south west encompassing Eaglehawk, Mudslide, Narrow Neck & Cahills lookouts.

 

Transport

Attendees need to make their own arrangements to and from Katoomba. This will typically be flying to Sydney and catching the train from the airport to Katoomba (change at Central Station).

Transportation to the walks will be a mixture of bus & train (and taxi if there is no convenient public transport service).

 

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 Fees:
Members:  $230 + Booking fee (nil) = $230.

Non-members: $230 + Booking fee ($10) = $240.

Members – book own accommodation:  $0 + Booking fee (nil) = $0.

Non-members – book own accommodation: $0 + Booking fee ($10) = $10.

Payment:
All trip fees must be prepaid. 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.
If you have made your payment but need to cancel, we will only provide you with a refund if we can find a replacement for you.

Note that $5 isn’t refunded to cover Paypal fees.

 

What to Bring

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

• To help manage the Covid risk, the following is useful: Hand Sanitiser, Face Mask(s), RAT test(s).

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.

There is a Coles supermarket in Katoomba.

Linen is supplied in the rental house.

 

COVID-19 Requirements

We need to follow all state government guidelines regarding COVID-19 as explained here:   Coronavirus Victoria

• You should not be attending this event if you are Covid-19 positive and/or are required to be in quarantine or isolation.
• If you have any Covid-19 symptoms or are a contact of someone with Covid-19, please follow the instructions in the Coronavirus Victoria website.

Check out our Covid-19 status.

 

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

 

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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