Sweeping panoramic views, unique bush tracks, rambling nature at its best, all dotted with villages boasting art-deco buildings, boutique cafés, and quaint shops – the Blue Mountains is a place that beckons to all.
A world heritage-listed wonder
Whether you love a cosy, wine-accompanied dinner or day packed with abseiling – or both! – this World Heritage-listed area has something for everyone; but for those who appreciate the simplicity (and serenity) of our most ancient mode of transport, the Blue Mountains National Park allows walkers to immerse themselves in natural beauty and awe at arguably the most majestic mountain scenery in Australia.
Introducing the Grand Cliff Top Walk
While the region has always held appeal – it’s the most popular national park in New South Wales, with more than 6.4 million visitors each year – a new drawcard was added in late March, with the launch of the multi-day Grand Cliff Top Walk (GCTW) in beautiful Gundungurra Country. With the park covering a million hectares of natural bushland, there are 140 kilometres of walking tracks, caving adventures, waterfalls, mountains, and lookouts. A bit of a commitment to explore it all (are we dreaming of that vino and dinner already?), however, with the advent of the new walk, visitors can revel in a decent – and breathtaking – portion of the attraction, either self-guided or on a tour.
A collaborative effort
A joint venture by the local council and the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife service, the upgraded trails benefit tourists and locals alike. “Areas along the southern escarpment attract significant visitation, but they are also much-loved by the local community as they provide spectacular views,” says Mayor Mark Greenhill.
The GCTW was delivered to “renew and connect existing walking tracks and complete missing links between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba,” says Greenhill. So, after your morning baked-good-and caffeine hit – Black Cockatoo Bakery in Lawson or Katoomba will definitely satiate – you can now set off on a seamless walking journey along the spectacular escarpment.
Accommodations & dining
“The Grand Cliff Top Walk will provide a more immersive experience,” says Greenhill, an incentive for visitors to stay overnight at one of the many gorgeous lodgings in the surrounding suburbs and complete the 19-kilometre venture over two days. From the old-world charm of Carrington Hotel and the cottage welcome of Matilda’s of Leura to the historic elegance – and, may I say it, eccentricity – of the Hydro Majestic, the unique mountain villages of Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba boast properties steeped in luxury, often with echoes of a bygone era. Accommodation here is as scenic and alluring as the Park itself, and travellers can expect delectable dining options, too. Apéritifs by the fireplace, anyone?
Nature & wildlife along the walk
Back on the GCTW, walkers are treated to amazing views over the Jamison Valley towards Mount Solitary, as well as lush rainforest peppered with diverse flora and fauna – birdwatchers can delight in sightings of crimson rosellas, lyrebirds, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos. Other highlights to be expected along the hand-hewn tracks are the stunning waterfalls, including Katoomba Cascades and Wentworth Falls, even more dramatic after a bout of rain, when the forest itself glistens and the air is perfumed by the heartening scent of petrichor.
For those interested in a gentle, self-guided multi-day experience, the National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends an 11-kilometre walk on day one, beginning from Darwins walk at Wentworth Falls and finishing at Gordon Falls at Leura. Then it’s time for that well-deserved tipple, eh?
The iconic Three Sisters
The suggested second-day route proceeds from Gordon Falls and tackles 8 kilometres, taking in the traditional Blue Mountains milestone: the iconic Three Sisters rock formations. On cool winter and spring mornings, these inimitable siblings may be shrouded in mist, adding to the enchantment of their ancient presence. Whimsically named spots like Juliet’s Balcony and Witches Leap also contribute to the air of mystery and the sweeping views.
The Three Sisters watch over the lands of the Darug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, and Dharwal Peoples. There are a number of Dreaming stories about how the rock formations came to be, from tales of love to those of battle and magic, all of which end with the sisters Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo turned into stone, waiting to return to their human form.
Connecting with nature
Finishing at the aptly named Scenic World at Katoomba, the stunning Grand Cliff Top Walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, and an ideal introduction to multi-day walking, with no heavy backpacks (win!) or camping gear required, and easy public transport access at the track’s start and finish. Visitors can also ‘choose their own adventure’, opting for an easy amble along shorter sections of the trail (half- and full-day walks are also available), with many suitable entry and exit points throughout the route. For those who’d prefer to soak up the knowledge of an expert, various guided tours are available, including multi-day packages or even a 2-hour venture with a Parks and Wildlife guide. “[It’s] a new, adventurous opportunity to connect with nature,” says Penny Sharpe, Minister for Environment and Heritage. Adventure and nature, what more could we want?
Standing amidst such raw beauty, primordial and vast, the verdant valleys stretch before me and I’m reminded of a musing by a fellow writer and outdoor enthusiast, the poet John Muir: “The mountains are calling and I must go.”
Mindful Puzzles’ tips for your visit
STAY: Fairmont Resort. Situated in Leura with sublime views of the Jamison Valley, as well as pools, pet-friendly rooms, and a golf course, this sprawling property has it all. The best part? There’s a quirky whiskey bar hidden in the basement.
EAT: Tempus. Elevated and delicious modern fare – without the eye-watering bill – await at Tempus in Katoomba. The menu offers seasonal local produce alongside their unique, all-Australian wine list.
CAFFEINATE: Cassiopeia. Sip and revive at Katoomba, Springwood, or Windsor with this mountain-born coffee brand’s local espresso bars. If you’re hooked, you can even purchase beans to take home or order by the bag online.
SHOP: Leura. Craft co-ops, bookstores, vintage fashion, lolly shops – no matter your proclivities, this mountain village caters to all. Your next great read could be waiting at the independent Megalong Books, and blissful body products and candles are calling at Moontree.
For more information visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/gctw
This article was originally published under the title To the Mountains in Issue 37 – Practising Patience. You can purchase previous issues and enjoy more enchanting content here.
