Collier's Causeway Walk (4km)

Collier’s Causeway is a striking 4km trail tucked beneath the towering escarpments of Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales. Generally taking around 1.5 hours to complete, this Grade 4 walk offers a rich mix of scenery—towering sandstone cliffs, shady gullies, open heath, and sweeping views across the Kanimbla Valley. It’s a one-way route best tackled from Bundarra Street to Burton Avenue, with convenient access to a number of popular climbing areas along the way. While relatively short, the track’s rugged terrain and steep sections demand a reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness.

Starting at the corner of Bundarra Street and Eveleigh Avenue, the track drops gradually, skirting the boundary between suburban backyards and bushland. The sounds of the town fade quickly, replaced by birdsong and the rustle of leaves. A short way in, the path passes a telegraph pole and continues down towards the valley. Boardwalks help protect the fragile heath as the trail winds through low scrub, eventually bringing you to the cool, sheltered banks of Centennial Glen Creek. This is a lovely place to pause—rock seats are tucked beneath a cliff, and the air is often cooler here, even on warm days.

From the creek, the track veers right and begins to sidle around the hillside, beneath dramatic cliffs that seem to lean in overhead. Not far beyond, the trail breaks into open heath again before reaching a rocky slab with arrows directing walkers to either Porters Pass or Fortress Rock. A brief detour here leads to Fort Rock, a free-standing sandstone pillar that rises abruptly from the hillside like a giant chess piece. From the top, there are unimpeded views stretching out over both the Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys. It's a peaceful spot—quiet and detached—perfect for a break if you’re feeling unhurried.

Returning to the main route, the trail turns left at the signed arrow to Porters Pass and heads downhill into thicker vegetation. Stone stairs descend through a tight crevice before opening out again at the base of sheer cliffs. A waterfall spills across the track, depending on recent rain, and moss-covered rock adds a damp, cool feel to this section. The trail continues to hug the cliffs until it reaches a painted boulder marking Porters Pass. From here, a series of narrow steps zigzag downward, weaving between rock walls and shaded gullies.

Just below, an optional detour branches off sharply to the right. This lesser-used path follows a rock ledge alongside the creek, leading to a quiet pool and waterfall. The footing here is more uneven and can be slippery in wet conditions, but it's a worthwhile side trip for those drawn to quieter corners and canyon-like landscapes. After visiting, you’ll need to retrace your steps to rejoin the main trail.

Continuing along the primary route, the track dips further into the gorge, with stairs cut directly into the cliff face and railings in place for support. After crossing over large rocks and reaching the opposite side of the pass, the path begins to follow the base of the cliffs once again. About a kilometre later, the track climbs through a narrow pass and begins its steady ascent out of the gorge. It crosses a rocky slope—complete with handrails in steeper spots—and passes between two tall trees before reaching a small creek.

The final climb begins here. A steep series of rock steps pulls the trail out of the gorge, and as you rise, the landscape opens up once more. The Kanimbla Valley reappears through gaps in the trees, offering another opportunity to pause and take in the view. Several faint paths snake uphill from here, all converging at a large rocky outcrop. From this point, a short flight of stairs continues up to an unsigned intersection.

Keeping straight ahead, the track dips slightly, levels out, then climbs once more before finishing at the end of Burton Avenue. The road signals a return to civilisation, but the memory of shaded gullies, cliffside ledges, and valley views lingers long after you’ve kicked off your boots. Collier’s Causeway is a rewarding walk for those wanting a taste of the Blue Mountains’ wilder edges—short enough to complete in a morning, yet immersive enough to feel far from the everyday.