Trail Fast Facts
Grand Cliff Top Walk is a 19km, grade 3 hike in the Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales. The hike can take 1-2 days to complete.
Hike Overview
The Grand Cliff Top Walk on Gundungurra Country is a 19km journey that can be completed in 2 days, seamlessly linking Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba. You'll discover Aboriginal culture, spectacular lookouts, countless waterfalls, and unique Blue Mountains villages.
Listen for the call of yellow-tailed black cockatoos, named Wumbarrung in Gundungurra language. Wumbarrung is the wayfinding icon for this walk. Significant to traditional custodians, its flight reflects the moods and seasons of Gundungurra Country.
Follow exhilarating cliff-edge tracks with expansive views for miles across the Jamison Valley. While the unmissable sandstone peaks of the Three Sisters standing proudly on Gundungurra Country will captivate you, it could be more of a challenge to guess which peak is Ruined Castle or Mount Solitary. Gaze out over the cliffs and take in the sights from every angle, or look down into deep canyons and gorges that might take your breath away.
There's no shortage of waterfalls to enchant you along Grand Cliff Top Walk. Gaze out over Jamison Valley while the waters of Wentworth Falls plunge 100m below. Make your way around to Leura Cascades and enjoy a waterfall with a window-like view across to Mount Solitary.
About half way along you'll come to Gordon Falls lookout near Leura which provides a a spectacular vantage point to enjoy the magnificent Gordon Falls flow 200m into the valley below. There's also the pretty Pool of Siloam where you can get up close to this small waterfall amid lush rainforest and picturesque stepping stones.
The Greater Blue Mountains Area lies within the Country of the Dharug, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Darkinjung, Wanaruah and Dharawal People. It has great cultural significance to Aboriginal communities, who have a deep and continuing connection to the land. The Three Sisters is one of many highlights along Grand Cliff Top Walk, and is a declared Aboriginal Place. As you stroll, take the time to reflect on this special place and the meaning Three Sisters holds for its Traditional Custodians.
Explore sandstone tracks and hand-built heritage trails as you immerse yourself in the unique natural beauty of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property. With a blue horizon featuring more than 90 species of eucalyptus trees that seem to stretch on forever, it’s easy to be enchanted by the towering cliff faces that change with both weather and light. Listen for species like lyrebirds, crimson rosellas, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, and glossy red-tailed black cockatoos as you cool off in deep, fern-filled pockets of rainforest.
Though immersed in the jaw-dropping beauty of nature, you’re still an easy distance from vibrant Blue Mountains villages, including Leura, Wentworth Falls, and Katoomba. Take the opportunity to discover unique 1920s art deco architecture and accommodation. Make the most of local shops, cafes, and restaurants, and enjoy an overnight stay at one of many quality hotels or guesthouses.
With so much to see and do, you're certain to find the level of comfort or adventure you want exploring Grand Cliff Top Walk. Stay 2 or 3 nights, explore the villages, and bask in the World Heritage beauty of our majestic mountain scenery.
Grand Cliff Top Walk: Recommended 2 day self guided walk
Spend 2 days exploring the magnificent Grand Cliff Top Walk which seamlessly links Wentworth Falls village, Leura, and Katoomba. Book to stay in local accommodation, and enjoy some of the Blue Mountains’ best cafes and restaurants.
Day 1 (11km) Wentworth Falls to Leura: Start at Wentworth Falls village and take Darwins walk down into Blue Mountains National Park. On this scenic walk, you’ll follow heritage trails, take in the majesty of Wentworth Falls, pass under an overhanging cliff, and have the opportunity to explore the beautiful village of Leura when you end the day at Gordon Falls.
Day 2 (8km) Gordon Falls to Katoomba: Day 2 starts at Gordon Falls. You’ll make your way along cliff-edge tracks with stunning views over Jamison Valley towards Mount Solitary. You'll cross Buttenshaw Bridge, and pass waterfalls, lookouts, and the iconic Three Sisters Aboriginal Place. Your journey ends at Scenic World in Katoomba.
For more information on this 2 day walk, including places to stay, visit the National parks NSW website.
Tips
- This is a Grade 3 walk. While the track is well-formed and clearly signposted, and you don’t need any bush walking experience, the 19 kilometres of terrain has many steps and short, steep sections up and down.
- Check the weather forecast before you set out and be sure to pack clothes for all conditions. You'll be walking along some sections of exposed cliff line so if storms or strong winter winds are forecast you need to be prepared or change your plans.
- This walk is suitable for first time multi-day walkers and families with older children. A moderate level of fitness is required because you'll be walking 4-7 hours per day and covering 275-325m of elevation.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 966 m
Min elevation: 760 m
Total climbing: 1908 m
Total descent: -1824 m
Getting there
The walking track is not wheelchair-accessible, but there are lookouts and picnic areas along it that are. These attractions can be easily reached and have accessible parking spaces.
The easiest way to travel is by train if you want to complete Grand Cliff Top Walk. Depart the train at Wentworth Falls station, enjoy a coffee or a meal, then start your adventure immediately by taking Darwins walk which starts just south of the village.
Day 1 ends at Gordon Falls picnic area and it's a 1.5km walk, taxi ride, or Explorer bus ride to Leura village or train station.
Day 2 starts at Gordon Falls picnic area and ends at Scenic World and it's a 2km walk, taxi ride, Explorer bus ride, or public bus ride (route 686) to Katoomba village or train station.
If driving, Wentworth Falls village is a 1.5 hr drive from the centre of Sydney, or 45 mins from Penrith. Paid parking is available at Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba. See Blue Mountains City Council website for details on parking zones. Free all-day parking is available on some roads at Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba. Please check street signs and arrive early because these areas can become very busy on weekends.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
About the region
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
Katoomba area is the heart of Blue Mountains National Park. This popular day trip from Sydney is home of the iconic Three Sisters as well as Grand Cliff Top Walk. It's packed with world-class views and waterfalls, including Wentworth Falls. The dazzling natural beauty of the Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba areas has drawn visitors to Gundungurra County for over 100 years. Why not immerse yourself in the best of the Blue Mountains and hike 19km over 2 days between these villages on Grand Cliff Top Walk?
Echo Point is a Blue Mountains favourite where you can marvel at famous views of the Three Sisters rock formation, Mount Solitary, and the dramatic sandstone cliffs towering above the Jamison Valley.
From family-friendly strolls to challenging descents into World Heritage-listed wilderness, Katoomba area is a walker’s paradise. Take in ever changing views along Prince Henry Cliff walk which boasts over 20 lookouts and 3 waterfalls between Katoomba and Leura. Swap cliff top for cool rainforest on Round walking track which is easily combined with a Scenic World ride. The historic Giant Stairway will test your legs as it zig zags down the cliff face to meet the heart-pumping Federal Pass.
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Looking for things to do in Blue Mountains National Park, or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
1 Review on “Grand Cliff Top Walk (19km)”
The Grand Cliff Top Walk (GCTW), which opened in early 2024, is a 19-kilometre, two-day trail through the Blue Mountains National Park, linking Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba. Located on the land of the Gundungurra People, it offers breathtaking views of some of Australia’s most rugged World Heritage landscapes.
The walk can be completed in a single long day or over two shorter days, as I did, to fully appreciate the views and smaller side paths. While it may seem short in distance, the trail makes up for it with plenty of steep ascents and descents. Unfortunately, after heavy rain following the opening, some sections were damaged, and repairs are still underway.
Though not wheelchair accessible, there are several lookouts and picnic areas along the trail, such as Jamison Lookout, Gordon Falls, Echo Point, and Cliff View Lookout, all with accessible parking.
You are a bit slow getting this one out!
TJ Craig sorry about that. I had other work to catch up on this morning. 🙂
Just kidding, Trail Hiking Australia! 😛 Yous do a great job! 👏🏻
TJ Craig haha. I knew you were. Thanks 🙂