Starting at Mount Banks picnic area, is a spectacular cycling route that takes in awe-inspiring views, wilderness and diverse vegetation that makes the Blue Mountains National Park so famous. Beginning at the picnic area, Mount Banks Road offers sweeping views of the Grose Valley near Mount Tomah. It's an ideal trail for cyclists, walkers and families who love a wilderness day-trip without the crowds.
Winding through woodland and open heath, look for wildflowers along the cliff edges. This medium difficulty gravel road takes you deep into unspoilt wilderness, passing Mount Banks before arriving at the cliff-top at Banks Walls. Gaze across the magnificent valley to Grose River, Govetts Leap and the spectacular Blue Gum Forest.
Bring your binoculars for a spot of birdwatching, if you're lucky you may see majestic wedge-tailed eagles soaring on the valley thermals or peregrine falcons. Unpack a bite to eat or head back for lunch at the picnic tables.
This fairly level trail takes you deep into wilderness. The track can be overgrown and obstacles such as fallen trees can be common.
This trail is in the Grose Wilderness, where cycling and walking groups are limited to 8 people.
The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
It's a good idea to fill in the free trip intention form and hire a PLB before you set out. Bring a topographic map and compass or GPS.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Mount Banks Road cycle route is in the Mount Banks area of Blue Mountains National Park. To get there:Travel west from Sydney to Richmond, then west on Bells Line of Road.About 7 km west of Mount Tomah, turn off to Mount Banks picnic area.The track starts at the Mount Banks picnic area. Parking There's a carpark but limited spots (10) at Mount Banks picnic area.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and Country NSW regions
Blue Mountains National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. Some parts of the park close overnight; details are provided for specific attractions.
9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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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.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
