Walls Cave Track (2km)

Tucked within the heart of Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales, the Walls Cave Track is a short but rewarding walk that offers a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. This return trail, classified as grade 3, typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. While the walk isn’t especially long, the steady climb on the return leg gives it a bit of bite.

From the car park, the path heads straight into the bush and descends almost immediately via a series of well-formed steps. These are in excellent condition and fairly gentle at first, making the initial descent easy to manage. Though there are a few breaks in the stairs, the walk steadily continues downhill through a classic Blue Mountains landscape of tall trees and dense undergrowth.

Eventually, a signposted junction directs walkers toward Walls Cave. The track opens out slightly here, offering a glimpse of the cave’s broad mouth framed by eucalypts and sandstone. Before the trail curves left, there’s a faint side path marked by a small ribbon tied to a tree. This leads into a narrow section of slot canyon. The track here is rougher underfoot and requires a bit of scrambling over rocks, particularly when the ground is damp. It’s entirely optional—some of the best views of the canyon are available directly from the main track, where the terrain is far easier.

As the trail descends further, the forest becomes cooler and damper. Ferns spill down from mossy cliff walls and the air takes on the fresh, earthy scent of water and rock. A narrow bridge crosses a creek flowing through the canyon, offering a beautiful vantage point to pause and take in the sculpted walls and gentle rush of water below.

Beyond the bridge, a series of stepping stones carries you across the creek. It’s one of the most picturesque parts of the walk—stone, water, and towering canyon walls combine in a scene that feels tucked away and timeless. Even when wet, the stones are evenly spaced and surprisingly stable, blending seamlessly with the surroundings.

The final section of the track includes a short staircase leading uphill to a broad overhang. From here, a flat path skirts the rock wall before one last staircase takes you down to a wooden viewing platform directly opposite Walls Cave. The cave itself is enormous—its dark arch looms overhead, worn smooth by time and weather. A small bench offers the perfect spot to sit and take in the scene.

Visitors are asked to remain on the platform and not enter the cave itself. This is a place of cultural significance for the Darug women, who once gathered here to share stories. The sense of quiet reverence still lingers, and the request for respectful distance is gently but clearly signposted.

When you’re ready to return, you can retrace your steps or take a short diversion to view the other side of the canyon. The walk uphill is more challenging, but the rich detail of the landscape—layered sandstone, lush ferns, the cool hush of the canyon—makes it more than worth the effort.