Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1037m
Min elevation: 948m
Total Ascent: 168m
Hike overview
Walls Ledge Walking Track is a 2.6-kilometre circuit nestled within the dramatic sandstone terrain of Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales. A Grade 3 track, it offers a mix of easy-going paths and more uneven surfaces that require steady footing, making it suitable for walkers with a moderate level of fitness. Most people will complete the walk in around an hour and fifteen minutes, though there’s no need to rush—this is a trail worth lingering on. It extends the shorter Walls Ledge Loop (1.5km) and begins at the end of Bundarra Street or from the nearby Centennial Glen car park. For those keen to explore a little further, there’s an optional side trip to Fort Rock, a striking outcrop that offers sweeping views across the valleys.
The walk starts at the corner of Bundarra Street and Eveleigh Avenue, following a gentle descent with houses to your right and the bush opening up to your left. A short way along, you'll pass a telegraph pole and intersecting track just below Gordon Avenue. Keeping the valley on your left, the trail dips along a boardwalked section before transitioning into heathland. The vegetation here is low and scrubby, with the track weaving down to cross Centennial Glen Creek near some weathered seats tucked under a cliff.
From the creek crossing, the track skirts around the base of the cliffs. This section is a favourite among rock climbers, so it’s worth being alert for others on the track and the occasional piece of climbing gear or chalked rock. The path soon diverges onto a rocky surface, marked with arrows pointing towards Porters Pass and Fortress Rock. For those opting for the longer loop, follow the path towards Porters Pass.
Descending through thick heath, the track narrows before opening into a gully beneath towering cliffs. A short stairway brings you to a shaded glen, where water often trickles from a ledge above, spilling onto the track below. The sandstone walls along this section are deeply textured and beautifully weathered, with rich colours that change with the light. Keep left as you continue to a boulder marked with ‘Porters Pass’ in white paint, and follow the path a short distance to a signed fork.
Veering left again, the walk leaves the overhangs behind and meanders across the hillside. It soon reconnects with the cliffline, where you’ll pass a shallow, man-made basin collecting moisture from the overhanging rock. The trail then threads its way along the base of the cliffs, affording scattered views across the Kanimbla Valley. The sense of scale here is striking—towering walls to one side, and a rolling valley dropping away on the other. The path eventually curves left and begins a steady ascent via rock-cut stairs. As the trail widens, the terrain becomes more open, leading through wind-shaped heathland before reaching the gate at the Centennial Glen Road car park.
For those inclined to take the side trip to Fort Rock, the detour begins from the marked rocky surface mentioned earlier. The short 50-metre track pushes gently uphill, winding through dense heath before emerging at the base of the formation. Fort Rock stands alone, rising like a sentinel above Centennial Glen, its silhouette often compared to a chess piece. From its summit, views stretch across the Megalong and Kanimbla valleys, offering a peaceful spot to pause and take in the layers of blue ridgelines and forested gullies. After soaking up the outlook, retrace your steps back to the main track to continue the circuit.
Walls Ledge offers a satisfying balance of quiet bushland, cliffside drama, and varied walking conditions. Whether you’re here to stretch your legs, explore a new corner of the mountains, or simply find a quiet spot to take in the views, this walk is a rewarding slice of the Blue Mountains experience.
It’s important to note that this is a one-way walk, so you’ll need to arrange return transport unless you choose to complete the 3.5 km Walls Ledge Fort Rock Loop walk, which returns you to your starting point (see map below).
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1037 m
Min elevation: 948 m
Total climbing: 168 m
Total descent: -194 m
Walls Ledge Fort Rock Loop (3.5km)
Max elevation: 1021 m
Min elevation: 948 m
Total climbing: 220 m
Total descent: -220 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Blue Mountains National Park.
The walk begins either at the end of Bundarra Street in Blackheath or from the nearby Centennial Glen car park, both offering convenient access to the trailhead.
Closest towns to this walk: Blackheath, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lawson, Leura, Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Woodford
About the region
Blackheath, perched on the edge of the Grose Valley in Blue Mountains National Park, offers a stunning mix of lookouts, walking trails, and quiet bushland escapes. It’s a favourite for walkers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with sweeping valley views, towering cliffs, and a strong sense of wilderness just minutes from town. Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout are two of the most popular vantage points, each offering expansive views across the sandstone cliffs and deep gorges of the Grose. From Govetts Leap, Bridal Veil Falls drops 180 metres in a single, elegant plunge—an impressive sight in full flow.
For those keen to stretch their legs, the Cliff Top walking track links the two lookouts, winding through eucalypt forest and heath with near-constant views. A little further afield, Pulpit Rock offers one of the area’s most dramatic viewpoints, perched high above the valley. Walkers looking for more of a challenge can follow the steep descent from Govetts Leap into the valley below, passing waterfalls and hanging swamps on the way to the Blue Gum Forest, where ancient eucalypts tower overhead in a place deeply rooted in conservation history.
The area is well equipped for longer visits too. Perrys Lookdown campground is a great base for exploring deeper into the Grose Wilderness, especially for those heading to the remote Acacia Flat campground. For a gentler option, the Fairfax Heritage Track near the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre offers an accessible walk with vibrant wildflowers in spring. Mountain bikers can hit the Burramoko Ridge Trail, and the Grand Canyon Walk offers a lush, fern-filled experience through a deep sandstone gorge—no technical gear required.
Whether you’re here for a picnic with a view, a full-day hike, or an overnight wilderness adventure, Blackheath delivers a memorable experience shaped by rugged beauty and a real sense of scale.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Blue Mountains National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
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.
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.