{"id":188414,"date":"2025-04-16T17:51:29","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T17:51:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/the-nsw-grand-cliff-top-walk-is-a-tough-trail-with-dreamy-blue-views\/"},"modified":"2025-04-16T17:51:29","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T17:51:29","slug":"the-nsw-grand-cliff-top-walk-is-a-tough-trail-with-dreamy-blue-views","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=188414","title":{"rendered":"The NSW Grand Cliff Top Walk is a Tough Trail With Dreamy Blue Views"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n
\"The<\/p>\n

\n

Complete with heart-stopping cliff-edge trails, unobstructed mountain views, and scenic waterfalls, the Blue Mountains’ Grand Cliff Top is unlikely to disappoint, but as Tayla found out, this Grade 3 hike has a cheeky secret.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Dharug and Gundungurra people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Quick Overview<\/h2>\n

The 19km, Grade 3, 2-day Grand Cliff Top Walk is located in the NSW Blue Mountains National Park, about 95km from Sydney<\/a> CBD. The track links the towns of Wentworth Falls<\/a>, Leura, and Katoomba<\/a> via a well-maintained, though sometimes poorly marked, trail.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s recommended to complete the track over two days, those with a relatively good level of physical fitness can complete the track in a day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Pretty hard to miss the start<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Grand Cliff Top Walk Facts<\/h2>\n

Distance: <\/strong>19km (however be prepared for anything up to 22km. The track is often undergoing restoration work and some detours add additional distance)
\nDuration:<\/strong> 2 days (or 6 hours for those keen to complete it in a day)
\nElevation gain: <\/strong>795m
\nNearest Town: <\/strong>Wentworth Falls<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

You might take longer than expected if you like to stop and enjoy your surroundings<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

About the Grand Cliff Top Walk<\/h2>\n

Opened in March 2024, after nearly four years in the making, the $10 million Grand Cliff Top Walk links new and existing trails with a well-maintained track, consisting of sandstone steps, metal grates, concreted lookouts, and relatively smooth natural paths.<\/p>\n

As the track teeters along the cliff edges, it rewards hikers with unobstructed views over the Jamison Valley and its iconic blue haze. It then winds down into dense fern-filled forests, which’ll have you questioning whether you’ve stumbled into Jurassic Park.<\/p>\n

The track ends at Katoomba’s Scenic World, but not before bypassing the famous Three Sisters Aboriginal site.<\/p>\n

This world-renowned beauty comes at a hefty price, which will surprise hikers who are expecting a relatively easy Grade 3 walk. There are over 4000 steps along the track with some pretty steep sections, and that number is only set to increase if you add on the optional side routes to see the waterfalls \u2013 and it\u2019s a waste if you don’t!<\/p>\n

So be prepared for a challenge, particularly if you’re doing it in a day!<\/p>\n

The Grand Cliff Top Walk History\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Grand Cliff Top Walk is in the Blue Mountains National Park on <\/span>Gundungurra <\/span>Country, which is rich in Aboriginal culture. While it\u2019s unknown when Aboriginal people first inhabited the area, evidence of early habitation can be seen through art carved into the rock. One particularly well-preserved rock carving is \u2018The Flight of the Great Grey Kangaroo\u2019, located at the foot of Hawkesbury Lookout. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>The Blue Mountains formed around one million years ago as part of the Kosciusko Uplift during the Pliocene Epoch. It was originally named \u2018Carmarthen Hills\u2019 and \u2018Lansdowne Hills\u2019 by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788. However, the name was later changed to the Blue Mountains due to the distinctive blue haze surrounding the area, which is caused by light reflecting off eucalyptus oil and water droplets in the air.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Grand Cliff Top Walk pays homage to Aboriginal culture through its walk totem\/wayfinder, the black cockatoo, which was designed by local Aboriginal artist Kelsie King, and is located on the directional posts along the track.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The black cockatoo, named <\/span>Wumbarrung<\/span><\/i> in the <\/span>Gundungurra <\/span>language, is a significant bird to the traditional custodians of<\/span> Gundungurra Country, with its flight reflecting the moods and seasons of the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Love to see it<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How to Get to The Grand Cliff Top Walk<\/h2>\n

While the walk can be done in either direction, most hikers tend to start at Darwins Walk in Wentworth Falls, which is a short ten-minute walk from the train station.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re travelling via public transport from Sydney<\/a>, you can catch a two-hour train directly from Central Station to Wentworth Falls. Bus number 686 will take you from the end of the hike at Scenic World to Katoomba Station, where you can catch the train back to the CBD. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>If you’re travelling by car, the best option is to park at Katoomba Station and catch a 12-minute train to Wentworth Falls. By car, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Darwins Walk<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Where to Stay Along the Track<\/h2>\n

There are no camping options for hikers along the track, so if you plan to complete the walk over the recommended two-day period, it\u2019s best to head into the town of Leura, located just over halfway at the 11km mark.<\/p>\n

Some popular spots to stay in Leura include the Leisure Inn Spires<\/a>, the Magical Mandalay<\/a>, or the Leura Gardens Resort<\/a>. These accommodation spots are also some of the most affordable and will cost you between $170 and $320 per night (at the time of publishing).<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong> Ultimate Guide to the Best Campsites in NSW<\/a><\/p>\n

Skill Level<\/h2>\n

Beginner to Intermediate\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The walk is classified as a Grade 3 hike and requires a beginner to intermediate level of outdoor experience. Beyond Darwins Walk, the track becomes relatively well signposted. However, it does require a good level of physical fitness \u2013 any less, and you’ll end up puffed and sore well before the midway point!<\/p>\n

The walk isn\u2019t wheelchair accessible and only has patchy reception points, however, there are points for water refills along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong> Best Bushwalks in Sydney<\/a><\/p>\n

Essential Gear for the Grand Cliff Top Walk<\/h2>\n