As you may already know from a previous article, Emily and I are big fans of the Blue Mountains. Hiking in the Blue Mountains really does feel special, and is an experience accessible to all levels of hikers. With trails ranging from easy walks like the Leura Cascades to multi-day hikes like the Mount Solitary Walking Track, and everything in between. Many trails are also designed to be wheelchair-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of this stunning region. With so many hiking trails to explore, the Blue Mountains offer experiences tailored to each and every hiker’s skill level. With that in mind, we’ve decided to break down our top 5 hiking trails in the Blue Mountains, showcasing hikes for every kind of traveller.
Why Should You Visit The Blue Mountains
Before diving into the Blue Mountains’ Top 5 hikes, it’s essential to highlight why this destination should be on your bucket list. A trip to the Blue Mountains is an absolute must if you’re visiting Sydney, or even if you’re a Sydneysider looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The Blue Mountains provide the perfect escape. Trade the dense, stuffy Sydney skyline for fresh mountain air and breathtaking views, including the iconic Three Sisters and much, much more. I mean, there is a reason why it is listed as a World UNESCO World Heritage area!
Unlike many national parks in Australia, the Blue Mountains are easily accessible for travellers using public transport (like us!). If you want to find out how to get here, which trains to take, and what hikes are easily accessible via public transport, check out our previous article, ‘Blue Mountains Public Transport Guide: Getting Around by Train and Bus,’ for more info!
1. Leura Cascades (Difficulty: Easy)
Starting off with one of the most popular, yet also one of the most wheelchair-accessible routes in the Blue Mountains, the Leura Cascades. This route begins in the village of Leura, which is about a 5-minute drive or 10-minute bus ride from Katoomba.
The trail takes you along a well-maintained, paved pathway that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for both wheelchair users and those with walking abilities. This is one of the easier walks in the Blue Mountains and is roughly 500 meters in length, taking you along a mostly flat accessible path offering impressive views of cascading waterfalls along the way.
Nearby, there are also facilities and amenities for those unable to travel longer distances, such as a picnic area, toilets, and a car park, ensuring this is one of those easy walks that can be completed by almost everyone!
2. The Three Sisters Walk (Difficulty: Easy)
Heading to the Blue Mountains and not making time to see the iconic Three Sisters seems crazy to me. This is another easy walk, beginning at Echo Point in Katoomba and taking you along a well-maintained path to the Three Sisters. This route has multiple lookout points along the way to take in the beauty of the Jamison Valley.
This walk should take just under 45 minutes to complete and is definitely worth it if you’re tight on time and want to quickly see the Three Sisters.
3. The Wentworth Falls Track/Wentworth Falls Waterfall Walk (Difficulty: Moderate)
Next up is the Wentworth Falls Track, or more commonly known as the Wentworth Falls Waterfall Walk. This is another relatively easy but rewarding walk spanning 1.4 km and taking around 45 minutes to an hour to complete. It’s all dependent on how many photos you take along the way!
Beginning at the Wentworth Falls picnic area, this walk leads you to Fletchers Lookout, offering stunning views over the Jamison Valley before you eventually make your way towards Wentworth Falls.
4. Giant Stairway and Federal Pass Hike (Difficulty: Challenging)
Tired of the crowds above? Head down into the valley below! Although the views from above are great, don’t underestimate how nice it is in the Jamison Valley. This walk should take anywhere between two and three hours and is almost 4 km in length.
Beginning at Echo Point, follow signs to the Three Sisters and head towards the Giant Stairway, the descent is 998 steps down to the Jamison Valley. Yes, you heard that correctly! But don’t worry, there are plenty of resting points along the way. This often puts people off, but trust me, it’s worth it when you’re down there! At the base of the stairway, connect with the Federal Pass. Turn right to follow the trail through lush rainforest, passing beneath towering sandstone cliffs, and choose from a multitude of ascent options depending on how tired you are! This is the ideal route for travellers aiming to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains.
5. The Mount Solitary Walking Track (Difficulty: Hard/Multi-day)
Unlike some of the hikes mentioned earlier, the Mount Solitary Walking Track is not for the faint-hearted. Spanning an impressive 34 kilometers, this hike takes the average adventurer three days to complete.
Starting in Katoomba, you’ll descend the Giant Stairway, passing by the iconic Three Sisters along the way. The trail then leads deep into the Jamison Valley and culminates in the ascent of Mount Solitary. This multi-day hike traverses dense bushland, steep ascents and descents, and rugged rocky terrain.
With wild camping as part of the experience, it is essential to bring adequate supplies for the journey and to dress warmly since nights in the Blue Mountains are significantly colder than those in Sydney!
| Hike/Trail Name | Difficulty | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leura Cascades | Easy | 30 mins | Waterfalls, wheelchair-friendly |
| Three Sisters Walk | Easy | 45 mins | Scenic lookouts, iconic views |
| Wentworth Falls Track | Moderate | 45–60 mins | Lookouts, falls, valley views |
| Giant Stairway + Federal Pass | Challenging | 2–3 hours | 998 Steps, rainforest, fewer crowds |
| Mount Solitary Walking Track | Hard | 2–3 days | Remote hike, wild camping |
How To Avoid The Crowds
As you can tell, we’re both pretty big fans of the Blue Mountains, and our time there was truly special. However, it can get quite crowded, especially around iconic spots like the Three Sisters and other popular lookouts. At times, it almost feels like the constant crowds and queues of people trying to get that perfect selfie distract from the beauty of the place. If you’re like us and want to escape the crowds, we’d suggest heading deeper into the valley.
We found that we enjoyed our time the most after descending the Giant Stairway and exploring a few of the walks within the Jamison Valley. You’ll find waterfalls, dense bushland, and even a few spots to swim if that’s what you’re after! It’s nowhere near as crowded, and being down in the Jamison Valley really allowed us to immerse ourselves in the stunning nature and landscape the Blue Mountains have to offer.
What To Bring With You
If you are heading to the Blue Mountains, it is important to be prepared and bring the right things with you!
✅ Water & Snacks
There are limited refill stations and food stops along the trails. Bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks to stay fueled during your adventure.
✅ Sun Protection
The Australian sun can be harsh, even in the mountains. Pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to shield yourself.
✅ Comfortable Clothing & Sturdy Shoes
Wear breathable, layered clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions, and ensure your hiking boots or shoes are well-fitted for steep trails.
✅ Weather Check
Always check the forecast before heading out. The Blue Mountains can experience sudden weather changes, including rain and cooler temperatures.
✅ Bug Spray
Especially if you’re trekking through rainforest sections, insect repellent will keep those pesky critters at bay.
✅ Navigation Tools
While many trails are signposted, having a physical map or offline navigation is crucial as reception can be spotty in remote areas.
✅ Camera/Smartphone
The Blue Mountains are incredibly picturesque. Don’t forget to capture the sweeping views, waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like the Three Sisters.
✅ Lightweight Backpack
For carrying your essentials comfortably, pick a backpack suited for hiking.
✅ Rain Gear
Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, as rain can appear unexpectedly.
✅ First Aid Kit
A small kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications could prove invaluable on the trails.
✅ Leave No Trace
Respect the area’s natural beauty by taking all rubbish with you. Keep the trails and surroundings pristine for others to enjoy!
P.S. – If you are planning on tackling The Mount Solitary Walking Track, you’ll probably need quite a bit more than this!
Final Thoughts
In this article, we’ve shared our top 5 hikes in the Blue Mountains, hoping to highlight that there truly are trails accessible to every kind of adventurer. From easy walks like the Leura Cascades to strenuous three-day journeys like the Mount Solitary Walking Track, the Blue Mountains have something for everyone. If you’ve got the time and energy, we’d definitely suggest heading down into the Jamison Valley as this is by far the best way to escape the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the Blue Mountains.
And if hiking isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of other ways to enjoy the area, like visiting Scenic World, taking in the views from the Scenic Skyway, or just spending some time wandering around Katoomba and Leura to explore the cute boutique shops and quirky thrift stores.
Whether you’re visiting Sydney or just looking for a weekend escape, the Blue Mountains should absolutely be on your list!
PS – If you are looking for another weekend trip away check out our article on Orange NSW!
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