If there's one thing to remember when you're bushwalking in the Blue Mountains, it's this - what goes down must come up. Though there are plenty of walks along the cliff tops, most involve getting down into the valleys on either side of the main ridge before heading up again via steep tracks or steps. It's this variety of terrain and scenery that makes the mountains such a great bushwalking destination.
The area known as the Blue Mountains - which actually comprises the Blue Mountain, Wollemi, Nattai and Kanangra Boyd national parks - has more than 100 walking tracks, ranging from easy half-hour strolls and hour-long jaunts (many wheelchair-friendly) to half-day mini-expeditions, full-day treks and overnighters.
Echo Point at Katoomba is a good place to start as it gives you an overview of the area before you set off. It's the starting point for what is perhaps the most popular short walk in the entire Blue Mountains - the Giant Staircase to Scenic Railway trip. Down the 900-plus steps gives you a climber's eye view of the Three Sisters, the sounds of clicking cameras giving way to the calls of native birds and the wind in the gum trees as you descend. The track continues along the base of the cliffs, and you can head back up aboard the Scenic Railway. Total time is about three hours.
Govetts Leap near Blackheath is another hub from which lots of walks start. Going right from the lookout over the Grose Valley takes you along the Cliff Top Walk to Evans Lookout and another panoramic view. Or take a left turn and the Pulpit Rock Track will lead you past the hanging swamp, Horseshoe Falls and the famed Pulpit with its commanding 280-degree view of the valley.
Got a whole day to spare? The 7 km Grand Canyon Circuit Track combines rainforest gullies, sandy beaches, canyons, waterfalls, tunnels and views. It starts with the beautiful Grand Canyon, the only canyon through which a walking track passes. As the gorge narrows you enter a tunnel and pass under a waterfall, and before you know it you're out in the Grose Valley. From there it's an easy stroll to Bridal Veil Falls, then a steep climb up metal steps - attached to wet cliffs dripping with 'hanging swamps' - at the top of which you're rewarded with panoramic views over the Grose Valley. For a shorter option, turn off 500 metres before Beauchamp Falls and finish at Evans Lookout (5 km, three hours).
Another all-day walk is the 14 km return track to the Ruined Castle, a collection of rocks that look like a castle when seen from Katoomba. Take the Scenic Railway down to the bottom of the valley - from there it's a fairly level walk following the old railway that used to transport the shale that was mined here. There's a short, sharp incline before you reach the castle. You return the way you came.
For those with time (and camping gear), there are overnight walks such as the two-day hike to the Blue Gum Forest in the Grose Valley. Start at Govetts Leap and take the Pulpit Rock Track, continuing on to Perrys Lookdown - your point of immersion into the valley of towering Deane's Blue Gums. There's a camp site at Acacia Flat.
The next day you can walk along the creek past freshwater pools before the climb up the 600 m escarpment to Govetts Leap. It might seem daunting but it can be the highlight of the trip, literally, with each step presenting a new view.
If you like the idea of going bush for a few days but don't fancy traipsing up hills wearing a backpack and wrestling with tents, try Great Australian Walks' guided walk along the Six Foot Track. This three-day walk includes accommodation in tents and a lodge, and all you carry each day is your camera and lunch. Even better, when you arrive at camp each night, a fire is raging, the billy is boiled and the table set with a three-course dinner. Mountain bikers and independent walkers can also hire the lodge, which is a two-hour walk from the Megalong Valley.
The track begins at the Explorers' Tree, 6 km west of Katoomba and follows the Cox's River through the Megalong Valley all the way to Jenolan Caves, 42 km away. The walk is strenuous, particularly on the second day when you have to climb up - and down - two mountains, but not having to carry a backpack makes a big difference.
The best thing about bushwalking in the Blue Mountains is there's something for everyone - even nocturnal walkers. Some of the close-to-town scenic spots - including the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls - are well lit for nighttime strolls. The National Parks and Wildlife Service runs guided night walks (with wildlife spotlighting) from Blackheath and Glenbrook.
NSW National Parks can be closed at times of bushfire danger. It is advisable to check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before you set off. Either phone 1300 361 967 (within NSW) or (02) 9253 4600 or visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
When travelling, always carry your camera with you, even if only going for a brisk walk. We met a couple once who, although they had a high quality camera, had gone to view the Three Sisters and saw them surrounded by fog - heavenly like, but had left their camera in the car. By the time they returned with their camera, the fog had completely settled in and the amazing shot was lost. If you have a camera, and you're somewhere like the Blue Mountains, make sure you carry it with you.
Maritak, Maleny
The Upper Blue Mountains is often shrouded in an early-mid morning mist. Don't let this stop you from going out and exploring. The mist will lift on most days by mid morning, and tends to add to the atmosphere of your photos...top spot to visit in the mist is...Leura Cascades.
Big Kev, Tumut.
Echo Point is best at sunset, after the tourist buses have gone, and as the last rays of the sun hit the rocks.
Bernice, Springwood.
If you plan to start your trip at Echo Point, then get there quite early, that way you'll beat the tourist buses and have the views and walks more to yourself.
Sandra, Ultimo.
Moments B at 86 Fletcher Street, Wentworth Falls, is a great place to stay if you're heading up to the mountains. It is right on the cliff edge and all the rooms have a fantastic views. It is great if you want to do some bushwalking - there are dozens of tracks that leave from the National Parks Conservation Hut (the cafe serves great breakfasts) just next door. Ph (02) 4757 4455 or check out http://www.bluemts.com.au/moments/moments.asp.
LeeA, Bronte
4WD
