Blue Mountains Walks
Reconnect with nature in the Blue Mountains
Reconnect with nature in the Blue Mountains
Wollangambe Walk
Grade: Medium, Distance: 8 km, Time: 5 hrs, Max group size: 8, Meeting Point: Mt Wilson, 8.00 am
Mt Wilson has many and varied landscapes. We start in the Blue Mountains Basalt Forest, an Endangered Ecological Community, that only thrives on the rich volcanic soils found here (and a few other nearby sites in the mountains), then descend through typical Blue Mountains sclerophyll forest towards the Wollangambe River, over rock pagodas and past rugged canyon cliffs. An optional side trip can be taken in knee deep water through a short but spectacular slot canyon – you’ll get a taste of the canyoning experience without getting too wet or needing ropes. Have brunch at a beautiful river beach where you can explore for a while, swim, or just take in the serene surroundings. Return the same way, or if you’re feeling adventurous there is a more direct route.
Tessellated Pavements Walk
Grade: Medium, Distance: 8 km, Time: 5 hrs, Max group size: 8, Meet: Mt Wilson, 8:00 am
We drive out to Mt Irvine and head off on a track that meanders through closed forest, with a little ascent and descent, to the largest tessellated rock platform in the Blue Mountains. We spend some time here exploring the intriguing rock formations, rock carvings and wildflowers, then follow a more open ridge between two major canyon systems, on a vague track. The route stretches out into the wilderness with beautiful views and wildflowers in season. Lunch is on a rock platform with spectacular views.
Mt Wilson Highlights Walk
Grade: Easy-Medium, Distance: 8 km, Time: 5 hrs, Max group size: 6, Meet: Mt Wilson, 8.00 am
Explore the best bits of the varied Mt Wilson landscapes from clifftop lookouts to rainforest walks, waterfalls, rock formations, wildflowers to the awe-inspiring canyon views. We will drive to three quite different sites and at each site will take a guided walk lasting from 45 to 90 minutes. Have brunch in spectacular surroundings before being driven back to your cars. Afterwards you can tour of one of the many gorgeous private gardens for a small additional fee, if you wish.
Grose Valley Views Walk
Grade: Medium, Distance: 8 km, Time: 5 hrs, Max group size: 6, Meet: Mt Wilson, 8.00 am
The awe as you peer into the Grose Valley just cannot be captured in a photo. With cliffs up to 500m high, you stare down through 280 million years of earth’s history. “Stupendous!” said Charles Darwin in 1836, and you will agree. We explore the wild and less-travelled north side of the Valley, following a narrow track through woodlands and past hanging swamps, before venturing off-track down towards the cliff edge. Relax with tea/coffee and sumptuous light meal, before exploring the rugged landscape. Your biologist guide will tell you about the unique rock pagodas, flora and fauna, if that takes your interest. We also offer a full day (8 hour, Hard grade) version of this walk for an additional fee - Enquire for that option. All food and beverages, equipment and national parks entry fees are included.
Glowworm Tunnel and Dry Canyon Walk
Grade: Medium, Distance: 8 km, Time: 5 hrs, Max group size: 6, Meet: Mt Wilson, 8.00 am or Zigzag Railway, 8.30 am.
Explore the spectacular Glowworm Tunnel and also walk through the Dry Canyon. The tunnel is almost 400m long so it's pitch dark but the glowworms light up the walls like the Milky Way. We provide red-light headlamps so you don’t disturb the glowworms. Hear what makes these fascinating creatures tick - from your biologist guide. Then wander through the Dry Canyon - a dramatic example of a Blue Mountains slot canyon, but an easy walk (there is one small scramble which we will assist you through if needed). Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch amongst the tree ferns in Wollemi National Park.
Build your own walk
If none of these options suit you, please contact us to organise a bespoke private walk - any Blue Mountains location, on-track or off-track walking, half-day or full day.
Wild flower “hunting” trips are a specialty (mostly in spring-early summer). Or, if you are fit (-ish) and adventurous, take a more challenging day walk off the beaten track, and visit places rarely seen by others!
Tiger Snake Canyon
Grade: Medium, Distance: 8 km, Time: 8 hrs, Max group size: 8, Meeting Point: Mt Wilson, 8.00 am
A stunning all-season dry canyon, Tiger Snake has it all. It is deep in rock pagoda country so it’s a decent bushwalk to get to the start. The upper canyon section has 4 abseils in a tight constrictions (left photo) and ends with a big overhanging abseil into an open valley (middle photo). From there it’s a short walk to the spectacular final abseil into a dark slot (right photo). The exit track is a very steep scramble initially, then becomes a good trail walk before going up and over a tall rock pagoda where you get magnificent views of the rugged landscape.
Serendipity Canyon
Grade: Medium, Distance: 8 km, Time: 8 hrs, Max group size: 8, Meet: Mt Wilson, 8:00 am Note: Only available September to April
This is one of the more popular Blue Mountains commercially guided canyoning trips and for good reason. There are four abseils, a few short swims and a walk through a beautiful open section of creek. And then there's jump rock for the brave. An abseiling lesson is provided so prior experience is not required, but you must be reasonably fit and agile.
Gobsmacker Canyon
Grade: Medium-Hard, Distance: 8 km, Time: 8 hrs, Max group size: 6, Meet: Mt Wilson, 8.00 am
Also known as Bowens Creek North Lower section. This is one of the more spectacular canyons with dark sections where the canyon walls close in on you. It can be cold so is best done in the warmer months. There are four abseils and some optional jumps depending on conditions. The walk out is steep and takes some effort. This is not a good choice for a first-time canyoner.
Water Dragon Canyon
Grade: Medium, Distance: 8 km, Time: 9 hrs, Max group size: 8, Meeting Point: Mt Wilson, 8.00 am Note: Available only in April
Stunning! Water Dragon has a sustained dark section where the canyon walls close right in and it can be dark enough to see glow worms. There are two big ascents so it is a long day and above average fitness is required. This is not a good choice for a first-time canyoner.
Wollangambe 1 Canyon • Lilo trip
Grade: Medium-hard, Distance: 12 km, Time: 8 hrs, Max group size: 8, Meeting Point: Mt Wilson, 8.00 am Note: Available November-April. Must be confident Swimmer
Experience canyoning – walk, scramble, wade, swim and paddle your way down the Wollangambe River. This takes some effort but has rich rewards. Wetsuits and lilos are provided as the water is cool and you’re in it a long time. Float on the lilo through long sections where the canyon walls close right in to deep water. The exit track has a 3 m climb holding onto tree roots and a knotted rope, but this is done with a harness and top rope for extra security.
Wollangambe 2 Canyon • Lilo trip
Grade: Medium, Distance: 12 km, Time: 8 hrs, Max group size: 8, Meet: Mt Wilson, 8:00 am Note: Available November-April.
Explore the lower section of the Wollangambe Canyon. There are longer swims in this beautiful section and the canyon walls close in so that some sections are a little cool. Wetsuits and lilos are provided as the water is cold and you are in it for a long time. Must be a confident swimmer. Full lunch provided.
Du Faur Canyon • Lilo trip
Grade: Medium, Distance: 8 km, Time: 8 hrs, Max group size: 6, Meet: Mt Wilson, 8.00 am Note: Available November-April.
Du Faur Creek is a beautiful canyon which sees less tourist traffic than Wollangambe 1. It is upstream of Wollangambe 1 and leads into it. Du Faur Creek is narrower and more intimate than the Wollangambe. There are a number of different options for start and finish points, so this trip can be customised to spend from 2 to 5 hours on the water in addition to the 3 hours spent walking to and from the canyon entry and exit points.
Your Next Great Adventure Starts Here
Reconnect with nature, challenge yourself, and experience the Blue Mountains and Sydney like never before.