The Blue Mountains Traverse starts in Blackheath any time after 2 pm. There is no walking scheduled for today but there are several galleries and coffee shops in the village worth exploring.

Accommodation: Parklands Country Garden & Lodges Blackheath in ensuite rooms
Meals: A la carte dinner at a local restaurant

Traverse the sheer cliff tops to see Bridal Veil Falls plummet 180 metres in a single drop. Enjoy breathtaking views from Govetts Leap and Pulpit Rock, at the same time discovering why the Blue Mountains appear blue. Then walk down into the Grand Canyon, undoubtedly one of the Blue Mountains, if not Australia’s, most beautiful walks. The canyon carved out by nature over millions of years, the huge tree ferns, the lichen and other flora and fauna work together in concert to create an unheralded sense of immersion.

Accommodation: Parklands Country Garden & Lodges Blackheath in ensuite rooms
Meals: Continental breakfast and walkers lunch
Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 16km / 5–6 hrs / shorter walk available

Take an exhilarating ride down the Scenic Railway into the depths of the rainforest then retrace the route used by coal miners over 100 years ago. Mining relics, tunnels and adits can be seen along the way and observant walkers are often rewarded with a glimpse of an elusive lyrebird. Lunch today will be shared with flocks of cheeky Currawongs at an impressive rocky outcrop called Ruined Castle. Take the Furber Steps Challenge, an alternative to riding up the Scenic Railway. This track climbs steeply through dense rainforest past delightful waterfalls and pretty grottoes. Today also includes a ride in the spectacular Scenic Skyway gondola ride suspended across the Jamison Valley.

Accommodation: Carrington Hotel Katoomba in ensuite rooms
Meals: Continental breakfast, walkers lunch and a la carte dinner at a local restaurant
Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 16–17.5km / 5– 6.5 hrs / shorter option available

Today’s walk is one of our favourites. It starts in Katoomba at your accommodation, meanders through town, out to the cliff edge. From the Explorers Tree, the track winds its way down the escarpment into Megalong Valley to the end at Dryridge Winery. On the way be treated with superb views over the valley. Megalong Valley is less wilderness, more agricultural farmland. The way down to the valley is by far the best part of the Six Foot Track. The Six Foot Track was originally built about 2 metres (six-foot!) wide, well over 100 years ago. The route was swiftly renamed the Six Foot Track, and the name has stuck. It starts from the Explorers Tree in Katoomba (it is very sadly in a state of disrepair) and was first established in 1884 to provide access to Jenolan Caves by horse.

Accommodation: Carrington Hotel Katoomba in ensuite rooms
Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 21 or 25kms / 6 – 7 hrs/ mostly downhill or flat

Learn the Aboriginal legend of how the famous Three Sisters were formed as you descend the 862 steps of the Giant Stairway. Then it’s away from the throng of tourists and into the depths of Leura Forest. Delicate ferns and mosses hug the rainforest trees as filtered sunlight creates a magical scene. There is a thriving arts scene in the Blue Mountains including in Leura, scores of restaurants, cafes and providores.

Accommodation: Carrington Hotel Katoomba in ensuite rooms
Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch
Walking: Moderate / 9–11.5km / 4– 4.5 hrs

The Blue Mountains Traverse finishes after breakfast. If you drove yourself to the Blue Mountains your car will be with you, otherwise it is a very short walk to the train station. Why not add a day and truly relax in the mountains or perhaps if you are up to it wander some more.

Meals: Cooked breakfast