Blue Mountains Walking Holiday - 7 Day Self Guided walk

AT A GLANCE

TRIP LENGTH

7 DAYS

WALK GRADE

Moderate to Challenging

PRICE FROM

$ 1450 per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 690 per person

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Departure Dates

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Overview

The Blue Mountains region is the most accessible World Heritage-listed wilderness area in Australia. The walk traverses the plateau and the valley floor from Mt Victoria via Blackheath, Katoomba to Leura to Wentworth Falls. As you wind your way through the mountains you’ll be astonished by the abundance of magnificent vistas with highlights, including Bridal Veil Falls, Govett’s Leap Lookout, the Jamison Valley via the Scenic Railway and the Waterfall Valley near Leura.

Get up close to the Three Sisters and witness breathtaking views of the famed Blue Mountains blanketed in the distinctive blue haze for which they were named. There are descents through lushly forested areas to vantage points with close up views of waterfalls. Creeping vines, green moss and giant trees will be your constant companion, and there is a high chance of seeing the elusive Lyrebird.

Please note: We offer our Blue Mountains walks all year round. November to March are the warmest months however they also tend to have the highest rainfall with January and February being the most affected. Track closures are common after periods of heavy rain. We will do our best to provide alternative walking options when possible.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Descents through lushly forested areas to vantage points with close up views of waterfalls
Creeping vines, green moss and giant trees
Potential to catch a glimpse of the elusive Lyrebird
Hike into the depths of stunning canyons where forest giants tower overhead with the sounds of flowing water, birdsong and wind in the trees
Witness the evocative blue haze that gives the mountains their name, as you hike through eucalyptus forest

Itinerary

DAY one

BLACKHEATH

The Blue Mountains Traverse starts in Blackheath any time after 2pm. 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 local restaurant

DAY two

MOUNT VICTORIA TO BLACKHEATH

The Blue Mountain Traverse walks begins with an easy climb to the highest point in the mountains, Mt Piddington, followed by a descent through the remote forest into the heart of Cox’s Cave. Marvel at the tenacity of the early explorers who forged a route through this rugged terrain. There’s more remote bushwalking this afternoon as you explore the first pretty canyon, emerging into a huge natural rock amphitheatre. Finish the day with a stroll through magnificent Rhododendron gardens nearby.

Accommodation: Parklands Country Garden & Lodges Blackheath in ensuite rooms
Meals: Continental breakfast and walkers lunch
Walking: Easy / 13.4km / 4.5–5.5 hrs / shorter 9.2km walk available

DAY three

GRAND CANYON LOOP

Skirt around 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 in ensuite rooms
Meals: Continental breakfast and walkers lunch
Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 20.1km / 6–7.5 hrs

DAY four

KATOOMBA TO RUINED CASTLE VIA THE SCENIC RAILWAY

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. This day 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

DAY five

KATOOMBA TO LEURA LOOP

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

DAY six

LEURA TO WENTWORTH FALLS

The final Blue Mountains Traverse walk is into Waterfall Valley. The route winds its way past waterfalls, beneath overhanging cliffs and through magnificent grottoes. A real highlight today is the mid-cliff walk along a wide path that has been carved into the sheer cliff face. Handrails, ladders and airy lookouts provide a birds-eye view over hundreds of miles of forests. The spray from spectacular Wentworth Falls refreshes weary walkers before climbing to the clifftop.

Accommodation: Grand View Hotel Wentworth Falls in ensuite rooms
Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch
Walking: Moderate / 15km / 4–5.5 hrs / shorter 10km option available

DAY seven

WENTWORTH FALLS BACK TO SYDNEY

The Blue Mountains Traverse finishes when you check out of your accommodation. It is a very short walk to Wentworth Falls Station, otherwise you can explore Wentworth Falls Village where there are many excellent cafes for breakfast.

Meals: None included

What’s Included

The best of the Blue Mountains walks
6 nights accommodation in excellent rooms with ensuites
Cooked or continental breakfast each morning, walkers lunches each walking day and select ala carte dinners at local restaurants
Vehicle transfers and luggage transport
We shift along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
Scenic world Railway, Skyway & Gondola all-day pass & National Park admission
Enjoy worry-free navigation with Stroll’s comprehensive track notes

Accommodation & Dining

The friendly locals we work with for accommodation, meals and transfers are attentive to your itinerary and eager to help make your departure and arrival each day as smooth as possible. Each night walkers will stay in a beautiful choice of accommodation ranging from lodges and 4 star hotels, finishing with a bed and breakfast. These luxurious escapes provide a welcoming and comfortable base to relax and recount the day’s highlights. All rooms have their own ensuite.

The Blue Mountains is noted for its international cuisine with restaurants attracting some of the best chefs in the country. Award-winning wines from the nearby Hunter Valley winery district add to the dining experience.

A delicious and hearty breakfast is included at your accommodation each walking morning. The breakfasts will vary and be either cooked, continental or both. In the morning you will be provided with a substantial walkers lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walkers lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

The included dinners are at local restaurants that have either won awards or received great reviews. There’s an emphasis on local produce and wine from the region. When dinner is not included, there are many great restaurants close by to choose from. We recommend you ask us or your hosts for their advice.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

NIGHT 1, 2 & 3

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

The accommodation in Blackheath is nothing short of a luxurious escape. Parklands Country Garden & Lodges provides 28 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. All rooms are fitted with an ensuite and a fireplace. There’s a large lounge area and a dining room for guests to make use of, with an onsite day spa for walkers to relax and unwind. This retreat combines the luxury and comfort of modern life with the charm and ambience of years gone by. Situated only minutes away from Grose Valley and Govetts Leap lookout, Parklands is an ideal location for exploring what the Blue Mountains has to offer.

NIGHT 1, 2 & 3

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

The accommodation in Blackheath is nothing short of a luxurious escape. Parklands Country Garden & Lodges provides 28 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. All rooms are fitted with an ensuite and a fireplace. There’s a large lounge area and a dining room for guests to make use of, with an onsite day spa for walkers to relax and unwind. This retreat combines the luxury and comfort of modern life with the charm and ambience of years gone by. Situated only minutes away from Grose Valley and Govetts Leap lookout, Parklands is an ideal location for exploring what the Blue Mountains has to offer.

NIGHT 1, 2 & 3

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

The accommodation in Blackheath is nothing short of a luxurious escape. Parklands Country Garden & Lodges provides 28 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. All rooms are fitted with an ensuite and a fireplace. There’s a large lounge area and a dining room for guests to make use of, with an onsite day spa for walkers to relax and unwind. This retreat combines the luxury and comfort of modern life with the charm and ambience of years gone by. Situated only minutes away from Grose Valley and Govetts Leap lookout, Parklands is an ideal location for exploring what the Blue Mountains has to offer.

NIGHT 1, 2 & 3

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

The accommodation in Blackheath is nothing short of a luxurious escape. Parklands Country Garden & Lodges provides 28 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. All rooms are fitted with an ensuite and a fireplace. There’s a large lounge area and a dining room for guests to make use of, with an onsite day spa for walkers to relax and unwind. This retreat combines the luxury and comfort of modern life with the charm and ambience of years gone by. Situated only minutes away from Grose Valley and Govetts Leap lookout, Parklands is an ideal location for exploring what the Blue Mountains has to offer.

NIGHT 4 & 5

KATOOMBA

Carrington Hotel is a heritage listed manor, providing a charming place to stay in Katooomba. Carrington’s refurbished rooms are all equipped with the essential amenities including a flat screen TV, access to WIFI and a refrigerator. You will not be disappointed with the classic decor of both the exterior and interior that runs throughout this historical space. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy within this elegant building such as dining rooms, bars and performance spaces.

NIGHT 4 & 5

KATOOMBA

Carrington Hotel is a heritage listed manor, providing a charming place to stay in Katooomba. Carrington’s refurbished rooms are all equipped with the essential amenities including a flat screen TV, access to WIFI and a refrigerator. You will not be disappointed with the classic decor of both the exterior and interior that runs throughout this historical space. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy within this elegant building such as dining rooms, bars and performance spaces.

NIGHT 4 & 5

KATOOMBA

Carrington Hotel is a heritage listed manor, providing a charming place to stay in Katooomba. Carrington’s refurbished rooms are all equipped with the essential amenities including a flat screen TV, access to WIFI and a refrigerator. You will not be disappointed with the classic decor of both the exterior and interior that runs throughout this historical space. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy within this elegant building such as dining rooms, bars and performance spaces.

NIGHT 4 & 5

KATOOMBA

Carrington Hotel is a heritage listed manor, providing a charming place to stay in Katooomba. Carrington’s refurbished rooms are all equipped with the essential amenities including a flat screen TV, access to WIFI and a refrigerator. You will not be disappointed with the classic decor of both the exterior and interior that runs throughout this historical space. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy within this elegant building such as dining rooms, bars and performance spaces.

NIGHT 4 & 5

KATOOMBA

Carrington Hotel is a heritage listed manor, providing a charming place to stay in Katooomba. Carrington’s refurbished rooms are all equipped with the essential amenities including a flat screen TV, access to WIFI and a refrigerator. You will not be disappointed with the classic decor of both the exterior and interior that runs throughout this historical space. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy within this elegant building such as dining rooms, bars and performance spaces.

NIGHT 4 & 5

KATOOMBA

Carrington Hotel is a heritage listed manor, providing a charming place to stay in Katooomba. Carrington’s refurbished rooms are all equipped with the essential amenities including a flat screen TV, access to WIFI and a refrigerator. You will not be disappointed with the classic decor of both the exterior and interior that runs throughout this historical space. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy within this elegant building such as dining rooms, bars and performance spaces.

NIGHTS 6

LEURA

The Grand View Hotel originally built in 1883 is located in Wentworth Falls Village and is the perfect place to spend your last night in the Blue Mountains. The rooms we book have ensuites, are recently refurbished, clean and have the essentials needed for a great sleep. You will find fire places and tasteful old world charm in the common areas. The onsite bistro is open 7 days a week for dinner and is one of the best pub bistros in the Blue Mountains. In the morning you will be a very short walk to a range of excellent cafes and a short walk to the train station. There is also free onsite parking.

NIGHTS 6

LEURA

The Grand View Hotel originally built in 1883 is located in Wentworth Falls Village and is the perfect place to spend your last night in the Blue Mountains. The rooms we book have ensuites, are recently refurbished, clean and have the essentials needed for a great sleep. You will find fire places and tasteful old world charm in the common areas. The onsite bistro is open 7 days a week for dinner and is one of the best pub bistros in the Blue Mountains. In the morning you will be a very short walk to a range of excellent cafes and a short walk to the train station. There is also free onsite parking.

NIGHTS 6

LEURA

The Grand View Hotel originally built in 1883 is located in Wentworth Falls Village and is the perfect place to spend your last night in the Blue Mountains. The rooms we book have ensuites, are recently refurbished, clean and have the essentials needed for a great sleep. You will find fire places and tasteful old world charm in the common areas. The onsite bistro is open 7 days a week for dinner and is one of the best pub bistros in the Blue Mountains. In the morning you will be a very short walk to a range of excellent cafes and a short walk to the train station. There is also free onsite parking.

NIGHTS 6

LEURA

The Grand View Hotel originally built in 1883 is located in Wentworth Falls Village and is the perfect place to spend your last night in the Blue Mountains. The rooms we book have ensuites, are recently refurbished, clean and have the essentials needed for a great sleep. You will find fire places and tasteful old world charm in the common areas. The onsite bistro is open 7 days a week for dinner and is one of the best pub bistros in the Blue Mountains. In the morning you will be a very short walk to a range of excellent cafes and a short walk to the train station. There is also free onsite parking.

NIGHTS 6

LEURA

The Grand View Hotel originally built in 1883 is located in Wentworth Falls Village and is the perfect place to spend your last night in the Blue Mountains. The rooms we book have ensuites, are recently refurbished, clean and have the essentials needed for a great sleep. You will find fire places and tasteful old world charm in the common areas. The onsite bistro is open 7 days a week for dinner and is one of the best pub bistros in the Blue Mountains. In the morning you will be a very short walk to a range of excellent cafes and a short walk to the train station. There is also free onsite parking.

General Info

This Blue Mountains Traverse starts and finishes in the Blue Mountains with a short two-hour train ride (fare not included) from Sydney to the first accommodation. The Blue Mountains walks are mostly along well-marked tracks and trails, with occasional steeper sections either ascending out of or descending into the gorges and valleys below. It’s a great combination of easy-going, moderate and more challenging walking terrain offering something for every level of experience.

Importantly, we walk in and out of accommodations and move you along the track in order to limit the travel time in a vehicle. Your luggage moves along with you seamlessly as you walk from one accommodation to the next with just your day pack.

The Blue Mountains Traverse comprehensive walk notes provide lots of information on the flora, fauna, history and geology of the Blue Mountains.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

Available all year. October-November is usually mild to warm. With the warmer weather comes higher rainfall. Temperatures warm up from December-February with frequent heavy rainfall. March-April is usually cool to mild. Temperatures drop from May onwards and the days are cool to cold but with little rain and good for walking. Warmer, spring weather returns around September.

Track closures are common after periods of heavy rain. We will do our best to provide alternative walking options when possible. Please note that unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds due to track closures please ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover any losses.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

climate graph for the Blue Mountains

Source: BOM

HOW TO GET THERE

Travelling to the Start of the walk

This walk starts in the village of Blackheath.

The walk ends in Leura with a transfer or short walk to the train station.

You will need to get yourself to and from the start and end of your walk. i.e. you will need to organise your travel to the start of the walk in the Blue Mountains. To make it easy we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.

Public Transport: By far the easiest option is to catch a train from Sydney. Your starting destination is Blackheath. It is approximately a 6 minute walk to your accommodation so you may prefer to catch a taxi (at your expense).

The train will take around 2hrs 10min from Sydney Central station and costs approximately AUD$8 to $12. You can buy tickets directly at the train station; there is no need to book. You can also catch the train at Sydney airport and swap at Central station. The trains in peak times depart approximately every 15 mins, out of peak every 30 mins to 40 mins.

Please note: If you would prefer a private taxi transfer we can provide details for you to arrange. This will be an additional cost.

Travelling from the End of the walk

Public Transport: Take the train from either Katoomba or Leura; times and cost see the timetable for Blue Mountains trains.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, or info@stroll.com

Map

Departure Dates

DATES

AVAILABILITY

PRICE

Single Occupancy

DETAILS
Date
1 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025

AVAILIBILITY
AVAILABLE

PRICE
^from $ 1450

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 690

DETAILS

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REVIEWS

WALK MENU

sections

OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

HIGHLIGHTS:

AT A GLANCE

ITINERARY

BLACKHEATH

MOUNT VICTORIA TO BLACKHEATH

GRAND CANYON LOOP

KATOOMBA TO RUINED CASTLE VIA THE SCENIC RAILWAY

KATOOMBA TO LEURA LOOP

LEURA TO WENTWORTH FALLS

WENTWORTH FALLS BACK TO SYDNEY

WHAT’S INCLUDED

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

LEURA

LEURA

LEURA

LEURA

LEURA

GENERAL INFO

WEATHER

HOW TO GET THERE

INSURANCE

INFORMATION PACK

CONTACT

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

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sections

HIGHLIGHTS:

BLACKHEATH

MOUNT VICTORIA TO BLACKHEATH

GRAND CANYON LOOP

KATOOMBA TO RUINED CASTLE VIA THE SCENIC RAILWAY

KATOOMBA TO LEURA LOOP

LEURA TO WENTWORTH FALLS

WENTWORTH FALLS BACK TO SYDNEY

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

PARKLANDS COUNTRY GARDEN HOTEL

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

KATOOMBA

LEURA

LEURA

LEURA

LEURA

LEURA

WEATHER

HOW TO GET THERE

INSURANCE

INFORMATION PACK

CONTACT

Customer Reviews

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Mandy W

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