Last Updated October 25, 2023

Nothing beats getting out of the city and on to the trail. Fresh air, wildlife, the sounds of gentle streams – what’s not to love? Located just an hour outside of Sydney, the Blue Mountains boasts some of the best scenery Australia has to offer. From short and easy walks to all-day adventures, check out 5 hikes that you simply can’t miss when exploring the Blue Mountains.

 

Red Hands Cave, Glenbrook

Why we love it: A popular area for hiking and mountain biking due to its close proximity to Sydney, Glenbrook has plenty of beautiful tracks to explore. One of our favourite walks in the area is from Glenbrook Creek up to Red Hands Cave. The cave itself is covered with amazing traditional Aboriginal stencil art, and you can also see Aboriginal axe grinding sites as you make your way along the track. The walk follows Camp Fire Creek and Red Hands Gully, so there are many beautiful rock pools and small waterfalls to enjoy.

How to access: Loop starts at Glenbrook Causeway and there is car parking nearby.

Distance: 8.2km

Elevation: 241km

Time: 2hrs

Paddy’s Pro Tips: This loop makes a great trail run for any beginners out there as it is well signposted with relatively low elevation. If you have time we would also recommend checking out Jellybean Pool – a beautiful natural pool in Glenbrook Creek. It’s only a short hike from the beginning of the Red Hands Cave track and the perfect spot to cool off after your hike.

Jellybean Pool Glenbrook | Best swimming holes in the Blue Mountains

Wentworth Falls Track

Why we love it: Wentworth Falls has some of the best walks in the Blue Mountains, and there are various tracks to discover that cover all different distances. The main track to see the falls is one of the shorter walks in the area, but the track is quite steep so prepare yourself for a bit of a leg workout. The grand waterfall plunges 100m to the valley floor and is simply breathtaking. Whilst descending down the trail, you can take in beautiful views of the vast open valley. Definitely keep the camera handy, you are sure to get some stunning shots.

How to access: Easily accessible and well-signposted, starting at Wentworth Falls picnic area (parking available).

Distance: 1.5km

Elevation: 80m

Time: 45min

Paddy’s Pro Tips: There are a few different loop tracks in the area to check out if you want to explore further. Try Valley of the Waters for a more challenging route, or have a glance at the maps at the top of the trail to help you plan your day.

Wentworth Falls Blue Mountains

Grand Canyon Track – Blackheath

Why we love it: This is a popular walk for good reason – and it will have your calves burning by the end. The Grand Canyon Track is a beautiful, well-defined hike trailing through luscious green ferns, waterfalls and streams. Most notably, this moderately challenging yet short route rewards you with breathtaking canyon views of incredible sandstone cliffs. A great option for beginner bush walkers, the loop takes between 2-4 hours depending on your fitness level and how many picture stops you take (believe us, there will be a lot!).

How to access: Easily accessible from the Grand Canyon carpark off Evans Lookout Road.

Distance: 5.8km

Elevation: 283m

Time: 3hrs

Paddy’s Pro Tips: This is a great walk for a rainy day as the track is a lot quieter and there are even more waterfalls to enjoy. The canyon can get a little muddy, so we’d recommend wearing waterproof shoes or boots if you have them.

Evan's Lookout Near the Grand Canyon track

Terrace Falls Reserve, Hazelbrook

Why we love it: If you like waterfalls, this one’s for you. Terrace Falls Reserve in the Blue Mountains is full of stunning waterfalls and waterholes to take a refreshing dip. There are a few different trails to explore in this valley, so there’s a lot to be discovered and keep you coming back. Start with the short 5km Terrace Falls Loop to discover the main waterfall in the area, before branching out to some longer tracks. You’ll want to save this walk for after a big downpour of rain to experience the waterfall in all its glory (just make sure to watch out for leeches). And the best bit? It’s doggo friendly!

How to access: Track begins at the end of Lake Road where car parking is available.

Distance: 5km

Elevation: 186m

Time: 1.5hrs

Paddy’s Pro Tips: Some of the walks in the valley require some creek crossings, so if you have a small pup or one not so keen on getting their paws wet then you may need to carry them across. The tracks can be a little difficult to follow and there is limited signposting, so make sure that you download the map on AllTrails before you head out.

Terrace Falls Hazelbrook | Top day walk in the blue mountains

Sassafrass Gully, Springwood

Why we love it: There are a few different trails in this gorgeous gully to explore, and this 10km loop covers everything it has to offer. The track winds deep into a valley surrounded by beautiful streams and waterfalls, lots of waterholes, lush rainforest, and plenty of wildlife. The walk is fully shaded and is the perfect option for humid summer days. For more info on this trail, check out Wildwalks for detailed track notes and maps.

Distance: 10.5km

Elevation: 501m

Time: 4hr+

How to access: You can access this walk by catching a train to Springwood Station, or driving with plenty of car parking nearby. The trail starts from Sassafras Gully Road.

Paddy’s Pro Tips: There are many streams to cross but you can mostly avoid getting your feet wet. We’d recommend wearing a pair of waterproof shoes or boots if you have them. In the warmer months, pack your swimmers and a lightweight towel as there are a bunch of great waterholes to cool off in (trust us if you don’t you’ll regret it!).

Waterfall at Sassafrass Gully | Top day walk in the Blue Mountains

The 5 Best Hikes in the Blue Mountains

And there you have it, the 5 best day hikes in the Blue Mountains. Stay prepared when heading out into the bush. A lightweight daypack will allow you to take all your essentials like a first aid kit, water, a map, water, and snacks. Adventuring with friends is always fun and a safer option, but if you’re going alone make sure to always tell someone where you are heading.

Have you been on any of these hikes? Did we miss your favourite day hike in the Blue Mountains? Let us know in the comments below.

If we’ve inspired you to try a day hike in the Blue Mountains, don’t forget to tag us in your adventures – we love to see them! #ExperienceIsEverything | #PaddyPallin

About The Author

admin

Some 80 years ago, a young bushwalker's dissatisfaction with the limited and heavy bushwalking equipment available prompted him to design and make his own. Before long, word spread, and Paddy Pallin's lightweight, functional designs were soon in demand among fellow bushwalkers. From its early days the company has concentrated on supplying bushwalkers, travellers and adventurers with the highest quality and most advanced products and knowledge. Since 1930 the company has grown to become Australia's leading supplier of specialist outdoor and travel gear. The company, still owned by the Pallin family, now has thirteen stores throughout Australia as well as online, mail order and corporate sales divisions. We are using our vast wealth of knowledge, and experience, to build an online community where we can share our stories, reviews and tech tips to help you research and plan your next adventure.

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