This list of short walks along the spectacular Grand Cliff Top Walk, between Wentworth Falls and Katoomba, proves that you don’t need to take on the full 19 km (grade 3) stretch to understand why it is called ‘Grand’!
WENTWORTH FALLS
Darwins Walk - Wilson Park to Fletcher Street Detour (3 km loop)
The official start of the GCTW track is an easy, well-formed track that leads through tea-tree scented melaleuca bushes to Jamison Creek, lured by small bridges and cascades. Work on the final section is due to be completed during Winter, so follow the well-marked detour to return by Falls Road in the interim.
Wentworth Falls Picnic Area - Fletchers Lookout - Princes Lookout - Wentworth Falls Picnic Area (1.5 km)
One of the older tracks and lookouts in the area, you’ll spy the historic stone wall as it holds you back from the precipice above Wentworth Falls impressive 187 metre drop.
Wentworth Falls Picnic Area - Conservation Hut Cafe via Overcliff Track and Short Cut Track (2.8 km)
You’ll appreciate a reward at the Conservation Hut Cafe after climbing the stairs up the hill on this classic 3km loop, loaded with on-the-edge views.
LEURA
Elysian Rock - Olympian Rock - Tarpeian Rock (1 km - one way)
Imagine a 2km long widescreen TV: that’s what this stretch of GCTW feels like when gazing out towards Mount Solitary.
Cliff Drive - Fossil Rock - Bridal Veil Lookout - Leura Cascades - Cliff Drive Loop (1.5 km)
Drawing alongside shady Leura Falls Creek, this 1.5 km pocket of the trail includes the iconic Leura Cascades and quiet hidden amphitheatres, dripping with fern-filled life.
KATOOMBA
Silver Mist Reserve - Tallawarra Lookout - Lady Carrington Lookout - 3 Sisters - Lady Game Lookout - Oreades Lookout - Echo Point (1.5 km - one way)
There are 6 lookouts dotted along this small stretch of earthen track, where lyrebirds can be regularly spied, especially in the early morning.
Echo Point to Lady Darleys Lookout
(500 metres - one way)
The dress circle of lookouts and most popular short section of the track feels more like grade 2, so is a good choice for dodgy knees or short attention spans.
Lady Darleys Lookout to Cliff View Lookout via Wollumai Lookout (1.3 km loop)
There are a few stairs on this section, but you’ll be well rewarded with the ‘Titanic moment’ at pint-sized Wollumai Lookout and views back to the Three Sisters. Return via Cliff Drive.
Katoomba Cascades to Katoomba Kiosk (option: Reids Plateau) Nightlit walk (1 km loop)
Elegantly lit at night, Katoomba Cascades delights all ages on the approach to Scenic World and is part of the Katoomba Night-Lit Walk. Sneak up to Reids Plateau for the secret lookout through the cave with views of Orphan Rock.
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