Search bushwalks in Katoomba, Page 183

Starting at the Fernshaw Picnic Area on Maroondah Highway, Fernshaw, this walk leads to the Dom Dom Saddle Picnic Area and back via the Morley Walking Track and Road 8. This hike weaves its way through beautiful scenery with some great views, passing through ferns and Mountain Ash on a clear and well-formed track. The track has plenty of signage and is fairly easy to navigate. There are two spacious car parks at either end of the track with picnic tables, barbecues and toilet facilities, which can be easily accessed from Maroondah Highway. This walk has three very steep and challenging sections, which can be slippery in wet conditions. The track may also be slightly overgrown in places, with obstacles such as ferns, fallen trees, branches and bark. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Morley Walking Track

18.8 km return

6 h 30 min to 10 h

Newbys Creek Walk and Caves

Newbys Creek Walk and Caves

220 m return

5 min to 10 min

This short return walk in Coorabakh National Park leads to a scenic cave with a large overhanging rock that creates a natural shelter above the Newbys Creek. Let us begin by acknowledging the Biripi & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Caves

Environment

Starting from the dirt car park in Cape Arid National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit, offering views of coastal heathland to Thomas River and Yokinup Bay. There are a number of important plant species in the area, including yellow hibbertia, scarlet honey myrtle and the golden southern plains banksia. The trail was introduced by Len Otte, the first ranger to be a resident in the park. After his sudden death, it was decided that the path was named after him as a tribute to his achievements. The walk texture includes natural pavements, granite and gravel in different sections. There are certain moderately hilly sections. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Len Otte Nature Trail

2.8 km circuit

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Len Otte Nature Trail

Environment

Starting from Elanda Point Road, Como, this walk takes you to the Kinaba Information Centre and the foreshore of Lake Cootharaba via the Kinaba Track, visiting several lookouts along the way. Expect to see heaps of bird species as you make your way through the lovely paperbarks and cabbage palms. You’ll get great views of the lake, especially at the mangrove boardwalk at the end. Interpretive signs at the said boardwalk will inform you about the history of the area. You can also take a little detour and visit Mill Point for a panoramic point of view. Try to spot some stingrays whilst taking in the scenery. This shady walk is pretty empty most of the time, including the information centre. Keep in mind that the information centre is also accessible by boat. Take a strong mozzie (Australian term for mosquito) repellent with you to have a better experience. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Kinaba Track

12.4 km return

3 h 30 min to 5 h

Environment

Starting from the car park off Cedar Creek Road, this walk takes you to Cedar & Love Creek Falls and back via rock hopping along the same-titled creeks. Rather than a designated track, expect a peaceful but a bit tiring hike amidst the dense woodland. Although, you can take a break from the constant rock hopping and cool off in the refreshing cool waters almost anywhere along the creek. Whilst swimming, take a moment and observe the lovely scenery around you as you listen to the constant birdsong. Additionally, keep an eye out for monitor lizards and snakes. If you decide to hike alongside the creek rather than in it, keep in mind that the already-subtle walking track may be overgrown. A moderate level of fitness and shoes/boots with ankle support are recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cedar & Love Creek Falls

4.7 km return

2 h to 3 h

Cedar & Love Creek Falls

Swim

Waterfall

Environment

This lovely walk takes you from the grassy area of Gordon Falls Reserve down through the lush vegetation and cliffs to the Pool of Siloam. The Pool and waterfall is an amazing place and cool place on warmer summer days. This walk is a great way to explore a part of the Blue Mountains after a picnic in the park and a chance to enjoy the cooler climate with the large fern trees. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pool of Siloam

930 m return

30 min to 40 min

Waterfall

Environment

Bus

4 h 30 min, 7 h to 2 days

Starlights Trail

13.1 km return

4 h 30 min, 7 h to 2 days

Starlights Trail is a part of the greater trail, connecting Mittagong and Katoomba. This return walk takes you from Nattai Road through Nattai National Park and passes the Emmets Flat campsite. Let us begin by acknowledging the Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

This walk follows a wide concrete trail through Berowra Valley National Park, through lovely bushland and the site of the historic Zig Zag railway. The railway is long gone, but the quarry site is interesting to explore and crossing Zig Zag Creek on the bridge gives a lovely view down on the fern trees. Stop and read the information signs along the way, bring your dog for a walk or use this trail for fitness training. The trail on the north side of Zig Zag Creek is very steep for about 50m, otherwise, this walk is easy to follow. To save the car shuttle you can just allow extra time and retrace your steps back to the start. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bellamy Fire Trail

620 m oneway

10 min to 20 min

Heritage

Environment

Narrabundah Hill Circuit starts from Eucumbene Drive, Duffy, exploring the woodland around the hill, visiting the trig station on top and looping back to the roadside. As you hike along the path, the refreshing sound of water flowing downstream will complement the delightful views you’ll come across. And by any chance you’re around when the sun sets, you’re in for a treat. Remember to keep your dog on a leash if cattle are present. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Narrabundah Hill Circuit

5.5 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Narrabundah Hill Circuit

5.5 km

Circuit

Walk

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

Mount Bouddi Walking Track

Mount Bouddi Walking Track

2.2 km return

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Starting from Mount Bouddi picnic area this walk takes you to the Bouddi Lookout with views over the coast and sea. Finish the walk with lunch once back at the picnic area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

The Karloo Track

9.6 km return

3 h to 5 h

Environment

Train

This walk explores the eastern branch of the Girrakool Loop track. Starting from the car park, this walk first visits the Aboriginal Engraving site. Before reaching Broula Lookout, there is an optional side trip to a lovely section of Piles Creek. There is a second optional side trip, to Illoura Lookout, offering limited views down to Piles Creek waterfall. The walk concludes along the footpath, which returns to the Girrakool picnic area. The lookouts do not provide the most expansive views, but it is still a lovely walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Eastern Girrakool Loop

810 m circuit

20 min to 40 min

Eastern Girrakool Loop

Waterfall

Environment

Mount Everard Track Circuit

Mount Everard Track Circuit

19.7 km circuit

7 h to 10 h 30 min

Starting from the parking and picnic area at the end of Parkland Road in Kinglake, this walk heads south along the Shelley Harris Track. Walk on dirt tracks to first reach the top of Mount Baggery and then Mount Everard. The 5 km uphill climb will test your endurance and leave you satisfied once you reach the top. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment