The best walks and hikes in the Blue Mountains

Katoomba Falls is a fantastic multi-tiered waterfall that cascades over sandstone cliffs into the Jamison Valley, and is one of the Blue Mountains’ most recognisable waterfall locations. The falls are surrounded by rugged escarpments, and from here, there are beautiful expansive views across the eucalyptus-covered ridges that stretch through the valley. The combination of plunging water, towering cliffs, and wide valley scenery makes it especially impressive if you're lucky enough to be here after it rains.

Federal Pass Walking Track is a historic and relatively challenging route that follows the base of the Jamison Valley cliffs between Leura and Katoomba, passing under dramatic escarpments and connecting several iconic walking routes. The track winds through cool forest, fern-filled gullies, creek crossings, and waterfall areas, with access to Leura Forest, the Giant Stairway, Scenic World, and routes toward Ruined Castle. The towering sandstone cliffs combined with the lush valley vegetation, and changing views of the escarpment create an ideal immersive walk that contrasts with the busy exposed lookouts high above you.

Spooners Lookout is a quieter viewpoint along the Three Sisters Walk near Echo Point, offering a slightly different angle of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation with extended views across the Jamison Valley. Reached by a short detour on a paved path through eucalypt forest, this lookout provides a more peaceful vantage point than the main Echo Point platform while still capturing the impressive escarpment scenery. Sandstone cliffs, forested ridges, and expansive valley views make it an excellent spot for appreciating the scale and beauty of the Blue Mountains landscape.

The Grand Stairway is one of the most dramatic sections of track around Wentworth Falls, descending steeply down the cliff face beside the waterfall into the Jamison Valley below. Built by hand in the early 1900s using picks, shovels, and dynamite, the staircase forms part of the historic National Pass and still feels like an impressive piece of engineering more than a century later. From the top of the stairs, you get sweeping valley and waterfall views, while lower sections bring you right beside the middle tier of Wentworth Falls.

Hidden inside a narrow sandstone gully near Wentworth Falls, this small cascade feels completely tucked away from the busier lookouts and main walking tracks above. Water slides over layered rock shelves into shallow pools surrounded by ferns, overhangs, and dense rainforest-like vegetation, giving the area a cool canyon feel even on warmer days.

Burrabarroo Lookout is a smaller, quieter viewpoint set just off the Prince Henry Cliff Walk near Katoomba. The lookout sits on a rocky outcrop above the Jamison Valley, with views stretching toward Sublime Point, Kings Tableland, and Mount Solitary. Access is via a short side track with stairs and uneven rock sections leading to a fenced viewing area. Compared to the larger lookouts nearby, this spot feels more tucked into the bush and is often much less crowded. The name “Burrabarroo” is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning “very large stones” or “big feller stone.”

Upper Wentworth Falls is the first major section of the waterfall system, where Jamison Creek spills over broad sandstone shelves before plunging deeper into the Jamison Valley below. From the top of the falls, you get a mix of calm creek pools, exposed cliff edges, and sweeping valley views all in one spot, with the sound of rushing water carrying through the surrounding bushland after rain. The upper cascades are reached via the Wentworth Falls Track, which descends from the picnic area through a series of steep steps and lookouts.

The Three Sisters Walk is a short, well-formed track from Echo Point that takes you right up to the Three Sisters via a series of paved paths and stairs. A small bridge connects to the first sister, with close-up views back across the Jamison Valley. The track links directly to the Giant Stairway, which continues down into the valley for those wanting a longer route. Expect steps and steady foot traffic, especially during busy periods.