The best hikes from bus stations in the Blue Mountains

Katoomba Cascades is a picturesque series of small cascades on the Kedumba River, where the water tumbles over wide sandstone shelves before continuing downstream to Katoomba Falls. There are boardwalks, bridges, benches and viewing platforms that surround the cascades for a close-up view of the flowing water within the lush gully of ferns and rainforest vegetation. It’s one of the few places where you can experience the river up close before it drops into the Jamison Valley.

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.”

Pool of Siloam is a small waterfall and natural pool set within a shaded fern gully along Gordon Creek. Moss-covered sandstone walls and dense vegetation give this section of track a cooler, enclosed feel compared to the exposed cliff lookouts nearby. Stepping stones cross the creek beside the falls, and the pool is best after rain when water flow is stronger.

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.

This track follows Jamison Creek through a sheltered gully toward the top of Wentworth Falls. The path includes a mix of formed track, boardwalk, and stepping stones, with several small creek crossings along the way. It’s named after Charles Darwin, who visited the area in 1836. Compared to the exposed cliff walks nearby, this section stays shaded and enclosed, with ferns and dense vegetation lining the route.

The platform sits at the edge of the escarpment, with uninterrupted views of the Blue Mountains' incredible landscape.

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.

Oreades Lookout is a quieter viewpoint just off Echo Point, looking out over the Jamison Valley and across to the Three Sisters. It’s also where you can access the Giant Stairway, which descends steeply down into the valley from this section of the escarpment. The lookout is reached via short, well-marked tracks with a mix of paved and uneven surfaces. Stay behind barriers, as the cliffs here are steep and exposed.