An unexpected find while walking through Katoomba were three areas of street art. If you’re looking for something else to do in the Blue Mountains besides admiring the views or bushwalking, this is a great option.
Beverly Place
The first, located in Beverly Place, is by far the largest, with pieces ranging for a few metres to full side-of-building size. We parked in Waratah Street and walked around the area. Most of the art work is located at the rear of businesses. In this area the businesses park their trucks and cars so there is traffic coming and going all the time. Also be aware that the paintings are on private property, but still freely accessible to admire.
Froma Lane
Running off Katoomba Street, Froma Lane is a pedestrian walk way full of street art. We found this one walking back to our car after dinner at one of the restaurants in the main street.
Waratah Street
Located opposite the entrance to Beverly Place, we found these paintings when we parked our car.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
One of the best walks to take in the views of the Blue Mountains, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk is accessible at several points and can be undertaken in stages. This is great because at 7kms one-way, it may be seen as a little too long. During our visit several sections were closed because of severe storms over previous months. Fortunately, most of the lookouts were accessible, so we could still see the amazing views of the Blue Mountains.
Running from Katoomba to Leura, the walk passes Katoomba Falls, Echo Point and the Three Sisters as well as the Leura Cascades. Additionally, there are over 20 lookouts along the way, each providing outstanding views of the Jamison Valley.
Parking
Parking is available at Katoomba Cascades, Echo Point lookout, or Gordon Falls near Leura. However, during busy times it is difficult to find a park with most streets also being paid parking. We chose to start early in the morning for the first part of the walk, so parking at Katoomba Cascades was available.
We accessed the second section from Cliff Drive to Leura Cascades near Kiah Lookout, which was only a short walk from our accommodation.
During our visit, the section from Echo Point to Katoomba Falls was closed for repairs.
Katoomba Cascades
This section also forms part of the Night Walk, with the pathway lit and floodlights illuminating sites along the way. We chose to walk it during the day, because we wanted to see the larger views over the valley.
Located only a short walk from the carpark, the Cascades were flowing well after recent rain. The well-maintained steps down to the base of the cascade make this an easy walk. At the bottom, you are able to walk close to the falls, there are also several places to sit in the shade and enjoy the view.
The cascades are very easy to get to because of the well maintained track as long as you can walk up and down the initial steps. The Blue Mountains had lots of rain, prior to us visiting, which made the walk and waterfalls a great experience.
Katoomba Falls
From the cascades, the path leads to a series of lookouts, for spectacular views over the valley. One of the best is the view of Katoomba Falls. Created from the flow of the Kedumba River, it flows over the escarpment, this is the same river that creates the Cascades. Several of the lookouts give different perspectives of the falls.
At one point, the Scenic World Skyway Cale Car made its trip across the valley, which was interesting to see. This is another great way to get a view of the falls. The cable car runs from Scenic World across the gorge, where passengers can disembark and walk to Echo Point (currently closed in 2022).
The path from the cascades is relatively flat, making the walk to Katoomba Falls lookout not too difficult. There are plenty of places to rest and admire the views along the way, so there is no need to be too energetic. The view of the falls is amazing, which makes the short walk worth the effort.
The Katoomba CascadesKedumba River just before it goes over the escarpmentTree Fern on the WalkA gum tree on the walkKatoomba FallsKatoomba FallsOrphan RockThe Skyway Cable CarView over the Blue MountainsThe EscarpmentThe Blue Mountains
Leura Cascades on the Prince Henry Cliff Walk
We chose to walk to the Leura Cascades from our accommodation because it was so close. Access to the Prince Henry Walking Track from Kiah Lookout was only a five-minute walk away. However parking is limited, so if you wish to drive it might be better to start at the Leura Cascades Picnic Area.
The upper section of the track was easy to walk, with a well-maintained track and a gentle downward grade, however as the track became steeper, the track deteriorated, becoming narrower and damaged by water run-off. There are also a large number of steps, as you descend towards the falls, which all have to be climbed again when returning. We took our time and enjoyed the many great views from the lookouts along the way.
Keep a lookout for native wildlife as you walk. We saw a lyre bird but were not quick enough to take a photo.
This section of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk was great fun, taking us around 40 minutes return despite all the steps. This included time for photos, admiring the views and a side track to Copelands Lookout.
Eroded Rocks on the WalkUpper Section of the TrackWell Maintained Section Descending to the CascadesOne of the Steep Muddy SectionsStepping Stones on the TrackOne of the Great ViewsRainbow Over the Escarpment From Copeland LookoutGreat View Over the ValleyGreat View Over the ValleyLeura Falls CreekSmall Section of the Leura CascadesBridal Veil Falls
One of the great walking tracks in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, the Grand Canyon Track is a 6.3km loop that descends 1,000 steps to Greaves Creek before climbing out again to the top. During the hike, you pass through rain forest, past waterfalls and get some of the best views of the surrounding World Heritage Listed area.
Parking
Three carparks in the area are all good places to leave your car. As the walk is a loop, you will need to pass all of them at one stage. Which one you choose is up to you, but we used Neates Glen car park, because it lets to start on the track straight away. Additionally, you get to finish the climb out of the canyon with the spectacular views from Evans Lookout.
Wet weather made the track wet, muddy and slippery in many places, especially where some of the steps were covered in mud. We wore good hiking boots and were pleased that we did. Some people only wore sneakers and they were soon soaked, covered in mud and slippery. Even in dry weather, good hiking boots would be a good idea, because of the extra grip and support they provide.
Descending through the rainforest, you pass eucalypts, and wonderful tree ferns. With the surrounding cliff and rock overhangs, it feels like something from a Harrison Ford Raiders of the Lost Ark Movie. Well maintained, the track is easy to follow without having to stop and decide which way to go. We had no difficulty finding our way. However if you need a map, one is available at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
Stone Steps Leading DownOne of the Tree Ferns at the Start of the TrackWet and Slippery Steps on the TrackThe Muddy Track Passing Through FernsThe Track Passing under Boulders and CliffsSteppingstones on the Track Going Past Cliffs and Ferns
Centre Section
At around the mid-way point the track flattens slightly and you need to cross Greaves Creek several times. One crossing had its steppingstones submerged, but we crossed OK, due to our hiking boots. In this section, there are rocky overhangs with sandy floors where previous floods have eroded the cliffs.
This section of the track also contains two of its highlights. The first is a short tunnel. It’s not long, but can be dark inside, so just take your time.
The second is a waterfall, which was flowing nicely when we visited. Recent rain meant that the usual small trickle was a good flow. the track passes behind it, which is fun and worth the photos.
Steppingstones and Steps Cut into Rock on Greaves CreekEucalypts growing on a Cliff FaceThe Track Leading Through the CanyonSandy Floor of the Undercut CliffA Small Waterfall Over the Track. Hikers have to go Behind it.A Small Waterfall Over the Track. Hikers have to go Behind it.Steppingstones at the Cliff Base
Climbing out of the Valley
This section was the hardest and whichever way you decide to walk the track, you must climb around 1,000 steps to get out. We took our time, admiring the views and forest as we went. Finishing at Evans Lookout gives you a nice place to relax and enjoy a fantastic view over the mountains as a reward for your hard work.
The walk back to the car from Evans lookout to the carpark was a bit boring and I can see why some people might choose to do this section first ending at Neats Glen car park as it is a letdown after the scenery in the canyon. Nevertheless, we did get to see some Waratahs in bloom on the side of the track.
The cliffs showing the height to be climbed to finish the trackGreaves Creek at the Bottom of the CanyonStepping StonesOverhanging Cliff and Ferns at the Bottom of the TrackA view of the Escarpment Near the End of the TrackWaratah, The State Floral Emblem of New South Wales
What Did We Think?
This was a fantastic track, with a well deserved reputation as the best in the Blue Mountains. We enjoyed the challenge of the 1,000 steps while admiring the beautiful scenery and rainforest. Remember to wear good hiking boots, sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
