A new Blue Mountains walk has opened and it’s a nature-lover’s dream

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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The Grand Cliff Top Walk in the Blue Mountains has opened following years of trail closures and restoration efforts.

The Blue Mountains has added another incredible walk to its list, with the opening of the Grand Cliff Top Walk after four years of track closures and restoration efforts.

If you’ve ever been to the Blue Mountains, you know it’s got more than one claim to fame. There are quaint towns with historic buildings, industry-leading restaurants pushing the envelope and unique stays rivalling accommodation around the world.

But the region’s pièce de résistance has to be its over one million hectares of pristine, protected wilderness. And now, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has revealed a new walk showcasing the best of it.

 

Grand Cliff Top Walk, Blue Mountains, NSW
Soak in views over the Jamison Valley along the way. (Image: RBrand/DCCEEW)

Officially launched on 24 March by the NSW NPWS and Blue Mountains City Council, the Grand Cliff Top Walk connects the charming towns of Wentworth Falls and Katoomba.

Traversing 19 kilometres, the trek begins at Darwins Walk from the Wilson Park picnic area, follows a path past gushing Wentworth Falls, through majestic ancient forest and along cliff-edge tracks, ending at Scenic World in Katoomba.

Grand Cliff Top Walk, Blue Mountains, NSW
Admire Wentworth Falls as it gushes into the valley. (Image: RBrand/DCCEEW)

The walk blends older tracks with newly built trails that offer a different perspective, now connected by missing links. The NPWS has been opening it in stages as they’re completed, but it is now available as one continuous two-day hike.

Throughout the build and restoration of the walk, safety has remained a high priority. Timber steps along the track have been replaced with sandstone ones, ensuring bushfire resistance and supporting the region’s heritage values. Handrails have also been installed where necessary for safety.

Grand Cliff Top Walk, Blue Mountains, NSW
Handrails have been installed for safety. (Image: RBrand/DCCEEW)

Although the Grand Cliff Top Walk is designed to be completed across two days, there are plenty of adjoining tracks that allow hikers to come and go as they please. But for those going all the way, you won’t have to rough it.

The Grand Cliff Top Walk has been purposefully built close to nearby towns. Why not spend the night at one of many cute country stays in Leura, which roughly marks halfway? This means camping equipment and heavy rucksacks can be left at home, too.

Orchard Cottage in Leura
Spend a luxe countryside stay at the Orchard Cottage.

Visitors travelling to the region can also extend their trip to experience everything else the Blue Mountains has to offer.

“We urge visitors and walkers who experience the Grand Cliff Top Walk, on a guided tour or self-guided walk, to explore our villages along the way with their unique Art Deco buildings, colourful boutique cafes, restaurants and shops," says Trish Doyle, Blue Mountains MP.

There are many things to do in Katoomba, the charming town where the hike ends. Put some time aside to visit Scenic World, hit the shops or treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Lilianfels. Or head to a Blue Mountains spa to soak away those post-hike aches and pains.

Scenic Skyway cabin at Scenic World Katoomba passing over the Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains
Pass through the Jamison Valley on the Scenic Skyway cabin. (Image: Destination NSW)

Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be supporting an industry that needs it.

“The walk will boost the economic value of nature-based tourism in the region by attracting more domestic and international visitors and more overnight stays," says Penny Sharpe, Minister for Climate Change and the Environment.

The project, which cost the NSW Government a cool $10 million, is anticipated to increase visitation to the region by 50,000 per year. It may seem like a lot of money, but it’s a huge investment for a region so deserving. And the views along the way – well, they’re priceless.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.