Guide to Katoomba walking tracks
Katoomba is a great place to set off hiking in the Blue Mountains. Here are some general recommendations from my own personal experience so you can make the most of your hiking trip:
- Set off early, at 7am with a car, at 8am with the (first) train
- Take plenty of water with you
- Protect your skin against the sun: wear a hat, take sunscreen
- Prepare some food the night before
- Pack your sunglasses, a pocket knife and some first aid
- Get a good walking map (friends of mine almost got lost once)
- Charge your mobile the night before
- Take empty memory cards or new films for your camera and check the batteries
- If you're a keen photographer, strip a tripod to your backpack as light conditions are often low
- Remember that Katoomba is about 1,000 metres above sea level - it can be much colder than in Sydney
Recommended reading:
A Day In The Bush by Les Higgins and Tony Rodd. Covers basic rules while hiking in the bush and has chapters on walks along the coast, on the Hornsby and Woronora Plateaus, and a large section on the Blue Mountains.
Gregory's Blue Mountains map has both overview maps and detailed maps of tourist attractions along with information to the popular places. I used this one on my tours.
Walking tracks around Katoomba
I have walked these tracks personally. Click on the links for a detailed description with tips.
| Walk | Duration | Length | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furber Steps to Ruined Castle | full day | 14km return | medium to hard |
| Giant Staircase to Scenic Railway | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | 5km one way | medium to hard |
| The Three Sisters | 0.5 hours | 1km return | easy |
Blue Mountains survival tips
Bush walking tragedy. Six young friends set out to go canyoning but only five were found alive [1].
Although the Blue Mountains are close to 'civilisation' people do get lost and people do die out there. Here are a few tips to help you survive an emergency.
Before you set off notify a family member, ranger or police station about your walking route. Remember that mobile reception is not guaranteed even on tracks relatively close to towns.
Pack the following things when embarking for a hike. They are all lightweight but might save your life.
- Mirror: Helps you signal to other people or rescue parties when you are lost.
- Reflective vest: Essential to draw attention to you and contrasts against the bush colours.
- Waterproof jacket: If you need to spend a night out there or if conditions are wet it helps you retain body heat.
- Condoms: Not for what you think. Condoms are extremely expandable and can hold lots of water when you need to carry it.
- Backpack cover: Keeps your stuff dry.
What about bush tucker?
Romanticized notions lure you into trying to apply your 'Indigenous bush tucker knowledge' if you're lost and feel hungry.
Don't. Chances are you don't know if the plant is poisonous, if you need to cook it or keep it in water overnight to make it edible.
Put another way: You can survive four to six weeks without food but, depending on the outside temperature, only a few days without water.
[1] Syndey Morning Herald, 14/01/2010