Three Sisters Archives - Destination's Journey

12 November 202212 February 2023

Prince Henry Cliff Walk

Prince Henry Cliff Walk in the Blue Mountains

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 Cascades Prince Henry Cliff Walk — The Katoomba Cascades

Kedumba River just before it goes over the escarpment — The Katoomba Cascades

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.

Upper Section of the Track Prince Henry Cliff Walk — Eroded Rocks on the Walk

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

1 November 202215 November 2022

Echo Point Blue Mountains

Echo Point Blue Mountains

Probably the best place to start your trip to the Blue Mountains, Echo Point in Katoomba has amazing views, access to several walks and an information centre. Parking is available in the surrounding streets, where parking meters ensure no-one visits for free.

Our first stop was the Visitor Information Centre because recent rain had closed many tracks and we needed to find out which ones were still open. After speaking to the helpful staff, we walked around the viewing area which has fantastic views of the Three Sisters and the Megalong Valley. The Three Sisters are probably the most famous rock formation in the Blue Mountains with this being the best pace to see them.

A small track behind the Visitor Information Centre leads to Spooners Lookout with more great views over the valley and an end-on view of the Three Sisters. This is a paved track, people even took prams along one section of it. From here stairs lead down to the Sisters and the Giant Stairway (800 steps), but were closed for repair work). This small track also forms a section of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk which runs from Scenic World to Leura.

Unfortunately the Prince Henry Cliff Walk was cut in several places while storm damage was repaired. However, we walked a small section, seeing some amazing views.

Something to look out for on the way to Spooners Lookout is a series of metal sculptures of Australian wildlife. Placed onto rocks defining the track they make an interesting addition to the walk. These walks are relatively easy, and there are usually lots of people doing them., so can become busy!

Looking Over the Blue Mountains From Echo Point — The Three Sisters From Echo Point

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

20 July 201829 March 2022

Katoomba in the Blue Mountains

The Three Sisters From Echo Point Katoomba Blue Mountains

How To Get There

Driving

If you are up for an amazing amount of breathtaking scenery, friendly people and relaxed environment, then the Blue Mountains is the place to go. From the centre of Sydney a car journey to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains will take nearly two hours. This will vary depending on traffic and the day you travel. The big advantage of driving yourself is that you can stop at places along the way and enjoy everything from lookouts and small places like the Norman Lindsay Art Gallery in Faulconbridge prior to reaching the Blue Mountains. .

Train

Katoomba can be reached by public transport from Sydney, using the Blue Mountains Line. Depending on you departure point and day, this journey takes two and a half to three hours. When you arrive at your destination, you will need transport from the train station to your hotel and from there to other points of interest.

Where To Stay at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains

There is a great choice of places to stay in and around Katoomba. We have always stayed near Echo Point, so that we can walk to the Tree Sisters at night and see them lit up, as it’s a magnificent view.

Accommodation from basic to five star is available depending on your budget.

Where To Eat

There are many eateries in the centre of town, ranging from take away and pub food to fine dining at restaurants. The Blue Mountains cater for backpackers through to overseas visitors. Other restaurants are scattered around town at other locations and hotels, some with great views of the National Park.

Walking Tracks

Katoomba is on the door steep to the Blue Mountains National Park. There are numerous walks available, for all fitness levels. All walks allow you to see picturesque mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking scenery.

Echo Point

Echo Point is the best place in Katoomba to view the Three Sisters because you have easy parking and great viewing areas. There is an information centre here where you can get directions for the many walks available and buy souvenirs. The Blue Mountains are very popular, especially on the weekend, so there are usually a lot of people around. This is the starting point for the Three Sisters Walk and you can join the Prince Henry Cliff Walk here, if you don’t want to do the whole track.

Foodlights illuminate the Three Sisters at night, so it’s worth visiting then for a great view.

Views From Echo Point Katoomba Blue Mountains — The Three Sisters

Three Sisters Walk

The Three Sisters Walk starts at Echo Point behind the Information Centre. As you would expect, it takes you down to the Three Sisters, where you can walk out onto the Giant’s Stairway, a bridge out to the first of the sisters. From here you get some spectacular views of the escarpment and surrounding scenery. A great photo opportunity!

The walk can be strenuous as there are a lot of stairs to go down (and then climb back up) and they are not all even. Many are irregular so you need to be careful. They are not always wide enough for two people to pass so you will need to be patient on a busy day to allow other people through. There are spots on the way to stop and have a break.

On the way down, check out the small metal animal sculptures along the track as they add some great interest to the walk. Overall a great walk with rewarding views at the end.

The Escarpment From Giants Stairway Katoomba Blue Mountains — The Escarpment From Giants Stairway

Lizard Sculpture Three Sisters Walk Katoomba Blue Mountains — The Escarpment From Giants Stairway

Prince Henry Cliff Walk

We have only walked the part of the track from Echo Point to Katoomba Cascades. There are fantastic views out over the surrounding bush and national park, making it a very popular walk.

Katoomba Cascades

The Katoomba Cascades can be seen as part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, or by themselves. There are several car parks nearby so parking should not be a problem. The walk down to the Cascades is short but steep. At the bottom there is a nice shady area where you can relax near the water.

Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls is one of the classic and must do walks in Katoomba. Parking can be difficult as the car park becomes full quickly. Every time we have been there, we have parked in the street nearby .

The track to the top of the falls is downhill on a well formed track. There are some steps to negotiate and some small streams with stepping stones to cross. The top of the falls is where most people stop, as you have a good view of the surrounding valley, but you can only see the upper section of the falls.

For the really fit, there is a track to the base of the falls. We have never taken it as it appears to be mostly steps down and back up again.

The climb back to the car park is all up hill, but if you want a break on the way, you can look at the Underecliff walk or just stop and take in the scenery.

Top of Wentworth Falls Katoomba Blue Mountains — Top of Wentworth Falls

Under Cliff Walk

The Under Cliff Walk starts from the same car park at the Wentworth Falls Walk. Part of the way down, there is a side track to the right. The side track is all flat and will take you to the undercliff area after about 10 minutes. This is a beautiful undercut area dark, shady and full of ferns.

Undercliff Katoomba Blue Mountains — Undercliff

Scenic World

Katoomba’s Scenic World provides three ways to view the Blue Mountains all starting from one location.

Scenic Skyway

Part of Scenic World, the Skyway is a cable car that runs across the Jamison Valley. The cable car can be taken in either direction, to or from Scenic World. If you have a day pass, ride it as often as you like.

The car has a glass bottom, so there are superb views of the valley below. The operator will take photos of you on the glass floor if you want. We went early in the morning, so had this all to ourselves.

Half way across, you get a great view of the Katoomba Falls from the best vantage point there is. On the eastern side, the cable car exits onto the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, which leads around to Echo Point and the Three Sisters.

Katoomba Falls Blue Mountains — Katoomba Falls

Scenic Railway

The Scenic Railway leaves from the Scenic World main building and travels down to the bottom of the valley. A very short ride, but fun if you want to go in the steepest inclined railway in the world. The ride finishes where the Scenic Walk begins so you can look around the valley floor before going back up, either on the railway, or the cable car.

Scenic Cableway

The Scenic Cableway runs from the Scenic Walking Track to the Scenic World main building. You can travel either way, or combine it with the Scenic Railway. We chose to use it for the leg back up to the top after walking around the walkway in the valley.

The Cableway gives you some fantastic views of the surrounding country. The cable car itself has large glass windows for uninterrupted views. The operator provides a running commentary throughout the journey, pointing out places of interest.

Scenic Walk

Scenic Walkway can be accessed by either of Scenic World’s Cableway or Railway. We used the Railway to get down and the Cableway to return, allowing us to get both experiences.

The walkway is mostly board walk around the base of the valley. The environment is very different to that at the top of the escarpment, being shady and cooler. There is some memorabilia for pioneering days on display and a statue honoring the pioneers .

Scenic Walk Katoomba Blue Mountains — Scenic Walk

Places to See in Town

Katoomba has many old historical buildings, making the town’s older area very attractive. There is also a memorial park to Sir Kingsford Smith, to commemorate the great Australian aviator.

In Leura, the main street has some good photo opportunities, especially the old post office.

Leura Post Office Katoomba Blue Mountains — Leura Post Office

Kingsford Smith Memorial Katoomba Blue Mountains — Leura Post Office

What Did We Think Of Katoomba?

Katoomba is a great place to visit, especially if you like bush walking. There are so many tracks to chose from, ranging for short and moderate, to long and difficult.

The scenery is fantastic, from waterfalls and the Three Sisters to Australian bush landscapes.

A great place to stay for a few days and experience the Blue Mountains.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Tag: Three Sisters

Prince Henry Cliff Walk

Prince Henry Cliff Walk in the Blue Mountains

Parking

Katoomba Cascades

Katoomba Falls

Leura Cascades on the Prince Henry Cliff Walk

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Echo Point Blue Mountains

Echo Point Blue Mountains

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Katoomba in the Blue Mountains