Mt Solitary, Ruined Castle and Narrowneck from Cliff View Lookout
Nine walkers arrived in Katoomba outside the Carrington Hotel to catch the 9.31am bus to Scenic World. All wearing lots of layers, gloves and beanies, as even though the sun was shining the wind was cold. Once at Scenic World we set off on the second section of the Grand Cliff Top Track towards Katoomba Cascades. We descended to the foot of the cascades, where there was the usual crowd of tourists because these waterfalls are easy to get to by car. After a brief stop for photos we climbed back up the steps and continued along the path to Cliff View and Lady Darley Lookouts which gave spectacular views across the valley towards the Ruined Castle and Mt Solitary. From here after going under the Skyway we arrived at Echo Point and some of us enjoyed a second morning tea, whilst taking in the beautiful view across the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters, which were looking stunning on such a clear morning.
Katoomba Cascades
Approaching Queen Elizabeth Lookout Group at Queen Elizabeth Lookout
Three Sisters, Kings Tableland and Mt Solitary from Queen Elizabeth Lookout
The track continued behind the visitor's centre via Lady Carrington and Tallawarra Lookouts to Honeymoon Point, a narrow tongue of rock which overlooks the valley. All the views are great along the track as it hugs the cliff line. We exited onto the road near the Solitary Restaurant, which now seems to have a new owner and name. Unfortunately, the track to Leura Cascades is closed until September as National Parks are doing major upgrade work, so we had to follow a short detour. Once back on the track we took the track to Bridal Veil Lookout. This 350m return diversion is certainly worth it, because from the fenced platform we got a lovely view of the first drop of Leura Falls (often called Bridal Veil Falls) on the other side of the valley. Then we followed the signs towards Gordon Falls reaching Tarpeian, Olympian and Elysian Rocks on the way. It was decided to continue the short distance further on to Gordon Falls Picnic area for lunch. This Picnic area has recently been upgraded with barbeques, picnic tables and toilets. After a rest here we took the track to Gordon Falls lookout. Whilst the view into the valley is amazing Gordon Falls are not as impressive as some of the other waterfalls along the way.
Honeymoon Lookout On the track
Major upgrade at Leura Cascades A navigation aid at Leura Falls
Muddy track after a landslip Bridal Veil Falls
Some of the group at Tarpeian Rock Lookout and fascinating circular patterns in the rock at the lookout
View from Olympian Rock Wonderful colour in the escarpment at Gordon Falls and Gordon Falls
Flowers and fungi along the track.......
Acacia terminalis Epacris impressa Pimelia linifolia
Lambertia formosa Banksia ericifolia Cute funghi Leptospermum
The rest of the walk had some easy street walking via Olympian Parade and Leura Mall. We stopped at the rather quirky Wayzgoose Cafe for great coffee and other refreshments on our way back to Leura station for the journey home.
Thank you to everyone for coming along and making it another very enjoyable day in the Blue Mountains.
Walkers with Deidre and Celia were David B, Leah, Marina, Peter T, Wendy C, Wendy La new member Richard. Thanks David for volunteering once again to be tail-ender and to Peter and Wendy C for offering to do First aid that thankfully wasn't needed.
Words: Celia
Photos: Peter T (1, 4-9, 15, 26, 28-30 and captions), Wendy C (2, 11, 12, 16, 18-25 and captions), Richard (3, 14, 17), Deidre (10, 13, 27)
Map showing track (blue line) - standard topo map 10.8km Map showing track (red line) online topo map 10.8km
Distance v Altitude Profile