The Blue Mountains is the perfect natural hide-away for city-based Sydney-siders. The Blue Mountains bushwalks are only a few hours away, and are easily accessible by car, train and bus. The ability to escape the hustle and bustle of a smog filled city, and so easily enter the tranquillity of the Australian bush, is priceless. Spend just an afternoon on one of the easy Blue Mountains Bushwalking tracks, or challenge yourself to the three-day Six Foot Track, and you will arrive back in the city, inspired and refreshed.

Bushwalking in the Blue Mountains is also a perfect get-away for interstate and international visitors who are making a quick stopover in Sydney, and do not have time to venture far into the Australian wilderness. Even if you are only spending a few days in Sydney, a bushwalk in the Blue Mountains should be firm on your to do list. The opportunity will be a contrast to any other activity that Sydney has to offer, is perfect for panoramic photographs, and will provide you with memories to last a life time.

The Blue Mountains is a natural attraction that cannot be surpassed by any other geographical area in the world. It consists of 247,000 hectares of parks and wildlife, just 60km west of Sydney. The beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park comes from the untouched bush lands, varied terrains, unique trees, shrubs and flowers, and animals that are native to the area. The park offers bushwalking, and also camping and swimming. In 2000, The Blue Mountains National Park was recognised as a World Heritage site.

Aboriginal culture

Local and international visitors can learn about the history and culture of indigenous Australians in the Blue Mountains area. The traditional people to the area include Daruk, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri and Dharwal. The Blue Mountains is the setting of many aboriginal ‘dream time’ stories, and features landmarks that are connected to their rich and ancient culture. Exploring the Blue Mountains and surrounding areas by bushwalking is the perfect opportunity to learn how indigenous Australians lived in the past, and still live to this day.

Magnificent waterfalls

One of the most impressive features in the Blue Mountains is the many waterfalls that stream down cliff faces and splash into the valleys bellow. Depending on the time of year, and the weather, the effects of these natural creations vary. If you take a bushwalk through the Blue Mountains, either on your own, or as part of a guided tour, you are sure to witness the beauty and tranquillity of the waterfalls.

Some waterfalls are high and dangerous and require skilled mountaineering abilities, and safety gear to access them. Others allow you to splash in their waters easily, swim in the nearby pools and bake on sun soaked rocks, while the spray gently covers you. Hiking in the Blue Mountains can be arduous, however the purpose is always to be immersed in the beauty of the Australian bush. Australia is a country filled with spectacular natural creations, and the magnificent waterfalls of the Blue Mountains are a perfect example of this.

Australian wildlife

Depending on the time of day you choose to bushwalk, you can experience close encounters with some of the world’s most unique and amazing animals. Australia is known around the world for kangaroos, possums, koalas and emus. Our animals are loved by locals also, and city dwellers who become out of touch with our native animals, have the perfect opportunity to reconnect with them, while bushwalking in the Blue Mountains.

Many of our favourite Australian animals are nocturnal, and night hikers and campers will be able to observe them after sunset. You will also witness amazing animals, very early in the morning, and others during the heat of the day. Native birds will dance in the trees above you, and flutter from branch to branch. The isolation of the wilderness will bring these birds and animals to you, for a truly memorable wildlife experience.

Get fit, and get adventurous!

While The Blue Mountains is also perfect for a casual stroll, the intense physical challenges available attract individuals and groups who require advanced fitness experiences. Many people who bushwalk in the Blue Mountains are born adventurers who are constantly looking to expand their experiences and lists of tracks conquered.

Other Blue Mountain bushwalkers use the opportunity to cross train for other sports or physical challenges. Bushwalking some of the more difficult tracks requires mental and physical endurance. Participants learn to be away from home comforts for an extended period, and test their own abilities. Carrying your own pack, camping, and hiking through the Australian wilderness is physically consuming, but the intense beauty of the environment certainly makes up for that!

Six Foot Track – 3 Day Walk

The Six Foot Track is the most iconic walk within the Blue Mountains area. Keen bushwalking enthusiasts travel from all over the world, to complete this magnificent, wildlife filled Australian bushwalk. Once completing the Six Foot Track, which will take you a difficult, yet rewarding three days, you will have a better understanding of the Australian bush, and feel deep levels of self-accomplishment.

The Six Foot Track allows bushwalkers to experience diverse terrains and the journey is never mundane. Take on the challenge and you will be hiking along sandstone cliffs and descending into deep gorges. The track starts from the Blue Mountains and travels along an old horse track to Jenolan caves. You will view verdant forests, splash through waterfalls and experience up-close encounters with native Australian wildlife.

The Six Foot Track can be completed alone, with friends, or as part of a guided tour. If you are unsure of your bushwalking abilities, or are unfamiliar with the Blue Mountains or the Australian bush, joining in a guided tour will be a positive experience. You will have your own guide who is dedicated to a safe and enjoyable journey for all, and their local knowledge will ensure your hike is educational and enlightening.

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