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A Blue Mountains introduction

A suggested itinerary based in Katoomba. Allow 2 days.

A suggested route for your own trip, inspired by the Journal’s locations. It is not a record of Andy’s personal itinerary.

Allow2 daysBaseKatoombaRoute4 planned stages

Editorially reviewed 16 September 2026 · confirm live access before travelling.

Great Dividing Range — photograph from Andy’s Journal

Your suggested route

The times below are suggested allowances, not live opening hours or transport schedules. Adjust the order for your arrival time, bookings and conditions.

  1. Day 1 morning · Katoomba and Echo Point

    Arrive in Katoomba, drop your bag and travel to Echo Point. Give the Three Sisters lookout 45–60 minutes, including time to read the interpretation rather than treating it only as a photo platform. Begin with this short visit before deciding how much walking the weather supports.

  2. Day 1 afternoon · A chosen cliff-top section

    Have lunch in Katoomba, then choose an open, signed section of the cliff-top walking network. Allow two to three hours including rests and the return connection. The Grand Cliff Top Walk is a longer route: this plan does not ask you to complete the whole trail in an afternoon.

  3. Day 2 morning · Leura village

    Start with breakfast in Leura and allow an hour for the village and shops. This gives the second day a different pace and makes a useful fallback if cloud obscured the first day’s views.

  4. Day 2 afternoon · Wentworth Falls lookouts

    Travel to Wentworth Falls and select a lookout or short walk that is open and appropriate to your group. Budget two hours at the site plus travel, with a firm turnaround before your train or drive home. Longer stair-heavy descents should be a deliberate hiking plan, not an impulsive addition.

Where to pause for food

Use Katoomba for day-one lunch and dinner and Leura for day-two breakfast. Carry a trail snack and water even for a short lookout walk. A café stop after walking is more comfortable than scheduling a restaurant in the middle of an uncertain track time.

Getting around

Two nights make this particularly relaxed, but one overnight also works. Trains link the towns; lookouts need additional local transport or walking. A car is convenient, though parking and road travel still take time. Check connections before committing to a point-to-point walk.

For a shorter day or different weather

In low cloud, prioritise villages and a brief lookout check rather than repeatedly driving in search of a view. With strong weather and experienced walkers, replace the short sections with a properly planned longer trail. Do not add a closed or unfamiliar descent to chase a photograph.

Before you go

Book accommodation and check NSW Parks alerts for the exact tracks. The original Great Dividing Range tag is broad; this guide recommends a Blue Mountains base and does not claim an exact photo location. Pack layers, rain protection and footwear suitable for steps.

Visitor information and further planning

Use these destination, attraction and operator resources to check current access and arrangements before booking.

Places from the Journal

Explore the original Instagram posts from this destination.

For more travel and everyday moments.

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