Want to immerse yourself in the Blue Mountains bushland, with an expert’s insight enhancing the hiking experience? Try a guided walking tour!
Views for days. Fresh, crisp air. Sensurround birdsong. Here in the Blue Mountains, we are blessed with the best of nature’s gifts, and enjoying them is as easy as stepping out onto one of hundreds of trails meandering through one of the national parks within a million hectares of World Heritage-listed bushland.
But while enjoying a hike on your own or with friends is easy, free and beneficial for your health and mental wellbeing, sometimes you want to achieve more from the experience – information, interpretation, knowledgeable companionship. That’s when a guided bushwalk comes into its own.
“Some of the best travel experiences are had with a passionate local guide,” says Kristie Kearney from Wolgan Valley Eco Tours.
“Being a knowledgeable ecological guide, we know the best times to visit, and our small group sizes gives guests ample opportunity to ask questions and connect with the landscape in a much more meaningful way.”
Grand Cliff Top Walk Guided Tours
The Grand Cliff Top Walk is a new 19km walking trail from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba, a project that links existing trails into a Camino-style, point-to-point two-day experience.
For hikers who prefer the convenience of a pre-arranged tour, not-for-profit Emu Trekkers offers a two-day guided walk with a volunteer guide, including accommodation at the charming No.14 Lovell St (emutrekkers.org); while Blue Mountains Adventure Company tackles 14 kilometres of the trail in a full-day guided tour, including a hearty gourmet lunch (bmac.com.au).
For those with limited time or just wanting a taste of the Grand Cliff Top Walk before tackling it in its entirety, join a NPWS Discovery Ranger on a three-hour guided tour. Starting from Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, travel through open forests, along creek lines alive with bird life and under sandstone overhangs to a slot canyon, taking time to observe plant species that grow nowhere else in the world.
nswparks.info/gctw-tour or phone 1300 072 757
Buunyal Tour, Scenic World
Listen, breathe and connect to Gundungurra Country, seeing the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains through the eyes of the oldest living culture on Earth. Descend to the valley floor on the Scenic Railway before wandering along the rainforest boardwalk, hearing stories of its plants and animals from an Indigenous guide with a genuine connection to the land. This interactive tour takes about two hours and includes unlimited rides on the Scenic World attractions. Scenic World also offers an accessible version of the Buunyal tour – contact the Experiences Planners to discuss options.
Forest bathing walk (Shinrin-Yoku)
Forest Minds offers therapeutic and mindfulness nature walks known as Forest Bathing, with upcoming Blue Mountains sessions held at Campbell Rhododendron Garden on September 21 and November 16.
Participants take a slow, intentional three-hour walk guided by Mayu, a certified Forest Therapy guide, using all their senses to absorb the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the forest. This practice has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood.
Wolgan Valley Eco Tours Glow Worm Tunnel Hike
Step into a celestial wonderland on Wolgan Valley Eco Tours’ full-day Glow Worm Tunnel Hike, where countless tiny living lights await.
Discover the iconic Glow Worm Tunnel, inhabited by the endemic Blue Mountains glow worm, immerse yourself in the Wollemi’s fern-filled canyons and ancient rock pagodas, and cultivate a deep appreciation for the unique flora and fauna that define this extraordinary landscape.
Blue Mountains Tracks & Retreats Hikes
Blue Mountains Tracks & Retreats organises small group weekends in the Blue Mountains, with a focus on quality hotel accommodation, good food and spectacular day walks.
Their most popular offering is the Grand Cliff Top Walk Retreat, partnering with the Carrington Hotel and Kurrara Historic Guest House; while the Best of Blackheath Bushwalking Weekend is a three-day, two-night getaway exploring the best trails around Blackheath, from the cool depths of the Grand Canyon to the awe-inspiring paths overlooking the Grose Valley.
The hikes are followed by well-deserved downtime at 4-star Kyah Hotel with its hot tub, sauna and on-site restaurant, Blaq.
Wollemi Wanders
Wollemi Wanders is a boutique adventure company specialising in nature immersion experiences and walks off the beaten track.
Wollemi is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘look around you, pay attention!’ – good advice when walking in this rugged landscape. Their walks range from half day ambles to day-long adventures.
“We often pause to appreciate landscape, flora and fauna, gaining a better understanding of connections, among them and with us,” says head guide, Andrew Michell – a biologist who is passionate about the Blue Mountains’ wilderness.
“Being a small business allows us to be flexible, offer personalised service, and delicious refreshments.”
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