Prince Henry Cliff Walk
On a recent stay in Leura, we found this walk almost on our doorstep, and loved it.
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk showcases the area’s natural wonders without demanding strenuous effort. It’s ideal for travellers looking to experience Australia’s beautiful landscapes, and it’s a stunning reminder of why the Blue Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Trail
The walk starts in Leura at Gordon’s Reserve and ends at Katoomba Falls. But of course it can be done the other way around if you’d prefer.
Along the way you’ll have panoramic views of the Jamison Valley, iconic rock formations, lofty waterfalls, and lush forest. There are plenty of spots to stop for a picnic or to simply pause and take in the magical surrounds.
The trail is well-suited to families, casual hikers, and nature lovers. It’s a relatively easy walk (with a few steep bits), and if you’re short on time, or energy, it can easily be broken down into smaller chunks. A couple in our group opted out early which meant that they were free to drive over and pick us up at the other end. Win win.
The path is generally well-maintained. Wooden steps and boardwalk sections have been erected in places where the terrain can be a bit uneven.
There are various points at which you can break off to explore offshoot trails or lookouts. The Giant Stairway at Echo Point is one such side path. Its 998 stairs takes you down to the valley floor and connect to the first ‘sister’.
The Prince Henry trail forms part of the recently completed Grand Cliff Top Walk which is 19 km long. While this 8km section takes around three or four hours to complete, the Grand Cliff Top Walk, with its extra challenges, is best done over a couple of days.
PRINCE HENRY NATURE RESERVE
Distance 8 km Steps 11000
Time 3-4 hours Level of Difficulty Moderate
(Map from All Trails - link below)
Highlights
Panoramic Views
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk trail is known for its breathtaking views and there are about twenty lookout points from which the ever-changing Jamison Valley can best be enjoyed.
The largest and busiest of the lookouts is Echo Point with its views to the iconic Three Sisters. Others of note and varying vantage points are Gordon Falls lookout which has a nearby picnic area and looks across to Mount Solitary, the uniquely patterned Tarpeian Rock, and the Bridal Veil Lookout, from which the name of the waterfall makes perfect sense.
Waterfalls
Cascades of varying heights feature at different points along the route. Leura Falls and Gordon Falls are two of the loftiest, where water tumbles down cliffs into fern-filled gorges. Leura Cascades is a gentle, cascading stream that flows through rainforest, creating a tranquil atmosphere and the perfect spot to stop for a rest.
Leura Cascades
Flora and Fauna
The trail winds through various types of vegetation, including eucalypt forests, rainforest pockets, and native ferns. In spring and summer, the trail is coloured the pinks, purples, yellows and reds of native blossoms and wildflowers.
The walk is great for birdwatching and the occasional wallaby and echidna are spotted here. We were very excited to see a lyrebird foraging to feed her young in a nearby tree and we also saw cockatoos, rosellas, magpies and galahs.
Other points of interest along the trail include the Visitors Centre at Echo Point where you can pick up gifts and snacks and information on other walks in the area. A little further along from there near Katoomba Falls look out for the Road Builders Memorial which commemorates the convict road builders of the Blue Mountains region.
Trail tips
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk can be done year-round, but the best times are spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the flora is at its brightest. Summer can get very hot and winter brings the (slight) chance of snow or ice.
Having said this, the weather can change quickly here at any time of year so come prepared.
It’s a good idea to check for incidents or closures before heading off as mud slides happen in the Mountains as do rockfalls and fires. The National Parks website alerts visitors to any risks, hazards or changes to routes.
Some sections of the walk can be muddy and slippery so boots or trail shoes are recommended.
Water points are scarce so bring a water bottle and pack the sunscreen and mosquito spray as you may need both. And If you are walking in or close to summer some ear plugs may come in handy as the cicadas can be deafening.
The trail can get very busy, especially at the Katoomba end so aim to set off early if possible.
The trail is well sign-posted but keep an eye on the signs as there are a few twists and turns along the way.
Cliff Drive borders the park along much of the trail so if you need to drop in or off the trail at any point, civilisation is never far away.
Parking is available at either Katoomba Cascades, Echo Point lookout, or Gordon Falls near Leura. It can get busy place, especially on weekends, so parking might be limited.