The Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk is a stunning bushwalking track in the Mount Victoria area, offering superb Grose Valley views.
This isolated walking track on the Asgard Plateau takes in several fascinating highlights, including an old mine and various lookouts.
| Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 9 km (return) |
| Time: | 3-4 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
This walk starts from Victoria Falls Road in Mount Victoria and is signposted as the Asgard Swamp Track.
Turn into Victoria Falls Road from the Great Western Highway in Mount Victoria, and continue driving for approximately 4 km until you see the large National Parks signpost (see map location).
There is ample space for cars to park alongside the road.
Track Notes
The walking track to the Asgard Head Lookout is a moderately challenging hike with steep sections and sections where the path is rough and overgrown.
While it’s only 3 km to reach the lookout at the end of the walk, the total distance, including all side trails, is 9 km (return).
Note that only the side trail to the Asgard Mine is signposted. The side trails to Asgard Swamp and Thor Head aren’t signposted, but the map below (and photos further below) will help you navigate.
Map
In the map below, we have marked the two four highlights of the walk:
- Asgard Swamp
- Thor Head
- Asgard Mine
- Asgard Head Lookout
1. Asgard Swamp
The first 1 km of the walking track is on a fire trail that descends quite steeply. It’s fairly easy on the way down but will be more challenging on your return. Just something to keep in mind!
After hiking another kilometre through pleasant bushland, watch for the turn-off to Asgard Swamp. As mentioned, it isn’t signposted, but in the below photo, you can see the path to the left.
About 100 metres into that path, you’ll see a rocky outcrop with a campfire spot in front of it. Asgard Swamp is just behind that rock.
You can climb onto this rock for better views of the swamp, or continue along the path that crosses it if you’re keen to explore.
Asgard Swamp may not be an amazing spectacle, but it’s a pleasant warm-up for the rest of the walking track.
2. Thor Head
Back on the main trail, continue hiking eastbound to reach the second (and most impressive) highlight of this walk: Thor Head.
Like the side trail to Asgard Swamp, the side trail to Thor Head is also not signposted, but it’s only a few hundred metres away from the previous side trail.
The hike to Thor Head isn’t particularly lengthy, but it’s quite tough, with much of the route being a steady uphill climb. The path is also narrow and uneven in parts, adding to the challenge.
About 500 metres in, you’ll begin to catch glimpses of the Grose Valley. Eventually, the trail leads to a rocky platform that offers stunning views of the valley.
As you continue hiking, the trail leads to an open rocky area, offering even more impressive views of the Grose Valley.
If you venture a bit further to the end of the path, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Asgard Swamp. The contrast between the swamp on one side of the headland and the sweeping valley on the other is quite surreal.
We spent quite a bit of time there because we were so impressed with the scenery. It’s also a great spot for a little picnic.
3. Asgard Mine
Ready for a bit of history?
Return to the main trail and continue hiking eastbound for another 200 metres until you see the signposted turn-off for the path to the old Asgard Mine.
The trail is pretty straightforward, though it does become a bit steep in sections. It’s well-maintained, with wooden steps that make descending much easier.
About 500 metres into the path, you’ll reach the entrance to a small coal mine, located beside a little waterfall.
The mine entrance is completely dark, so if you’re thinking of exploring inside, be sure to bring a torch.
The Asgard Mine dates back to the 19th century, when mining was widespread throughout the Blue Mountains.
Evidence of that mining history can still be found in places like Katoomba, Mount Victoria, Hartley Vale, Bell, Lithgow, and in the Grose Valley.
From the mine entrance, continue hiking a little further, and you’ll discover the Asgard Kiln, a large oven that is in surprisingly good condition.
4. Asgard Head Lookout
Retrace your steps back to the main trail, and get ready for the fourth and last highlight of this walking track.
To reach the Asgard Head Lookout, keep following the trail that slowly evolves from a fire trail into a narrow, but easy-to-follow, path.
The trail eventually leads to a rocky outcrop that’s easy to climb onto, offering sweeping views of the Grose Valley.
From this viewing point, if you look closely, you can see Victoria Falls in the distance, with the Burra Korain headland visible to the east.
To the left, there are more flat rocky sections that offer slightly different viewpoints to take in.
Once you’ve finished exploring Asgard Head, retrace your steps via the same path back to the car park, which is about 3 km away!
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