The Bells Line of Road offers a quieter side of the Blue Mountains, with walking tracks and lookouts that feel far removed from the busy Katoomba and Wentworth Falls areas.
This area is known for open plateaus, panoramic lookouts, and less developed trails that offer uninterrupted views. The walks are quite varied, with options for short mountain trails and steep adventures into the valley.
Below are five of the best walks to explore along the Bells Line of Road.
1. Mount Banks Summit Walk
Mount Banks is a distinctive peak on the northern escarpment of the Grose Valley, with the trailhead located on Mount Banks Road just off the Bells Line of Road.
The summit track is a short but steep climb that rewards hikers with scenic views over the Grose Wilderness and the surrounding plateau.
There are two routes to the top, although the shorter and steeper path is the more enjoyable option because it offers the best viewpoints.
Read more: Mount Banks Summit Walk.
| Mount Banks Summit Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.5 km (return) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate (steep sections) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
2. Walls Lookout Walking Track
Walls Lookout is one of the most impressive vantage points in the Blue Mountains, offering panoramic views of the Grose Valley from several angles.
The lookout is reached via a short bushwalk that begins at a small car park off Pierces Pass Road. Look for the Pierces Pass Picnic Area signpost on Bells Line of Road.
Rather than a built viewing platform, Walls Lookout is an open clifftop area where you can wander around and take in the scenery, with landmarks such as Anvil Rock, Mount Banks, and Hanging Rock visible in the distance.
Read more: Walls Lookout Walking Track.
| Walls Lookout Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.4 km (return) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
3. Rigby Hill Walking Track
Similar to the walk to Walls Lookout, the quieter Rigby Hill Track is a short bushwalk that leads to a small hilltop with panoramic views across the valley.
The trail starts from the Pierces Pass car park at the end of Pierces Pass Road, signposted as the Pierces Pass Picnic Area on the Bells Line of Road.
Rigby Hill is an unfenced viewpoint and can be windy at times, so visitors should take care when exploring this exposed clifftop.
Read more: Rigby Hill Walking Track.
| Rigby Hill Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.2 km (return) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
4. Pierces Pass to Grose River
The steep walking track from the Pierces Pass picnic area to the Grose River is a moderately challenging bushwalk that descends to the base of the Grose Valley.
On warm days, the river is a pleasant spot for a quick dip in peaceful natural surroundings, especially after that steep walking track.
The descent to the river is only 2 km, but you can continue walking along the river to the Blue Gum Forest, with the option to camp overnight at the Acacia Flat campground.
Read more: Pierces Pass to Grose River.
| Pierces Pass to Grose River | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (return) |
| Time: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard (steep sections) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
5. Dargan Arch Track
Dargan Arch, also known as Dargans Arch, is a large natural sandstone formation tucked away in a remote bushland area between Bell and Lithgow.
A short bushwalk leads to this striking landmark, which was once a cave before the roof collapsed long ago. Visitors can walk across the arch itself and also explore the area below for the best views.
To reach the starting point, turn into Sandham Road near the junction of Darling Causeway and the Bells Line of Road, then continue for roughly 3 km until you reach a large clearing on the right.
Read more: Dargan Arch Track.
| Dargan Arch Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.5 km (return) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Beginners Guide to the Blue Mountains
Grab our ebook and discover seven of the finest walks and seven of the most scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains, perfect for first-time visitors.
