The walking track between Echo Point and Reids Plateau in Katoomba is a scenic, family-friendly trail that passes several lookouts.
This relatively short walk forms part of the Grand Cliff Top Walk, which links Wentworth Falls, Leura, and Katoomba, and is a great way to experience the beauty of this popular area of the Blue Mountains.
| Echo Point to Reids Plateau | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2 km (one way) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy (some steps) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Maps: |  PDF map |
 Interactive map |
|
Getting There
You can begin this walk at either end, but in the track notes below, we start from Echo Point, which is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Parking is available along Echo Point Road and Cliff Drive, near the precinct. If these spots are full, try the nearby suburban streets. Most have metered parking.
If you’re travelling by public transport, catch a train to Katoomba Station and then take a bus to the Echo Point precinct.
At the other end of the walk, there is ample parking at Katoomba Falls Reserve on Cliff Drive, near Reids Plateau.
Map
In this map, we have marked the following six highlights along the trail:
- Echo Point
- Lady Darley Lookout
- Cliff View Lookout
- Katoomba Cascades
- Duke & Duchess of York Lookout
- Reids Plateau
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.
Track Notes
This is a short, fairly easy walking trail that is well-maintained and clearly signposted. While there are some steps, it’s not challenging by any means.
As the walk is located in a popular part of the Blue Mountains, it can get a little busy at times.
1. Echo Point
Before starting the walk, it’s worth spending some time exploring Echo Point, especially if you’ve never been there before.
It’s arguably the busiest spot in the Blue Mountains, thanks to its clear views of the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley.
Echo Point features several viewing platforms, each offering fantastic views from different angles. These platforms are linked by walking paths, making it easy to explore the area.
Read our Three Sisters Walk article for more information about the short, family-friendly trail to the Three Sisters from Echo Point.
2. Lady Darley Lookout
To begin the cliff top walk to Reids Plateau, find the paved walking path to the west of the main viewing platform at Echo Point.
The path follows the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Jamison Valley, with several lookouts along the way where you can pause and take in the views.
One of the larger lookouts along this stretch is Lady Darley Lookout, a fenced viewing platform offering panoramic views.
You’ll also pass Wollumai Lookout and Allambie Lookout, both of which are smaller than Lady Darley Lookout.
3. Cliff View Lookout
From Lady Darley Lookout, it’s about 15 minutes of walking through beautiful bushland before reaching Cliff View Lookout.
This fenced platform provides fantastic views of the Jamison Valley, with the Scenic Skyway visible to the northwest as it travels between its two stations.
From Cliff View Lookout, a short stroll along a paved path leads to Katoomba Cascades, passing the eastern station of the Scenic Skyway along the way.
4. Katoomba Cascades
To reach the cascades, look for the path (signposted as Prince Henry Cliff Walk) that leads down the stairs.
Katoomba Cascades is a small but scenic water spectacle that often draws large crowds on weekends, especially after rainfall when the creek is flowing strongly.
From the cascades, follow the walking path, with boardwalks and steps, alongside the creek (Kedumba River) heading south to the next highlight.
Read our Katoomba Cascades article for more information about this beautiful spot in the Blue Mountains.
5. Duke & Duchess of York Lookout
Like the other lookouts along the trail, the Duke & Duchess of York Lookout offers panoramic views over the Jamison Valley.
What makes this one a little more special is the Scenic Skyway passing directly in front of it, which makes it a great spot for a photo opportunity.
To continue on the main path, head up the stairs behind the lookout and walk for another 150 metres until you reach a four-way junction.
6. Reids Plateau
At that junction, turn left and head up the stairs to visit the three lookouts on Reids Plateau:
- Solitary Lookout
- Katoomba Falls Lookout
- Orphan Rock Lookout
Simply follow the short loop trail to reach all three.
Of the three, Katoomba Falls Lookout is the most impressive, offering a perfect photo opportunity with Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and the Scenic Skyway all in one frame.
Read our Reids Plateau article for more information about the different lookouts you can find here.
