7 Best Walks in the Leura Area

Leura is one of the most popular towns in the Blue Mountains, with a good mix of quiet lookouts, energising bushwalks, and scenic waterfalls close by.

Whether you prefer an easy clifftop stroll or a longer trail into the valley, there are plenty of walking tracks to choose from.

Below are seven of the best walks to explore in the Leura area, each offering a different way to experience this unique area in the mountains.

Keen to go sightseeing? Read our guide on the most scenic lookouts in Leura.

1. Pool of Siloam Track

Pool of Siloam waterfall
Pool of Siloam waterfall

The Pool of Siloam is a small but scenic waterfall on Gordon Creek, just north of where Gordon Falls drops into the Jamison Valley.

A short walking track with plenty of steps leads down to this quiet spot, where a picturesque pool sits beneath the waterfall. From there, you can continue along the trail to the quiet Golf Links Lookout for an extra walk.

The best place to start is Gordon Falls Reserve, which has parking, picnic facilities, and easy public transport access.

Read more: Pool of Siloam Track.

Pool of Siloam Track
Distance: 1.7 km (return)
Time: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy / moderate (steep sections)
Wheel-friendly: No
Dog-friendly: No
Route: Google Maps

2. Gordon Falls Lookout to Tarpeian Rock

Olympian Rock
Olympian Rock

The short but energising walk from Gordon Falls Lookout to Tarpeian Rock follows the escarpment above the Jamison Valley, passing several lookouts along the way.

It forms a small section of both the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and the Grand Cliff Top Walk, offering an easy way to enjoy classic Blue Mountains scenery without the larger crowds.

Starting at Gordon Falls Reserve, the track passes Gordon Falls Lookout, Elysian Rock Lookout, and Olympian Rock before reaching Tarpeian Rock.

Read more: Gordon Falls Lookout to Tarpeian Rock.

Gordon Falls Lookout to Tarpeian Rock
Distance: 2.2 km (return)
Time: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy (some steps)
Wheel-friendly: No
Dog-friendly: No
Route: Google Maps

3. Lillians Bridge Track to Gladstone Lookout

Gladstone Lookout
Gladstone Lookout

Gladstone Lookout is a quiet, lesser-known vantage point in Leura with beautiful views across a section of the Jamison Valley.

It is reached via part of the Lillians Bridge Track, which forms a short section of the Grand Cliff Top Walk between Katoomba and Wentworth Falls.

Towards the end of the trail, you can also visit Moya Point, another scenic lookout offering a similar outlook from a different angle.

Read more: Lillians Bridge Track to Gladstone Lookout.

Lillians Bridge Track to Gladstone Lookout
Distance: 2.5 km (return)
Time: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy (some steps)
Wheel-friendly: No
Dog-friendly: No
Route: Google Maps

4. Butterbox Point Walking Track

Grose Valley views from Butterbox Point
Grose Valley views from Butterbox Point

The short track to Butterbox Point leads to one of the most dramatic vantage points in the Blue Mountains, with wide views over the Grose Valley and several landmarks visible in the distance.

Although the walk itself is located outside Leura, access to the trailhead is via Mount Hay Road, which begins just north of the village. The road is unsealed but generally suitable for most vehicles.

The same trailhead also marks the start of the Mount Hay Summit Walk, making it easy to combine both walks in one trip.

Read more: Butterbox Point Walking Track.

Butterbox Point Walking Track
Distance: 3 km (return)
Time: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy (uneven terrain)
Wheel-friendly: No
Dog-friendly: No
Route: Google Maps

5. Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit

Leura forest in the valley
Leura forest in the valley

The Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit is a moderately challenging walk that showcases some of the best scenery in the area, from lookouts and waterfalls to lush rainforest.

The circuit combines three tracks – the Leura Cascades Track, the Amphitheatre Track, and the Fern Bower Track – into one rewarding 4.5 km loop.

A highlight along the way is Bridal Veil Falls, a distinctive cascade on Leura Falls Creek that eventually drops into the Jamison Valley via Leura Falls.

Read more: Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit.

Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit
Distance: 4.5 km (loop)
Time: 2.5 hours
Grade: Moderate (steep sections)
Wheel-friendly: No
Dog-friendly: No
Route: Google Maps

6. Lockleys Pylon Walking Track

Views from Lockleys Pylon
Views from Lockleys Pylon

The walk to Lockleys Pylon is a scenic bush trail north of Leura that offers wide views across the Grose Valley and surrounding ridgelines.

This part of the Blue Mountains is usually much quieter than the area south of the highway, which makes the walk to this landmark even more enjoyable.

Once you reach Lockleys Pylon at the end of the trail, you can continue to Du Faur Head with more views over the valley to take in.

Read more: Lockleys Pylon Walking Track.

Lockleys Pylon Walking Track
Distance: 7 km (return)
Time: 2.5 hours
Grade: Moderate
Wheel-friendly: No
Dog-friendly: No
Route: Google Maps

7. Fortress Ridge Trail

Views from Fortress Ridge
Views from Fortress Ridge

Also accessed from Mount Hay Road, the Fortress Ridge Trail is a scenic, open track that leads to a lookout with wide views over the Grose Valley.

This moderately challenging 7.5 km return walk follows a mostly gentle route across open heathland, with a few steeper sections near the start.

You can extend the walk by following a 1.5 km side trail to Fortress Rock, another quiet and rewarding vantage point.

Read more: Fortress Ridge Trail.

Fortress Ridge Trail
Distance: 7.5 km (return)
Time: 3 hours
Grade: Moderate
Wheel-friendly: No
Dog-friendly: No
Route: 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.

Read More

Beginners Guide to the Blue Mountains

Book a Blue Mountains Tour:

More Blue Mountains:

 
Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

AJ Mens on LinkedInAJ Mens on XAJ Mens on Facebook
Leave a comment