Description
Explore rugged mountains, dramatic scenery and enchanted forests just beyond Sydney
5 DAYS | 4 NIGHTS
Find Yourself | Be Yourself | Challenge Yourself
Overview
Women’s Blue Mountains Odyssey
Blue Mountains
Join us on an adventure-filled women’s guided walking trip in awe-inspiring Gundungurra and Dharug (Ngurra) Country.
Just a short journey from Sydney lies one of Australia’s most breathtaking natural playgrounds – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. On this five-day guided hiking experience, you’ll explore lush temperate rainforests, towering sandstone escarpments, and deep gorges carved through time. With every step, we’ll connect to Country and ourselves, slowing down, breathing deeply, and soaking in the rich stories and scenery of this sacred place.
With a mix of iconic walks and hidden gems, each day will reveal something different – from cascading waterfalls and dramatic cliff-edge lookouts to peaceful valleys and glow worm-lit tunnels. There’ll be time to reflect, connect with others, and immerse yourself in the rejuvenating power of nature.
Your guides will bring the landscape to life, sharing stories of geology, ecology, culture and history along the way. At night, you’ll relax in charming accommodation in Blackheath and enjoy nourishing meals as we unwind and share the day’s highlights together.
For this tour our Big Heart Adventures guide teams up with a local guide from WEA.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Sydney to Blue Mountains / Grand Cliff Top Walk 1
Our Blue Mountains journey begins with a scenic transfer from Sydney to the charming mountain village of Wentworth Falls. Upon arrival, we’ll meet for a warm welcome and trip briefing before hitting the trail.
Today’s walk is the first section of the spectacular Grand Cliff Top Walk – a new multi-day track that connects lookout to lookout along the southern escarpment. We’ll start at Wentworth Falls and make our way to Gordon Falls, tracing the cliff tops with near-constant views into the dramatic Jamison Valley. Waterfalls plunge from above, tree ferns line the track, and iconic lookouts such as Princes Rock and Elysian Rock offer postcard-perfect photo opportunities.
After this awe-inspiring start to our adventure, we travel to Blackheath and settle in at the beautiful and historic Glenella Guesthouse, our home for the next four nights. Cosy, welcoming, and full of character, it’s the perfect place to rest and recharge.
Meals Included: Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 11km
Day 2 | Grand Cliff Top Walk 2
This morning, we complete the second part of the Grand Cliff Top Walk, beginning at Scenic World near Katoomba and making our way back to Gordon Falls – this time from the opposite direction.
This walk is a feast for the senses. We’ll pass through shaded forest filled with ferns, gum trees, and native wildflowers, while enjoying sweeping views across the valley and constant glimpses of the world-famous Three Sisters. Birdsong is our companion today – keep your eyes peeled for shy lyrebirds rustling in the undergrowth and yellow-tailed black cockatoos gliding overhead. With one incredible lookout after another, this trail invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and take it all in.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 8km
Day 3 | Hanging Rock Track
Today, we venture into a quieter part of the Blue Mountains for a truly special walk. Just a short drive from our accommodation in Blackheath, the Hanging Rock Track takes us along a peaceful fire trail with jaw-dropping views over the Grose Valley.
This hidden gem of a walk is a favourite among locals and lesser known to visitors, making it all the more special. The trail culminates at the stunning outcrop of Hanging Rock – a dramatic sandstone formation split from the cliff, seemingly suspended in mid-air. It’s a striking and memorable spot to pause, take in the views, and reflect on the ancient forces that shaped this land.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 11km
Day 4 | Grand Canyon Loop / Leura & Sublime Point Lookout
Arguably one of the most enchanting short walks in Australia, the Grand Canyon Loop is a highlight of our week. This trail winds through lush rainforest gullies, beneath towering sandstone walls, and alongside crystal-clear creeks. The cool, damp air and the sound of trickling water create an immersive experience – a quiet, green world where time slows down.
After our walk, we’ll spend a relaxed afternoon in the picturesque village of Leura. Browse the boutiques, grab a coffee, or wander the tree-lined streets. Before we return to Blackheath, we’ll take in one final jaw-dropping view from Sublime Point Lookout – and yes, it lives up to its name.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 7km
Day 5 | Glow Worm Tunnel Track / Return to Sydney
On our final day, we head into the rugged beauty of the Wolgan Valley for a unique and magical walk. The Glow Worm Tunnel Track leads us through open forest, along a disused railway route, and into a dark, curved tunnel that’s now home to thousands of tiny glow worms.
As we walk quietly through the darkness, the glow worms sparkle like stars across the tunnel walls – a truly unforgettable and otherworldly experience. After emerging back into the light, we’ll enjoy a final group moment before beginning our journey back to Sydney – recharged, reconnected, and filled with wonder.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks
Walking Distance: 6km
Need To Know
Inclusions
Travel
- Comfortable transport
(Return Sydney to Blue Mountains, and trail transfers)
Meals
- All meals and snacks as per the itinerary
- Afternoon nibbles
- 2 course dinners
- B x 4 | L x 5 | D x 4
Accommodation
- 4 nights comfortable guesthouse style accommodation
Activities
- Professionally guided walks
- Nature connection activities on trail
Safety
- 1 Big Heart Adventures Guide and 1 local Guide from Women Embrace Adventure
- Group First Aid kit and emergency communication device
- Leaders certified in Remote Area/Wilderness First Aid
- Qualified Bushwalking Leaders
Environmental
- Small group guided experience
- Leave No Trace principles
- Invitations to connect with nature
- Reduce waste through recycling, reusing and composting
- National Park entry fees
Big Heart Extras
- Big Heart Adventures designed ioMerino hiking top
- Big Heart Adventures designed head sock
- Big Heart Adventures journal
- 4 pre-departure training walks and or training program (trip specific)
- Discounts for pre-departure purchases at Exurbia
- A charity contribution to our Give Back program
Exclusions
- Travel Insurance
- Flights to and from Sydney
- Airport transfers
- Drinks
- Meals not stated on itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
Trail Notes
We grade the overall walking on this itinerary as MODERATE
(see our grading system)
This grading is provided as general advice only, and is based on our assessment and also feedback from past participants. Please consider your level of fitness and experience in regard to this rating, and if you’re unsure please contact us for more information
Grand Cliff Top Walk (section 1)
Distance: 11km
Elevation Gain: 475m
Elevation Loss: 400m
Grand Cliff Top Walk (section 2)
Distance: 8km
Elevation Gain: 325m
Elevation Loss: 325m
Hanging Rock Track
Distance: 11km
Elevation Gain: 300m
Elevation Loss: 300m
Grand Canyon Loop / Leura & Sublime Point Lookout
Distance: 7km
Elevation Gain: 300m
Elevation Loss: 300m
Glow Worm Tunnel Track
Distance: 6km
Elevation Gain: 250m
Elevation Loss: 250m
Why choose us
10 REASONS TO WALK WITH US
Realistic Itineraries
we want you to love and be inspired by the Blue Mountains. This tour itinerary is well-designed and realistic, allowing you to complete the full itinerary ….. we don’t over sell and under deliver
Be Fulfilled
this itinerary is designed to maximise your awe and leave you fulfilled. You walk the best trails within the Blue Mountains National Park including the Grand Cliff Top Walk, Hanging Rock, and Grand Canyon, then explore the Glow Worm Tunnel in the Wolgan Valley before returning to Sydney. We’ve planned this 5 day itinerary so you get a full experience and time to relax ….. you won’t leave feeling unfulfilled
Nature Connection
we want you to feel de-stressed and re-energised. So, our guides are also nature facilitators with skills to immerse you with your surrounds. Not only do we safely guide you and share our knowledge, we also provide invitations for you to slow down and connect deeper with nature whilst walking the trail (included activities such as an introduction to Shinrin-yoku ‘Forest Bathing’ ) <learn more about Forest Bathing here> ….. we’re pioneers of hiking with deep nature immersion
Group Fitness
we want you to succeed and maximise your enjoyment, so pre-tour training walks, training programs, and group chats online are provided leading up to your walking tour (included as part of the tour price). These will assist you to practice on terrain that you are likely to encounter, meet your guides and other group members, ask questions on what to expect, receive advice on the trail, travel, and the destination, and gauge your level of fitness. Many people underestimate the difficulty of walking these trails and end up under-prepared and unfulfilled ….. so we invest in your preparation
Meaningful Moments
we will bring your Blue Mountains experience alive ….. a guide book and phone App can’t do this as well as our guides
Flexibility (2 guides)
our departures have 2 experienced guides. Having 2 guides means we can better cater for group dynamics and individual needs. Factors such as sickness, injuries and incidents can mean changes to the itinerary become necessary, and if there was only 1 guide then these changes will impact on your expectations and your level of enjoyment ….. avoiding this is why we always have 2 guides
Safety
our wilderness trained guides carry comprehensive group first-aid kits, satellite communication devices, and safety equipment. Our Adelaide based guide supports a local guide on this tour. In addition, safety procedures are in place, and constant communication is undertaken with local emergency services ….. for your safety, we always have multiple communication devices
Timing
we go at the best time of the year for comfortable walking conditions. We can’t guarantee perfect weather everyday, but you can book with confidence
Small Groups
a maximum of 10 only on each departure. Meaning, it’s better for the environment, and you won’t feel like you’re just a number in the crowd
Travel Assistance
our in-house travel specialists can assist you with travel insurance. If you’re arriving from interstate or from international destinations we can also package any accommodation, flights, and add-ons in addition to this tour. Package your Blue Mountains walk with us and save stress, time and money
Packing List
A detailed packing list is provided prior to travel
- Gear you will need:
- Rainproof jacket and pants
- Daypack (35 litre approx.)
- Water bottles/hydration kit (min 2Ltrs)
- Head torch/ small torch for Glow Worm Tunnel Track walk (optional)
- Personal medications
- Clothing suitable for walking that is quick drying and breathable – consider merino/synthetic clothing
- Sun protection such as hat, sunglasses and suncream, insect repellent
- Sleeping attire
Accessibility
There are stairs, uneven surfaces, rocky trails with steep sections and loose ground on this trip, as well as moving luggage to and from accommodation. Please talk to us about your accessibility needs before booking
Details
- Type: Women’s Guided Trips
- Adventure: Women’s Blue Mountains Odyssey
- Destination: Blue Mountains, NSW
- Traditional Country: Gundungurra and Dharug
- Group Size: Max 10 plus leaders
Fitness Requirement
- A very good level of fitness is required to walk the trails on this trip
- You will be walking pack free (day packs only)
- You will walk on a variety of surfaces including lots of stairs, steep sections and loose ground
- You may also walk on trails that hug cliff tops or cross creeks
- Our longest walking day is up to 15km and we walk 5 consecutive days on this trip
- We recommend you do hilly walks before this trip to maximise your enjoyment of the climbs and views
- Trip rating: Moderate
Important Information
- *Eligible Past Traveller Discount applies if you’ve travelled with us on any of our guided tours which were 5 days duration or longer
- 5% Discount for Gold and Silver Wise Women Walking Members JOIN HERE
- Read terms and conditions before booking
- Itinerary and price subject to change at any time
- Travel Insurance is recommended. Get a quote from Covermore or Go Insurance
- Note weather, group member welfare and a range of circumstances outside our control can mean last minute changes to our itinerary are necessary once on tour
- A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come basis
- Please contact us before booking any flights. Depending on flight arrival and departure times extra nights accommodation may be required at own expense
- A minimum number of travellers are required for this trip to depart so ask someone to join you. If minimum numbers aren’t reached, we may decide to still go or we will provide a full refund
- Training walks start 6 weeks prior to departure. We recommend you attend these walks to maximise your enjoyment and for the groups welfare when away
- If this trip departs during Fire Ban Season – last minute changes to our itinerary or walking days may be required for safety reasons
- High rainfall can also impact on the access to trails stated on our itinerary – where possible alternative trails may be offered if safe to do so
- Rooming is double, triple or quad share rooms
- Private transport to and from the Blue Mountains is included – this tour starts in Sydney
- Private transport for our time in the Blue Mountains is included
- If you have additional needs please connect with us, we’re committed to being inclusive and accessible
Adventure Leaders
Our team is qualified, experienced and super friendly. We will ensure you have a fun and connecting adventure. Leaders are certified in Remote or Wilderness First-Aid. All leaders carry a group first-aid kit, emergency communications device, emergency documentation and equipment.
