Advice and Recommendations before walking in the Blue Mountains

While walking in the Blue Mountains is very enjoyable there are a few precautions that should be observed

Indicate to friends or family your travel plans within the park. You can register your intended walk at a National Park visitor centre or police station. Personal location devices can be hired or purchased, I recommend always walking with one.  The weather can change quickly in the mountains so be prepared for sudden variations in temperature.

The Basics

Advice, SAFETY and things to pack

  • Carry plenty of water as the streams can be polluted and are not safe to drink from, especially after heavy rain.

    Summer walks on open ridges like the Lockleys Pylon and Mt Hay walks will deplete you of fluid, carry plenty of water on these walks.

  • Use good walking shoes

  • Carry a jacket and wear a hat, the mountains can be a four seasons in one day experience

  • Some energy bars and adequate food for the day are a must

  • A small first aid kit which includes a snake bandage, this bandage can also be used to bind and support sprained or broken ankles.

  • If you plan to walk away from main tracks plan to carry a map and PLB. Please note that due to excessive rainfall from 2019-2023 many tracks are now overgrown, consequently it is easy to become disoriented and lost. Do not rely on phone apps that “guide” into areas without marked and sign posted tracks.

  • Please be mindful of local residents when accessing some of these walks, Paradise Pool, MinniHaHa Falls and Sunset Rock are often inundated with visitors. Please park considerately, remove all rubbish and stick to the access tracks.

  • Observe fire danger warnings at all times

  • Due to the severe bushfire, flooding and landslip events of 2019-2022 many walks are closed and are being repaired. At this stage both the National Pass and Wentworth Pass are closed and unlikely to reopen. Please check with National Parks at Glenbrook, Katoomba or Blackheath for latest updates

      Do not depend on phone reception in the Blue Mountains especially in valleys and canyons