Tracks - Prince Henry Cliff Walk
| Grading | 1 | Easy |
| Track Type | 1 | Maintained tourist track. |
| Track Condition | 2 | Good. |
| Exposure | 1 | No Exposure |
| Navigation | 1 | Easy. |
| Length | 6.8 km (10km including track to every lookout) | |
| Vertical | 80m, altitude varies between 960m -Echo Point, & 880m - Leura Cascades | |
Prince Henry Cliff Walk runs from the back of Scenic World, Katoomba to Gordon Falls Reserve, Leura. It travels through a variety of vegetation types, from open forests to temperate rain forest to wind swept heath. The track can be connected to the tracks around Wentworth Falls and the Valley of the Waters through the Pool of Siloam, and a short walk accross the streets of Sublime point to the Fairmont Resort whrere the Grand cliff top walk starts.
Of all the tracks in the area it commands the most accessible views with at least 25 lookouts (not counting those not named) giving fantastic views over different parts of the valley.
Here are the names of the lookouts in order from Scenic World to Three Sisters:
- Duchess of York (502 648)
- Kedumba River (502 648)
- Cliff View (503 646)
- Wollumai (504 645)
- Allambie (505 645)
- Lady Darleys (506 645)
- Echo Point (509 642)
- Queen Elizabeth (510 643)
- Spooners (510 642)
Three Sisters to Leura Cascades:
- Lady Carrington (512 643)
- Tallawalla( 513 645)
- Millamurra (513 645)
- Honeymoon (514 648)
- Lomandra (515 651)
- Burrabarroo (514 654)
- Flat Rock (516 654)
- Lyrebird (516 654)
- Kiah (the Fossil) (516 654)
- Copeland (517 652
- Bridal Veil (517 654)
- Majestic (518 654)
From Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls:
- Bridal Veil View (519 652)
- Tarpeian Rock (521 652)
- Olympian Rock (514 650)
- Elysian Rock (526 650)
- Gordon Falls (528 649)
- Golf Links (on Pool of Siloam track) (531 649)
Access:
- Cliff Drive, Katoomba & Leura
- Gordon Falls Reserve, Leura
- Olympian Parade, Leura
Map: Jamison
Notes:
Tack notes are not really required for this walk, but I have added some useful information.
1) the section between Scenic World and the Three Sisters is paved and suitable for wheelchairs (except the section which dips into Katoomba Cascades). As such is is usually very crowded on weekensds and even during the week. Unfortunately this has made it a tourist rather than a bushwalk.
2) at my last visit the short cut track at Leura cascades was closed because of a landslide. The longer route the Leura Cascades Round Walk is also closed. This means access to the valley via Leura Cascades is closed so Fern Bower track must be used instead. For more information see here.
3) Sections between Leura Cascade and Gordon Falls have been affeted by landslides and are now closed. These are from Tarpeien Rock to Olympian Rock and Elysian Rock to Gordon Falls.
Comments...
Grading System
Grade 1 (Easy)
Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.
Grade 2 (Easy-medium)
Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.
Grade 3 (Medium)
Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20 km.
Grade 4 (Medium-Hard)
Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 (Hard)
Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30 km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 (Very hard)
Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
Grades courtesy of John Cooper of The Bush Club
Exposure
Exposure is assessed on the hardest part of the track / pass
1: No Exposure.
2: Some simple climbing involved
3: Climbing with tape or rope neccessary for non-climbers. Still free climbable.
4: Belay advised for non-climbers. Aids for climbers.
5: Belay required for experienced climbers.
Track Condition
Track Conditions are assessed on the worst major section of the track / pass
1: Excellent.
2: Good.
3: OK, but needing some trimming or erosion repairs.
4: A number of sections in poor condition.
5: Overgrown, badly eroded or no track.
Track Type
1: Maintained Tourist track.
2: Marked track.
3: Unmarked track.
4: Footpad.
5: Off track.
Navigation
Navigation is an overall assessment of the track / pass
1: Easy. Track and offshoot tracks are signposted.
2: Easy-Medium. Track is and offshoots are well marked (cairns / tape).
3: Medium. Simple route finding is neccessary.
4: Hard. Route finding can be difficult.
5: Challenging. GPS or map and compass necessary.