A Hiking Weekend in the Blue Mountains

By Jo

It is extraordinary how much we were able to pack into our Classic Blue Mountains hiking weekend.

I am not going to write about the sunsets, the sunrises, the wine, the games night, the wombat visitor, the delicious meals, the wild storm, the relaxing yoga or the plunge under the waterfall. All of this happened but it was the hiking together that was the star attraction.

Day 1: Katoomba Classic Hike was a full day hike beginning at 8 am at Leura. With many tracks closed due to fires and landslides, you would think we would be limited in our options. Not so. The stunning Cliff Top track hugs the edge of the mountain showcasing some of the best lookouts around. It was a slow start because the photo opportunities were abundant – waterfalls, Mt Solitary, the Jamison Valley, the caves and wildflowers and very few people. Beyond the busy Echo Point, we looked forward to the descent into the valley as the day was heating up. A view of the unlikely looking ascent path (stairs seemingly suspended down the cliff face) had us excited and picking up the pace. The famous Furber Stairs was a challenge and a thrill as the team descended confidently down the cliff to the base track.  After crossing Katoomba Falls River, we hit our stride and enjoyed the long stretch of track through the cool forest to the little oasis in Leura Forest for a well-deserved packed lunch. We prepared for the big climb out of the valley and then the stairs, stairs and more stairs started. But in true Diamond style the teamwork kicked in and everyone supported each other to deal with the highs and lows that are inevitable on such challenges. A false summit photo with the banner and a gorgeous vista tricked a few who had forgotten we still had an hour along the clifftop track to go. No problem. The day was still young, and the mood was high so again the team embraced the challenge and enjoyed the amazing views once again. A day like that only reinforces the rewarding feeling you get from being out in nature and taking on a hard hike. The evening was full of fun and vigour as we replayed the many fabulous moments we had shared.

Day 2 Lockleys Pylon Summit was forecast to be HOT! So, we rose early and made our way along what seemed to some, a dirt road to nowhere. The start of the Lockley Pylon track begins on the Mt Hay plateau and our goal was to summit the Pylon for brunch. A completely different hiking experience form the day before – this was an area severely affected by the 2020 fires and to see the regeneration was extraordinary. We were forced to look down, to look at the tiny flowers at our feet, to watch the birds searching for food. Seeing how fires stimulate the Australian bush to regenerate was something else and a field of newly flowering Grass Trees stopped the team. Beyond the plateau we emerged to see the summit of Lockleys in front of us and a magnificent 360degree vista – the Gross Valley laid out before us with Govetts Leap waterfall off in the distance, the Blue Gum Forest below, the sheer cliffs above the Gross River. We could see back to the plains of Penrith and Mt Wilson to the north. Our summit was a simple affair and we had time to explore a rocky outcrop that allowed us to peer at another waterfall and across the wild valley. As the day began to heat up, we retraced our steps, passing the rocky pinnacles, pausing on the cool sandstone before arriving back at the cars and out of the heat of the day.

Back at our accommodation, we were able to relax with a calming yoga session, yummy lunch, shower and get ready to return to the big smoke feeling invigorated and connected in a new way to this magnificent part of the world right on our doorstep.

In the word of Sharon, one of our first-timers…

“Our three days and two nights getaway in the Blue Mountains, with a witty, interesting group of like-minded ladies did not disappoint. The hikes were fantastic with the Saturday hike leaving us breathless.  There were laughter and chatter along the way and a special thank you to our amazing guides and leaders, Jo and Michele, for their professionalism mixed in with a hell of a lot of fun.  First of many weekends away with this wonderful group of ladies.”