Three hundred metres in, I’m already bleeding. My tentative return to multi-day hiking hasn’t started well.
I’d missed the train, my hiking pants didn’t fit, the elastic on my socks had given way, my boots were disintegrating underfoot, and with my favourite hiking backpack missing, I’d appropriated my eight-year-old’s Minecraft bag. All this just for the chance to tackle the Blue Mountains’ newest attraction: the Grand Cliff Top Walk.Located on Gundungurra country, west of Sydney, the Grand Cliff Top Walk was opened in March 2024 and is one of 13 Great Walks planned for NSW.
Despite this, I pass through the sandstone gates that mark the beginning of the route, determined to be in the moment. So, of course, distracted by a text message from home about where the loo rolls are stashed, I trip, slam into the ground and gash my right knee.There isn’t too much blood, but I discover I’ve broken one of the golden rules of hiking: I’m not carrying a first aid kit. A little embarrassed, I put my phone away and set off again.
Wildflowers bloom along the track, and moss, lichen and ferns flourish in the shady indents and overhangs. At midday, the temperature has soared. The mountains’ characteristic blue haze, caused by dust mixing with microscopic drops of oil released by the region’s 70 species of eucalyptus trees, settles across the horizon.
Climbing another set of steps towards the edge of Leura, the laughter and splash of canyoners in the gully below blends into the sound of golfers playing through on the cliff above. It’s a slightly incongruous sound but also a testament to the breadth of experiences you can have in the Blue Mountains.
After smashing the buffet the following morning, I leave the hotel feeling surprisingly energetic – and immediately head in the wrong direction. A lack of clear signposting means I mistakenly head down a dead-end bush trail that leads to an abandoned hut. Backtracking, I find the right path: straight up the hotel driveway and winding through a few streets in Leura to rejoin the trail.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Missing Hiker Found Alive After Six Days in Blue Mountains BushlandsMarissa Gee, 33, was found alive and well after going missing in the Blue Mountains bushlands for nearly a week. Ms. Gee was located by a Rural Fire Service helicopter and winched to safety by a rescue helicopter.
Read more »
Missing Woman Found Safe After Extensive Blue Mountains SearchA woman who went missing in the Blue Mountains was found safe after a week-long search involving multiple emergency services.
Read more »
Missing Hiker Found Alive in NSW Blue MountainsMarissa Gee, 33, was missing for almost a week after last being seen in Katoomba, NSW. Her vehicle was found on Galway Lane, Mt Wilson, and a rescue helicopter located her alive in bushland with ankle and head injuries, multiple abrasions, and dehydration. Gee was airlifted to Nepean Hospital for treatment and is recovering well.
Read more »
Crashed in the mountains with no alternative, they turned to eat the deadDesperate and starving, the survivors of the Andes flight disaster had little option to stay alive.
Read more »
Climbing Mountains and Bearing Witness: Stories of Courage and HopeThis article highlights two individuals - Cecilia Llusco, a Bolivian mountaineer, and Motaz Azaiza, a Palestinian photographer - who demonstrate extraordinary resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Read more »
Intensified Search for Missing Hiker in Snowy MountainsThe search for Hadi Nazari, who went missing on December 26 while hiking the challenging Hannels Spur trail, has intensified with the deployment of specialist police and volunteers. The rugged terrain and hot conditions are making the search challenging.
Read more »