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Mount Solitary walking track

Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Take a challenging, multi-day hike over Mount Solitary in Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy scenic mountain views, historic heritage, and bush camping, starting out from Katoomba.

Where
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
34km loop
Time suggested
3 days
Grade
Grade 5
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

If you're planning to loan a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) from one of these locations, wait and fill out your trip intention form in person.

What to
bring
Drinking water, clothes for all weather conditions, first aid kit, compass, personal locator beacon, topographic map, snacks, hat, sunscreen
Please note
 
  • You can buy maps and trail guides from Blue Mountains Heritage Centre at Blackheath or Katoomba visitor centre at Echo Point.
  • Check for Total Fire Bans before you set out and get the latest track conditions from staff Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
  • You’ll need to treat water from the creeks, waterholes and tanks before drinking. 
  • This walk is located in the Waragamba catchment for Sydney’s drinking water. Don’t wash dishes in creeks or rivers. Please walk at least 50m from rivers and creeks before toileting and bury toilet waste at least 15cm deep. 
  • Take a bag for rubbish and carry everything out with you.

For a chance to go wild for 3 days, pack your hiking boots and head for Mount Solitary walking track. A challenging track to enchant experienced bushwalkers, it passes through cool temperate rainforest, mountain heath, and tall Eucapytus forest. 

Track notes

Day 1

Starting at Katoomba Falls Kiosk, descend Furber Steps to Federal Pass and walk the track where a horse-drawn tramway once ran. Day 1 covers 7km, passing by picturesque tree ferns and mountain blue gums. After 4.5hrs you’ll be refilling your water and pitching a tent at Ruined Castle campground amid the mining ruins from 1882. Take a short walk to the rock formation known as Ruined Castle and watch the sun set over the cliffs with deep shadows engulfing the Jamison Valley.

Day 2

The second day is the hardest and you’ll need 8hrs to cover 9km of difficult terrain. Get the heart pumping with a hike up Korowal Knife Edge along a rough unformed track on the western ridge of Mount Solitary. 

When you reach Chinamans Gully via a short detour you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and wedge-tailed eagles surfing the valley thermals. Bask in spellbinding views across the Jamison Valley. To the south, spot the rugged ravines of the Wild Dog mountains and the unspoilt Kanangra-Boyd wilderness. Take a moment to admire the hardy mountain heath, old man bankias, and scribbly gums while listening for the call of peregrine falcons.

Continue across the top of Mount Solitary before descending the steep eastern slope to Kedumba River campground. Remember to treat the water you collect from Kedumba River before drinking. Listen out for lyrebirds, possums and owls as you settle in for an evening of true bush-camping. 

Day 3

The third and final day involves a 14km walk. From Kedumba River you’ll continue to follow Mount Solitary walking track for 2km.

When you meet Sublime Point fire trail, follow it to the west, passing Jamison and Leura Falls creeks. Wander through Leura forest and into the rainforest gully known as Fern Bower. Look out for the splash of red waratah flowers amid the grey forest gums if you happen to be here in spring. Finally, cool down under the spray of Linda or Lila, two waterfalls close to the track, before tackling the ascent back up the cliffline and into Katoomba.

If you opt to follow Prince Henry Cliff walk you’ll finish back at Furber Steps where you started.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • View from Golden Stairs track, near Katoomba. Photo: James Ridder © James Ridder/DPIE

    Golden Stairs walking track

    Golden Stairs walking track is a short, steep walk, near Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Though challenging, it offers incredible views and access to the Jamison and Kedumba valleys.

  • Ruined Castle Walking Track, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Stephen Alton © OEH

    Ruined Castle walking track

    The hard Ruined Castle walking track rewards with historic mining heritage and scenic views over Jamison Valley in Blue Mountains National Park near Katoomba.

  • Federal Pass, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Craig Marshall © OEH

    Federal Pass

    Historic Federal Pass is a challenging walk in Blue Mountains National Park. Set out from either Leura or Katoomba and enjoy views of the Three Sisters, waterfalls and Scenic World. 

 

How to prepare for a multi-day hike

Preparation is key for a safe and enjoyable multi-day walk. If you’re new to overnight hiking, here’s a list of what to consider when planning your epic adventure.

Two walkers carrying overnight hiking packs walking up steps on the Murramarang multi-day coastal walk. Credit: Remy Brand © DPE

Conservation program:

Bush Trackers

Bush Trackers was created to encourage children to engage with the environment in and around the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. This program highlights the natural and cultural splendour of the greater Blue Mountains through education initiatives and bushwalks.

Charles Darwin walk, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Steve Alton

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

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