Narrow Neck trail

Where

Katoomba area, Southern Blue Mountains area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

19km return

Time suggested

4hrs

Grade

Medium

What to
bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, helmet, bike repair kit, personal locator beacon, snacks, suitable clothing

Please note

• Narrow Neck trail is popular with both bike riders and walkers. Allow 5-6hrs to walk this return trail.
• Riders, please give way to walkers.
• If you're cycling from Katoomba train station, it's a 5km ride to the start of this trail, at the locked gate on Narrow Neck.
• 4WD vehicles are recommended along unsealed Glenraphael Drive and Narrow Neck Plateau trail to the locked gate.
• It's a good idea to fill in the free trip intention form and hire a personal locator beacon before you set out.

This challenging mountain bike ride is recommended for mid-level to experienced mountain bike riders, and self-sufficient hikers.

Starting from the locked gate 2km along unsealed Narrow Neck Road, the trail travels the length of the high plateau to Clear Hill, deep in the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property. As you cycle through open forest, heath and swamplands you’ll be treated to breathtaking views, wildflowers and photo opportunities at every turn.

At its narrowest point, the cliffs fall away on either side of the trail, with the Jamison Valley on one side and Megalong Valley on the other - you’ll feel on top of the world. At the end of the trail take in the views stretching across to the Wild Dog Mountains, Kanangra Wilderness, and part of Lake Burragorang.

Narrow Neck is a paradise for birdwatchers. Banksias and other nectar-producing plants make the shrub and heathlands a favourite breeding site for honeyeaters like the eastern spinebill and New Holland honeyeater. In spring and autumn you might see migrating yellow-faced honeyeaters, or wedge-tailed eagles performing their figure-eight courtship dance high above the valley.

Long-distance walkers can also tackle Narrow Neck as part of the 45km Katoomba to Kanangra hike.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info