Penrith, Australia is a great place to explore on foot!
I’ve rounded up the top 15 best walks in Penrith, from easy hikes to more challenging treks.
Whether you’re wanting to see some stunning natural views or take in some history, you’ll find something for every level of walker.
From the Skyline Lookout to the Great North Walk, there’s something for everyone.
Even if you’re just looking for a nice stroll, you’ll find plenty of great options.
So grab your walking shoes and let’s get started!
The Skyline Lookout is a great place to start.
This easy-to-moderate walk will take you through the bush and up to the summit of the lookout, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
For a more challenging hike, check out the Oaks Fire Trail.
It’s a bit more difficult but it’s well worth it for the amazing views of Kings Tableland.
If you’re looking for something a bit longer, try out the Great North Walk – a 250km trek through some of the most beautiful parts of Penrith.
Blue Mountains National Park
Take in the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park as you explore its majestic waterfalls, lush bushland, and towering sandstone cliffs.
With a variety of different trails to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect route for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, the Blue Mountains National Park has something for everyone.
From gentle walking tracks to steep, rugged climbs, you’ll revel in the breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley and beyond.
Enjoy discovering the diverse wildlife that inhabits this stunning area, as well as the numerous cascading waterfalls.
With its stunning scenery and diverse terrain, the Blue Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply enjoy taking in the scenery, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your needs and desires.
The Oaks Fire Trail
A popular hiking trail in Penrith, The Oaks Fire Trail offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a great way to spend an afternoon. It is located near the Skyline Lookout, so you can combine the two locations for a longer and more interesting hike.
This trail is well marked and easy to follow, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice hikers. The trail is about 5.5 km in length, winding its way through a few hills with some steep sections, but nothing too challenging.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the deep valleys, lush forests, and rolling hills of the Penrith region. There are plenty of great places to stop and take a break, or just admire the views.
The trail ends at the top of a hill, where you can take in the entire panorama of the Penrith region. This is the perfect spot to admire the beauty of the landscape and take some amazing photos.
The Oaks Fire Trail is a great way to spend a few hours and appreciate the scenery of Penrith.
Kings Tableland
Soak up the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside as you explore Kings Tableland. This walk takes you on an 8km journey through the Blue Mountains National Park, starting from the Turon Gates picnic area carpark.
Along the way, you’ll take in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area, including the Jamison Valley, the Megalong Valley, and the Cataract Gorge. You’ll also be able to spot some of the native wildlife, such as kangaroos, wallaroos, and kookaburras.
The walk is relatively easy, though it does have some steep sections. The path is mostly firetrail and dirt, with occasional patches of rock. It’s best to wear sturdy shoes and sensible clothing, as this walk can take up to four hours to complete.
At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Coxs River Valley. Kings Tableland is definitely worth the effort and is a great way to explore the beauty of the Blue Mountains.
The Great North Walk
Experience the beauty of the Australian bush and take a hike along the Great North Walk, a 250km trek from Sydney to Newcastle.
The Great North Walk takes hikers through a variety of terrain, from lush bushland and rolling hills to rugged coastlines and urban landscapes.
Along this route, hikers will witness spectacular views of the Hawkesbury River, the Blue Mountains, and the beautiful Pittwater.
The trail is marked by signposts, so it’s easy to follow even if you’re an inexperienced hiker.
There are also plenty of rest stops throughout the journey, such as camp grounds, rest areas, and cafes.
You can also find some great walks around Penrith, such as the Penrith Lakes Walk, which offers a variety of scenery and sights.
The Great North Walk is an amazing way to experience the natural beauty of Australia and explore some of the country’s most stunning views.
Skyline Lookout
Skyline Lookout offers a breathtaking experience that will take your breath away. Located just outside of Penrith in the Blue Mountains, Skyline Lookout is an ideal spot for a leisurely day of hiking.
With the most spectacular views of the Blaxland Valley, Skyline Lookout is a great spot for a picnic or a peaceful afternoon stroll.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with plenty of signs pointing the way. Along the path, you’ll find a variety of native plants and animals, including a wide range of bird species.
At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the entire valley. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or a more challenging hike, Skyline Lookout is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Penrith.
Cataract Gorge
Feel the beauty of Cataract Gorge as you wander its stunning trails and tranquil waterways.
Located only a few kilometres from the centre of Penrith, this nature reserve boasts picturesque views and diverse wildlife. It’s the perfect spot for a day out, with plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, which meanders along the banks of the Nepean River, or take a more challenging hike up the cliff face. There’s something for everyone – from gentle walks to more strenuous hikes.
Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the Blue Mountains and the surrounding countryside. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot some of the native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and goannas.
So, come and explore the beauty of Cataract Gorge and make some wonderful memories.
The Big Stony Creek Track
Embark on an expedition of discovery as you explore the Big Stony Creek Track in Cataract Gorge.
This is an incredible 5km walking track that takes you through some of the most gorgeous scenery in Penrith.
As you hike, you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, including wallabies, lyrebirds, and even platypus.
With its incredible views of the river, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take it all in.
The Big Stony Creek Track offers a variety of terrain, from easy paths to more challenging climbs.
Along the way, you’ll also find several bird hides, perfect for spotting the local avian population.
You’ll also have the chance to see some of the area’s most stunning waterfalls, cascading down into deep pools.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Big Stony Creek Track is the perfect destination.
Mt. Banks
Continuing the journey through some of the best walks in Penrith, we come to Mt. Banks. This exciting and challenging hike is the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of the Blue Mountains while pushing your limits.
With a variety of trails and beautiful views, this is an absolute must for the outdoor enthusiast.
The trail starts at the remote Mount Banks picnic area, and the first part of the hike is relatively easy. As you reach higher ground, the terrain gets more challenging, with some steep sections, but the rewards are worth it.
The breathtaking views of the Jamison and Megalong Valleys are amazing and can be seen from the peak. For those that are up for a challenge, the summit can be reached in a few hours.
With a bit of patience and perseverance, you’ll be able to enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the Blue Mountains, as well as views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Bluff Lookout
Take in stunning views of the Blue Mountains from Bluff Lookout on your next adventure in Penrith! This unique lookout is situated on a cliff overlooking the Nepean River and is the perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
Bluff Lookout is great for hikers of all ages and abilities. The hike is a moderate grade, taking around four hours to complete. The path is wide and mostly flat, with a few short steep sections.
The lookout is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the spectacular views of the Blue Mountains and the surrounding countryside. A variety of native wildlife can also be seen throughout the hike, including wallabies, kangaroos, and a variety of birds.
Take in the sights and sounds of the Australian bush as you make your way up to the lookout. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and marvel at the stunning views from the top of Bluff Lookout.
Lithgow Valley Gorge
Head to Lithgow Valley Gorge for a breathtaking view of the Blue Mountains and the surrounding countryside! Located in the city of Lithgow, this stunning gorge offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
The gorge is filled with spectacular views of the native bushland and the majestic mountains. Known for its steep and narrow cliffs, it’s the perfect place to explore the beauty of the Australian wilderness.
A great way to get the most out of the experience is to take a guided tour of the gorge. The tour will offer you the opportunity to learn more about the area and its history. The tour will also take you to some of the area’s most popular attractions.
From breathtaking lookouts to hidden waterfalls, you’ll be able to take in the stunning beauty of the Lithgow Valley Gorge. So don’t miss out on this amazing experience and head to Lithgow Valley Gorge for a day of breathtaking views and adventure!
The Valley of Waters
After exploring the beauty of the Lithgow Valley Gorge, I’m now ready to head to the Valley of Waters. This stunning valley is situated on the edge of the Blue Mountains and is filled with breathtaking views, lush forests, and plenty of fresh air.
It is a great spot to take a leisurely stroll and just take in the beauty of nature. The Valley of Waters is also home to several waterfalls and cascades that can be explored by walking along the many trails. There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen here, and the sound of the cascading waterfalls is truly magical.
The trails here are relatively easy to navigate, making it a great spot for families and those looking for a gentle hike. With its breathtaking scenery and abundance of wildlife, the Valley of Waters is a must-visit destination for any Penrith resident looking for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Scenic World
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Valley of Waters to the majestic Scenic World. Marvel at the stunning views, lush forests, and vibrant wildlife as you explore the trails and cascading waterfalls.
With over 2.5km of boardwalks and trails, there’s something for everyone at Scenic World. From the breathtaking views of Katoomba Falls, to the rustic charm of the Jamison Valley, and the thrill of the cliff-hanger skyway, you’ll be mesmerized by the spectacular landscape.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, an invigorating hike or a thrilling ride, Scenic World is the perfect place to explore. With its breathtaking views, lush forests, and vibrant wildlife, it’s no wonder that Scenic World has become one of the most popular walks in Penrith.
Experience the beauty for yourself and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Carrington Falls
For a truly magical experience, head to Carrington Falls, where you’ll be captivated by the majestic waterfalls and lush greenery.
Set in the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park, Carrington Falls is an ideal spot for those looking to explore the great outdoors. The falls are accessible via an easy 500-metre walking track that takes you through the bush and over two boardwalks.
Once you reach the lookout, you’ll be astonished by the powerful cascades and the breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The falls are a must-see if you’re looking for a more adventurous experience. There are a series of steep, narrow staircases that take you to the base of the falls, where you can experience the tremendous power of the water up close.
From there, take a leisurely walk back up the mountain, taking the time to admire the native flora and fauna.
Carrington Falls is a truly spectacular place, and the perfect place to take in some of the best sights that Penrith has to offer.
Katoomba Falls
Leaving Carrington Falls, the next amazing stop on my exploration of the best walks in Penrith is Katoomba Falls. This spectacular waterfall is located in the Blue Mountains, just a short drive from Penrith.
It’s a stunning sight, with the cascading waters crashing down a rugged cliff face. The pool beneath the falls is a great spot to take a dip on a hot summer day.
The walk to the falls is relatively easy, but the views along the way are breathtaking. The bushland and wildlife provide a unique experience, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take some great photos.
The Falls are a highlight of the area, and you won’t be disappointed by the beauty of the area.
Mt. Wilson Lookout
Heading further into the Blue Mountains, the next stop on my exploration of the stunning nature of Penrith is Mt. Wilson Lookout. Located in the picturesque village of Mt. Wilson, the lookout is one of the most spectacular views of the area.
It is the perfect place to take in the beauty of the Blue Mountains, with its panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. From the lookout, you can see the Three Sisters, the Grose Valley, and the majestic Mt. Tomah. The area is also home to a large variety of Australian birds, making it a great place for bird watching.
The Mt. Wilson Lookout is a great place to take a leisurely walk, with a number of trails leading off from the lookout. These trails vary in difficulty and length, so you can find one that fits your skill level. There are also plenty of spots to stop and admire the view, making it a great place to relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a longer hike, the Mt. Wilson Lookout is the perfect spot to explore the beauty of Penrith.
Conclusion
I’ve had the privilege of walking some of the best trails in Penrith, and I’m sure you will too!
From the breathtaking vistas of Skyline Lookout to the cascading Katoomba Falls, these trails offer something for everyone.
The endless beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park, the majestic views of Mt. Wilson Lookout, and the stunning scenery at Scenic World are all must-sees.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, Penrith is sure to fulfill your outdoor needs.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the natural beauty that this remarkable city has to offer!