The Blue Mountains is home to some of the state’s most rewarding walks, from dramatic clifftop trails to rainforest boardwalks and cascading waterfalls. But once the sun goes down, one track offers an experience that’s unlike any other in the region, and visitors can once again enjoy it in full following recent upgrade works. The Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk has reopened after improvements to the Katoomba Falls Kiosk precinct, restoring access to the full illuminated route through lookouts, waterfalls and wild bushland scenery after dark. Just a short drive from Sydney, the 1.5-kilometre walk combines some of the Blue Mountains’ best-known natural wonders with a unique after-hours experience that’s well worth adding to your next weekend getaway.
Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk
The reopening follows recent upgrade works around the Katoomba Falls Kiosk precinct, with visitors once again able to access the illuminated route after a brief closure. From the kiosk car park, the 1.5-kilometre walk winds past some of the Blue Mountains’ most famous landmarks, including Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, Katoomba Falls and Katoomba Cascades. Along the way, a series of lookouts provide incredible views across the Jamison Valley, with the iconic Three Sisters also visible from selected vantage points.
The lights switch on at dusk each evening, with the floodlights turning off at 10.30pm before the pathway lights remain illuminated until 11pm. Blue Mountains City Council has advised that two short sections of lighting are still being restored following recent wet weather, so visitors should bring a torch and wear sturdy footwear as a precaution. The walk is free to access, and the reopening also restores access to Furber Stairs and the Katoomba Falls mid-level, making it easier to explore more of this popular section of the region once again.
Visitors can access the trail from either the Katoomba Falls Kiosk or Katoomba Cascades, with free parking available at the Katoomba Falls Reserve car park near the kiosk. The walk is also dog-friendly, with pets permitted on a leash. Find more information about the Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk on the Blue Mountains City Council website.
Key details
- What: Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk
- Where: Katoomba Falls Reserve, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
- Distance: 1.5km return
- Duration: Around 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy, with some stairs
- Entry: Free, no bookings required
- Lights: Turn on at dusk; floodlights switch off at 10.30pm and pathway lights at 11pm
- Starting point: Katoomba Falls Kiosk or Katoomba Cascades
- Parking: Free parking available at the Katoomba Falls Reserve car park near the kiosk
- Pets: Dogs permitted on a leash
Getting there
Katoomba is around a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney via the M4 and Great Western Highway. If you’re travelling by public transport, regular train services run from Central Station to Katoomba, with the journey taking about 2 hours. From Katoomba Station, it’s around a 30-minute walk to the trailhead, or a short taxi or rideshare trip to Katoomba Falls Reserve. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.
