Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, Centennial Glen Circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs 30 mins

5.4 km Circuit

473 m

Hard track

This circuit walk covers many of the tracks just to the west of Blackheath. The walk follows the cliff lines, both above and below, with amazing views of the Kanimbla Valley, rock features and waterfalls. The walk takes in a cross section of plants, with defined changes through the cliff passes.

Slender Rice Flower (Pimelea linifolia ssp. linoides)

Walls Ledge Track viewed from Colliers Causeway

Stairs up to Centennial Glen Rd car park

(0km) Centennial Glen Rd Carpark → Int. Walls Ledge Track and Centennial Glen Rd Carpark Trk

1.1 km

25 mins

-70m Moderate track

From the car park, this walk heads to the service trail gate parallel with the road (approximately in line with the end of the grassy median strip) and then onto the trail behind. The track passes through the heath for a while until it nears the cliff edge and narrows. The walk continues around the hill through the heath for some time to then begin a descent over a rocky surface with cut-in stairs. The track winds right, keeping with the cliffline while looking out to the valley on the left. Be mindful of climbers and falling objects along these cliffs. The cliffline disappears behind scrub as the track reaches a man-made basin filled by drips from the cliff roof above. The track rounds out of this glen to climb up the hill, through heath to the signposted intersection.

(1km) Int. Walls Ledge Track and Centennial Glen Rd Carpark Trk → Centennial Glen Waterfall Trk

130 m

5 mins

11m

-18m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk keeps the valley on the left as the track soon meets the cliffs, coming to the intersection, where there is a rock with direction arrows painted on it.
Veer left: From the painted rock, this walk follows the 'Porters Pass' arrow[1], heading down the hill with views of Kanimbla Valley to the left. The hill tends right for approximately 50m before coming to an unsignposted intersection above stairs.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs (cut into the rock), soon passing under a railing bar. The walk comes to a landing in the staircase, just above a creek coming out of the canyon.

(1km) Centennial Glen Waterfall Trk → Centennial Glen Waterfall

30 m

1 mins

0m Hard track

Turn sharp right: From the stairs, this walk heads away from the landing along a less-defined path, into the canyon. The track leads to a rock ledge which follows the creek (below on the left) for approximately 50m to the pool before a waterfall. (Alternatively, a wetter track follows the cliff for approximately 30m to drop to the left, into the creek, and continue to the waterfall). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(1km) Centennial Glen Waterfall Trk → Porters Pass

1.3 km

49 mins

177m

-207m Hard track

Continue straight: From the landing, this walk follows the canyon creek (on the right) downstream, taking the railed stairs down the canyon wall. The walk then crosses through large rocks to the cliff on the other side of the pass. The track then winds along the bottom of the cliffline, which it keeps on the right. After approximately 1km, the walk heads into a pass in the cliffs then leaves the cliffline, crossing a few rocks with railings over them to climb up the side of Porters Pass. The track passes between two large trees and comes to a creek (before some stairs).

(3km) Porters Pass → Burton Ave

610 m

18 mins

157m

-8m Hard track

Continue straight: From the creek, this walk leads up the steep rock steps, away from the rock overhang in the cliffs. The walk heads out of the gorge following a few flights of stairs, leading to an area above the gorge with views of the Kanimbla Valley (to the right). The track meanders up the hill for approximately 100m, coming to a few tracks which all lead up the hill to the same rocky outcrop. The walk follows any of these tracks up the hill, until above the large rocky outcrop.
Continue straight: From the rocky outcrop, this walk leads up the stairs, with the valley behind. After approximately 50m, the walk comes to an unsigned intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill along the track, with views of the valley to the right. The walk heads down the steps then levels out briefly before continuing up the hill to the end of Burton Ave.

(3km) End of Burton St → Blue Mountains Christian School Gate

440 m

9 mins

17m

-3m Very easy

Continue straight: From the end of Burton Ave, this walk heads up the hill, following the power lines to Kanimbla Rd. At Kanimbla Rd, the walk turns right and continues to the gates of Blue Mountains Christian School (cnr Thirroul Ave).

(4km) Blue Mountains Christian School Gate → Fort Rock

770 m

18 mins

12m

-55m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the front entrance of Blue Mountains Christian School, this walk passes through the school gate, keeping the playing field to the right. The walk heads toward toward the power pole, down the bush track on the left. The track heads down a slight hill shaded by some large pine trees, then rises up to pass by a playground. The walk then does down into an area of heath, and after approximately 300m, comes to the clearing below Fort Rock.

Fort Rock

Fort Rock, Blue Mountains National Park, is a formation of rock that sits alone in solitude above Centennial Glen valley. It looks very similar to a rook chess piece. From the top of the rock, there are stunning views over the Megalong Valley and Kanimbla Valley.

(4km) Fort Rock → Cliff West of Fort Rock

210 m

5 mins

-46m Experienced only

Turn right: From the clearing below Fort Rock, this walk heads towards the views of the valley. The track continues through the heath for approximately 100m along the most worn of the tracks to the rocky outcrop on the edge of the cliff. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

(4km) Fort Rock → Int. Fort Rock Trk and Centennial Pass Trk

130 m

4 mins

-20m Moderate track

Veer left: From Fort Rock, this walk heads down the hill towards the rocky outcrops in the valley below and the houses above. The track descends steps through the thick heath vegetation for approximately 50m. The walk then comes to a rocky outcrop, and crosses this to where 'Porters Pass' and 'Fort Rock' have been hand-painted on the rock.

(5km) Int. Fort Rock Trk and Centennial Pass Trk → Int. Walls Ledge Track and Centennial Pass Trk

540 m

18 mins

23m

-87m Moderate track

Veer right: From the rocky surface, this walk follows the arrow to 'Porters Pass' down the hill. The track heads down through thick heath to come to a set of stairs in a narrow pass. The walk leads down the stairs to a clearer area, lined with cliffs. The track keeps with the cliffs on the left to wind into Centennial Glen with a waterfall over the track. The track continues to follow the cliffs on the left to a boulder marked in white paint 'Porters Pass'.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the clearing below the cliffs (left of the track) for approximately 50m. The track comes to an intersection marked by two rocks, with 'Centennial Glen' and 'Porters Pass' painted on them.

(5km) Int. Walls Ledge Track and Centennial Pass Trk → Centennial Glen Rd Carpark

310 m

12 mins

73m

-2m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk keeps the valley on the right as the track soon leaves the cliffs to meander around the hillside, coming to the steps on the left.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs that round the rocky outcrop (on the left). The walk winds up to look out over the Kanimbla Valley before continuing up through the heath for a short time to the car park.

Maps for the Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, Centennial Glen Circuit walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, Centennial Glen Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, Centennial Glen Circuit

Altitude analysis for Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, Centennial Glen Circuit

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.4 km
		Time	3 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

4.9km of this walk has short steep hills and another 440m is flat with no steps. The remaining (65m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

3.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.8km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (440m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

3.5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.3km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (530m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.3km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

3.5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1.3km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (530m) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, Centennial Glen Circuit walk.

Walls Ledge (Short)

1.4 km Circuit, 45 mins

This is a short but sweet circuit walk above, then below, the cliff line. The track passes under the cliff line for some time, with views over the Kanimbla Valley. Climbers will love the great access to the walls, while walkers will enjoy the scenery and flowers in the heath.

Total climbing: 72m

Moderate track

Fort Rock

1.6 km Return, 1 Hr

The track to Fort Rock is a short walk and gives a taste of what lies beneath the cliff line. The walk is a return journey from the end of Bundarra St, directly to Fort Rock. From the top of the rock you can see into the Kanimbla Valley, and, by taking the side trip out to the cliff line west of For

Total climbing: 117m

Moderate track

Walls Ledge (Long) Track

2.3 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This extended version of the Walls Ledge Track begins at Bundarra St and continues down past a side trip to Fort Rock. The track sports a small waterfall and some cliff-base walking. It also rises above to follow the same cliffs back to Centennial Rd car park. The track takes in awesome scenes of th

Total climbing: 128m

Moderate track

Collier's Causeway

3.1 km One way, 2 hrs

Collier's Causeway is a fantastic walk with many views of the Kanimbla Valley and varied scenery. The track mostly travels under the imposing cliffs between Centennial Glen and Porters Pass, with waterfalls, ferny glens and heath flowers along the way. The track is a great one-way trip from Bundarra

Total climbing: 380m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, Centennial Glen Circuit walk.

Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

8.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk is an excellent way to see some of Blackheath's best views, without the big climbs in and out of the Grose Valley. The round trip from the station shows off Bridal Falls, and other cascades along the cliffs. A large part of this walk is near the cliff edge, with stunning views spanning out

Total climbing: 375m

Hard track

Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen)

18.2 km Circuit, 8 hrs 30 mins

This circuit starts in Blackheath and heads down into the Grand Canyon and Rodriguez Pass. The track goes through a wide variety of ecosystems and changing views along the way. An interesting part of this walk is the change in mood of the cliffs that surround the Grose Valley as the light conditions

Total climbing: 1254m

Hard track

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope's Glen Track

15.6 km Circuit, 7 hrs 30 mins

This walk is a fantastic way to see many of the highlights of this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. The only major descent and climb on the walk is on the section through the Grand Canyon, which is an experience in itself, especially if you've never been in a canyon before. The track then c

Total climbing: 913m

Hard track

Govetts Leap Loop

8.7 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk, from Blackheath Train Station, is a fantastic way to see some of the iconic areas of the Blue Mountains in the Blackheath area. The walk heads through Pope's Glen to Govetts Leap via a wonderful stroll along the creek, before breaking out to the views of the Grose Valley. The stunning vie

Total climbing: 380m

Hard track

Blackheath to Blue Gum loop

24.1 km Circuit, 2 Days

This walk is great for fit people getting into overnight walking, with its fantastic scenery and nostalgia as a classic overnighter. The change from being on the plateau, to in the valley is a dramatic one as the track passes through the bush, canyon and rainforest. Staying the night near Blue Gum F

Total climbing: 1335m

Hard track

Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

13.6 km Circuit, 8 hrs

This large circuit walk, from Popes Glen to Pulpit Rock, Govetts leap and along the Braeside Track, passes some of the most magnificent scenery in this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. From little, hidden places, like Boyds Beach, to the stunning Bridle Veil Falls and Govetts Leap Lookout,

Total climbing: 1068m

Hard track

Braeside Walk

2.5 km Return, 1 Hr

The Braeside Walk is an excellent connecting trail to the Cliff Top walk, between Evans and Govetts Lookouts. The track has its own quiet picnic area, which could make a nice spot for lunch along this creekside walk. The track builds up to its climax at Barrows Lookout, overlooking the Grose Valley

Total climbing: 72m

Hard track

Fairfax Heritage Circuit Track

2.4 km Circuit, 1 Hr

The Fairfax Track is an easy circuit walk that wanders through the forests behind the cliffs of the Grose Valley. The track passes George Phillips lookout, with its magnificent views over the Grose Valley. There are also similar views from the more popular Govetts Leap Lookout. The track has many b

Total climbing: 65m

Very easy

Fairfax Heritage Track

1.9 km One way, 45 mins

The Fairfax Heritage Track is an easy stroll, and wheelchair accessible walk, through the a lovely open forest. The walk leads from the NPWS visitor information centre downhill to the stunning views from George Phillips and Govetts Leap lookouts. There are bench seats to rest on and wonderful shelte

Total climbing: 17m

Very easy

George Phillips Lookout walk

588 m Return, 30 mins

On this short and easy walk, you will explore two lookouts with stunning views down the Grose Valley. Starting from the car park, you really should make the short side trip through the stone arch to Govetts Leap Lookout. The main walk follows the well-formed footpath through the bush up to the less

Total climbing: 18m

Very easy

Govetts Leap Descent

1.2 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting with spectacular views of Govetts Leap from Govetts Leap Lookout, this walk sweeps down to the base of the falls. The walk down is showered by drips from the moist moss hanging off the cliffs above. A spectacular track with equally awesome views across the Grose Valley, the walk is steep an

Total climbing: 366m

Hard track

Pulpit Rock Track

3.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk takes you from Govetts Leap lookout, around the cliff tops, to Pulpit Rock lookout. The walk passes many lookouts, each giving their own unique perspective of the Grose Valley's dramatic cliff line and waterfalls. The walk down to the lower platform of Pulpit Rock is via a set of steep st

Total climbing: 506m

Hard track