Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

2 km Circuit

170 m

Moderate track

This walk is relatively short and takes in some magnificent views. The walk visits Olympian, Bridal Veil View and Tarpeian Lookouts, which are all perched high on top of the cliffs. A great walk, exploring some of the quieter, but still very spectacular, lookouts in the Blue Mountains.

(0km) Cliff Drive → Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk Tarpeian Rock Track

170 m

5 mins

-23m Easy track

From the Cliff Drive, one house west from Olympian Parade, this walk follows the 'Tarpeian Rock' signpost along the bush track, following the sandstone wall. The track soon passes the 'Blue Mountains National Park' sign as it winds through the bush for a short while, then winds down a hill that gradually gets a little steeper as it approaches the intersection of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk at the 'Leura Cascades' sign.

(0km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk Tarpeian Rock Track → Tarpeian Rock

50 m

1 mins

-7m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Tarpeian Rock' sign along the bush track, heading through the dense scrub for a short distance before coming to the Tarpeian Rock lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Tarpeian Rock

Tarpeian Rock is a great lookout, suspended high on a sandstone buttress, with circular patterns under foot. The view from the lookout extends from Kings Tableland on the left, to the 'back' of the Three Sisters and into Jamison Valley on the right. There are also great views across to Mount Solitary, Narrow Neck Plateau and the Ruined Castle. The name is derived from the Roman 'Tarpeian Rock', a steep cliff rocky point overlooking the Roman forum that was used as a place to execute people. Thankfully, this Tarpeian Rock has a much more peaceful feel about it. More info.

(0km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk Tarpeian Rock Track → Olympian Lookout

520 m

15 mins

44m

-62m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Gordon Falls' sign down the wooden steps and along the track. Notice the environment change to rainforest as the track winds around the valley down to the right. The walk follows the base of some tall rock overhangs, then climbs up a long set of wooden steps that continue on to rock steps, coming to 'Olympian Rock' lookout.

Olympian Lookout

Olympian Lookout is a fenced lookout, just off the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, near Olympian Pde in Leura. The lookout is on a sloped, natural sandstone surface and has some steps cut to help improve access. The lookout is right at the edge of the cliff and provides a great view across the Jamison Valley, out to Mount Solitary. The 'back' of the Three Sisters, and also Narrow Neck, are both visible on the right, and Sublime Point on the left.

(1km) Olympian Lookout → Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk Tarpeian Rock Track

520 m

15 mins

62m

-44m Moderate track

Turn around: From the lookout, the walk heads down the rock steps, keeping the valley down to the left. The walk continues down the long set of wooden steps. At the bottom of the stairs, the walk follows the track, which winds along the side of the hill. The track follows the base of some rock overhangs, and continues through the forest before climbing up another set of wooden stairs to the signposted intersection with the 'Tarpeian Rock' track.

(1km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Tarpeian Rock Track → Bridal Veil View lookout

310 m

8 mins

11m

-30m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Leura Cascades' signpost down the rocky hill and through the dense forest until coming to the signposted intersection with the Bridal Veil lookout track.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Bridal View Lookout' sign along the track, heading out towards the cliffs for a short while before winding down a set of metal stairs to the signposted 'Bridal Veil View' lookout.

Bridal Veil View Lookout

The Bridal Veil View is a small, fenced lookout at the base of a flight of stairs in the south-west corner of Leura. The lookout has a natural sandstone floor and provides superb, unobstructed view of the Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are about 150m away, and looking down from the top, the Bridal Veil likeness is apparent. The falls run most of the time, but are most spectacular after rain.

(2km) Bridal Veil View lookout → Cliff Drive

480 m

13 mins

53m

-11m Moderate track

Turn around: From the lookout, the walk heads up away from the cliffs, winding up a metal staircase. The walk then follows a track for a short while before coming to the intersection of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Gordon Falls' sign along the bush track, winding through the dense bush for a short while before gradually climbing up a gentle hill to the signposted intersection of the Tarpeian Rock track.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the unsignposted bush track heading up the hill opposite the Tarpeian Rock track. The track climbs to the top of the hill, where it flattens out. The track then continues through the bush for a short while before passing a 'Blue Mountains National Park' signpost and coming onto Cliff Drive. The track comes out next to a house just west of Olympian Parade.

Maps for the Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk 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.

Six Foot Track	1:50 000 Map Series	Six Foot Track	NSW-six-foot-track
Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk

Altitude analysis for Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk

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	2 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 1.4km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 560m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 950m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.3km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 730m 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 Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk walk.

Tarpeian Rock

432 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk starts from Cliff Rd in Leura and heads out to Tarpeian Rock Lookout, crossing over Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The lookout provides breathtaking views down the Jamison Valley and along the Kings Tableland to Mount Solitary. The floor of the lookout is interesting in it's own right, w

Total climbing: 31m

Easy track

Bridal Veil View Lookout Leura

954 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk from Cliff Drive, Leura, heads out to pretty Bridal Veil View Lookout. At the base of a staircase, the lookout provides great views of Bridal Veil Falls. There is also an optional side trip to Tarpeian Rock, which is well worth the extra time, providing great views up the Jamison v

Total climbing: 64m

Moderate track

Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve

1.8 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

From Leura Park to Gordon Falls Park, this diverse walk offers fantastic views of the Jamison Valley, as well as two great side trips down to some smaller waterfalls. Don't be fooled by their size - they are quite beautiful. Be sure to allow extra time for the side trips (especially Gordon Falls),

Total climbing: 200m

Moderate track

Carrington Park to Bridal View Lookout

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores the area around the wonderful Leura Cascades. The track includes many of the great viewing points for the falls. The walk also provides some other great views out across the Jamison Valley. A wonderful walk to enjoy the Bridal View lookout.

Total climbing: 224m

Moderate track

Leura Park to Gordon Falls Lookout

3.6 km Return, 2 hrs

Starting at Leura Park, this walk passes above Leura Cascades before working its way along the route of Prince Henry's Cliff Walk. The walk winds past many lookouts with brilliant views over the Jamison Valley. The views are even more exceptional from the turn-around point at Gordon Falls Lookout.

Total climbing: 380m

Moderate track

Leura to Katoomba via Dardanelles Pass

6.6 km One way, 4 hrs

With approximately equal parts cliff-walk and forest track, this track truly shows what the cliff edges of the Jamison Valley have to offer, especially at Tarpeian and Fossil Rocks. There is a beautiful descent into the valley, as well as the mystique of Leura Forest, and a number of great spots to

Total climbing: 697m

Hard track

The Prince Henry Cliff Walk

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

Going from Katoomba to Leura, this walk covers the top of the cliff line and most of the major lookouts. With brilliant vistas all along the way, the views of the Jamison Valley are truly amazing. Time should be set aside to dawdle along the cliffs and soak up the serenity of the cliffs.

Total climbing: 575m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk walk.

Solitary Kiosk and Restaurant to Copelands Lookout

570 m Return, 20 mins

Starting from Solitary Restaurant on Cliff Drive in Leura, this track heads down to the historic Copelands Lookout, providing great views across Jamison Valley. Copelands Lookout is a fairly large lookout with a natural sandstone floor and hand-built sandstone walls. This one way of enjoying great

Total climbing: 57m

Moderate track

Solitary Restaurant to Fossil Rock

150 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk starts at Solitary Restaurant on Cliff Drive, and soon arrives at the lookout at Fossil Rock, with great views down the valley. If you are feeling a bit more energetic, there is an optional side trip to Bridal Veil Lookout, giving great views of the Bridal Veil waterfall. This walk

Total climbing: 19m

Moderate track

Federal Pass

4.4 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

The Federal Pass is an excellent track that guides you past much of Katoomba's iconic scenery. The walk starts from Cliff Drive, in Leura, and winds into the Jamison Valley, exploring Leura Forest and passing the base of the Three Sisters. The walk follows the historic Federal Pass beneath Katoomba

Total climbing: 433m

Hard track

Solitary Kiosk Loop

9.4 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

This is a great walk, with much to offer photographers and those who only have a day in Katoomba. The walk descends into the valley from Solitary Kiosk before climbing up the scenic (and steep) Furber steps and soaking up the views around the rim of the valley. A great way to take in both the valley

Total climbing: 1009m

Hard track

Solitary Restaurant to Jamieson Lookout

308 m Return, 15 mins

Starting near Solitary Restaurant in Leura, this walk heads into the bush passing Echo Tree Lookout. The track the follows the Prince Henry track to Federal Pass, soon coming to Jamiesons Lookout. Jamiesons Lookout provides a great view across the valley, with a bench seat to help you rest and tak

Total climbing: 21m

Moderate track

Olympian Lookout

296 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk from Leura descends many steps as it heads down to the top of the escarpment, overlooking the Jamison Valley. The lookout is fenced and there is an bench seat to enjoy the view from.

Total climbing: 58m

Moderate track

Leura Cascades Circuit

844 m Circuit, 30 mins

Following Leura Creek down to a beautiful small waterfall, this is one of the prettiest short walks in the Leura area. Sit under the overhang and watch as the falls cascade down around you, then climb to great views of the Leura cliffline, before this circuit track leads back to the park.

Total climbing: 62m

Moderate track

Round Walk- (Leura Cascades Loop)

844 m Circuit, 30 mins

This is a short walk out from the beautiful Leura Park. The walk heads past cliffs, the cascades, large ferns and even a historic bridge. The walk is a great one to do between meals at a picnic. Leura Cascades themselves are a great set of waterfalls, and worth taking the camera for.

Total climbing: 62m

Moderate track

Leura Park to Copelands Lookout

1.5 km Return, 1 Hr

The walk out to Copelands Lookout and back is a walk with some variety. The track winds down past some cascades, then past some views into the Jamison Valley and then another view of the cascades. This walk is capped off with the view from Copelands Lookout before returning to Leura Park.

Total climbing: 99m

Moderate track

Lyrebird Dell walk

538 m Return, 30 mins

Lyrebird Dell is a glorious and culturally significant location in the Blue Mountains. This walk follows the shortest route to the picnic area in a large sandstone cave. You will find the cave nestled into the hillside beside a lovely waterfall. The cave enjoys a long history with the traditional o

Total climbing: 38m

Moderate track

Leura Oval to End of Gladstone Rd

1.6 km One way, 1 Hr

The walk from Leura Oval to Gladstone Rd is a fantastic way of exploring a small section of the Blue Mountains National Park. You will visit number of scenic spots including the Pool of Siloam and Golf Links Lookout. The cave, picnic area and waterfall at Lyrebird Dell make this a nice place to sto

Total climbing: 115m

Moderate track

Elysian Rock Lookout track

222 m Return, 15 mins

From Olympic Pde next to Leuralla Gardens in Leura, this short walk heads down to Elysian Rock Lookout, a fenced, small narrow lookout sitting high on the cliff edge. There are great view across the valley to Mount Solitary, the 'back' of the Three Sisters and to Narrow Neck.

Total climbing: 26m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk walk starts and ends at the Cliff Drive (gps: -33.722330, 150.32586)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.

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