Mt Hay and Hay Monolith

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

4.6 km Circuit

273 m

Hard track

This walk combines the Mt Hay and Hay Monolith trails. The track takes in the best of the exposed ridges, with views into the swamps and the Grose Valley. Walkers will pass by many rock formations and wild flowers in the low heath. The summit of Mt Hay does not give views of the region, but the track up showcases the surrounding scenery.

The rare Pink Flannel Flower (Actinotus forsythii) AKA Ridge Flannel Flower

Overgrown service trail to Mt Hay in the background

(0km) Mt Hay car park → Int. Valley Trk and Hay Wall Trk

590 m

13 mins

26m

-21m Moderate track

From the car park, this walk heads past the gap in the train track-style fencing, passing a sign for 'Butterbox Canyon'. The track traverses the saddle to rise up onto a flat area, continuing for approximately 20m to an intersection with a track to the left.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the rocky outcrop, keeping the ridgeline above and right of the track. After approximately 300m, the track leads away from the hill on the left, heading onto a low heath area (with the hill behind). The walk continues for approximately 50m towards the Grose Valley, coming to an intersection.

(1km) Int. Valley Trk and Hay Wall Trk → Int. Hay Wall Trk and Hay Monolith summit Trk

240 m

5 mins

-18m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down hill towards a small castle of rock, Mt Hay Monolith. The walk keeps the main valley to the right of the track. The track soon heads down some rocky surfaces to continue into a saddle. The walk heads across the saddle to a small, spherical cave (to the left of the track).
Veer right: From the spherical cave, this walk keeps the rock to the left of the track, heading towards the valley. The track leads around the base of the cliffs for approximately 80m before coming to a grassy pass into the cliff (on the left).

(1km) Int. Hay Wall Trk and Hay Monolith summit Trk → Hay Monolith summit

80 m

3 mins

16m

-2m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up through the grassy pass in the rock, away from the valley. The track leads across the plateau through the low heath, passing a track (on the right) after approximately 50m. The walk soon comes to a flat rock with two bolts in it, where there are stunning views over the Grose Valley. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

(1km) Int. Hay Wall Trk and Hay Monolith summit Trk → Hay Monolith West

150 m

5 mins

14m

-25m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads around the cliffs (keeping them on the left of the track, and the Grose Valley to the right). After approximately 50m, the walk passes another track (on the left, heading up the monolith). This walk continues around the base of the cliffs and above the valley for approximately 100m, to the intersection in front of a fin-shaped rock.

(1km) Hay Monolith West → Hay Wall Lookout

250 m

8 mins

-64m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, leaving the Hay Monolith behind and nearing the rim of the valley (on the right). The track passes a large, grey, rounded rock formation on the right, heading in the direction of the cliff edge, to a rocky point on the right of two banksia bushes, with stunning views of the valley. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(1km) Hay Monolith West → Rock Flat

410 m

9 mins

34m

-13m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down over some rocky surfaces (with the cliffs to the left and valley behind). The track continues below the cliffs, passing a few small caves on the left. After a short time, this walk rounds the hillside to a spherical cave on the left of the intersection, and a saddle to the right.
Turn right: From the spherical cave, this walk traverses a grassy saddle, keeping the valley to the left of the track. The track climbs up some rocky surfaces, then heads east up the spur line, coming to the intersection in the low heath.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads across the hillside, keeping the main valley below to the left, and the hill to the right of the track. The walk reaches a rock surface and tends right towards the intersection.

(1km) Rock Flat → Int. Swamp View Trk and Mt Hay Trk

470 m

9 mins

-21m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up onto the ridgeline, with Mt Hay to the left of the track. The track then follows the ridgeline, undulating slightly for approximately 200m before dropping down the intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the overgrown management trail up the hill, keeping the rocky outcrops on the hill to the left and the large hill, Mt Hay, directly ahead of the track. The track heads down to an unsigned intersection.

(2km) Int. Swamp View Trk and Mt Hay Trk → Mt Hay summit

1.2 km

33 mins

133m

-30m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the management trail towards Mt Hay, with the Grose valley some distance off to the left. The trail tends right for approximately 50m to a rocky surface, where the track rounds a rock outcrop on the right-hand side. The trail slowly winds down the hill and across a saddle protected by trees. The walk then turns into a single track up the hill leading to Mt Hay. The track heads up to a small knoll and continues to an informal lookout marked by a prominent rock feature on the left.
Continue straight: From the ribbed rock feature lookout, this walk heads around a rocky outcrop to lead up the hill, keeping the Grose valley some distance off to the left. The walk leads up the hill through the trees to climb two small rock surfaces - These are marked by small cairns. The track continues up the hill, passing a rock landing on the left covered by moss. The walk heads up through a grassy area where the track becomes undefined. The walk continues for approximately 100m up the hill to an area of soccer ball-sized rocks and grass. The track leads up past a knoll made by these rocks (the knoll is to the right of the track), coming to the large cairn on the summit.

Mt Hay

Mt Hay, Blue Mountains National Park, is a large basalt-capped mountain, which creates a more fertile environment for different plant species. The mountain is accessed by Mt Hay Rd, with a defined bush track which leads to the top. At the top of Mt Hay, there is a large cairn, made from basalt bricks from the surrounding prominent knoll, which is the highest point. Excellent views are gained into the Grose Valley, from the track up Mt Hay, however the summit itself does not have views, blocked by the tree canopy.

(3km) Mt Hay summit → Mt Hay car park

1.5 km

40 mins

48m

-146m Hard track

Turn around: From the cairn on the summit of Mt Hay, this walk heads south down the hill. The track continues approximately 100m down the hill through an area of soccer ball-sized rocks and grass. The walk heads down the hill to lead out of the grass, passing a rock landing (on the right) which is covered in moss. The track leads down the hill to descend two small rock surfaces which are marked by cairns. The track then tends right to a ribbed rock feature on the right.
Continue straight: From the rock feature (on the right), this walk heads down the hill with the Grose valley some distance off to the right of the track. The walk continues down a single track away from Mt Hay, leading across a saddle protected by trees, then follows an overgrown management trail which tends left around a rocky outcrop (on the right). The walk then tends right for approximately 50m to continue on to the intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the overgrown management trail up the hill, keeping the rocky outcrops of the hill to the right of the track. The track climbs over a small rise to descend to the unsigned intersection with a defined track on the right.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, keeping the rocky features on the right for approximately 20m to the intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the rocky outcrops on the hill to traverse the saddle and rise up to the car park.

Maps for the Mt Hay and Hay Monolith 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
Mount Wilson	1:25 000 Map Series	89301N MOUNT WILSON	NSW-89301N
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Mt Hay and Hay Monolith bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mt Hay and Hay Monolith

Altitude analysis for Mt Hay and Hay Monolith

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	4.6 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		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

Around 3.8km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 860m is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 2.4km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely, whilst the remaining 2.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 2.4km of this walk has minimal directional signs, whilst the remaining 2.2km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 2.4km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2.4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged), whilst the remaining 2.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Mt Hay and Hay Monolith walk.

Hay Monolith

2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk follows the exposed ridges of the Mt Hay area, taking in an interesting array of low heath, wildflowers and insects which add to the surrounding scenery. The track rounds the Hay Monolith, a large mass of rock that stands alone. An optional side trip offers views over the cliffs and to th

Total climbing: 102m

Moderate track

Mt Hay

3.1 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This is an excellent walk across the exposed ridges of the Mt Hay area. There are great views of the swamps below Mt Hay and further into the Grose Valley. The basalt-capped Mt Hay provides a change in vegetation towards the top of the hill, which also blocks the view from the top.

Total climbing: 194m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Mt Hay and Hay Monolith walk.

Lockley Pylon

6.8 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

Lockley Pylon Track is an outstanding walk, offering some amazing views and interesting side trips. From Mt Hay Rd, the walk passes the prominent features of the Pinnacles (with an optional side trip exploring these) and climbs to Lockley Pylon, which gives 360-degree views of the Mt Hay area and Gr

Total climbing: 338m

Hard track

Lockey Pylon to Blackheath Station

16.5 km One way, 2 Days

This walk starts in the low heath and cliff views of Lockley Pylon. The pylon, and other notable features, can be seen along the track, while the descent down to the Blue Gum Forest provides plenty of photographic opportunities. After camping overnight at Acacia Flats, the walk heads out via Govetts

Total climbing: 1295m

Hard track

Flat Top

1 km Return, 30 mins

The walk to the summit of Flat Top is a very short climb. A treat awaits at the summit, with a near-360 degree view of the surrounding valleys, including the Grose Valley. There are also great views to other features including Mt Hay and Lockley Pylon. The walk and mountain itself may be short, but

Total climbing: 46m

Moderate track

Fortress Ridge Trail

7.4 km Return, 3 hrs

A fantastic return walk with stunning views, this track leads along the Fortress Ridge, out to the cliffs above the Grose Valley. The views from the lookout and along the trail are superb, with the sheer cliffs and a deep valley to put it all in perspective. The track is popular with canyoners, who

Total climbing: 244m

Moderate track

Govetts Creek Lookout

2.9 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This side trail from Fortress Ridge provides access to a fantastic lookout with breathtaking views along the valley and of the amazing sandstone cliffs. The walk to the lookout is mostly along management trails through the lovely heath. The views from the lookout extend across the large valley (Gov

Total climbing: 115m

Moderate track

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

Cliff Top Track

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

The Cliff Top Track is a breath-taking walk around the edge of the Grose Valley, between Govetts Leap and Evans lookouts. The many lookouts along this track show off the stunning Grose Valley. The track also showcases Govetts Leap from close up, at Barrows Lookout, and further away, from Govetts Lea

Total climbing: 224m

Hard track

Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls)

1.4 km Return, 1 Hr

This walks starts from the spectacular Govetts Leap Lookout and wanders along the cliff tops, before dropping through a creek, to reach the much smaller Barrow lookout, with equally spectacular views. Barrow lookout provides the bonus of clear views of Bridal Veil falls (Govetts Leap brook). You ca

Total climbing: 106m

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Mt Hay and Hay Monolith walk starts and ends at the Mt Hay car park (gps: -33.629907, 150.40203)

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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