This hike, located in the Blue Mountains National Park west of Sydney, began near Blackheath and focused on Hat Hill Gorge with its creek and Hat Hill itself. The adventure was divided into three sections, each offering something unique. You can read about my previous hike here.
Hiking Adventure for 20 November 24
- When: 20 November 2024
- Where: Blue Mountains National Park in the Hat Hill Gorge
- Weather: Sunny spring day with no rain forcast with a low of 55.4F (13C) and a high of 82.4 F (28 C) .
- Departure: From Goodson Road at 10:30 am and Hat Hill Road at 4:30 pm
- Length: 7.5 miles, 12 km ( excluding the drive from Goodson Rd to Hat Hill Rd)
- Elevation gain: 1978.3 ft, 602.98 m
- Duration: 6 hours 4 minutes, including breaks, moving time of 4 hours 56 minutes.
A Late Start and Morning Tea by the Creek
Our group of nine got off to a later start than planned due to some public transport delays. After a drive to Goodson Road, we finally set off at 10:30 am—later than ideal for a summer hike. The cicadas were already in full swing, their distinctive chorus filling the air, as we started along a fire trail.
Soon, we turned onto a narrow but clear track bordered by blooming wildflowers. We stopped for a glimpse of Teazing Falls, Teazing because they are difficult to see or reach, yet can be clearly heard. About 30 minutes of easy descent brought us to Hat Hill Creek, where we stopped for a break. This shallow creek nourished lush greenery along its banks, creating a cool, peaceful spot—perfect for morning tea.
A Second Look at the Gorge
After our break, we retraced our steps back towards the cars. Four of us opted for a detour on a well-marked side trail to another lookout, offering a more striking view of the gorge. From this vantage point, we admired the dramatic rock faces opposite, a stunning glimpse of the Blue Mountains’ rugged beauty.
Lunch at Wallace’s Lookout
Back at the cars, we drove a short distance to the next trailhead: Wallace’s Lookout. The hike here was easy, with mostly flat terrain. Along the way, we stumbled across the remains of a hut once occupied by William Andrew Murphy, known as “The Hermit of Hat Hill,” who lived here from 1913 to 1926.
Reaching Wallace’s Lookout, we were greeted by breathtaking views Govett Gorge below —a constant reminder of how spectacular the Australian wilderness can be. On the return journey, we made a quick detour to check out the rusty remnants of a steam engine, used in the 1920s for logging. These relics were a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history, a time when bush work was far from easy.
Hat Hill and the Gorge: The Final Stretch
The last section of the hike was the toughest and, in hindsight, one we should’ve tackled first. After crossing the road, we began our climb up Hat Hill. Its distinctive rocky outcrop, visible from afar, marked our destination.
The climb up was manageable, but the descent on the other side required caution, as the steep, slippery trail demanded careful footing. Gradually, some of our group decided to skip the challenging hike down into the gorge, leaving just four of us to continue.
The effort was worth it. Reaching the gorge, we were rewarded with a lush paradise of ferns and hanging gardens clinging to the rock face. I cooled off by dipping my hat and hiking towel in the creek’s calm waters—a refreshing moment in this tranquil spot.
The climb back out was steep, as expected, but we pressed on and returned to Hat Hill’s summit. Standing on the rocky outcrop, we took in sweeping views in all directions—a satisfying end to the hard work.
From here, it was an easy walk back to the cars, marking the close of a memorable hike in a less-traveled part of the Blue Mountains.
My Final Thoughts
This hike, though seemingly easy at first, offered a real challenge with the climb and descent into the gorge. The constant hum of cicadas, the rugged views, and the peaceful beauty of Hat Hill Creek made it a truly rewarding day.
If you’re looking for a hike that combines history, nature, and a bit of a challenge, Hat Hill Gorge is well worth exploring. Happy hiking!
Any questions or comments, can be left here. Thank you.