There are an abundance of hiking trails in the Blue Mountains National Park, a breathtaking area west of Sydney and home to the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. This memorable hike started near Wentworth Falls, with our sights set on reaching the Kedumba Campground, but knowing that if we didn’t make it there by 1:00 pm, we’d have to turn back. Here’s the story of that day, filled with misty views, native wildlife, and some serious climbs.
A Hike in the Kedumba Valley
- When: 2 November 2024
- Where: Blue Mountains National Park.
- Weather: Misty day with a 30% chance of rain in the morning, with a low of 52.7 F (14C) and a high of 64.4 F (18 C) It felt warmer.
- Departure: Starting at Kings Tableland Rd and finishing at the junction of Kedumba Valley Rd and Tablelands Rd, Wenthworth Falls.
- Length: 11.5 miles, 18.5 km
- Elevation gain: 3228 ft, 984 m
- Duration: 6 hours 38 minutes, including breaks, moving time of 5 hours 46 minutes.
Starting Out
After organizing a car shuffle, our group of 18 gathered at the trailhead. We left our vehicles at the finish point and headed down a narrow bush track just off the dirt road. The day was misty, and a shower the night before left everything damp, so we knew brushing against the wet foliage was unavoidable. About 10 minutes into the hike, we reached our first lookout at Double Hill. This spot usually offers great views of Mount Solitude, but that day, we saw nothing but mist.
Morning Tea at Lion’s Head
We continued along the ridge, where the narrow trail gently sloped downwards. Spring flowers dotted the landscape, adding vibrant colors among the low bushes. As we hiked, the terrain shifted, and we soon found ourselves walking through eucalyptus forest. Our morning tea break was at Lion’s Head, where we had hoped to see deep into the valley and across to Mount Solitude. Instead, the mist lingered, wrapping everything in a quiet, mysterious veil.
Heading Down to Kedumba Campground
After our break, we retraced our steps briefly before reaching the start of a steep descent to Kedumba Campground. This section of the trail was narrow, slippery, and steep, demanding careful attention to each step. We relied on the “three points of contact” rule here, making sure to stay steady on the uneven ground. Eventually, after the steep descent and a short bush bash we entered onto a large grassy clearing at Kedumba. There, we were greeted by kangaroos and wallabies grazing peacefully nearby. This was our lunch spot, and the presence of these animals made it truly special.
The Final Climb Out
After lunch, we spotted a wombat warren before beginning the demanding climb out. The path was a fire trail, which sounded straightforward, but it came with a 700-meter ascent. This climb was relentless, seemingly endless, as it stretched uphill into the mist. After nearly two hours of steady upward hiking, we finally emerged at the end of the trail around 3:07 pm. On our way out, I spotted my first Waratah for the season. A striking red flower that’s the floral emblem of New South Wales and part of the Proteaceae family.
My Final Thoughts
The highlight of this hike was encountering kangaroos. Seeing them in the wild is rare, as they’re elusive and cautious around people. We managed to get relatively close but kept a respectful distance, knowing that they can be powerful if threatened.
The final climb was intense, but the sense of accomplishment at the top made every step worthwhile. It’s the challenges and rewards like this that make hiking such an unforgettable adventure. Happy hiking!
If you have any questions or comments about this hike, please leave them below.