Sometimes Plan B turns out to be just what you need. With our original hike cancelled due to wet weather and trail closures, we opted for a spontaneous adventure through the Lower Blue Mountains—and it delivered a few unexpected gems, including a Star Wars-themed rock.
Valley Heights to Warimoo Hike Ddetails
- When: 28 May 2025
- Where: Lower Blue Mountains, NSW. Starting at Valley Heights train station and finishing at Warimoo Station
- Weather: Mild and sunny autumn day with a low of 46.4°F (8°C) and a high of 66.2°F (19°C)
- Length: 13 km (8 miles)
- Elevation Gain: ~280 m (920 ft)
- Duration: Around 4.5 hours moving time
- Difficulty: Grade 3 – Moderate
- Track Type: Fire trails, footpads, and well-defined walking tracks
- Terrain: Some steep sections, creek crossing, bushland, open forest
- Highlights: Unusual rock formations – Darth Vader Rock
The Start
Our group met at Valley Heights Station, a small stop in the lower part of the Blue Mountains, and walked a short distance to the trailhead on Wyoming Road. A fire trail led us through The Chase and onward to Sun Valley Road, taking us into Sun Valley Reserve—a peaceful stretch of parkland.
From here, we joined Rosenthal Lane, a well-defined descending track that follows the line of Valley Heights Creek. It didn’t take long to feel like we were deep in the bush, with only the sound of birds and the occasional squelch of damp earth underfoot.
We soon connected with the Sun Valley Fire Trail, where we stopped for a quick morning tea break on a grassy verge. Then it was onwards to something a little unusual…
The Quest for Darth Vader Rock
Our hike leader had heard whispers of a unique rock formation that looked uncannily like Darth Vader’s helmet. Curiosity got the better of us, and we decided to go check it out.
To get there, we had to cross Fitzgeralds Creek, which, thanks to recent rain, was running a little higher and faster than usual. Only five of us braved the crossing, using rocks and careful footing to make our way across.
The track from there turned into more of a footpad—narrow, faint, and overgrown in places. We passed another rock formation I dubbed “Jaws”—a jagged, open-mouthed stone that looked like a shark ready to strike.
Following the base of a large outcrop, we finally reached our destination. And yes—Darth Vader Rock lived up to the hype!
After soaking it in, we retraced our steps and rejoined the rest of our group, who had patiently waited on the other side of the creek.
Climbing Out of the Valley
That creek crossing marked the lowest point of the hike, and from there it was a steady, gradual climb. The trail wound through open forest and intersected with several mountain biking paths—this area is a real hub for riders, and it’s easy to take a wrong turn. Which we did!
After a quick backtrack, we found our way onto Rickards Trail, which led us toward our lunch stop at Warimoo Lookout. It’s a natural rocky platform overlooking the valley that cradles Fitzgeralds Creek—a peaceful spot to refuel and enjoy the view.
Looping Back to Warimoo Station
Rickards Trail is undulating and weaves back and forth. At one junction, most of our group chose the shorter route directly back to Warimoo Station, but six of us opted for a longer path with a bit of adventure.
We took an off-track shortcut, bush-bashing through light scrub until we reconnected with the main trail. From there, we followed it to Rickard Road, and after a short roadside walk, we arrived at Warimoo Station.
Flora and Fauna
This hike winds through classic Lower Blue Mountains bushland, offering a variety of native flora and fauna along the way. You’ll walk beneath towering eucalypts, spot patches of grass trees (Xanthorrhoea), and pass through open woodland dotted with wattles and banksias—many of which burst into bloom in late winter and spring. Keep an eye (and ear) out for Eastern whipbirds, laughing kookaburras, and the occasional sulphur-crested cockatoo screeching overhead. You may also spot swamp wallabies near the creek and sharp-eyed hikers might even glimpse a goanna or lyrebird if the trail is quiet.
Track Conditions
The trail from Valley Heights to Warimoo consists mainly of well-maintained fire trails and clearly defined walking tracks, making navigation fairly straightforward. That said, recent rain had made sections near Fitzgeralds Creek muddy and a little slippery, especially at the creek crossing—which was flowing higher than usual. Good hiking shoes are a must. Some areas had loose gravel or rocky outcrops, particularly near the off-track route to Darth Vader Rock. While most of the elevation gain is gradual, there are a few steady climbs that can get the heart pumping. Overall, it’s a moderate hike with a few adventurous elements, especially if you’re heading off the main trail.
My Final Thoughts
After a week of rain and no hiking, it felt amazing to stretch the legs and get out into the bush again. Was this the most scenic or spectacular hike I’ve done? No—but given the number of track closures, it was a great alternative and still offered that sense of discovery we hikers all love.
And let’s be honest—any day that involves creek crossings, mystery rocks, and a Darth Vader sighting in the wild is a good day in my book.Discover a scenic 12 km (7.5 mi) loop hike from Valley Heights to Warimoo in the Lower Blue Mountains. Includes a creek crossing and the quirky Darth Vader Rock.
Have you come across unusual rock formations when hiking? Leave the details here.