About
The Great West Walk is a 140 km walking route stretching from Parramatta to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Officially opened in October 2019, the walk traverses a varied landscape of protected Cumberland Plain woodland, local river systems, public parklands, Australia’s oldest architecture, some of Western Sydney’s most iconic urban landscapes.
The Great West Walk was mapped by The Walking Volunteers and delivered by local landholders including Blacktown City Council, Blue Mountains City Council, City of Parramatta Council, Penrith City Council, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Western Sydney Parklands Trust.
Other organisations who have supported the route's development include: NSW Government Architect, Department of Planning Industry and Environment, Western Sydney Local Health District, Western Sydney Diabetes, Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils and NSW Office of Sport.
Enjoy the Great West Walk — and please check for potential track closures in the Blue Mountains National Park before embarking.
Walk highlights
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Bicentennial Square, Parramatta
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Eat Street (Church Street), Parramatta
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Brislington House, Parramatta
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Old Government House, Parramatta Park
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Old Observatory, Parramatta Park
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The Old Dairy, Parramatta Park
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Wisteria Garden and Glengariff House, Westmead
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Toongabbie Creek, Winston Hills
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The Lost Rogans Hill Railway Line, Northmead
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Third Settlement Reserve, Winston Hills
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International Peace Park, Seven Hills
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Blacktown Showground, Blacktown
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Nurragingy Reserve, Western Sydney Parklands
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Chang Lai Yuan Chinese Gardens, Western Sydney Parklands
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Blacktown International Sports Park, Western Sydney Parklands
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Rooty Hill Historic Site, Rooty Hill
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Neoblie Historic Cottage, Rooty Hill
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Federation Forest, Mount Druitt
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Ropes Crossing Station Reserve, Ropes Crossing
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Wianamatta Regional Park
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The Nepean River, Penrith
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Glenbrook Gorge
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RAAF Base, Glenbrook
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Glenbrook Tramway & Funicular
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Sir Henry Parkes’ Faulconbridge Estate
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Corridor of Oaks, Faulconbridge
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Leura Cascades
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Three Sisters
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Echo Point
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Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
Frequently asked questions
Q. What can I expect from the Great West Walk?
A. The Great West Walk is not a wilderness trail. It is an urban walk that passes through a mix of Cumberland Plain Woodland, public parks, urban streets and local shopping hubs. However, walkers will be surprised to discover how much natural bushland exists just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Q. Can I cycle the Great West Walk?
A. Cycling is not prohibited along the Great West Walk, however the route has not been designed with cycling in mind and there are certain sections with unsuitable terrain e.g. stepping stone creek crossings. Cyclists are encouraged to visit Parramatta Park, Western Sydney Parklands, Wianamatta Regional Park and the Great River Walk along the Nepean River as these sections have well-established cycling infrastructure.
Q. Can I take my dog on the Great West Walk?
A. While much of the Great West Walk is dog-friendly, some sections, including Wianamatta Regional Park, are not open to dogs. Please adhere to local signage along the route. It is always safest to ensure your dog is will secured via harness or leash in public areas.
Q. Where can I camp along the Great West Walk?
A. The Great West Walk is an urban walk and there are no campgrounds. However, accommodation is available along the way. It is also possible to base in one location and travel to each day’s walk by public transport as the walk is designed to run from train station to station.
Q. Do I need a map for the Great West Walk?
A. The Great West Walk is sign-posted, however further improvements are needed. It is advised to use the Great West Walk online map or download the GPX file from The Walking Volunteers website.
