The Greater Blue Mountains Day Trip
The Greater Blue Mountains was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000 and comprises over a million hectares, spread across eight protected areas.
The plants and animals that live here relate an extraordinary story of the evolution of Australia’s unique eucalypt vegetation and its associated communities. It is an area of breathtaking views, rugged tablelands, sheer cliffs, deep inaccessible valleys, and swamps. The Greater Blue Mountains is a place of immense cultural value to the Darug, Darkinjung, Gundungarra, Tharawal, Wonnarua, and Wiradjuri peoples.
Australia ICOMOS acknowledges the Darug, Darkinjung, Gundungarra, Tharawal, Wonnarua, and Wiradjuri people as the Traditional Custodians of the Greater Blue Mountains Area, pays respect to Elders past and present and acknowledges that GA2023 is being hosted on Aboriginal land.
How to Book
The Greater Blue Mountains Day Trip is included in all Full GA2023 delegate registrations, including Student registrations.
If you have already registered for GA2023 you will receive an email with a link to register for one of the day trip options.
If you have any issues, questions, or to make changes, please contact us at enquiries@icomosga2023.org
Minimum & maximum numbers apply to all Greater Blue Mountains buses leaving Sydney. Those buses for which minimum numbers are not met may be cancelled and delegates will be notified via email, and offered an alternative day trip option.
*The content and itinerary of individual tours may change at the discretion of the event organisers.*
Please note we have arranged for one bus to have French translation on both days and another bus to have Spanish translation on Wednesday only. These are indicated in the tour headings below.
We have organised a number of different itineraries catering to all accessibility levels, using the Australian Walking Track Grading System. Further information about the grading system can be viewed here: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety/bushwalking-safety/australian-walking-track-grading-system
Gentle (Grade 2): No bushwalking experience required, tracks mostly flat with gentle hills, with occasional steps.
Moderate (Grade 3 or 4): Suitable for most fitness levels, some bushwalking experience is recommended.
Active itineraries (Grade 4 or 5): Tracks are likely be rough and steep in some points. Bushwalking experience is recommended.
Accessible (Grade 1): No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.
ICOMOS GA2023 Wednesday 6 September 2023 – Gentle
Gentle Bus 1 – Everglades House & Gardens & Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track (English/Spanish)
(This bus will have a dedicated guide to translate into Spanish.)
Time: 7.15am – 4.50pm
Fitness Level: Gentle
Venues: Everglades House & Gardens, Blackheath Gardens & Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Everglades House & Gardens
– Lunch at Blackheath Gardens
– Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Everglades House & Gardens
Located on Dharug and Gundungurra Country in Leura, NSW, this unique Blue Mountains property, now owned and managed by the National Trust , is Australia’s most spectacular inter-war period garden and has received acclaim from garden lovers worldwide.
Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, while strolling through the beautifully maintained gardens and exploring the Art Deco house.
Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Perfect for groups and completely wheelchair-accessible, the Heritage Centre also hosts the permanent ‘Outside In’ exhibition. Learn about local Aboriginal culture, plants and animals and the fantastic walking tracks around the stunning Grose Valley.
Family and wheelchair friendly, Fairfax Heritage walking track offers summer wildflowers, and scenic lookouts with waterfall views over Grose Valley, in Blue Mountains National Park.
Gentle Bus 2 – Scenic World Experiences & Norman Lindsay Gallery
Time: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Fitness Level: Gentle
Venues: Scenic World Experiences, Scenic World Picnic Area & Norman Lindsay Gallery
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Scenic World Experiences
– Lunch at Scenic World Picnic Area
– Norman Lindsay Gallery
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Scenic World Experiences
Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the iconic Scenic Skyway that travels 270 metres above the Jamison Valley; and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks. Situated within the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s the location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. Scenic World is committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world and is proud to be an accredited Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader.
Norman Lindsay Gallery
Explore the former home of prolific and controversial artist Norman Lindsay, now owned and managed by the National Trust, while enjoying a day of art and gardens in a historic Blue Mountains location.
Nestled in the heart of Faulconbridge, Dharug and Gundungurra Country, is a beautiful sandstone cottage that was once the home of Australian artist and writer Norman Lindsay, his wife Rose and their daughters.
Visitors can discover Norman Lindsay’s paintings and illustrations, then step into the original painting studio where he created his famous art and much-loved children’s book The Magic Pudding.
Gentle Bus 4 – Three Sister Walk & Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
Time: 7.30am – 4.45pm
Fitness Level: Gentle
Venues: Three Sisters Walk & Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Three Sister Walk
– Lunch at Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
– Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Three Sisters
The easy Three Sisters walk, in Katoomba, offers some of the most iconic views in Blue Mountains National Park, and takes you up close to the famous Three Sisters.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
The Cultural Centre showcases innovative, diverse, distinctive and creative cultural programs for enjoyment by residents of, and visitors to, the Blue Mountains.
Located in the heart of Katoomba the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre encompasses the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, Katoomba Library and Into the Blue, an interactive exhibition that explores the history and natural landscape of the Blue Mountains.
Visitors can also enjoy the viewing platform that takes in stunning panoramic vistas of Katoomba and the Jamison Valley.
ICOMOS GA2023 Thursday 7 September 2023 – Gentle
Gentle Bus 1 – Everglades House & Gardens & Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track (English/French)
(This bus will have a dedicated guide to translate into French.)
Time: 7.15am – 4.50pm
Fitness Level: Gentle
Venues: Everglades House & Gardens, Blackheath Gardens & Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Everglades House & Gardens
– Lunch at Blackheath Gardens
– Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Everglades House & Gardens
Located on Dharug and Gundungurra Country in Leura, NSW, this unique Blue Mountains property, now owned and managed by the National Trust , is Australia’s most spectacular inter-war period garden and has received acclaim from garden lovers worldwide.
Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, while strolling through the beautifully maintained gardens and exploring the Art Deco house.
Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Perfect for groups and completely wheelchair-accessible, the Heritage Centre also hosts the permanent ‘Outside In’ exhibition. Learn about local Aboriginal culture, plants and animals and the fantastic walking tracks around the stunning Grose Valley.
Family and wheelchair friendly, Fairfax Heritage walking track offers summer wildflowers, and scenic lookouts with waterfall views over Grose Valley, in Blue Mountains National Park
Gentle Bus 2 – Scenic World Experiences & Norman Lindsay Gallery
Time: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Fitness Level: Gentle
Venues: Scenic World Experiences, Scenic World Picnic Area & Norman Lindsay Gallery
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Scenic World Experiences
– Lunch at Scenic World Picnic Area
– Norman Lindsay Gallery
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Scenic World Experiences
Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the iconic Scenic Skyway that travels 270 metres above the Jamison Valley; and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks. Situated within the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s the location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. Scenic World is committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world and is proud to be an accredited Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader.
Norman Lindsay Gallery
Explore the former home of prolific and controversial artist Norman Lindsay, now owned and managed by the National Trust, while enjoying a day of art and gardens in a historic Blue Mountains location.
Nestled in the heart of Faulconbridge, Dharug and Gundungurra Country, is a beautiful sandstone cottage that was once the home of Australian artist and writer Norman Lindsay, his wife Rose and their daughters.
Visitors can discover Norman Lindsay’s paintings and illustrations, then step into the original painting studio where he created his famous art and much-loved children’s book The Magic Pudding.
Gentle Bus 4 – Three Sister Walk & Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
Time: 7.30am – 4.45pm
Fitness Level: Gentle
Venues: Three Sisters Walk & Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Three Sister Walk
– Lunch at Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
– Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Three Sisters
The easy Three Sisters walk, in Katoomba, offers some of the most iconic views in Blue Mountains National Park, and takes you up close to the famous Three Sisters.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
The Cultural Centre showcases innovative, diverse, distinctive and creative cultural programs for enjoyment by residents of, and visitors to, the Blue Mountains.
Located in the heart of Katoomba the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre encompasses the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, Katoomba Library and Into the Blue, an interactive exhibition that explores the history and natural landscape of the Blue Mountains.
Visitors can also enjoy the viewing platform that takes in stunning panoramic vistas of Katoomba and the Jamison Valley.
ICOMOS GA2023 Wednesday 6 September 2023 – Moderate
Moderate Bus 1 - Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track & Everglades House & Gardens (English/French)
(This bus will have a dedicated guide to translate into French.)
Time: 6.00am – 4.30pm
Fitness Level: Moderate
Venues: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track, Everglades House & Gardens
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
– Lunch at Everglades House & Gardens
– Everglades House & Gardens
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Perfect for groups and completely wheelchair-accessible, the Heritage Centre also hosts the permanent ‘Outside In’ exhibition. Learn about local Aboriginal culture, plants and animals and the fantastic walking tracks around the stunning Grose Valley.
Family and wheelchair friendly, Fairfax Heritage walking track offers summer wildflowers, and scenic lookouts with waterfall views over Grose Valley, in Blue Mountains National Park.
Everglades House & Gardens
Located on Dharug and Gundungurra Country in Leura, NSW, this unique Blue Mountains property, now owned and managed by the National Trust is Australia’s most spectacular inter-war period garden and has received acclaim from garden lovers worldwide.
Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, while strolling through the beautifully maintained gardens and exploring the Art Deco house.
Moderate Bus 2 – Scenic World Experiences & Wentworth Falls Track
Time: 7.30am – 5.00pm
Fitness Level: Moderate
Venues: Scenic World Experiences, Wentworth Falls Picnic Area & Wentworth Falls Track
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Scenic World Experiences
– Lunch at Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
– Wentworth Falls Track
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Scenic World Experiences
Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the iconic Scenic Skyway that travels 270 metres above the Jamison Valley; and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks. Situated within the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s the location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. Scenic World is committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world and is proud to be an accredited Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader.
Wentworth Falls Track
Wentworth Falls track rewards bushwalkers with grand valley views from Fletchers lookout before reaching the top of popular Wentworth Falls waterfall.
Moderate Bus 3 – Princes Rock Walking Tour & Scenic World Experiences
Time: 7.15am – 5.15pm
Fitness Level: Moderate
Venues: Princes Rock Walking Tour, Scenic World Picnic Area & Scenic World Experiences
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Princes Rock Walking tour
– Lunch at Scenic World Picnic Area
– Scenic World Experiences
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Princes Rock Walking Tour
Historic Princes Rock walking track offers scenic views over Mount Solitary and Wentworth Falls in Blue Mountains National Park.
Scenic World Experiences
Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the iconic Scenic Skyway that travels 270 metres above the Jamison Valley; and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks. Situated within the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s the location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. Scenic World is committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world and is proud to be an accredited Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader
Moderate Bus 4 – The Gully & Prince Henry Walk from Echo Point to Solitary
Time: 6.45am – 4.45pm
Fitness Level: Moderate
Venues: The Gully, Lilianfels Park & Prince Henry Walk from Echo Point to Solitary Restaurant
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– The Gully
– Lunch at Lilianfels Park
– Prince Henry Walk from Echo Point to Solitary Restaurant
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
The Gully
This Aboriginal Place found at the headwaters of the Upper Kedumba River Valley, in the heart of Katoomba, is known to past Aboriginal residents simply as ‘The Gully’. This place has important historical associations for those who lived there and whose families lived there, as it was a resource-rich refuge.
Prince Henry Walk from Echo Point to Solitary Restaurant
Scenic valley views and wildflowers abound on Prince Henry Cliff walk between Katoomba and Leura, via iconic Three Sisters and Echo Point in Blue Mountains National Park.
ICOMOS GA2023 Thursday 7 September 2023 – Moderate
Moderate Bus 1 - Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track & Everglades House & Gardens
Time: 6.00am – 4.30pm
Fitness Level: Moderate
Venues: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track, Everglades House & Gardens
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
– Lunch at Everglades House & Gardens
– Everglades House & Gardens
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Blue Mountains Heritage Centre & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Perfect for groups and completely wheelchair-accessible, the Heritage Centre also hosts the permanent ‘Outside In’ exhibition. Learn about local Aboriginal culture, plants and animals and the fantastic walking tracks around the stunning Grose Valley.
Family and wheelchair friendly, Fairfax Heritage walking track offers summer wildflowers, and scenic lookouts with waterfall views over Grose Valley, in Blue Mountains National Park.
Everglades House & Gardens
Located on Dharug and Gundungurra Country in Leura, NSW, this unique Blue Mountains property, now owned and managed by the National Trust is Australia’s most spectacular inter-war period garden and has received acclaim from garden lovers worldwide.
Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, while strolling through the beautifully maintained gardens and exploring the Art Deco house.
Moderate Bus 2 – Scenic World Experiences & Wentworth Falls Track
Time: 7.30am – 5.00pm
Fitness Level: Moderate
Venues: Scenic World Experiences, Wentworth Falls Picnic Area & Wentworth Falls Track
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Scenic World Experiences
– Lunch at Wentworth Falls Picnic Area
– Wentworth Falls Track
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Scenic World Experiences
Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the iconic Scenic Skyway that travels 270 metres above the Jamison Valley; and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks. Situated within the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s the location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. Scenic World is committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world and is proud to be an accredited Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader.
Wentworth Falls Track
Wentworth Falls track rewards bushwalkers with grand valley views from Fletchers lookout before reaching the top of popular Wentworth Falls waterfall.
Moderate Bus 3 – Princes Rock Walking Tour & Scenic World Experiences
Time: 7.15am – 5.15pm
Fitness Level: Moderate
Venues: Princes Rock Walking Tour, Scenic World Picnic Area & Scenic World Experiences
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Princes Rock Walking tour
– Lunch at Scenic World Picnic Area
– Scenic World Experiences
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Princes Rock Walking Tour
Historic Princes Rock walking track offers scenic views over Mount Solitary and Wentworth Falls in Blue Mountains National Park.
Scenic World Experiences
Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the iconic Scenic Skyway that travels 270 metres above the Jamison Valley; and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks. Situated within the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s the location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. Scenic World is committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world and is proud to be an accredited Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader.
Moderate Bus 4 – The Gully & Prince Henry Walk from Echo Point to Solitary Restaurant
Time: 6.45am – 4.45pm
Fitness Level: Moderate
Venues: The Gully, Lilianfels Park & Prince Henry Walk from Echo Point to Solitary Restaurant
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– The Gully
– Lunch at Lilianfels Park
– Prince Henry Walk from Echo Point to Solitary Restaurant
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
The Gully
This Aboriginal Place found at the headwaters of the Upper Kedumba River Valley, in the heart of Katoomba, is known to past Aboriginal residents simply as ‘The Gully’. This place has important historical associations for those who lived there and whose families lived there, as it was a resource-rich refuge.
Prince Henry Walk from Echo Point to Solitary Restaurant
Scenic valley views and wildflowers abound on Prince Henry Cliff walk between Katoomba and Leura, via iconic Three Sisters and Echo Point in Blue Mountains National Park.
Moderate Bus 5 – Round Walking Track at Katoomba Falls & Woodford Academy
Time: 7.45am – 5.45pm
Fitness Level: Moderate
Venues: Round Walking Track at Katoomba Falls, Katoomba Reserve & Woodford Academy
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Round Walking Track at Katoomba Falls
– Lunch at Katoomba Reserve
– Woodford Academy
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Round Walking Track at Katoomba Falls
Packed with scenic views, birdwatching, rainforest and waterfalls; medium difficulty Round walking track offers iconic views of The Three Sisters in Blue Mountains National Park.
Woodford Academy
A former roadside inn, salubrious guesthouse and classics academy with an intriguing past in the Blue Mountains, now owned and managed by the National Trust.
Located on Dharug and Gundungurra Country in Woodford NSW, Woodford Academy is the oldest complex of colonial buildings in the Blue Mountains, with a multi-layered history stretching back to the 1830s.
Visitors can enjoy the spectacular sandstone buildings, step inside historic rooms, and hear the stories of Woodford Academy’s many lives as the Blue Mountain’s first guesthouse, a gentleman’s mountain residence, boarding school, and most recently – home to a rare 17th century Dutch Master painting discovered in the artwork collection.
ICOMOS GA2023 Wednesday 6 September 2023 – Active
Active Bus 1 - Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Time: 6.00am – 4.15pm
Fitness Level: Active
Venues: Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit, Katoomba Reserve & Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit
– Lunch at Katoomba Reserve
– Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Leura Cascades Fern Bower Circuit
Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit is a moderately challenging track in Blue Mountains National Park, with an impressive cliff line, spectacular waterfalls and gorgeous scenic views of the Jamison Valley.
Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Family and wheelchair friendly, Fairfax Heritage walking track offers summer wildflowers, and scenic lookouts with waterfall views over Grose Valley, in Blue Mountains National Park.
Active Bus 2 - Scenic World via Giant Stairway to Echo Point Track & The Gully
Time: 7.00am – 5.45pm
Fitness Level: Active
Venues: Scenic World via Giant Stairway to Echo Point Track, Echo Point Lookout (Three Sisters) & The Gully
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Scenic World via Giant Stairway to Echo Point Track
– Lunch at Echo Point Lookout
– The Gully
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Scenic World via Giant Stairway to Echo Point Track
Try this awe inspiring walk through scenic Jamison Valley via the historic Giant Stairway from Echo Point to Scenic World, in Blue Mountains National Park.
The Gully
This Aboriginal Place found at the headwaters of the Upper Kedumba River Valley, in the heart of Katoomba, is known to past Aboriginal residents simply as ‘The Gully’. This place has important historical associations for those who lived there and whose families lived there, as it was a resource-rich refuge.
Active Bus 4 - Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap Lookout into Fairfax Heritage Walking Track & Overcliff-Undercliff Track
Time: 6.15am – 5.45pm
Fitness Level: Active
Venues: Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap Lookout into Fairfax Heritage Walking Track, Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Overcliff-Undercliff Track
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap Lookout into Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
– Lunch at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
– Overcliff-Undercliff Track
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap Lookout into Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Cliff Top walking track between Govetts Leap and Evans lookout offers some of the most breath taking scenic views in all of the Blue Mountains. You’ll be spoiled with birdwatching, wildflowers, and plenty of lookouts along the way.
Overcliff-Undercliff Track
Overcliff-Undercliff track combines scenic clifftops, birdwatching, and rainforest with walking tracks and waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park, near Wentworth Falls
ICOMOS GA2023 Thursday 7 September 2023 – Active
Active Bus 2 - Scenic World via Giant Stairway to Echo Point Track & The Gully
Time: 7.00am – 5.45pm
Fitness Level: Active
Venues: Scenic World via Giant Stairway to Echo Point Track, Echo Point Lookout (Three Sisters) & The Gully
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Scenic World via Giant Stairway to Echo Point Track
– Lunch at Echo Point Lookout
– The Gully
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Scenic World via Giant Stairway to Echo Point Track
Try this awe inspiring walk through scenic Jamison Valley via the historic Giant Stairway from Echo Point to Scenic World, in Blue Mountains National Park.
The Gully
This Aboriginal Place found at the headwaters of the Upper Kedumba River Valley, in the heart of Katoomba, is known to past Aboriginal residents simply as ‘The Gully’. This place has important historical associations for those who lived there and whose families lived there, as it was a resource-rich refuge.
Active Bus 3 – Overcliff-Undercliff Track & Scenic World Experiences
Time: 6.30am – 4.45pm
Fitness Level: Active
Venues: Overcliff-Undercliff Track, Scenic World Picnic Area, Scenic World Experiences
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Overcliff-Undercliff Track
– Lunch at Scenic World Picnic Area
– Scenic World Experiences
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Overcliff-Undercliff Track
Overcliff-Undercliff track combines scenic clifftops, birdwatching, and rainforest with walking tracks and waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park, near Wentworth Falls.
Scenic World Experiences
Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the iconic Scenic Skyway that travels 270 metres above the Jamison Valley; and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks. Situated within the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s the location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. Scenic World is committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world and is proud to be an accredited Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader.
Active Bus 4 - Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap Lookout into Fairfax Heritage Walking Track & Overcliff-Undercliff Track
Time: 6.15am – 5.45pm
Fitness Level: Active
Venues: Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap Lookout into Fairfax Heritage Walking Track, Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Overcliff-Undercliff Track
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap Lookout into Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
– Lunch at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
– Overcliff-Undercliff Track
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap Lookout into Fairfax Heritage Walking Track
Cliff Top walking track between Govetts Leap and Evans lookout offers some of the most breath taking scenic views in all of the Blue Mountains. You’ll be spoiled with birdwatching, wildflowers, and plenty of lookouts along the way.
Overcliff-Undercliff Track
Overcliff-Undercliff track combines scenic clifftops, birdwatching, and rainforest with walking tracks and waterfalls in Blue Mountains National Park, near Wentworth Falls.
ICOMOS GA2023 Thursday 7 September 2023 – Accessible
Accessible Bus – The Gully & Scenic World Experiences
Time: 8.30am – 6.15pm
Fitness Level: Accessible
Venues: The Gully, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre & Scenic World Experiences.
Indicative Program/Itinerary
– Depart ICC Sydney
– Stop at Glenbrook
– The Gully
– Lunch at Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
– Scenic World Experiences
– Return to ICC Sydney
Description of locations
The Gully
This Aboriginal Place found at the headwaters of the Upper Kedumba River Valley, in the heart of Katoomba, is known to past Aboriginal residents simply as ‘The Gully’. This place has important historical associations for those who lived there and whose families lived there, as it was a resource-rich refuge.
Scenic World Experiences
Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the iconic Scenic Skyway that travels 270 metres above the Jamison Valley; and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks. Situated within the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s the location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. Scenic World is committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world and is proud to be an accredited Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader.
We acknowledge the Dharug, Gundungurra, Wanaruah, Wiradjuri, Darkinjung and Tharawal as the Traditional Owners of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Partners & Patrons
Blue Mountains City Council
Blue Mountains City Council is proud to be a Strategic Partner of ICOMOS GA2023 and looks forward to hosting delegates in our Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Located on the fringe of the Greater Sydney Region, the City of Blue Mountains is one of only two cities in the world surrounded by a UNESCO declared World Heritage Area. The Blue Mountains is home to nearly 80,000 people living in 27 towns and villages, located over 100km of mountainous terrain. Key challenges for Blue Mountains City Council are fostering social and economic well-being, while protecting the World Heritage environment and taking local action for planetary health.
Blue Mountains Photo Credit: Destination NSW
Gundungurra
Learn more about Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and the Aboriginal community who call this place their home. Hear from Aunty Sharyn Halls, a Gundungurra Elder as she explains what makes this place so special.
National Trust
The National Trust (NSW) is a proud Strategic Partner of the 2023 ICOMOS General Assembly. The National Trust is Australia’s leading heritage conservation charity. Established in 1945 to protect heritage under threat, today the National Trust owns or manages over 300 heritage places across Australia with 20 of these open regularly to community in New South Wales. Our vision is to bring the heritage of this state to life for future generations.
Everglades Gardens, Leura and Norman Lindsay Gallery & Museum, Faulconbridge, Woodford Academy.
Photo Credit: National Trust of Australia
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will host ICOMOS delegates and offer a range of heritage experiences in NSW national parks and reserves including Sydney-based side events, multi-day regional tours and a full day excursion to the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area.
NPWS manages over 7.5 million hectares of protected area across NSW that comprises 890 individual national parks and reserves. At nearly 10% of the State, this includes four World Heritage-listed properties, ten National Heritage sites, 53 State Heritage listed properties, over 3,000 heritage buildings and structures, and approximately 20,000 moveable heritage items. The NPWS estate contains a range of important Aboriginal cultural heritage (ACH) sites and places with both intangible and tangible heritage significance, and across the estate there are at least 23,522 known ACH sites, objects or places. NPWS also has joint management agreements with Aboriginal communities that covers 30% of the national park estate. NPWS plays a critical role in conserving biodiversity, Aboriginal cultural heritage and historic heritage.
Smoking Ceremony 50th Celebration Royal National Park
Photo Credit: John Spencer
Scenic World
Sapphire Patron Scenic World is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway; the iconic Scenic Skyway that travels 270 metres above the Jamison Valley; and the Scenic Cableway, the steepest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, along with kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks. Situated within the World-heritage listed Blue Mountains, Scenic World’s the location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. Scenic World is committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world and is proud to be an accredited Ecotourism Australia Green Travel Leader.
Photo Credit: Scenic World