James Mason's Blog -or- The Journal of Contemporary Lunacy

Echo Point to Leura via Prince Henry Cliff Walk and various lookouts Distance: ~9.5km As can be seen on the map below, this was a wonderful, meandering walk through rainforest, with many side treks to visit the various lookouts along the way: There are many lookouts along the way, some requiring a little bit of a detour (but usually worthwhile). The path is a little rough in some sections - there is still evidence of the recent flood damage (with the worst hit section still closed, requiring a minor deviation). If you enjoy the look and feel of cool climate rainforests, you're in for a treat on this path. Leura Cascades Bridal Veil Falls Lookout requires of detour off the path but it absolutely worth it - photos cannot do it justice: Bridal Veil Falls Well worth the walk and finishing in Leura gives an easy walk into the shopping street or railway station to continue the day.

Echo Point loop via Giant Stairway, Jamison Valley (Federal Pass) and Furber Steps Distance: 9.62km National Parks link to similar walk The walk began with the rapid descent into the Jamison Valley via the aptly named Giant Stairway. The pictures below highlight some of the many, many steps: After clearing the last of the stairs, the path continues within the cool climate rainforest environment that thrives in the valley. Katoomba Cascades As I re-emerged from the valley, the weather had started to change, with light showers and cloud rolling in. With a little under an hour to go in the loop, the cloud had well and truly taken over and there wasn't much scenery to see: The Elevation Profile illustrates just what an up-and-down route this is: All in all, a lovely walk. I took it mid-week, which I'd recommend as weekends have a reputation for being rather busy.

Hike from South Mosman Wharf to The Spit Bridge via Middle Head Sydney, NSW Distance: ~16km Starting at the South Mosman wharf (any of the wharves in that area will work as a starting point, including Taronga Zoo or Mosman Bay), I started walking towards Middle Head while hugging the coast as much as possible. Once reaching Taronga Zoo, Sydney Harbour NP begins but, even in the suburban parts of the walk, the coastal path is full of greenery. The path(s) form part of a longer coastal walkway, which stretches all the way from Bondi to Manly. It's quite well signposted, but there are a few gaps so best to keep a clear idea of your intended path. Looking back towards the City Center After leaving the suburban streets it quickly becomes quite a bushy walk. At many points it's easy to forget one is quite near the center of Australia's largest city: Middle Head features some lovely expansive views of the entrance to Sydney Harbour, along with the remnants of old war fortification...