20 parks listed

Best Walking Trails in Outer West & Blue Mountains

Outer West & Blue Mountains has parks with walking tracks ranging from easy paved paths to bush trails. All parks listed below have confirmed walking path facilities.

What to look for

The best walking parks have well-maintained paths, clear trail markers, and facilities like toilets and parking at the trailhead.

Comparison table — Best Walking Trails in Outer West & Blue Mountains

Park	Suburb	Walking paths	Parking	Toilets	Water	BBQ	Details
Jubilee Park	Blackheath	✓	✓	✓	?	?	View →
Knapsack Reserve	Blaxland	✓	✓	✓	?	?	View →
Potter Field	Colyton	✓	✓	✓	?	?	View →
Cranebrook Park	Cranebrook	✓	✓	✓	?	?	View →
Jackson Park	Faulconbridge	✓	✓	✓	?	?	View →
Tench Reserve	Jamisontown	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	View →
Leura Cascades Reserve	Katoomba	✓	✓	✓	?	?	View →
Melrose Park	Katoomba	✓	✓	✓	✗	?	View →
Gordon Falls Reserve	Leura	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	View →
Gordon Falls Reserve Picnic Area	Leura	✓	✓	✓	?	✓	View →
Jamison Park	South Penrith	✓	✓	✓	✓	?	View →
Bents Basin State Conservation Area	Wallacia	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	View →
Blaxlands Crossing Recreation Reserve	Wallacia	✓	✓	✓	?	✓	View →
Summerhayes Park	Winmalee	✓	✓	✓	?	?	View →
Yellomundee Regional Park	Yellow Rock	✓	✓	✓	?	?	View →
Blackheath Glen	Blackheath	✓	?	✓	✓	✓	View →
Memorial Park	Blackheath	✓	?	✓	?	✓	View →
Mermaids Cave Recreation Reserve	Blackheath	✓	✓	?	?	?	View →
Porters Pass Recreational Reserve	Blackheath	✓	✓	?	✗	?	View →
Knapsack Park Reserve	Blaxland	✓	✓	?	?	?	View →

Park profiles — Best Walking Trails in Outer West & Blue Mountains

Jubilee Park

📍 Blackheath, NSW 2785

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Jubilee Park is a large open garden park in Blackheath NSW 2785, with covered brick gazebos, winding paths and a playground featuring double swings, climbing equipment and sliding equipment for most ages.

Playground and Swings at Jubilee Park

Jubilee Park has a playground built for children of most ages. The playground features double swings, climbing equipment and sliding equipment. Jubilee Park also has play equipment that includes big swings, giving older children a larger swing set. Jubilee Park has a baby swing for toddlers, so younger children have their own option. Jubilee Park offers open green space around the play area, which gives families plenty of room to run about. The park's gardens and grassy areas surround the playground, so parents can sit nearby while children play. Jubilee Park is therefore well suited to a family day out with children across a range of ages.

Picnic Shelters and Covered Gazebos at Jubilee Park

Jubilee Park has picnic shelters for families who want to eat outdoors. Jubilee Park has covered brick gazebos, which provide shade and shelter from rain. Jubilee Park has tables and seating spread across its grounds for picnics and lunch breaks. Jubilee Park has benches and bins for visitors to use during a visit. Jubilee Park has covered areas that stay usable in wet weather, so a picnic does not need to be cancelled because of a light shower. Jubilee Park offers these shaded and sheltered spots close to its playground, which makes it practical to combine a meal with a play session.

Kids playgroundToddler baby swingFamily picnicsCovered gazebosWalking and joggingOpen green spaceWet-weather shelter

🛝 Playground🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

Knapsack Reserve

📍 Blaxland, NSW 2774

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Knapsack Reserve is a reserve of approximately 140 hectares of bushland, creeks, lookouts and sportsgrounds on the Blue Mountains escarpment at Blaxland. Its standout feature is the historic sandstone Knapsack Viaduct, built in the 1860s for the first railway crossing of the mountains and now used by pedestrians, bicycles and emergency vehicles.

Walking Trails at Knapsack Reserve

Knapsack Reserve has a network of walking trails that forms a maze with multiple entry points. The Lapstone Viaduct and Zig Zag walk at Knapsack Reserve is 3km long, takes about 1.5 hours and is graded easy, starting and finishing at the Knapsack Reserve Carpark. Another route through the reserve measures about 5.1 km. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow, and they suit runners as well as walkers.

Heritage Features at Knapsack Reserve

Knapsack Reserve holds heritage items from the railway and road crossings of the Blue Mountains. The Knapsack Viaduct is 388 feet long and 120 ft high. Lennox Bridge stands within the reserve and is described as the oldest surviving stone arch bridge on mainland Australia. A memorial to John Whitton, the engineer-chief who built the railway, also sits in the reserve. Knapsack Reserve contains Aboriginal sites, and Aboriginal occupation of this area goes back more than 10,000 years.

Dog walkers (on leash)Heritage history walksEasy 3km walkFree parkingPicnic tablesTrail runningHistoric viaduct views

🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths🏅 Sports

Potter Field

📍 Colyton, NSW 2760

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Potter Field is a 10.3-acre park on Shepherd Street, Colyton, best known for its floodlit sports grounds with three soccer fields and two cricket ovals with synthetic wickets. The park also has walking trails among lush greenery, a children's playground, a canteen and public toilets.

Soccer and Cricket Grounds at Potter Field

Potter Field has three soccer fields and two cricket ovals with synthetic wickets. Floodlights over the sports grounds let teams play and train after dark. Potter Field also has two cricket nets and a cricket practice facility on Shepherd Street. A canteen beside the sports grounds offers snacks and drinks during visits. Together, the fields, ovals and nets make Potter Field a practical base for local soccer and cricket teams and for players who want to train in the nets.

Walking Trails and Wildlife at Potter Field

Potter Field has walking trails set among lush greenery, and the paths suit walking, running and hiking. The park's open green space is a relaxed spot for picnics and peaceful strolls. Wildlife at Potter Field includes cockatoos, lorikeets, kookaburras, possums and lizards. Eastern water dragons occasionally appear near the pond areas. Walking conditions on the trails are at their best in spring, from September to November, and in autumn, from March to May.

Soccer and cricketKids playgroundWalking and runningWildlife spottingPicnics and strollsNight sports under floodlightsSpring and autumn walks

🛝 Playground🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths🏅 Sports

Cranebrook Park

📍 Cranebrook, NSW 2749

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Cranebrook Park is a sports facility on Cranebrook Rd in Cranebrook NSW 2749, and its standout feature is a cricket field and a football field for organised team games. The park also has designated areas for walking and running, plus a restroom on site.

Sports Fields at Cranebrook Park

Cranebrook Park has a cricket field and a football field, along with cricket courts and an American football court. These playing surfaces give teams more than one option for organised games. The playing fields sit in several areas around Cranebrook Park, so players can pick the field that suits their game. Active sport is the main function of Cranebrook Park, which is classified as a sports facility.

Walking and Running Paths at Cranebrook Park

Cranebrook Park has designated areas for walking and running, set aside for people on foot. The park's trails and paths are well maintained, and because Cranebrook Park sits near the river, walkers and runners get a riverside setting. The designated areas let walkers and runners keep clear of the playing fields. Kingfisher Park, another park in Cranebrook, is close by, so one outing can take in both parks.

Cricket playersFootball playersWalking and runningTeam sportsAmple parkingRestroom on siteRiverside location

🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths🏅 Sports

Jackson Park

📍 Faulconbridge, NSW 2776

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Jackson Park is a bushland reserve and local park in Faulconbridge with a playground, picnic shelters and toilets. Its standout feature is a short, easy 650-metre loop track that starts about 30 metres from the playground, and dogs are welcome on the loop on a leash.

Bushwalking Tracks at Jackson Park

Jackson Park has a 650-metre loop track that is short and easy enough for a single outing, and a circuit track runs through the bushland reserve. The circuit is popular with residents and visitors. From the park, walkers can enter Sassafras Gully via the Victoria Walking Track and head toward Clarinda Falls for a longer walk. A bushcare group maintains the park's natural areas, track entrances and drainage lines.

Playground and Picnic Shelters at Jackson Park

Jackson Park has children's play equipment near its loop track, with ride-on animals and a swing, plus a baby swing for toddlers. The park's slightly hilly grounds give children room to run around. For picnics, Jackson Park has picnic tables and seating, a large gazebo, covered areas, a sun shade and an old-style picnic hut. Jackson Park also has a toilet block on site.

Dog walkers on leashShort bushwalkKids playgroundPicnics with tablesToddlers with baby swingTrain spottingParking on site

🛝 Playground🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

Tench Reserve

📍 Jamisontown, NSW 2750

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Tench Reserve is a 10 ha riverside park on the eastern banks of the Nepean River in Jamisontown. Its most notable feature is the wharf precinct, with a three-lane boat ramp, jetties and an amphitheatre, and the reserve also has an inclusive playspace, shaded picnic areas, barbecues and a Changing Places amenity.

Playgrounds at Tench Reserve

Tench Reserve has several play areas with swings, slides, climbing ropes and boulders, including an inclusive playspace for kids of all ages and a playground suitable for all abilities. The South playspace, at the boat ramp end off Tench Avenue, has a rope climbing structure, trampolines, rock climbing, swings, a nest swing and a shade sail. Near the Coffee Club, a smaller playground suits younger children, while a larger one for older children includes a flying fox.

Picnic and BBQ Areas at Tench Reserve

Tench Reserve has picnic areas with shaded tables and barbecue facilities, plus accessible picnic areas and seating so visitors of all abilities can eat near the water. Undercover seating and seats along the riverbanks give more places to rest. Small covered spots, such as picnic shelters and viewing platforms on the river foreshore, are first come, first served and cannot be booked. The reserve also has open space for ball games, so families can combine a picnic with informal play.

Kids playgroundInclusive playFamily picnicWeekend BBQBoat launchingRiverside walksAccessible facilitiesFishing and kayaking

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

Leura Cascades Reserve

📍 Katoomba, NSW 2780

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Leura Cascades Reserve is a picnic area and walking precinct in Katoomba NSW 2780, set among tall eucalypts beside the rapids of Leura Falls Creek. Its standout feature is the start and end point of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, with a path down to Bridal Veil Falls and Leura Falls.

Walking Tracks at Leura Cascades Reserve

Several walks begin at Leura Cascades Reserve. Routes follow the cliff tops to Echo Point or drop through the Leura Forest via the Federal or Dardanelles Passes to Katoomba. A path beside the Leura Falls Creek rapids descends to Bridal Veil Falls and Leura Falls, and the Fern Bower circuit and Bridal Veil Falls track are close by. Leura Cascades Reserve also has a night-lit walk section that is open from dusk until 11:00pm.

Picnic Area at Leura Cascades Reserve

Leura Cascades Reserve has a family-friendly picnic area among the eucalypts, with picnic tables and a public toilet. Visitors can take in waterfall and valley views while they eat, and the reserve is known for photography and birdwatching. Several walks leave from the picnic area, so families can pair a picnic with a short walk. Entry to Leura Cascades Reserve is free.

Family picnicsWaterfall viewsPrince Henry Cliff Walk startNight-lit walkPhotographyScenic bushwalks

🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

Melrose Park

📍 Katoomba, NSW 2780

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Melrose Park is a recreation reserve on Fitzgerald Street, Katoomba, that combines Melrose Oval, a skate park, a playground and bushland. Its most notable feature is the shared off-leash dog area on the oval. Toilets, park benches and picnic tables support day visits across its 7.4 acres.

Off-Leash Dog Area at Melrose Park

Melrose Park has a shared off-leash dog area on Melrose Oval, which the council lists as a space dogs share with other park users. The park has partial fencing only, so owners should treat it as unfenced and bring only dogs with reliable recall. Melrose Park provides a poo bag dispenser for dog owners. There is no water station for dogs at Melrose Park.

Playground and Skate Park at Melrose Park

Melrose Park has a modern playground with ramps for bikes, scooters and skateboards. The Melrose family skate park sits in the same grounds and gives older children and teenagers a dedicated riding space. Melrose Park has no lighting for night use, so the playground and skate park are daytime facilities. Families can combine the playground, skate park and oval in a single visit.

Off-leash dogsKids playgroundSkate park ridersFamily picnicsCricket and kite flyingWalkers and hikersBirthday parties

🐕 Off-leash area🛝 Playground🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths🏅 Sports

Gordon Falls Reserve

📍 Leura, NSW 2780

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Gordon Falls Reserve is a public reserve in Leura whose standout feature is the 200m cascade of Gordon Falls, seen from a lookout a short walk away. The reserve has a children's playground, electric BBQs and a picnic shelter, and it is the halfway point of the two-day Grand Cliff Top Walk.

Waterfall and Lookout Views at Gordon Falls Reserve

Gordon Falls Reserve sits a short walk from Gordon Falls lookout, which looks over the 200m cascade and the cliff faces of Sublime Point. The reserve also has valley views across the surrounding landscape. A new lookout and seating area at Gordon Falls Reserve gives visitors a place to rest and take in the scenery. Gordon Falls lookout has steep areas and difficult steps and is not recommended for people with mobility issues.

Picnic and BBQ Facilities at Gordon Falls Reserve

Gordon Falls Reserve has a shelter structure with an accessible picnic table that seats two and an accessible electric BBQ. Three more picnic table settings, other picnic tables and bench seats sit around the picnic area, along with further electric BBQs. The reserve has dedicated power for mobile food and beverage suppliers. Two new shelter signs display maps and information for visitors.

Waterfall viewsKids playgroundWeekend picnicsElectric BBQAccessible pathsFamily walksGrand Cliff Top Walk stop

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

#10

Gordon Falls Reserve Picnic Area

📍 Leura, NSW 2780

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Gordon Falls Reserve Picnic Area is a picnic area on Lone Pine Avenue in Leura, next to the Gordon Falls lookout. Its most notable feature is that lookout, where a waterfall plunges over a 200m drop. The site also has picnic tables, an electric BBQ and a playground.

Lookout and Birdwatching at Gordon Falls Reserve Picnic Area

The lookout beside Gordon Falls Reserve Picnic Area gives sweeping views over the valley, reaching across to Mount Solitary and Kings Tableland. Peregrine falcons are often seen circling on the valley thermals, and lyrebirds frequently forage in the forest litter. These regular sightings make the reserve an excellent place for birdwatching from the lookout and the surrounding bushland. Visitors reach the lookout by a set of steps.

Picnic Facilities at Gordon Falls Reserve Picnic Area

Gordon Falls Reserve Picnic Area has picnic tables and sheltered areas for group meals, plus one electric BBQ for cooking. Flush toilets serve the site, and a playground gives children somewhere to play between meals. A large grassy area offers families room to spread out, and a path runs from the car park to some of the tables. The picnic area is wheelchair friendly.

Lookout and waterfall viewsBirdwatchingKids playgroundFamily picnicsWeekend BBQBush walkingScenic day trips

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

#11

Jamison Park

📍 South Penrith, NSW 2750

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Jamison Park is a multi-use council park in South Penrith NSW 2750, and its standout feature is a fully fenced off-leash dog area with separate small and large dog sections and agility equipment. The park also has a playground, synthetic sports fields, outdoor gym equipment and a giant walking track.

Off-Leash Dog Area at Jamison Park

Jamison Park has a fully fenced off-leash dog area located at 40 Racecourse Road, South Penrith NSW 2750. The dog area has two fully fenced sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. The main section includes agility equipment, and the entry is double-gated for added security. Jamison Park's dog area also has water taps with bowls, a doggy bag dispenser, bins, bench seating, three picnic tables with shelter, lighting and shade. The dog area toilets are a bit of a walk away and may not always be open. Bindis can be an issue in summer, so check your dog's coat after visits. Carry extra water for large dogs, as the water supply at the dog area is limited.

Playground at Jamison Park

Jamison Park has a newly constructed playground designed for children under 10. The playground includes slides, swings and climbing frames. Jamison Park's playground also features animal-themed structures such as crocodiles and spiders, along with a scooter path for young riders. Jamison Park has grassy spaces and shaded areas beside the playground, so parents can supervise children while they play. The playground sits within the wider park, which also has picnic tables and a skate park next door.

Off-leash dogsKids playgroundFamily weekendSports fieldsOutdoor workoutsWalking and runningPicnics in the shade

🐕 Off-leash area🛝 Playground🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths🏅 Sports

#12

Bents Basin State Conservation Area

📍 Wallacia, NSW 2745

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Bents Basin State Conservation Area is a NSW conservation area near Wallacia, about 56 km south-west of Sydney's CBD, centred on a deep waterhole in a Nepean River gorge. Its most notable feature is the basin itself, backed by a forested escarpment and used for swimming, canoeing and fishing.

Swimming, Canoeing and Fishing at Bents Basin State Conservation Area

Bents Basin State Conservation Area has a deep waterhole that forms part of a gorge on the Nepean River. The basin is used for swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Lifeguards patrol the basin during the Christmas school holidays only, and swimmers swim at their own risk because the river bed may have sudden deep potholes and strong currents may be present. After heavy rain, the basin may close to all water activities until conditions return to normal.

Picnics, Barbecues and Camping at Bents Basin State Conservation Area

Bents Basin State Conservation Area has picnic tables at three locations: the campground, the Bents Basin Road picnic area and the Durawi picnic area. Barbecues are available at the campground and at Durawi, and the campground offers gas, electric and wood barbecues plus fire rings. The campground has caravan, camper trailer and campervan sites and 100 tent sites. The park is the only picnic area along the Nepean River.

Swimming basinFishing spotFamily picnicsWeekend barbecuesBushwalking and lookoutCamping getawayCanoeing on the Nepean

🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

#13

Blaxlands Crossing Recreation Reserve

📍 Wallacia, NSW 2745

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Blaxlands Crossing Recreation Reserve is a 20.9-acre riverside park on Silverdale Road, Wallacia, beside the Nepean River. Its most notable feature is a family playground, with picnic areas and walking trails that look out over the Nepean River, and a caravan park shares the site.

Playground and Amenities at Blaxlands Crossing Recreation Reserve

Blaxlands Crossing Recreation Reserve has a playground for young children and suits a relaxed family day out by the river. A big, new amenities block with toilets sits near the playground, so families do not have to cut a play session short. The reserve's 20.9 acres leave plenty of open grassed space around the playground, where children can run while adults relax nearby.

Picnic and Barbecue Areas at Blaxlands Crossing Recreation Reserve

Blaxlands Crossing Recreation Reserve has picnic tables spread across its grounds and barbecue areas where visitors can cook a meal on site. The picnic areas look out over the Nepean River, which makes the riverside setting a pleasant backdrop for a long afternoon outdoors. With the tables, barbecues and river views close to the playground and amenities block, the reserve suits family gatherings, birthday picnics and relaxed outings.

Kids playgroundFamily picnicsWeekend BBQWalking trailsRiver viewsCaravan staysSpring and autumn walks

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

#14

Summerhayes Park

📍 Winmalee, NSW 2777

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Summerhayes Park is a 74.9-acre recreation park on Hawkesbury Road in Winmalee NSW 2777. Its standout feature is a fenced dog off-leash park, and the park also has two full-sized soccer fields, netball and basketball courts, four tennis courts, a playground, a skatepark and bushland.

Playground and Family Facilities at Summerhayes Park

Summerhayes Park has a playground with an ever popular climbing pyramid that slightly older children enjoy, alongside other playground structures. Summerhayes Park also has a fully fenced inclusive playground, which was renovated in May 2020 under the NSW government's Everyone Can Play program. For the youngest visitors, Summerhayes Park has a baby swing. Families can rest at Summerhayes Park using seating, tables and covered areas. Toilets are available at Summerhayes Park, and the toilet block is mostly open on weekends during sporting seasons.

Sports Courts, Fields and Recreation at Summerhayes Park

Summerhayes Park has two full-sized soccer fields, netball courts and basketball courts. Summerhayes Park has four tennis courts with a clubhouse and shelter, and these courts can be booked between 9am and 6pm by contacting the booking officer on 0409 541 586. Summerhayes Park has a large skatepark and an outdoor exercise space. The sporting fields sit next to the netball and tennis courts. Summerhayes Park is busiest during football and netball season, when it becomes a hive of activity for local families.

Off-leash dogsKids playgroundBaby swingWeekend sportSkateparkTennis playersPicnic tablesWalking and running

🐕 Off-leash area🛝 Playground🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths🏅 Sports

#15

Yellomundee Regional Park

📍 Yellow Rock, NSW 2777

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Yellomundee Regional Park is a 485-hectare regional park on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains, near Yellow Rock. Its most notable feature is Yellow Rock lookout, a picnic spot with escarpment views and short bushwalks where dogs on a leash are permitted.

Dog Walking Rules at Yellomundee Regional Park

Yellomundee Regional Park allows dogs only at set locations: Yellow Rock lookout, Hawkesbury lookout, the Coreena and Burrawang bridle trails, and the Transgrid management trail along the Nepean River. Dogs must stay on a leash at all times, and owners must pick up after them. Dogs are not permitted in the Shaws Creek area at the northern end of the park.

Lookouts and Picnic Areas at Yellomundee Regional Park

Yellomundee Regional Park has lookouts at Yellow Rock and Hawkesbury, both on the first part of the escarpment between the flat Sydney basin and the Blue Mountains. Yellow Rock lookout offers views, a picnic shelter, picnic tables and short bushwalks. Hawkesbury lookout has ample space to take in the scenery, plus picnic facilities. The Shaw Creek shelter in the Shaws Creek area adds toilets and picnic tables, and grassy areas suit relaxing, particularly in autumn.

Leashed dog walksLookout viewsPicnics at lookoutsBushwalkingMountain bikingHorse ridingAutumn grassy picnics

🚻 Toilets🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

#16

Blackheath Glen

📍 Blackheath, NSW 2785

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Blackheath Glen is a caravan and camping park at 67-69 Prince Edward Street, Blackheath NSW 2785, set in native bushland. Its standout feature is a children's playground, alongside BBQ areas, a camp kitchen and powered camping sites with cabins available for families and campers.

Children's Facilities at Blackheath Glen

Blackheath Glen has a children's playground among its confirmed facilities. Blackheath Glen also has a children's play facility and a children's bathroom, giving families amenities sized for young children. The Rhododendron Children's Playground is located across the road from Blackheath Glen, giving families a second play option close to the park. Blackheath Glen has disabled amenities, so families with mobility needs can use the facilities on site. Blackheath Glen has shade across its grounds, which helps children stay comfortable during outdoor play on warm days in the Blue Mountains.

Barbecue and Picnic Areas at Blackheath Glen

Blackheath Glen has BBQ facilities in a sheltered camp kitchen and BBQ area. Blackheath Glen has a camp kitchen where guests can prepare meals. Blackheath Glen has picnic tables and a covered picnic area for outdoor eating. Blackheath Glen has shade across its grounds, making the picnic areas comfortable during the day. Blackheath Glen has bins placed around the park for rubbish disposal. Blackheath Glen has fire-fighting equipment placed throughout the park, with fire safety treated as a high priority.

Families with kidsCaravan and camping staysWeekend BBQPicnics in the bushPet-friendly stays (off-peak)Accessible cabinsWalks to Blackheath town

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🚶 Paths

#17

Memorial Park

📍 Blackheath, NSW 2785

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Memorial Park in Blackheath NSW 2785 is a council park on Park Avenue, known for its upgraded playspace with a water play area and a heritage swing set in the toddler area. It also has a renewed duck pond with an accessible loop path, electric BBQs and picnic tables.

Playspace and Water Play at Memorial Park

Memorial Park has an upgraded playspace with a wide range of play equipment, including renewed heritage, pipe-based play equipment. The playspace includes a water play area that channels existing ground water down the incline of the park. A toddler play area in Memorial Park contains a heritage swing set, which was moved there from the duck pond area. Landscaping and plantings run throughout the playspace. A wire-mesh fence separates the play areas from the road, and an accessible pathway runs from the Prince Edward Street entrance across the water play area to the new toilet.

Duck Pond and Accessible Loop Walk at Memorial Park

Memorial Park has a duck pond that was reshaped to improve water quality and wildlife habitat. The pond has gently sloping edges, safer pond edges and improved sight lines into the water. A new accessible loop path runs around the pond, with open lawns and views surrounding it. The dam wall in Memorial Park has been reinforced, and the island has been repositioned for better water flow. About 550 cubic metres of debris and weeds were removed from the pond during the upgrade.

Kids playgroundToddler play areaWater playWeekend BBQPicnic spotAccessible walkDuck pond viewsSummer swimming

🛝 Playground🔥 BBQ🚻 Toilets🚶 Paths

#18

Mermaids Cave Recreation Reserve

📍 Blackheath, NSW 2785

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Mermaids Cave Recreation Reserve is a bushland reserve in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, known for its undercut sandstone cave. A cascading waterfall fed by Pulpit Creek sits in the fern-filled glen, and the cave is reached by a steep staircase of over 100 uneven stone steps.

Sandstone Cave and Waterfall at Mermaids Cave Recreation Reserve

Mermaids Cave Recreation Reserve has an undercut sandstone cave, the reserve's best-known landmark. Pulpit Creek feeds a cascading waterfall at creek level, which gives the glen a tranquil setting. The glen is lush and fern-filled, with native sassafras trees and towering cliff faces. Birdlife, including the superb lyrebird, is often heard echoing through the gorge. The cave also has film history: a scene from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome was filmed there.

Walking Tracks at Mermaids Cave Recreation Reserve

Mermaids Cave Recreation Reserve has two walking options. The Mermaids Cave Walk is 600 m return, takes about 30 minutes and is rated easy to moderate. The main trail from Station Street is a moderate hike of 2.3 mi with an elevation gain of 583 ft. Both routes use the steep staircase down to the cave and creek, and the surface of natural ground and gravel turns muddy and slick after rain.

Nature walksCave and waterfall viewsLeashed dogsBirdwatchingWeekday quiet visitsFit walkersFilm location fans

🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

#19

Porters Pass Recreational Reserve

📍 Blackheath, NSW 2785

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Porters Pass Recreational Reserve is a bushland reserve in Blackheath NSW 2785 with a walking circuit, the Porters Pass and Colliers Causeway loop. Its standout feature is the loop's views from Lambert's Lookout and its waterfalls, including Slippery Dip Falls, set among rainforest and bush.

Walking Tracks and Lookouts at Porters Pass Recreational Reserve

The Porters Pass and Colliers Causeway loop is the main walking circuit at Porters Pass Recreational Reserve. The loop measures 2.8mi with 898ft of elevation gain and is rated hard. Its highlights include Lambert's Lookout, Centennial Glen and Fort Rock, and the route also passes Slippery Dip Falls and Walls Ledge Loop. The circuit crosses rainforest, bush and steep rocky areas, and most walkers need about two to three hours to complete it. Centennial Pass Loop, a separate track of about 3.3 miles, is also rated hard, and its lower canyon section can be overgrown or blocked by fallen trees. Walking and trail running are the main activities at Porters Pass Recreational Reserve.

Dog Rules at Porters Pass Recreational Reserve

Dogs are permitted on the Porters Pass and Colliers Causeway loop at Porters Pass Recreational Reserve, but they must stay on a leash. Owners must keep dogs on a lead and under control at all times, and all dog waste must be removed. Dogs are not permitted in the national park, so the Grose Valley and the Narrow Neck peninsula are off-limits to them. The circuit has narrow paths, rough terrain and several steep climbs, which makes it unsuitable for some dogs. Porters Pass Recreational Reserve has no off-leash dog area.

HikersLookout viewsWaterfall walksLeashed dogsQuiet bushwalksExperienced walkers

🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths

#20

Knapsack Park Reserve

📍 Blaxland, NSW 2774

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Knapsack Park Reserve is a 140-hectare bushland reserve in Glenbrook, near Blaxland, on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains. Its most notable feature is a designated off-leash dog trail between Lennox Bridge and Olivet Street, and the reserve also has walking trails, heritage sites and sportsgrounds.

Off-Leash Dog Trail at Knapsack Park Reserve

Knapsack Park Reserve has one designated off-leash dog trail section, running from Lennox Bridge to Olivet Street, listed as off-leash site 14 under the Blue Mountains Dogs in Public Spaces Strategic Plan. Dogs must stay on a leash on every other part of the reserve, and signs at the main track heads state this rule. Owners must keep dogs under control and remove all dog waste. Dogs are not permitted in the adjoining National Park.

Walking Tracks and Heritage at Knapsack Park Reserve

Knapsack Park Reserve is a maze of walking trails with multiple entry points, including the Knapsack Viaduct route. Duplicated tracks and old disused downhill bike tracks cross the bushland, which contains Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, an Ecologically Endangered Community. Heritage items include the sandstone Knapsack Viaduct, Lennox Bridge and a memorial to engineer-chief John Whitton. The reserve is linked to the Lapstone Zig Zag Railway, built in 1867. Creeks and lookouts also sit within the reserve.

Off-leash dogsBushwalkersHeritage viewingSportsgroundsPicnic tablesHistory lovers

🐕 Off-leash area🅿️ Parking🚶 Paths🏅 Sports

Frequently asked questions

Which Outer West & Blue Mountains parks have the best walking trails?

Parks with confirmed paths in Outer West & Blue Mountains range from easy paved circuits to longer bush walks. Check individual park listings for trail length and difficulty.

Are there dog-friendly walking trails in Outer West & Blue Mountains?

Many walking parks in Outer West & Blue Mountains allow dogs on leads. Parks with confirmed off-leash areas are also listed under the off-leash dog parks section.

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