6
Moderate to Challenging
Activities
  • Trekking with a full pack
Accommodation
  • 2 nights camping
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 2 Breakfasts

3 Days$AUD

Trip Code: BSR

Mount Solitary Traverse Blue Mountains Trip highlights


  • Challenging hike including the east-to-west traverse of the iconic Mount Solitary
  • A walk with a real sense of wilderness whilst never being far from Katoomba
  • Spectacular panoramic views of the towering escarpments of the Jamison Valley including the Three Sisters and Kedumba Walls
  • Climbing to the top of the Ruined Castle rock formation and enjoying the 360-degree views

Mount Solitary is an isolated sandstone plateau that stands alone in the Jamison Valley south of the upper Blue Mountains town of Katoomba. It is ever-present in the Valley and beckons walkers and adventurers who gaze at it from all the vantage points atop of the northern escarpment.

This three-day challenging on-track walk allows you to step away from the busy lookouts and traverse Mount Solitary whilst completing a full circuit of the Jamison Valley. You’ll pass through cool temperate rainforest, mountain heath and tall Eucalyptus forest. From atop of Mount Solitary you’ll have the opportunity to see further south than the tourists in Katoomba, out towards Lake Burragorang and the Blue Breaks, and Broken Rock Range and beyond. A seemingly endless wilderness.

Each of the two nights of this three-day walk are enjoyed at established campsites offering a genuine bush camp experience yet with the relative luxury of composting toilets.

Activities:

Itinerary

Our first day is the longest as we make our way to the eastern side of Mount Solitary. From our starting point in Katoomba, we slowly descend into the rainforest gully known as Fern Bower. There are numerous waterfalls offering their cooling spray during this descent to the base of the sandstone escarpment; and it is not long before the township of Katoomba is forgotten. The Sublime Point Fire Trail is our path across the Jamison Valley towards Kedumba. The trail is wide and straightforward walking so the days longer distance is conquered quickly. On approach to our destination for the day we’ll start to see views of the Kedumba Walls to the east and southward towards the Southern Highlands. Glimpses of Lake Burragorang are also offered. Upon reaching the open grassland of the old Kedumba Homestead site we are close to our nights camp at Kedumba River Crossing Campsite. Plenty of kangaroos and wallabies, and the occasional wombat, will be seen in this area. The campsite has a composting toilet so we can enjoy a bush camp with a touch of ‘luxury’! Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Meals:  L,D

Our second day is the hardest and begins with the challenge of climbing the eastern side of Mount Solitary to The Col. We’ll enjoy a good break at this vantage point as we deserve the break and it is the first opportunity to take in the vast views to the south. The traverse across the top of the Mount Solitary plateau travels close to the escarpment on the northern side so offers vast views back towards the towns of Katoomba and Leura. The vegetation is low and dry heath with banksias and scribbly gums, and birdlife to spot. At points on the journey across the plateau we’ll see views towards the rugged ravines of the Wild Dog Mountains and wilderness of Kanangra-Boyd National Park. At the western-most point of the plateau, we’ll begin our descent down Koorowall Knife Edge - an unformed rocky route used by walkers to access Mount Solitary from the west. With the descent conquered we are now close to our night’s camp at the base of Ruined Castle amid the mining ruins from the late 1800’s. Once our camp is established, the side trip to climb Ruined Castle, for the Jamison Valley views as the light starts to fade, is an opportunity not to be missed. Once again, we are fortunate to have an established bush camp with a composting toilet and access to tank water. Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day provides a relatively flat walk along Federal Pass, through picturesque rainforest and passing towering tree ferns and mountain blue gums. A brief break in the forest canopy takes us through the open boulder field known simply as ‘The Landslide’. Shortly after The Landslide, we’ll pass along track once travelled by a horse-drawn tramway pulling mined ore and we’ll see what remains of the past mining efforts of this part of the Jamison Valley. Our goal for the day is to complete a full circuit of the Jamison Valley. We’ll have the option to continue along Federal Pass, through Leura Forest, and then an unavoidable climb up Fern Bower to our original starting point; or we could climb out of the valley via Furber Steps to the top of Katoomba Falls and from there continue along Prince Henry Cliff Top Walk to our original starting point. This will be a collective group decision but either way we will complete the circuit and celebrate with a well-earned pub lunch. Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • Professional wilderness guide/s
  • 2 nights camping
  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners & snacks and hot drinks
  • A hearty deli-prepared gourmet sandwich as your first day lunch
  • Tent and inflatable sleeping mat
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking & eating equipment
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • National Park fees
  • Transport by private minibus

  • Backpack
  • Sleeping bag (can be hired) and inner sheet
  • Travel to and from Katoomba
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature: alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance

Accommodation


Suitability

Moderate to Challenging

6

This adventure involves trekking for up to 7 or 8 hours a day at a steady pace, carrying a full trekking backpack. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions. Suggested preparation: 60 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions is also recommended to prepare your mind and body to maximise your comfort whilst in the Blue Mountains.


Departure dates


Priceper person from

$AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Private TentAUD$100
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Mount Solitary Traverse trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Mount Solitary Traverse Blue Mountains Trip reviews


Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.