Walking Weekend – Blue Mountains
Ready to explore more of our world?
Come and explore World Heritage-listed bushland with views so spectacular they inspire silent awe. We’ll walk through blooming springtime native flowers and spot waratahs in the wild. You’ll retire each night to a cosy character-filled Federation era home for delicious meals and good conversation.
As part of a small group of walkers, you’ll see some jaw-dropping sights and feel the sense of wonder that comes from spending time on ancient land.
The Walking Weekend is for those who need to recharge, remember the important things in life, and enjoy this beautiful world we live in.
Here are all the details:
Friday 16 – Monday 19 October 2026
Itinerary (subject to change)
Friday 16 October
1pm – Meet at Blackheath to walk the Grand Canyon Track (6.5km)
4:30pm – Settle in to Mary Villa and enjoy some appetisers
6pm – Dinner and dessert
Post-dinner briefing about tomorrow’s walking options
Saturday 17 October
Make your own breakfast with the wide range of ingredients provided
Pack lunch, snacks and water
8:30am – Depart for the Grand Clifftop Walk from Wentworth Falls to Leura (13km)
Option to add on the Fern Bower to Furber Steps walk (5.5km)
Relax at the accommodation in the afternoon or, if time allows, enjoy an optional activity
Late afternoon appetisers
6:30pm – Dinner and dessert
Sunday 18 October
Make your own breakfast with the wide range of ingredients provided
Pack lunch, snacks and water
8:30am – Depart for the remainder of the Grand Clifftop Walk from Leura to Scenic World, Katoomba (6km)
Relax at the accommodation or enjoy an optional activity
6pm – group dinner at Katoomba RSL Club
Monday 19 October
Make your own breakfast with the wide range of ingredients provided
Pack up and depart by 10am
What’s Included
3 nights’ accommodation at Mary Villa in Katoomba
Guided walks over 3 days
2 delicious dinners followed by mouthwatering desserts
A variety of provisions so you can make your breakfast each morning
Snacks to stock your backpack for walks
A smorgasbord of lunch supplies to make your own picnic for the trail
Appetisers to enjoy each evening
Coffee, tea, herbal tea plus milk and sugar
Bed linen and towels
A donation to The Groundswell Collective for projects to protect and restore the world we love
Training suggestions to maximise your enjoyment of the weekend
Monthly training walks to meet the group and add to your fitness
A WhatsApp group chat to discuss training walks, the Walking Weekend, transportation and more
What’s Not Included
Transportation to and from the Blue Mountains (see FAQs)
Sunday night dinner
Beverages other than coffee, tea, herbal tea
Optional activities (see FAQs)
Travel insurance
Pricing
Mary Villa in Katoomba is comprised of six comfortable bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. Choose your preferred bedding combination from the options below. You’re welcome to come alone or bring a friend or partner.
Bedroom 1: Queen bed with ensuite – BOOKED
Bedroom 2: Single bed in a twin share room with ensuite = $750 per person (if you’re sharing this room with someone you know, specify their name on the booking form and have them specify your name)
Bedroom 3: Single bed in a triple share room with ensuite = $650 per person (if you’re sharing this room with someone you know, specify their name on the booking form and have them specify your name)
Bedroom 4: Queen bed with ensuite sharing with someone you know = $750 per person (please specify their name on the booking form and have them specify your name)
Bedroom 5: Single bed with ensuite – BOOKED
Bedroom 6: Single bed in a triple share room with ensuite = $650 per person (if you’re sharing this room with someone you know, specify their name on the booking form and have them specify your name)
Deposit = $200 per person
Balance due 6 weeks prior to departure = Friday 4 September
Payments are made via bank transfer. You are welcome to pay by instalments up to the balance due date with a minimum of $50 per payment.
Ready to book? Please complete the booking form and we’ll be in touch.
What to Bring
Walking boots/shoes or joggers – waterproof if possible
A backup pair of walking boots/shoes or joggers
Backpack
Bottles or bladder to carry at least 1.25 litres of water
Raincoat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Hand sanitiser
Hat and layers of warm clothing to walk in (minimum four sets)
Swimmers and a towel in case you want to take a dip beneath a waterfall
Containers to pack your lunch and snacks plus cutlery to eat with
All the typical items you’d bring for a weekend away: toiletries, pyjamas, phone charger, something to read, maybe your favourite pillow and anything else you need to be comfortable
Optional – walking poles if you use them
Note: bed linen and bath towel are provided
FAQs
Do I need special walking skills?
All of the walks we have planned are rated easy to moderate*, meaning they’re suitable for an average person with average fitness. Of course, some training before the Walking Weekend will make it more enjoyable for you and your muscles. A suggested training plan will be provided after you’ve booked.
*This excludes the optional Fern Bower to Furber Steps walk on Saturday afternoon which is more difficult and has many, many stairs.
We will cover a variety of terrain including boardwalk, sand, gravel paths, and rocky narrow trails. Uphill and downhill on both stairs and trail, both wet and dry underfoot: we’ll experience it all. You will be able to move at your own pace during the walks and we’ll take regular breaks.
If you have health concerns or would like more specific information, please read about the walks (see Itinerary for links) and then contact Katie on katie@thegroundswell.org.au
Do I need special walking equipment?
See the list of What to Bring and remember to borrow or buy second hand if you need something you don’t already own (Facebook Marketplace has oodles of walking shoes/boots).
Can I arrive late?
The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular walks in the Blue Mountains but if you’re happy to miss that then you’re welcome to arrive in time for dinner.
How do I get to the Blue Mountains?
We’d like to make this weekend as sustainable as possible so a good option is to carpool with other walkers. Train to Katoomba or Blackheath is also an option. We’ll have a discussion in the group chat prior to the Walking Weekend so you can make travel arrangements.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
Sure can. We’ll ask you about food and any other special needs during the booking process.
What are the optional activities?
The Blue Mountains has oodles of things to do besides walking if you want to do more. You might find others but here are a few activities to get you thinking:
- go op shopping in Katoomba
- visit Aqua Ignis Bathhouse
- try the scones at Megalong Valley Tea Rooms
- experience Scenic World
- see the world’s largest private collection of teawares at Bygone Beauties
What kind of projects will be supported by the donation portion of my fee?
The Groundswell Collective loves bringing people together to create a better planet. Our projects include:
- planting tiny forests to rapidly regenerate landscapes that have been cleared for development or farming. These compact ecosystems provide food and habitat for biodiversity, cool urban areas and help communities take practical climate action.
- facilitating workshops to help children connect with nature and foster a lifelong love of caring for our world
- growing food for people and pollinators in our community garden
What if the weather isn’t great?
We won’t let a little rain put us off but in the event of extreme weather conditions (eg. a flooding event or dangerous storms) then we may need to postpone the Walking Weekend in the name of health and safety. Obviously, we won’t be able to make this decision until shortly before the event. You would be given the option of transferring to a new date or receiving a full refund.
How do I book?
Please complete the booking form and we will respond within 24 hours. Once we offer you a place, you will have 24 hours to pay your $200 deposit via bank transfer. The balance of your payment will be due 6 weeks prior to the Walking Weekend (Friday 4 September). You are welcome to pay by instalments up to that date with a minimum of $50 per payment.
Are there any refunds?
There are no refunds if you cancel your place at the Walking Weekend. If, after booking, you become injured or unwell in a way that prevents you from attending and you can provide a medical certificate to that effect, you will be able to transfer the money you’ve paid to an alternative Walking Weekend.
If the event is cancelled by The Groundswell Collective due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be given the choice of transferring to another event date or receiving a refund.
You might like to consider if travel insurance is right for you.
Still have questions?
Contact Katie on katie@thegroundswell.org.au
About Us
The Walking Weekend will be led by Katie from The Groundswell Collective, who believes now is the time to get out and explore the places we’ve always wanted to see. Walking through the bush allows us to be face to face with world we love and reap the benefits of being in nature.
Katie has been bushwalking for years, escaping outdoors whenever she needs to make sense of the world or remember why she wants to protect it. Katie holds a current First Aid certificate and will carry a First Aid Kit on each walk.
The Walking Weekend will be supported by Libby, a long-term supporter of The Groundswell Collective and one of our most dedicated volunteers. Libby will help with the logistics of the weekend including transport and delicious food.
