Venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and immerse yourself in one of the Blue Mountains' true hidden gems: the Porter’s Pass, Colliers Causeway & Centennial Glen Loop walk. This stunning loop trail weaves together dramatic cliffs, secret canyons, lush rainforest gullies, tumbling waterfalls, and expansive valley lookouts for an adventure that ranks among the region’s best. Far less crowded than more famous walks, Porter's Pass rewards bushwalkers with tranquility, abundant natural beauty, and a taste of the wild, untamed side of the Blue Mountains.

Getting there

The Porter's Pass walk is conveniently centered in Blackheath, one of the Blue Mountains’ most charming towns. The easiest access point is the end of Burton Road. Simply follow Station Street, Wombat Street, Kanimbla Road, and Burton Road from Blackheath village — the trailhead is just a 4-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from Blackheath train station. There’s free parking along Burton Road, but be mindful to avoid blocking local driveways. If you’re coming from Sydney, a direct train to Blackheath makes this hike perfect for car-free adventurers.

The Porter's Pass, Colliers Causeway, and Centennial Glen loop trail delivers a captivating 4.6km loop through the Blue Mountains’ spectacular landscapes. Beginning at Centennial Glen Reserve at the end of Burton Road in Blackheath, the track descends into lush gullies, winds beneath towering sandstone cliffs, and uncovers hidden waterfalls and panoramic lookouts. Be prepared—the Porter’s Pass, Colliers Causeway and Centennial Glen Circuit is a moderately difficult to hard walk due to its steep gradients, rocky steps, and narrow cliffside paths. While it’s not a long trail, it requires good mobility, a reasonable fitness level, and caution in wet conditions. After rain, the track becomes muddy and slippery, especially around Slippery Dip Falls and the Porter’s Pass descent. Allow extra time and come prepared — this isn’t a rush-through kind of walk, but the scenic rewards are well worth the effort.
Below, you'll find the AllTrails map along with essential details outlining the circuit walk.

Essential Preparation

Begin your adventure at Centennial Glen Reserve, tucked away at the end of Burton Road in Blackheath. The trail starts gently, meandering through dry eucalypt forest.

Lambert's Lookout

​At just over half a kilometre in, take the unmarked detour on your left towards Lamberts Lookout. Perched high above the Kanimbla Valley, this rocky platform offers sweeping views of the escarpment, with golden cliff faces and bushland stretching endlessly into the distance. It’s a rewarding early stop and a perfect introduction to the scenic diversity this loop offers.

Porter's Pass Gully​

Backtrack to the main trail and begin a steep descent into the gully via the Porter’s Pass Track, where the trail transitions from open woodland to a lush rainforest. This section is challenging and requires careful footing — especially after rain, when the narrow track and uneven stone steps can become slippery.

This is a different side of the Blue Mountains—more Jurassic than Australian dry sclerophyll. You'll meander alongside Porters Pass Gully with handrails to assist safe passage and crossing the creek several times. The refreshing greenery and ferns create a magical sense of seclusion.

At the bottom of the pass, just before Colliers Causeway, you’ll find a small waterfall and a remarkable relic: a stone water trough carved by early track builders. Pause here to appreciate this piece of Blue Mountains history!

Colliers Causeway​

The walk soon changes character as you enter Colliers Causeway. Here, the trail hugs the base of towering sandstone cliffs and passes through cool, shaded gullies dotted with birdlife. Ancient handprints and rock carvings—a legacy of early bushwalkers and perhaps even indigenous custodians—adorn the stone. The occasional overhang heightens the sense of drama, and you may even catch glimpses of rock climbers scaling the sheer faces above.

Slippery Dip Falls​

Afterwards, you’ll reach the base of the tranquil Slippery Dip Falls — a cascading waterfall tucked in a narrow slot beside the track. The surrounding terrain is cool and damp, with moss-covered rocks, tree ferns, and trickling creeks creating a lush, calming atmosphere. The falls weren’t that powerful during our visit, but the serenity of the spot made it a lovely place to rest!

​The trail here becomes truly exciting as it climbs steep stone steps right alongside the falls and to the top of the falls, offering close-up views of water rushing down red sandstone cliffs. Take care in this area, as the path can be wet and slippery due to persistent moisture and mist.

The Grotto​

At a well-marked junction at the top of Slippery Dip Falls, take a detour left towards the famed Centennial Grove Grotto (The Grotto), a hidden slot canyon renowned for its picturesque waterfall tumbling into a shimmering pool. This atmospheric location allows walkers to wade carefully through cool water beneath sculpted, overhanging rocks—making it a memorable spot for photos or a revitalising dip on warmer days. However, during our visit, the track into the Grotto was extremely slippery, and for safety reasons, we had to skip exploring the canyon and waterfall. If you do attempt this side trail, proceed with caution and consider recent weather condition.

Centennial Glen​

Back on the main trail, ​the track rises steeply via steps and enters Centennial Glen — a canyon-like area of the trail framed by massive cliff walls. This area is popular with rock climbers, so don’t be surprised if you spot harnessed climbers scaling the vertical sandstone above. The lush undergrowth, cool air, and dramatic overhangs make this one of the most atmospheric parts of the circuit.

Centennial Falls​

The path continues gently toward Centennial Falls, a multi-tiered cascade flowing down over weathered sandstone ledges. Especially after rain, the falls are a beautiful sight, their soft rush audible before they come into view. The path then slips behind the waterfall, delivering a magical Blue Mountains moment!

From here, the trail begins to climb steadily out of the valley along the Centennial Glen Track, with more rock steps and some switchbacks through open forest and ferns.

Fort Rock​

As the trail levels briefly, you’ll see a signposted detour to Fort Rock — take it! After a couple of minutes, you’ll emerge onto Fort Rock, a striking, standalone sandstone outcrop that rises boldly above the surrounding bushland of the Blue Mountains. Its layered, weathered surface features horizontal striations and rugged ledges, carved over millennia by wind and rain.

The view from Fort Rock is truly breathtaking, unveiling a sweeping panorama across the lush valleys and rolling hills of the Blue Mountains region!

Return to Trailhead via Cliff Top Track​

The final stretch follows the Cliff Top Track, an easier and gently undulating path that slowly loops back towards Centennial Glen Reserve. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the gorge and valley below, and enjoy a peaceful close to an otherwise rugged adventure.

​The Porter's Pass, Colliers Causeway & Centennial Glen Loop is a hidden gem in the Blue Mountains, offering an adventurous yet peaceful hiking experience filled with natural beauty and lesser-known lookouts. With waterfalls, rock formations, and rainforest gullies all packed into a half-day hike, it's an ideal escape for those looking to explore off the tourist trail. Whether you're a seasoned bushwalker or a curious traveller seeking new trails, this loop delivers a rich and memorable journey through Blackheath's wild side.

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