About the event
Come and join Sony Advocate Jay Evans as we explore an iconic walking track in the Blue Mountains on this epic photo walk.
The Grand Clifftop Track covers a distance of 15kms, traversing the southern escarpment of the Jamison Valley, beginning at the iconic Scenic World and Reids Plateau, finishing at Wentworth Falls. Comprised of several sections of track encompassing the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Sublime Point, Lillians Bridge Trail, and the Overcliff/Undercliff Walks.
This epic trail has recently undergone a transformation, repairing flood damaged tracks to rebuild a legacy of the tourism and industrial history, combined with the natural and cultural values of this area of the Blue Mountains. There is no better way to introduce yourself to the wonders of the Blue Mountains than to complete this trail.
As we traverse the clifftop track, we take in Katoomba Falls, The Three Sisters, Leura Cascades, Elysian Rock, Pool of Siloam, Sublime Point, Valley of the Waters, Den Fenella Falls, and Wentworth Falls, traversing the iconic trail through eucalypt forest, hanging swamps and sandstone cliffs. Plus, at this time of year, a startling array of colourful wildflowers intermixed with the wildlife in the many varieties of birds (cockatoos, eagles, lyrebirds, wattlebirds), plus many other insects, snakes and reptiles.
Our morning begins at Katoomba Falls Reserve where we will catch a sunrise over the Jamison Valley, Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls, before commencing our walk, photographing the views, waterfalls, flowers and wildlife along the way, while taking in the breathtaking beauty of our surrounds. You will be guided to the best viewpoints and compositions along the way, and given tuition on your landscape, nature, macro and wildlife photography.
As we walk, you will be expertly guided by your Blue Mountains guide, Jay, introducing you to the variety of Flora, Fauna and with tales of the industrial history and the advent of tourism in the early 1900's.
At the end of the walk, you will be transported back to your cars at Katoomba Falls Reserve (or dropped at Katoomba Railway Station), with us concluding at approximately 4PM.
Join us for an optional setup briefing via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 26th October at 7PM.
FOOD & DRINKS
We will stop for a camp breakfast at Gordon Falls Reserve (provided in your fee), and then lunch at the Conservation Hut Cafe (not provided in your fees). Please inform us of any dietary requirements you have (gluten or dairy free) so we can ensure you will be catered for.
We will be traversing the Grand Clifftop Walk for almost the entire day, so we recommend bringing some snacks along with you that will keep you sustained and energised for the entirety of the walk (nuts, cereal bars etc.). You should also bring a water bottle (1L Minimum). There will be water refill points along the route, but you will need to be responsible and ensure you are carrying enough water for yourself for the entirety of the treck.
TRANSPORT
We will meet at Katoomba Falls Reserve just off Cliff Drive in Katoomba. You will be able to park your car here for free for the entire day while we walk. At the end of the day we will climb aboard a Blue Mountains Maxi Taxi that will bring us back to Katoomba (the cost of this is coverered in your fee). At any given stage of our treck, we are relatively close to a road so should you need to disembark early, a reliable Blue Mountains taxi can be called to a nearby road/street.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Grade 4 - Long distance bush walking (>10kms) with some inclines, stairs and rocky outcrops. Stairs may be unformed with no handrails. Walks may be on muddy tracks. Some rocky outcrops must be climbed. Good levels of fitness, mobility and stamina, and high degree of personal awareness required.
LICENSE & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Jay is licensed to operate Photography tours and Bushwalk Activities in NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service under an Eco Pass License # LIC20/116. We wish to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the country we will visit during this adventure, the Gundungurra people and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Attend this event and receive one entry into the draw for a chance to win one of five tickets to the ultimate Scene experience in Paris, France! Join as many events as you can between Friday 8th September - Tuesday 31st October 2023 The more events you attend, the more chances you have to WIN! For competition details, terms & conditions head over to the Scene Festival site
Techniques covered
- Bushwalking for Photographers
- Sunrise & Landscape Photography
- Macro & Wildflowers Photography
- Wildlife & Nature Photography
What to bring
- Mirrorless of DSLR Camera Body
- Interchangeable Lens (suggestions: 16-35mm, 24-70mm, 100-400mm, 90mm macro)
- Lightweight but stable Tripod
- Spare batteries
- Empty Memory Cards
- Comfortable Camera Backpack with room for clothing, food and water
- 1L Water bottle and snacks (nuts/cereal bars etc.)
- Note - it is recommended you weigh your bag and carry no more than 12KGs including food and water.
- Good and Comfortable Hiking Boots (preferably mid or high ankle support)
- Layered Hiking clothing including fleece, long sleeve shirt and long pants recommended
- Rain Jacket if rain is forecast
- Sun blocking hat (wide brimmed or cap)
- Sunglasses
- Walking Poles if you use them
Event FAQs (For general FAQs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page)
We will provide a camp breakfast at our first rest stop at Gordon Falls Reserve, comprising of:
- Hot Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate;
- Orange Juice;
- Cereal/Museli & Milk;
- Muffin/Banana Bread;
- Selection of Fresh Fruit;
- Cereal Bars.
Lunch is not provided. We will stop for lunch at the newly reopened Conservation Hut Cafe in Wentworth Falls. You can view their menu at https://www.conservationhutcafe.au/. You will be required to carry a payment card to cover the cost of your own lunch. You are welcome to carry your own lunch with you if you prefer.
- Good and Comfortable Hiking Boots (preferably mid or high ankle support)
- Layered Hiking clothing including fleece, long sleeve shirt and long pants recommended
- Rain Jacket if rain is forecast
- Sun blocking hat (wide brimmed or cap)
- Sunglasses
- Walking Poles if you use them
Your fee is also covering the cost of:
- Any National Park Entry Fees ($4.64 per person per day).
- License fees (such as NSW National Parks EcoPass).
- Public Liability Insurance to cover Bushwalking and Wilderness Activities (a Requirement of Park Licenses)
- An Experienced and Accredited Guide and Photography Educator with Remote Area First Aid Accreditation.
- Other Ancillary costs.