Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW

This lesser known short walk in the Blue Mountains passes through a very atmospheric canyon, and can be extended along the bottom of cliffs used by rock climbers.

Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains

This was another new walk for me in the Upper Blue Mountains that exceeded expectations. It starts on the edge of town, and passes steeply through a narrow and deep canyon (actually a gap in the cliffs) called the Devils Hole. As you drop down you can take a short side trip to the left for views of the cliffs lining Narrow Neck Plateau. At the bottom of Devils Hole you turn left to view a scenic waterfall, and can then continue on along the bottom of cliffs used by rock climbers.

The track eventually peters out at a spot where I managed to get a clear photo of the Devils Hole and surrounding cliffs. Going this far is a moderate walk, and turning back at the waterfall makes it pretty easy, so long as you don’t mind steep and possibly slippery terrain. We used track notes in the guide book Blue Mountains Best Bushwalks. You start opposite 239 Cliff Drive in Katoomba.

The Scenery

Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Forest at the start.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
This was at the top of the Devils Hole.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Descending into the canyon.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Quite green in places. I imagine this walk would be slippery in the wet.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
There was a boulder wedged between the cliff walls.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
The view from a short deviation from the Devils Hole, exiting to the left as you descend. I think these cliffs are on Narrow Neck Plateau.

The photo below shows where you leave the Devils Hole for the above views…

Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
I’d asked Sophia to come back to where the side track leaves the Devils Hole for views of cliffs lining Narrow Neck Plateau.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
I liked this shot looking back up through the Devils Hole.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Forest at the bottom of the Devils Hole.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
More in my series of ‘bark photos of interest only to me’. This was a bit rougher than the usual bark I see in Australia. Not sure what the tree is.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
At the base of the waterfall.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
It’s possible to walk behind the waterfall, which we did on the way back, but here we are walking through it. Its been dry so there wasn’t all that much water.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Great colours in this section that was kept moist by water dripping from above. It almost looks like two photographs joined together.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Looking back at the waterfall: easier to see it in the sunlight.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
This area is called Waterfall Cave I think.

Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains

Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Flowers growing out of rock.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
The clearest shot I could get of the cliffs above me.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Old steps up onto the plateau. The bottom had been removed but somebody attached rope to allow access. The ladder looked a bit rusty so I didn’t try them out.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
These overhangs were evidently used by climbers, as there were things stuck in the wall and ‘ceiling’ of the overhang.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
This was a new flower for me.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Same flower as before I think but not yet opened.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
You can see the Devils Hole in the centre bottom of the cliff face. This was the only spot in the walk with a clear view back towards the canyon.

A couple of crimson rosellas were hanging out at the end of the walk when we were stretching…

Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
A crimson rosella.
Devils Hole Track, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
A crimson rosella. Some of the wing feathers were green.

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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