Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains NP, NSW

A little known walk over Mt Hay and down to the rocky outcrop known as Venus Tor. Excellent cliff and valley views for much of the way.

Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains

I learned of this excellent walk in the Upper Blue Mountains from a couple I met on the summit of Mt Hay. It’s possible to continue on over Mt Hay to a rocky outcrop called Venus Tor, and there are excellent views over the Grose Valley for most of the way. Plus you’re unlikely to meet many/any other hikers after Mt Hay. The drop down from Mt Hay is very steep, and then passes through mostly heath and scrub to the tor. Easy enough walking. 

Track Notes

At first follow the route to the summit of Mt Hay from the car park at the end of Mt Hay Road, and walk on 5-10 minutes to a spot with views out towards Venus Tor; I posted on that walk here. The route descending from Mt Hay is at first marked by cairns, and drops very steeply down to rocks on the edge of the Grose Valley. You continue on over the rocks and along a mostly distinct route to the tor, with cairns on occasion where the route is a bit less obvious.

Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
The route from the base of Mt Hay to Venus Tor. (This photo from a month earlier).

Climbing up to the summit requires walking to the right along a narrow but wide-enough ledge at the base of the tor, and then there’s easy access to the upper sections. Here’s Venus Tor on Google Maps…

And here’s where you start the walk…

Venus Tor via Mt Hay: The Scenery

Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
I took this photo of Venus Tor a month earlier when I was first trying out my new telephoto lens. I walked as far as some rocks below Mt Hay but not all the way to the tor. The sky looks a bit washed out here.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
Approaching Venus Tor.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
Sophia backed by the uppermost rocks on Venus Tor.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
The uppermost rocks of Venus Tor.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
From Venus Tor looking back at Mt Hay (left) and up the Grose Valley.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
Sophia staying out of the wind.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
Sophia staying out of the wind.

Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains

Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
Sophia (left) on Venus Tor, and in front of Mt Hay.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
Looking out over the Grose Valley.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
Walking back towards Mt Hay.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
Cliffs on Mt Hay. Taken a month earlier.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
Cliffs on Mt Hay. Taken a month earlier.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
It was hella windy. You can see weather closing in that brought rain and very nearly snow.
Venus Tor via Mt Hay, Blue Mountains
The Grose Valley from part way down Mt Hay.

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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