The 5.6 km return trail to Ikara Head in Mount Victoria leads to a lookout with scenic views over a quiet section of the Grose Valley.
With a bit of luck and the right conditions, you might even spot pink flannel flowers and other wildflowers along the way.
| Ikara Head Trail | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5.6 km (return) |
| Time: | 2 hours (depending on stops) |
| Grade: | Easy |
Getting There
The trail to Ikara Head is in the Mount Victoria area of the Blue Mountains, with the trailhead located along Victoria Falls Road.
The start of the walk is not signposted and can be tricky to find, especially since Google Maps gives incorrect information about this walking track.
For the exact location, use this Google Maps link. The trailhead is 3.6 km along Victoria Falls Road from the Great Western Highway.
It’s easy to drive past, as there is no signage, and parking is limited to a small space that fits just one car. If that spot is taken, you’ll need to park further up the road.
Here is a satellite view of the trailhead:
If you switch Google Maps to satellite mode and zoom in, you’ll be able to spot the walking trail to Ikara Head.
Note that the trailhead for the better-known Asgard Swamp Track is just a few hundred metres further up the road.
Track Notes
The Ikara Head Trail is a relatively easy 5.6 km return walk that passes through a mix of landscapes.
As this is a quiet walk, some sections are a bit overgrown, and you’ll likely come across a few spiderwebs along the way.
Start of the Walk
Once you’ve found the trailhead, it’s time to start hiking. The image below shows where the trail begins.
The first section passes through dense forest, and you’ll find that the path is often a bit overgrown.
A stick or hiking poles can be useful here to help navigate the track and clear any spiderwebs along the way.
After about 15 to 20 minutes, the scenery opens up, with rocky outcrops and distant mountain views starting to appear.
This more open landscape is where you’re most likely to spot wildflowers. Pink flannel flowers, however, are extremely rare. They usually appear after bushfires or a period of rainfall.
It’s said that pink flannel flower seeds only germinate after fire, so in a way, it’s probably a good sign if you don’t see them.
Ikara Head Lookout
The trail eventually leads to Ikara Head, which looks out over an isolated section of the Grose Valley, with the Grose River flowing below.
There’s plenty of space to explore the headland, and the views are fantastic from every angle.
Because this walk is a bit of a hidden gem, it’s likely you’ll have the place to yourself, making it a great spot for a quiet picnic with million-dollar views.
Across the valley is the Bells Line of Road, which provides access to the Pierces Pass walking track, Walls Lookout, and the Rigby Hill walking track.
Note that Ikara Head is unfenced, and the surface is uneven and rocky. For your safety, stay well back from the cliff edges.
Once you’ve finished exploring Ikara Head, retrace your steps along the same track to return to Victoria Falls Road.
Nearby attractions:
