Part of the Greater Blue Mountains, Kanangra-Boyd National Park is a remote wilderness area located just under 200 km from Sydney.
The most popular vantage point in this national park is the Kanangra Walls Lookout, with various other highlights nearby to make a day of it, such as Kalang Falls, Dance Floor Cave, and Kanangra Plateau.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the two most popular walking trails in the Kanangra Walls area.
Getting There
The car park for Kanangra Walls is located at the very end of Kanangra Walls Road in Kanangra-Boyd National Park (see location on map).
To get there, turn off the Great Western Highway onto Jenolan Caves Road at Hartley. Continue past the Jenolan Caves, then turn onto Kanangra Walls Road.
If Jenolan Caves Road is closed at the caves, you’ll need to take a detour via Duckmaloi Road (Hampton) and Edith Road (Oberon). From Edith Road, you can eventually turn onto Kanangra Walls Road. Keep in mind that this road is unsealed and stretches for about 30 km. While a 4WD is not essential, it is recommended.
It takes between 3 and 4 hours to drive to Kanangra Walls from Sydney, so it makes for a perfect Sydney day trip!
Walking Tracks
Once you’ve parked, head to the large signpost to begin your hike. Below, we’ll cover the two main walking tracks:
- Kalang Falls Walk:
To Kanangra Walls Lookout and Kalang Falls. - Kanangra Plateau Walk:
To Dance Floor Cave and Kanangra Plateau.
We highly recommend doing both walks, as they can be completed in under three hours. The Kanangra Plateau Walk also includes that famous photogenic spot you’ve likely seen many times on social media.
1. Kalang Falls Walk
The first walk is a 1.5 km return trail to Kanangra Walls Lookout and Kalang Falls. It’s a relatively short walk, though the final section between the lookout and the waterfall is quite steep.
Overall, the track is well-maintained, easy to follow, and family-friendly. For comfort and safety, be sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring a water bottle.
Here is a map with the highlights:
- Kanangra Walls Lookout
- Kalang Falls
| Kalang Falls Walk: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.5 km (return) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Moderate (steep sections) |
Kanangra Walls Lookout
The first 500 metres of the trail from the car park to Kanangra Walls Lookout follows a flat path through a scenic landscape of heath vegetation and low trees.
At the junction with the Plateau Walk, continue straight until you reach a signpost, where the Kanangra Walls Lookout will appear on your right. Head down the steps to the platform for even better views.
The views from Kanangra Walls Lookout are truly impressive, with endless rolling mountain tops and dramatic cliffs stretching out before you.
Once you’ve taken in the views, continue on the trail by heading down the stairs to visit the stunning Kalang Falls, also known as Kanangra Creek Waterfall.
Note that this extra stretch to Kalang Falls is entirely optional. It is quite a steep section, and if you’re not up for it, it might be best to start the second hike of the day (see further below).
Kalang Falls
The descent to Kalang Falls is steep, but it’s short, and the track is well-maintained, reasonably stable, and safe.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find a spacious viewing platform with great views of the waterfall and creek.
For the best vantage point, step onto the rocks behind the platform and walk over to the waterfall. If the weather is warm, you might even enjoy a quick swim!
Once you’ve finished exploring Kalang Falls, head back up the stairs. From there, you can either return to the car park or continue onto the second walking trail to Kanangra Plateau.
2. Kanangra Plateau Walk
The second walk, one we highly recommend, is the trail to Dance Floor Cave and Kanangra Plateau. This route includes the famous photogenic spot that makes this area so well-known.
While it’s not as steep as the first walk, there are some sections that require climbing. Also, keep in mind that the full Plateau Walk extends well beyond the viewpoint we’re describing here, so if you’re up for a longer hike, you can continue exploring past the main lookout.
Here is a map with the highlights:
- Dance Floor Cave
- Kanangra Plateau
| Kanangra Plateau Walk: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) |
| Time: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate (steep sections) |
Dance Floor Cave
To start this walk, find the junction with the Plateau Walk, located just a short distance from the car park.
From the junction, the track descends quickly via well-maintained staircases. While this section is quite steep, it’s also brief, and the scenic views to the left make it a pleasant descent.
After a few hundred metres through bushland, you’ll reach a junction with a short detour to Dance Floor Cave.
Dance Floor Cave is a large rock overhang that, in the late 19th century, served as a gathering place for travellers and settlers. It was so popular that a wooden dance platform was installed inside.
While the dance floor is long gone, the cave is still used today as a camping shelter for bushwalkers.
Once you’ve finished exploring this fascinating cave, retrace your steps to the main track to continue towards Kanangra Plateau.
Kanangra Plateau
After a few more staircases, the trail levels out and opens onto a stunning plateau.
Once you’re walking on the plateau, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Several side trails lead closer to the cliff edge, offering even better vantage points.
However, be cautious, as strong winds are common here, so it’s best not to venture too close to the edge.
As the path continues eastward, you’ll soon spot a large, pointy rock jutting out from the cliff. This is the famous photo spot that many visitors will recognise.
While the rock may look narrow and a little daunting, it’s actually wide enough to stand on. So, if you’re keen on a photo, go for it!
Beyond this point, the Plateau Walk continues, so if you have the time and energy, it’s well worth exploring further.
About 500 metres beyond the photo spot, the views back towards Kanangra Walls Lookout are spectacular, making the extra effort worthwhile. After heavy rainfall, you may also spot a waterfall, Kanangra Falls, cascading into the valley from the cliffs on the opposite side.
If you’d like to spend more than one day in the Kanangra Walls area and perhaps catch a sunrise or sunset, camping might be a good idea.
The Boyd River Campground, on Kanangra Walls Road, is home to 10 campsites and has basic facilities. Bookings are required.
