Last updated: June 14, 2022
Mermaids Cave is a large sandstone rock overhang located in a scenic forest environment, with a small waterfall to complete the setting.
A very short walk, via a steep staircase with over 100 steps, leads to this cave in uniquely beautiful natural surroundings.
While the staircase is quite long and steep, this is a fairly easy, family-friendly walk, perfect for a quick Blue Mountains adventure.
| Mermaids Cave Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 600 m return |
| Duration: | 30 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy (long staircase) |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
How to Get There
Mermaids Cave is located in a quieter part of the Blue Mountains, along Megalong Road, a long and winding road that feeds into the Megalong Valley.
To get to the starting point of the walk to Mermaids Cave, turn into Megalong Road from Shipley Road in Blackheath. After approximately 1 km, you will see a parking lot on the right side of the road (see map location).
The start of the walk is on the opposite side of the road. Be careful when crossing because the parking lot is located between two bends, so passing cars won’t be able to see you.
Mermaids Cave Walk
The walking trail to Mermaids Cave is short and sweet, well-signposted, well-maintained, and easy to follow. The staircase, however, is quite steep and uneven, so if you have children with you, be sure to keep an eye on them.
Here is a map of the short walk to Mermaids Cave with the parking lot on the opposite side of the road:
Start of the Walk
Once you’ve parked your car, look out for the signpost on the other side of the road, which marks the start of the walking track.
The first section of the walk is a bush trail that goes slightly downhill, before arriving at the first set of stairs with metal handrails.
The trail then turns around a corner and arrives at the main staircase, cut between two high sandstone cliff walls.
Staircase
It’s a beautiful old staircase in quite a surreal setting, which makes you all the more curious about what to expect when you get to the cave.
The staircase is in a reasonably good condition, but do watch your step, especially in wet conditions, as the steps are quite uneven at times.
As you get closer to the bottom end of the staircase, the small amphitheatre-like valley opens up, with the Mermaids Cave and waterfall on your left.
At the bottom of the stairs, you can either turn left to go into the cave and behind the waterfall, or go straight ahead and cross the creek for better views.
Mermaids Cave
The Mermaids Cave was first named back in 1882 and has also often been referred to as Mermaid’s Glen.
The spot is so unique that it was once used as one of the film locations for the third installment of the Mad Max movie series, the Mad Max “Beyond Thunderdome” movie.
The waterfall is small but very pretty and unpretentious. The best time to visit though is after a period of rainfall, otherwise there may not be much water falling over the cave and into the small valley.
Note that the walking track continues away from the waterfall, but that track seems overgrown and we can’t vouch for it.
Once you’ve finished admiring the waterfall and the atmospheric scenery surrounding Mermaids Cave, simply retrace your steps back up the staircase and back to the car park.
If you’re keen to do another short walk, the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is highly recommended. This is an easy 1 km loop trail through a rainforest landscape, including a few Pulpit Hill Creek crossings.
You can find the start of the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail approximately 2 km further south on Megalong Road (see map location).
Mount Blackheath Lookout.
