Updated 23rd May, 2021
The Narrow Neck trail is a great cycling and walking track that follows the Narrow Neck peninsula, Katoomba. It offers incredible views, birdwatching and wildflowers. While the full return walk/ride is about 20km one of the great this about Narrow Neck is that you can do it for as long as you like and then turn around.
The best access to the full track is by travelling down Glenraphael Drive, Katoomba for about 2km and park at the locked gate https://w3w.co/noted.portraying.victorious. From there, your adventure begins. As you walk down Narrow Neck, there are a number of sidetracks to unofficial lookouts. There is also a track to Castle Head. Glenraphael Drive to the locked gate can require 4wd at times.
NPWS advise: This challenging mountain bike ride is recommended for mid-level to experienced mountain bike riders, and self-sufficient hikers.
Starting from the locked gate 2km along unsealed Narrow Neck Road, the trail travels the length of the high plateau to Clear Hill, deep in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. As you cycle through open forest, heath and swamplands you’ll be treated to breathtaking views, wildflowers and photo opportunities at every turn.
At its narrowest point, the cliffs fall away on either side of the trail, with the Jamison Valley on one side and Megalong Valley on the other – you’ll feel on top of the world. At the end of the trail take in the views stretching across to the Wild Dog Mountains, Kanangra Wilderness, and part of Lake Burragorang.
Narrow Neck is a paradise for birdwatchers. Banksias and other nectar-producing plants make the shrub and heathlands a favourite breeding site for honeyeaters like the eastern spinebill and New Holland honeyeater. In spring and autumn you might see migrating yellow-faced honeyeaters, or wedge-tailed eagles performing their figure-eight courtship dance high above the valley.
