Devils Hole Track

Overview

Devils Hole is a short, punchy descent right off suburban Katoomba that dives into a narrow cleft in the sandstone escarpment. The character flips fast: open woodland gives way to a ferny, mossy gully enclosed by towering cliffs, with a dramatic chockstone pinched overhead forming a tunnel-like passage. Most walkers treat this as an out-and-back to the base of the slot and a nearby cascading waterfall. Expect a steep, rugged workout with a big sense of adventure. The short version is about 2 km return; ambitious hikers can extend along the base of the cliffs or link into longer routes.

What You’ll See

From near Cliff Drive, the track drops quickly into the Devils Hole slot—cool, damp, and lush compared to the plateau. Look for sandstone overhangs, house-sized boulders, and that photogenic chockstone wedged above the gully. At the bottom, a brief side trip reaches a pretty cascading waterfall that’s tailor-made for a snack break. Following the cliff base reveals soaring rock walls frequented by climbers and more rainforest vegetation. Near the top, a short detour offers wide views across the cliffs of Narrow Neck Plateau.

Trail Feel & Difficulty

This is a hands-on walk: rocky footing, some light scrambling, and occasional indistinct sections where you’ll need to pay attention. It’s steep both ways—down through the slot and back up—so expect to pause for photos and to catch your breath. Navigation is generally straightforward but can be confusing in places, especially after rain when the track can be slippery or muddy.

Best Time to Hike

Year-round access, but it shines in the cooler months (autumn to spring) when the gully feels lush and temps are hiker-friendly. Give it a miss right after heavy rain—the gully gets slick and messy, and the scrambling becomes sketchy.

Tips & Logistics

• Not suitable for beginners or anyone with mobility issues; moderate fitness and sure-footedness required.
• Wear grippy shoes; trekking poles help on the descent and climb.
• No facilities or drinking water—pack your own.
• Download a map or GPS track if it’s your first time; a few sections can be vague.
• The trailhead is walkable from Katoomba; street parking is available along Cliff Drive near house numbers around 261.
• No special permits needed for a day walk. Most people turn around at the chockstone or waterfall; stronger walkers can continue to connect with the Six Foot Track via Nellies Glen for a big day out.

Is It Worth It?

If you like your hikes short, steep, and atmospheric, absolutely. Devils Hole is less crowded than the headline Blue Mountains tracks but delivers memorable geology, moody rainforest, and a proper workout—an underrated gem if you don’t mind some scrambling.