Lockleys Pylon is a staple among Blue Mountains hikes, offering sweeping 360-degree vistas of Mount Hay and Mount Banks’ sandstone cliffs, alongside the picturesque Grose Valley eucalypt forests—all within an enjoyable 7-8-kilometer return journey.
It’s a sanctuary away from the usual hustle and bustle found in many other popular tourist locations across the Blue Mountains.
Named in honour of J.G. Lockley, a dedicated journalist who played a pivotal role in saving the Blue Gum Forest from logging back in the 1930s, this trail is not just about the views. It’s a tribute to conservation efforts that have shaped this beautiful landscape.
Now, let’s see how you can find and experience this amazing trail for yourself.
How To Get To Lockleys Pylon Trail
Your adventure begins with a car ride to the trailhead.
Unfortunately, public transport isn’t an option here—Leura’s train station is a distant 10.4 km away from the trailhead and there are no bus connections. Getting there by car remains the most practical choice.
The beginning of the Lockleys Pylon walking track lies along Mount Hay Road, just north of Leura (click here for Google Maps location pin).
Now, let’s talk about the road itself:
You’ll be driving 7.3 km on an unsealed fire road. A 4WD isn’t mandatory, yet be prepared for a journey with a few bumps and potholes.
I personally managed to drive along this road in in my small 2WD car without any problems.
However, in wet conditions or after a heavy rainfall, I’d probably think twice about driving this road with a regular 2WD vehicle.
Lockleys Pylon Trail Parking
There is a small parking lot at the trailhead along the Mount Hay Rd. If it’s full, there are plenty of other spots nearby along the fire road where you can try to park.
Lockleys Pylon Walking Track Map
Exploring the Lockleys Pylon Track involves a total distance of about 7.1 km—a moderately challenging walk that’s totally doable for those with decent fitness levels.
There’s an option to take this hike up a notch. Once you’ve conquered the summit of Lockleys Pylon, consider stretching your walk a bit further towards Du Faur Head along the Shortridge Pass.
Trust me, it’s an absolute gem for stunning photo opportunities!
Overall, the trail is generally easy to walk and navigate, though the final stretch up to Lockleys Pylon does have a bit of a steep climb. Heading towards Du Faur Head and back also involves some extra climbing.
Below, you’ll find a map outlining the entire walk:
Now, let’s take a closer look at the detailed map of the Lockleys Pylon peak area, focusing on the optional Du Faur Head side trail.
This addition could stretch your hike by another 1-2km, depending on how far you choose to venture.
Lockleys Pylon Walking Track Stats
- Distance: 7.1 km return
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Ascent: 184m
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections near the summit
Getting Started & The Pinnacles
At the start of your hike, you’ll come across a short uphill side trail on your right. This path leads to a distinctive rock formation called The Pinnacles.
I highly recommend making the climb and reaching the end of the path for an incredible 360-degree view, with Mount Banks in the distance.
Although the path is somewhat overgrown in places, it’s not overly problematic to get to the final lookout spot.
Fortress Ridge Views
Once you move past The Pinnacles, prepare for a change in the scenery. Along the way, you’ll navigate through several small bushy areas shaded by trees.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at the final stretch of the walk, where the landscape opens up into a wide, open space filled with lush heath vegetation
Looking towards the west, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of Fortress Ridge, where you can catch a glimpse of the majestic Fortress Falls.
The real treat awaits when you reach to the summit of Lockleys Pylon, where you’ll get a closer, more immersive view of these cascading falls.
Lockleys Pylon Summit Climb
The final challenge is to get to the summit of Lockleys Pylon.
Honestly, making the climb up Lockleys Pylon is a piece of cake—it’s a short, easy hike and if you’ve got decent fitness, you’ll likely reach the summit in under 10 minutes.
The only potential hiccup might be tackling it on a windy day as this place can get quite breezy at times.
When you finally make it to the summit, give yourself a pat on the back and get ready for an incredible sight: amazing 360 degrees panoramic views of the Grose Valley with Mount Hay, Mount Banks and Fortress Falls in the distance.
It might be a good idea to stop for lunch here and soak in the remarkable view stretching out from the summit.
Bonus Side Trail: Du Faur Head
As previously mentioned, you’ve got the option to extend this walk by an extra 1-2 kilometers to absorb more stunning vistas of the Blue Gum Forest.
If that sounds appealing to you, after your descent from Lockleys Pylon Summit, keep an eye out for the trail on your left.
It will guide you through the Shortridge Pass toward Du Faur Head.
Just a heads-up, the trek to Du Faur Head is only about 1km each way, but brace yourself for a steep climb back up.
But trust me, the effort is absolutely worth it!
If you prefer to head back to the car park from the Lockleys summit, simply take a right turn, retracing the path you’ve already covered.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How long does the trail take?
- 2-3 hours or longer
What about signage and trail quality?
- Adequate signs make the trail easy to navigate.
How difficult is the trail?
- It ranges from easy (for experienced hikers) to moderate.
What should I wear?
- For hot and sunny days, consider wearing long sleeves and a hat since the trail is mostly exposed.
What essentials should I carry?
- Water, sunscreen, hat and some snacks.
Is it the trail child-friendly?
- Yes.
Is the trail wheelchair accessible?
- Unfortunately, the trail is not wheelchair accessible.
When is the best time to visit?
- This trail welcomes visitors year-round, so the choice is yours. During a sunny summer day, it’s best to plan your hike for early morning or late afternoon.
Is there phone service?
- Limited.
Can I bring my dog?
- Unfortunately, pets are not permitted.
