Victoria Falls to Burra Korain Campground, Blue Mountains
This one is a great overnight option if you want stunning views without covering massive distances. From the carpark at the end of Victoria Falls Road it is about 4 km down to Burra Korain Campground, with a 560 m climb on the way back out. Tough but very manageable. Allow 2 to 3 hours to reach camp.
It is a Grade 4 track and fairly remote, but very doable if you are comfortable hiking with a pack. No camping fees and no bookings required. There is no mobile reception once you drop below the Grose Valley lookout so worth downloading your maps offline before you go. Also worth filling in a trip intention form before you leave home.
Getting Down There
The trail drops steeply into the Grose Valley through thick rainforest, with switchbacks and plenty of stairs from the start. The Grose Valley lookout on the way down is worth a stop, you get your first real look into the valley and a sense of how far you are dropping.
About halfway down there is a signpost where the trail splits. Short side paths lead to Silver Cascades and the top of Victoria Falls, before the main track continues to the base. Both are worth visiting. The cascades are layered and pretty, especially after rain, and the main waterfall at the base is way bigger than it looks from above.
From the base of the falls the track follows Victoria Creek for 1.5 km to camp. This section is slightly more technical than the descent, with some slippery patches early on, overgrown ferns through the middle and creek crossings that need a bit of rock hopping.
The Campground
Burra Korain sits right at the base of the Burra Korain Head cliff face with waterfalls and towering sandstone walls all around. It is a beautiful spot to set up camp and wake up to in the morning.
There are 12 unmarked tent sites and a toilet but no drinking water on site. You will need to carry water in or gather from the creek and boil/filter it.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- About 4 km to camp and 560 m of climbing on the way back out. The return is tough so no need to rush it
- No water at camp so carry enough in or gather creek water and boil/filter.
- No reception in the valley so download maps offline and bring a topographic map
- Free Personal Locator Beacon hire is available at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath
- Pack out all your rubbish
- Seal your snacks properly even inside your tent. Mice got into an open bag of chips when I camped here so keep everything sealed tight unless you want some furry company overnight
