The Epiphany Pilgrimage Routes

If you would like to walk the Way of the Magi route throughout the year, please contact [email protected].

Pilgrims participating in the Epiphany Pilgrimage complete The Way of the Magi beginning at Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains and finishing at Sacred Heart Church, Blackheath. Pilgrims then continue on to the Chapel of the Magi site in Bell to lay their stones which have been carried throughout the pilgrimage. 

​Whilst the core group of Epiphany Pilgrims complete the Way of the Magi by foot and following the bush trails, all members of the community are invited to make the journey and participate in whatever way they are able. Some might choose to walk part of the way with the core group but drive other sections, while others might do the entire journey by bike, car or train and join with the walking group for Adoration and Mass. The walks vary substantially in distance and difficulty level with some sections suitable for all levels of fitness but others for more experienced walkers only.

The basic itinerary is as follows; see below for an overview of each day of walking. 

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
​DAY 7

January 2
January 3
January 4
January 5
January 6
January 7
January 8

Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains to St Finbar's, Glenbrook
St Finbar's, Glenbrook to St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood
St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood to Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson
Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson to St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls
St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls to St Canice's, Katoomba
St Canice's, Katoomba to Sacred Heart, Blackheath
Sacred Heart, Blackheath to The Chapel of the Magi, Bell

Day 1: Our Lady of the Way, Emu Plains to St Finbar’s, Glenbrook

Distance:
Grade:​Overview:

10km
Grade 2
​​This is an easy day walk, suitable for those of all ages and fitness levels. There is one steep set of steps from the Southern end of the Knapsack Viaduct up to the Lapstone Zig Zag. The walk takes in a number of historic features in the area including the Knapsack Viaduct, Lapstone Zig Zag, Historic Lucasville Station, the Old Glenbrook Railway Tunnel, Tramway Route and Funicular Railway as well as spectacular views of the Sydney Basin and Glenbrook Gorge.

Day 2: St Finbar's, Glenbrook to St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood

Distance:
Grade:​Overview:

18km
Grade 3
​This is a comfortable day walk, suitable for those of moderate fitness levels. There are a number of significant ascents and descents between Mount Riverview and Winmalee including a steep ascent up concrete hill to Rickard Road, a moderate descent into Sun Valley from Cross Street Reserve and a long and steep ascent out of Long Angle Valley. The valley floor itself is beautiful and flat. Features along the walk include Glenbrook Lagoon and the stunning eucalypts of Long Angle Valley.

Day 3: St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood to Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson

Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

22km
Grade 4
This is a long day of walking and a high level of endurance is required. The walk begins by following a local undulating bush track which includes some small rock scrambles. The middle part of the route is generally flat but includes a short and quite difficult ascent and descent across a small valley just before Linden. There are a number of steep descents and ascents in the afternoon as the trail heads down toward Paradise Pool before climbing up the Hazelbrook. Brace yourself for a big day! Features along the walk include Birdwood Gully, Sir Henry Parkes Grave, Kings Cave, Paradise Pool, Eurama Castle, Edith Falls, Hazel Falls (time pending), Aboriginal axe-grinding site.

Day 4: Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson to St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls

Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

17km
Grade 4
This walk begins with a short detour via the Aboriginal rock engraving on Kangaroo Street, Lawson. It then follows a section of descends into the valley and passes by some pretty local waterfalls along Empire Pass before a short section of road walking connects the track with the historic Bruce's walk which began as a maintenance track for the power supply in 1931 and was cleared again in 1986 by two local walkers – Jim Smith and Wilf Hilder. This section of the walk has two steep descents and ascents (into and out of valleys) that are quite difficult and require a moderate level of fitness. Walkers are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants for this stretch of the walk as some of the vegetation can be quite scratchy. Features along the walk include an Aboriginal kangaroo rock engraving, Fairy Falls, creek crossings, and a range of artefacts associated with the history of the walk including various artifacts such as signs, ladders, seats and shelter caves. 

Day 5: St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls to St Canice's, Katoomba

Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

15km
Grade 4
This day of walking follows some of the well known walking tracks in the mountains including the Valley of the Waters track and Prince Henry Cliff Walk. There are a number of ascents and descents as the route dips into small gullies, but the route stays above the cliff line. This day has the highest total ascents and descents of any day and so you’ll feel your legs at the end. The route takes in some of the most spectacular and famous Blue Mountains views across the Jamison Valley. Features along the walk include various waterfalls and lookouts including Queen Victoria Lookout, Empress Lookout, Bridal Veil Lookout, Olympian Rock, Elysian Rock and Echo Point. Other features include Lilian Bridge, the Pool of Siloam and the Three Sisters.

Day 6: St Canice's, Katoomba to Sacred Heart, Blackheath

​Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

14km
Grade 4
This is a comfortable day walk with no steps and only moderate ascents and descents. Features along the walk include Explorer’s Tree, the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Mark Foy's tomb and spectacular views of the Megalong Valley.

Day 7: Sacred Heart, Blackheath

​Distance:
Grade:
Overview:

18km
Grade 3
The walk from Blackheath to Mount Victoria is very comfortable – a largely flat and wide track. The track from Mount Victoria to Bell combines fire trails with a narrower bush track following the railway line across the Darling Causeway. This section undulates and includes a several moderate ascents and descents.​ Features along the walk include views of the Megalong Valley, Mount Victoria Train Station, views of the upper Grose Valley.