Rileys Mountain & Nepean Narrows - Blue Mountains National Park

This map was created using GPS Visualizer's do-it-yourself geographic utilities.

Please wait while the map data loads...

Route: Fairlight Road, The Rock Lookout, Rileys Mountain Track, Rileys Mountain Lookout, Nepean Narrows Lookdown

Date: 22/06/2025
From: Fairlight Road 

Parking: Fairlight Road
Start Point: The Rock Lookout
Finish Point: Nepean Narrows Lookdown
Region: Blue Mountains National Park

Route length: 13.0 km
Time taken: 04:15
Average speed: 4.4 km/h
Ascent: 403m
Descent: 402m

Points of Interest: The Rock Lookout, Rileys Mountain Lookout, Nepean Narrows Lookdown

Despite being part of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, the Rileys Mountain Track sees relatively few visitors. Located in one of the closest sections of Blue Mountains National Park to Sydney, this out-and-back trail follows a ridge above the Nepean River gorge. The route is primarily along a fire trail, with occasional short bush walking sections. Several lookouts along the way offer views over the gorge and surrounding landscape.

While most of Blue Mountains National Park lies west of the Nepean River, the Rileys Mountain Track runs through a narrow section on the eastern side, sandwiched between the river and private land. The trail begins at the end of Fairlight Road, where there is a basic parking area. It is accessible to bush walkers, mountain bikers, and, unusually for the Blue Mountains that I am familiar with, horse riders.

While the Rileys Mountain Track involves mostly fire trail, there are various lookouts with fantastic views. The first located less than ten minutes from the car park. A short side track leads to The Rock Lookout, a large sandstone outcrop offering expansive views over the Nepean River and surrounding gorge. It’s a convenient stop close to the car park and the busiest of all the lookouts.

The Rock that gives the lookout its name

Nepean Gorge

View from The Rock

A small trail runs from The Rock, linking a series of unnamed lookouts with various vantage points over the Nepean River and the cliffs above it. While this side trail adds around 1.5 km to the overall hike, it's far more impressive than the main fire trail.

Tracks lead away from The Rock

This ledge is unfenced so tread carefully

Looking down to the Nepean River

Re-joining the Rileys Mountain Track

Once you find your way back to the Rileys Mountain Track, you'll find yourself descending first, then climbing steadily for around 2 km to Rileys Mountain.

Rileys Mountain Track

Rileys Mountain Track

Rileys Mountain Track

The signposted lookout

Rileys Mountain is the highest point in the area. Named after James John Riley, the first Mayor of Penrith when it became a municipality in 1871. The 'mountain' reaches 243 m. At the summit, you'll find a trig station concealed in the bush and a tall communications tower. Just before reaching the peak, a marked trail leads to Rileys Mountain Lookout. This lookout features a broad rock ledge with views of the Nepean River in both directions.

Nepean Gorge

The wider Blue Mountains

The Rileys Mountain Track continues downhill, following the fire trail still. Partway along you'll find a rough path marked on the map which climbs back to the ridge — a route I couldn't resist following. There's nothing really to follow and involves a bit of bush bashing, but you can access some quiet areas along the ridge to get a view of the river.

Heading off the Rileys Mountain Track

In some places, there is no track to follow

Nepean Gorge

Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler

Looking along the Rileys mountain ridge towards Penrith

The Nepean Gorge

At the far end of the path, it becomes a little more noticeable before meeting the fire trail again. Another path now descends to the end of the ridge. Nepean Narrows Lookout features several rock platforms that have a beautiful view of the Nepean River and Glenbrook Creek. The lookout marks the furthest part of the hike.

Nepean Narrows Lookout

Nepean River

Glenbrook Creek joins the Nepean River

Nepean Gorge

The plains of Western Sydney

Mount Portal

The Nepean River

The Nepean River

Being a one one-way hike, I retraced my steps along the fire trail, this time avoiding the scruffy ridge path and keeping to the main trail itself. A long stretch of track runs alongside a fence, showing how narrow this section of the National Park is, confined between private property and the Nepean River gorge.

Rileys Mountain Track

Rileys Mountain Track

Rileys Mountain Track

After a couple of hours on the fire trail, I eventually made it back to The Rock, revisiting the lookout to enjoy the views of the river in the late afternoon, before jumping in the car and setting off for home. 

The Rock Lookout

Nepean Gorge

Nepean Gorge

Nepean River

The Rileys Mountain Track is an interesting hike, with memorable views from spots like The Rock and Rileys Mountain — the highlight being the immense Nepean River gorge. The combination of fire trails with bush tracks make it a great option for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders seeking Blue Mountains scenery close to the city.