Trace Australia's convict history on this captivating 8.4 km circuit at the western edge of the Blue Mountains. Starting from Lockyers Track Head, this 2.5-hour trail climbs the hand-carved stone of Lockyers Road to the summit of Mount York. Enjoy sublime Vale of Hartley views from Barden and Eddys Lookouts before descending via the remarkably preserved, cliff-hugging Coxs Road. Blending rugged ridgelines with deep heritage, this loop packs epic scenery and historic adventure into a rewarding half-day trek.
Mount York via Lockyers Road & Coxs Descent
📍 BLUE MOUNTAINS
Distance
8.4 km
Duration
02:30 hrs
Elev Gain
+308 m
Elev Lost
-310 m
| Date |
31 October 2025 |
| Starting Point |
Lockyers Road Trackhead |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
| Pace / Gear |
4.3 km/h — Full day pack |
| Highlights |
Lockyers Road, Barden Lookout, Mount York, Coxs Road |
🗺️ Interactive Route Map
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Mount York sits on the very western edge of the central Blue Mountains, just before the flat, grassy plains of Hartley Vale. In reality, it is more of an elevated spur than a true mountain, but it offers sublime views across Hartley. The cliffs are so steep that the main railway line, following the Great Western Highway from Sydney, had to carve a more circuitous route to Lithgow rather than descend Victoria Pass directly.
While the obvious starting point is the summit itself—reachable by road—there’s more fun in beginning from the valley. Starting from Hartley Vale, the hike climbs Lockyers Road toward the summit, following the alignment of Lockyers Road. The trail begins at a small trailhead on Hartley Vale Road, which also offers a basic, slightly hilly camping area with a toilet for early starts.
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| Ready to go at the Lockyers Trailhead |
At the back of the car park, the Lockyers Road track begins with a steepish ascent before settling into a gentle rhythm. This historic track, along with Coxs Road, was built by convicts in the early 1800s to reach the fertile Hartley Vale. Named after surveyor Major Edmund Lockyer, Lockyers Road was the second attempt to cross the Blue Mountains. It was never completed, as the work gangs were later transferred to Victoria Pass, now home to the Great Western Highway.
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| Hartley Vale |
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| Lockyers Road |
The track eventually meets Mount York Road and follows it toward the summit. A few lookouts along the way reward walkers with superb views of the Vale of Hartley. The first is near a pair of old, hand-dug wells, likely constructed by the convicts who built Coxs and Lockyers Roads. From there, a short downhill walk opens onto a small clearing with magnificent vantage points.
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| The historic wells |
A little further on, the flat summit of Mount York features a large camping area and several memorials commemorating explorers Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, the first Europeans to gaze westward over the Blue Mountains in 1813. Among the historic features are a stone obelisk, a pavilion shelter, and a stone arch, all built as commemorative structures in the early 20th century. At the tip of the plateau, two fenced lookouts provide expansive views to the north and west.
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| Camping area on Mount York |
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| Mount York |
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| The Pavilion — 1913 |
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| Stone archway — 1931 |
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| Stone chair — 1931 |
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| Mount York Obelisk — 1813 |
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| The plaque on the obelisk |
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| Seeking out the views |
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| Sniffing out Coxs Road |
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| Cliffs of Mount York |
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| Coxs Road |
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| Hartley Vale |
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| Hartley Vale |
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| Pick marks on Coxs Road |
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| Cox Road |
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| Coxs Road |
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| The gully crossing |
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| The gully crossing |
After crossing the gully, the road narrows into the Nature Track, a gentle, narrow path that descends steadily toward the valley floor. As the trail drops, it opens onto flatter ground that was once highly sought after by early European settlers for farming and grazing. The final stretch follows this open landscape before reconnecting with Lockyers Road, completing the circuit and returning you to the trailhead. |
| Coxs Road |
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| Nature Track |
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| Mount York from the Nature Track |
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| Nature Track |
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| Back at the trailhead |
Mount York offers a perfect mix of history, sweeping views, and quiet bushwalking. From the convict-built Lockyers and Coxs Road to cliff-top lookouts overlooking the Vale of Hartley, every step reveals the drama of the Blue Mountains. Short but rewarding, this hike gives a true sense of adventure—without the crowds—making it an unforgettable escape just a couple of hours from Sydney.
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