Asgard Swamp and Thor Head is a lesser known walk in the Blue Mountains that takes you to two epic viewpoints, as well as an old coal mine that is part of the mountains industrial history. Much like nearby Ikara Head, it always surprises me that you can have such amazing views without anyone else around!
Although the track is not signposted at any point, there are only a few turns you need to make, so as long as you make note of those you won’t have any trouble finding all the spots.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Asgard Swamp and Thor Head walk.
The Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk
The stats
Distance: 9.1km (including all side trails)
Elevation: 403m
Difficulty: Moderate
The Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk has a fair amount of elevation gain, but it’s spread out over a couple of different climbs, so no one point of the track ever feels difficult. It took us about 2.5 hours to do the entire walk, but you will want to add in some extra time to take in the views.
The majority of the trail is very well maintained, with the odd short section of rougher track - which is predominantly on the Thor Head portion of the walk. Although there is no signposting (not even at the start of the trail), if you make note of the couple of side trails you need to take, you won’t have any trouble.
The side trail to the coal mine is marked on Google Maps, but the trail to Thor Head isn’t.
Starting the trail
The trailhead is beyond a locked gate across the fire trail, and there’s space for a couple of cars. The walk begins by heading around the gate and onto the fire trail. You start walking downhill from the off, but it doesn’t feel very steep as you head down, although you notice it on the way back!
The views would be tremendous almost from the very beginning, if it weren’t for the fact they are largely obscured by the bush - I think that makes the viewpoints all the more special though!
After 1km the path flattens and the vegetation changes and becomes swampy. Happily you are always on dry fire trail so you don’t need to worry about boggy terrain.
Although you could choose to take the side trails to Thor Head and the old coal mine before the view at the end of the fire trail, we chose to go to the viewpoint first and then make our way back via the side tracks. That’s the route we’ll describe now.
Onto Asgard Head
The track continues on straight, with views out to old stone pagodas as well as the mountains in the distance. After another 1.8km you’ll cross over the small creek and then follow the narrowing path uphill.
After 200m (3km from the start of the trail) you’ll arrive at a lookout which we actually couldn’t find the name of, but is absolutely stunning! The large rocky outcrop offers views over the Grose Valley and even Victoria Falls in the distance.
A tiny Victoria Falls from the viewpoint
The viewpoint
There is plenty of room to sit and marvel at the phenomenal views - but the drop is huge so it’s not for vertigo sufferers!
The rocks to the left of the first set of rocks you come to offer an even more expansive view, as you can see more of the valley to the left.
It did look like you could continue the footpath further up the hill, to the right of the rocky outcrops, but we were really happy with the views we’d already seen and chose instead to begin backtracking towards the coal mine and Thor Head.
Onto to Asgard Coal Mine
Next you will retrace your steps back down the little hill and onto the flat path. There will be a side trail on your right 600m after leaving the lookout and this leads to the coal mine.
The turning to the coal mine
The path is well formed and takes you first down some wooden steps, before you’ll continue heading downhill on a narrow path with dense bush views on your right.
After 400m you will reach the entrance to the small coal mine - you can’t miss it as it has the trail’s only signpost - which warns of slippery surfaces. I couldn’t find much about the history of the mine, just that it was probably in use between the 1860’s and 1920’s.
The mine is pitch black once you leave the initial opening, so if you want to go inside you definitely need a torch - just to warn you it smells of guano in there though!
I walked down the tunnel for a few minutes before turning back, but I don’t think I saw the end, although it was hard to tell as the torch on my phone was no match for that level of darkness! It’s damp inside, but I actually didn’t find it slippery.
About two minutes beyond the coal mine, just over the rocks which have a small waterfall running down them, you’ll come to the kiln. It seemed in immaculate condition! When you look out at the bushland and mountains beyond, it feels like such an incredibly remote area to find a mine and kiln!
Onto Thor Head
After walking the 400m back up to the main trail again, continue on for another 200m, before taking the very distinct trail on the right. You’ll begin heading gradually uphill on a well made path before coming to a large rocky platform 500m later.
This is already a great view but it gets even better. You’ll see the pathway heading up the rocky hillside straight ahead of you. It’s not as well maintained as the rest of the track, but it’s also not difficult by any means.
After 150m heading uphill the path splits, if you head to the right you will come out to my favourite viewpoint of the entire walk. The views over the Grose Valley are expansive and it’s an amazing place to sit and take it all in. We sat for a long time just soaking it all up.
You can continue to the other side of this rocky hill, but the views are really obscured by charred bushland and it really doesn’t compare to the other lookout. It is however, easier to see the route down to Thor Head itself from here.
Thor Head - to climb or not to climb
Some people head down the hill to reach Thor Head itself (which you don’t get a great view of if you don’t go down the hill). You can’t see it at all from the first viewpoint, which is why we recommend crossing over to the obscured side if you do want to head down there, as you can see what you are aiming for.
There is no set path, you just have to make your way down the hill, being careful to avoid trampling the vegetation. It’s loose soil but not too slippery, just watch the charred trees for any sharp bits.
Everyone will take a slightly different route, but it’s roughly 250m before you reach some large rocks. Climb up there (very easy, they aren’t tall) and head left and you will reach the base of Thor Head 150m later. We looked at the route up, which though short, was too exposed for us.
I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are super confident, as it’s a really big drop and there’s nothing to break your fall. It was still good to see Thor Head close up and check out the views from another perspective, so we weren’t too disappointed that we didn’t feel up to the climb!
The exposed climb up Thor Head
Heading back
Once you’re ready to head back up the hill from Thor Head, you can bear left and make your way up to that first viewpoint, which is the slightly quicker route. Then all that’s left is to make your way back along the Thor Head Track and onto the main fire trail again. It’s then a 2.2km walk along the main path to the car park. One half is flat and the other half is uphill.
Getting to the Asgard Swamp Track
The Asgard Swap Track is located along Victoria Falls Road, in Mount Victoria in the Blue Mountains.
There is no signpost to indicate where you need to park for the walk, but it is marked on Google Maps. There isn’t a car park as such, more of a small area where a few cars can park, off the main road. It is directly in front of a locked gate.
Although the road is unsealed, it’s in good condition and suitable for any vehicles.
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