Bushwalking on the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop

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Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop

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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop are found in each of the tabs below

Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop

Time:	3 hrs Walking time Please allow extra time to rest and to explore	3.7 km SSE of Katoomba
Length:	3.8 km Walk Length As this is a Circuit style walk, the 3.8 km includes the walking distance from the start around the loop and back to the start again	Blue Mountains National Park
Climb:	547 m
Style:	Circuit

This walk starts from the popular Echo Point, in Katoomba, and winds down to the base of the Three Sisters via the Giant Stairs. From the bottom of the stairs the track follows Dardanelles pass to the Leura Forest, a great place for lunch. The track then heads back to the Giant Stairs along the Federal Pass and climbs back up to Echo Point. This walk will visits popular and hidden treasures of the area.

Map of Walk

Location

Sponsor of Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop bushwalking tracknotes

Map of Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop
PDF has larger maps for easy printing
Map Controls - Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale

1 km

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795 www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here

Six Foot Track

1:50 000 Map Series

NSW-six-foot-track

Katoomba

1:25 000 Map Series

NSW-89301S

Katoomba

1:100 000 Map Series

8930

Photo Gallery




	Echo Point toilets




	Echo Point Discovery Centre




	The archway exit from Echo Point




	Following the path to the Three Sisters




	Passing a nice lookout




	To Lady Game Lookout




	Looking down the Giant Staircase to the Three Sisters




	Down to the bridge




	The bridge across to the Three Sisters




	The Giant Staircase




	Along the Federal Pass Walking Track




	Leura Forest Gazebo

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop bushwalking track

Track Notes

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
NPWS is a proud sponsor of Wildwalks. For more information on the spectacular parks and reserves of NSW Visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Catch the bus to Echo Point Archway Intersection
Catch the bus to Echo Point Archway Intersection
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

Drive to Echo Point Archway Intersection
Drive to Echo Point Archway Intersection
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride to the start of this walk Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

Echo Point Visitor Information Centre	Alt = 954 m
Echo Point Visitor Information Centre
This modern building at Echo Point is a great source of information. It is open daily from 9am-5pm (except Christmas Day). There is a large range of books, maps and information about the area (and ice creams). There are toilets opposite the entrance, (including wheelchair-accessible facilities). For more information, phone 1300 653 408. More info

(0 km) Echo Point Archway Intersection to Int of the Three Sisters Footpath and Spooners Lookout Footpath Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath	Length = 123 m	Time = 3 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -7 m
From the archway, this walk heads away from the Echo point and follows the higher of the two paths through the bush for a short while, until this walk comes to an intersection with the lower path on the right.

(0.12 km) Int of the Three Sisters Footpath and Spooners Lookout Footpath to Top of the Giant Staircase Walk: Easy - footpath,bushtrack	Length = 353 m	Time = 8 mins
	Climb = 6 m	Descent = -44 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath heading away from the 'Y' intersection and bending around to the right. The path winds down the long, gentle hill until it flattens out, coming to an unnamed lookout opposite the intersection of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and the Three Sisters footpath. From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath down the gentle hill, keeping the cliffs and the valley down the hill to the right as it winds down to the intersection of the Oreades Lookout Track. From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath down the gentle hill towards the Three Sisters, passing under a rock archway and coming to the top of the Giant Staircase.

(0.48 km) Top of the Giant Staircase to Lady Game Lookout Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - bushtrack	Length = 11 m	Time = 1 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -11 m
From the intersection, the track follows the footpath down the hill towards the Three Sisters for about 10m before coming to the Lady Game Lookout.

Lady Game Lookout	Alt = 896 m
Lady Game Lookout
Lady Game Lookout is a narrow, fenced lookout above the Three Sisters. The track to this lookout starts just near the archway which marks the start of the Giant Staircase. Lady Game Lookout provides a bird's-eye view over the Three Sisters and is a popular stop whilst exploring the area.

(0.48 km) Top of the Giant Staircase to The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 31 m	Time = 3 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -24 m
From the bridge, the walk heads up the staircase steeply to the top. The stairs have handrails and climb up the side of the cliffs to the intersection with the Lady Game Lookout track.

(0.51 km) The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection to The Three Sisters Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - bushtrack	Length = 6 m	Time = 1 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -11 m
From the intersection, the track crosses the bridge over to the Three Sisters.

The Three Sisters	Alt = 845 m
The Three Sisters
This well-known rock formation can be found just south of Katoomba, and can be viewed from many of the cliffside lookouts, from Narrow Neck all the way around to Sublime Point. Historically, this formation appears in Aboriginal 'Dream Time' stories, where three sisters were transformed into stone. This iconic rock formation is popular amongst tourists and bushwalkers alike. More info

(0.51 km) The Three Sisters Bridge intersection to Leura Forest (Int of Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks) Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 1.07 km	Time = 55 mins
	Climb = 158 m	Descent = -321 m
From the bridge, the track goes steeply down the cliff using the staircase with handrails. Along the way there are magnificent views of the valley, with chairs to help enjoy various outlooks. The track continues to descend steeply until coming to an intersection with a flat bush track, signposted as the 'Dardenelles Walking Track'. From the bottom of the Giant Staircase, this walk follows the Dardanelles Pass sign towards 'Leura Forest', keeping the main cliff face on the left. There are occasional good views out over the valley to the east. Gradually, the track begins to descend and becomes more shady. In this section of track, there are often fallen logs across the track, which will need to be climbed over. Gradually, the track descends down behind the pergola at Leura Forest.

Leura Forest	Alt = 721 m
Leura Forest
Leura Forest is a great picnic area in the Jamison Valley at the junction of the Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks. This place was home to a popular tea house (also known as 'Lady Carrington Dining Hall') from the late 1800's. Today walkers can still enjoy the historic rotunda and the foundations of the original tea house. The picnic area provides a great rest spot under the shade of the lilli pilli and coachwood forest.

(1.58 km) Leura Forest (Int of Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks) to Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 1.29 km	Time = 36 mins
	Climb = 117 m	Descent = -99 m
From Leura Forest, the track follows the 'Federal Pass' sign towards 'Scenic Railway'. Shortly after crossing a small creek using a little bridge, the track begins to steadily go downhill then flatten out. The environment surrounding the bush track at this point is quite dense and, while very pretty, it is difficult to see views of the surrounding area, although there are occasional glimpses of Sublime Point Service Trail on the left. After a while, the track begins to steadily climb to a signposted intersection with 'Dardenelles Pass'. There are several signposts and a bench seat.

(2.86 km) Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks to Bottom of Giant Staircase Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 279 m	Time = 10 mins
	Climb = 38 m	Descent = -37 m
From the intersection, the track follows the sign pointing along the 'Dardenelles Track' towards the 'Giant Steps' - this is the upper track, keeping the main cliffs on the left. After the first short rise, the track flattens out and continues with some great views over the valley. At several points, small seats have been installed to enjoy these views. The track soon comes to an intersection signposted as the 'Giant Staircase'.

(3.14 km) Bottom of Giant Staircase to Echo Point Archway Intersection Track: Hard - bushtrack,footpath,footpath,footpath	Length = 700 m	Time = 33 mins
	Climb = 228 m	Descent = -16 m
From the intersection, the track follows the sign up the 'Giant Staircase'. This climbs steeply (with handrails) until coming to an intersection with a bridge that goes across to the First of the three Sisters. Along the way, there are chairs in which to rest from the climb and enjoy the magnificent views of the valley. From the intersection, the walk follows the steep stairs, winding down the side of the cliffs, to the intersection next to the bridge (which goes across to the overhang under the First Sister). From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath up and away from the lookout, passing under a rock archway and continuing up the gentle hill to the intersection with the Cliff Drive access track. From the intersection, this walk follows the concrete footpath up the gentle hill, keeping the cliffs and the valley down the hill to the left as it winds up to the intersection of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, near the lookout. From the intersection, this walk heads away from the Three Sisters along the footpath, keeping the cliffs down the hill to the left as the path gradually rises and turns to the left, before coming to an unmarked intersection with another footpath. From the intersection, this walk follows the higher of the two paths through the bush. The lower path should be visible to the left as the track follows the footpath to the archway before the Echo Point Lookout.

Catch the bus from Echo Point Archway Intersection
Catch the bus from Echo Point Archway Intersection
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk. Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

Drive from Echo Point Archway Intersection
Drive from Echo Point Archway Intersection
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride from the end of this walk Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk. Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport Timetables

	To the start of the walk From Castle Hill Chatswood Dural Epping Gosford Hornsby Katoomba Manly Parramatta Penrith Strathfield Sutherland Sydney	From the end of the walk To Castle Hill Chatswood Dural Epping Gosford Hornsby Katoomba Manly Parramatta Penrith Strathfield Sutherland Sydney
Driving Directions

	To the start of the walk Drive from:	From the end of the walk Drive to:

Near by

A list of 15 walks that share part of their track with this one

Walk Name	Park	Style	Length (km)	Time	Grade	km from the start of this walk
The Three Sisters Footpath	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	1.2 km	45 mins	4 / 6	0.0 km
Echo Point to Leura Cascades	Blue Mountains National Park	One way	3.3 km	1 hr 45 mins	3 / 6	0.1 km
Echo Point to Barrabaroo Lookout	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	4.2 km	2 hrs	3 / 6	0.1 km
Carrington Park to Leura Forest and pass loop	Blue Mountains National Park	Circuit	4.7 km	3 hrs	4 / 6	1.4 km
Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway	Blue Mountains National Park	One way	3.1 km	3 hrs	4 / 6	0.1 km
Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track	Blue Mountains National Park	One way	3.1 km	3 hrs	4 / 6	0.0 km
Echo Point to Leura Forest Circuit	Blue Mountains National Park	Circuit	4.9 km	3 hrs 9 mins	4 / 6	0.0 km
Dardenelles Pass	Blue Mountains National Park	Circuit	4.9 km	3 hrs 30 mins	4 / 6	0.0 km
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk	Blue Mountains National Park	One way	6.8 km	3 hrs 30 mins	3 / 6	1.1 km
Federal Pass	Blue Mountains National Park	One way	4.4 km	3 hrs 45 mins	4 / 6	1.3 km
Scenic Railway to Leura Forest	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	6.7 km	4 hrs 30 mins	3 / 6	1.1 km
Federal Pass Walking Track	Blue Mountains National Park	One way	7.9 km	5 hrs	4 / 6	1.4 km
Leura to Katoomba via Dardanelles Pass	Blue Mountains National Park	One way	6.6 km	5 hrs	4 / 6	2.0 km
Solitary Kiosk Loop	Blue Mountains National Park	Circuit	9.4 km	5 hrs 30 mins	4 / 6	1.3 km
Scenic world to Three Sisters Loop via Furber Steps	Blue Mountains National Park	Circuit	5.8 km	5 hrs 30 mins	4 / 6	1.1 km

The next 10 closest walks

Walk Name	Park	Style	Length (km)	Time	Grade	km from the start of this walk
Echo Point to Eastern Skyway Station	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	2.2 km	1 hr 30 mins	3 / 6	0.0 km
Echo Point to Katoomba Falls	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	3.1 km	1 hr 30 mins	3 / 6	0.1 km
Silver Mist park to Honey Moon Lookout	Blue Mountains National Park	One way	0.6 km	30 mins	3 / 6	0.3 km
Lady Darley Lookout Track	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	0.2 km	20 mins	3 / 6	0.4 km
Katoomba Cascades	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	0.3 km	15 mins	3 / 6	0.8 km
Katoomba Falls Park to Cliff View Lookout	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	0.6 km	15 mins	1 / 6	0.8 km
Katoomba Falls to Echo Point via Prince Henry Cliff Walk	Blue Mountains National Park	One way	1.8 km	1 Hr	3 / 6	1.0 km
Katoomba Kiosk to base of Katoomba Falls	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	1.6 km	2 hrs	4 / 6	1.0 km
Katoomba Kiosk to Katoomba Falls	Blue Mountains National Park	Return	1.1 km	45 mins	3 / 6	1.0 km
Reids Plateau Loop	Blue Mountains National Park	Circuit	0.4 km	20 mins	3 / 6	1.0 km

Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge

Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk

Store	Address	Phone	Distance (straight line)
Paddy Pallin	166 Katoomba St , Katoomba	(02) 4782 4466	1.7 km
Summit Gear	80- Bathurst Rd , Katoomba	(02) 4782 3018	2.2 km
Summit Gear	11 Ross St , Glenbrook	(02) 4739 4373	28.9 km
Boots Great Outdoors	Shop 25 Home Centre Wolseley St , Penrith	(02) 4733 5744	33.5 km
Kangaroo Tent City	Cnr Mulgoa & Blaikie Rds, Penrith	(02) 4733 4111	34 km

A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop.

Channel	Call sign (more info)	Site	Distance and dir from Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop Click to re-center search
5	BIN05	Fire Tower MT BINDO Emergency use only	29 km (to the WNW)
7	VMC7	Fire Tower MT BINDO	29 km (to the WNW)
4	RIV04	Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW	29 km (to the E)
6	LGW06	Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS	30 km (to the NNW)
2	KUR02	Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS	35 km (to the NE)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 10 minutes ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here

Fine. Sunny.

15.0°C (feels like 12.1°)

4 km/h from the N

33% humidity (as at 17/09:00am)

Wed	23°	Fine. Sunny.
Thu	10°\|23°	Fine. Sunny.
Fri	11°\|24°	Fine.
Sat	12°\|26°	Fine.

A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Blue Mountains National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page

Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.
$7
$0 to $5

Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park fees Camping Facilities

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not too much longer now :)

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