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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway are found in each of the tabs below

Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
Time: 3 hrs Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore 		3.8 km SSE of Katoomba
Length: 3.1 km Walk Length
As this is a One Way walk, the 3.1 km only includes the walking distance from the start to the end point 		Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 333 m There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk
Style: One way

This walk starts at the most popular lookout in the Blue Mountains, and passes one of Australia's most famous landmarks, The Three Sisters. After descending into the valley and enjoying the views along the bottom of the cliffs you catch the scenic railway back up the hill. With great views of the valley, and a beautiful forest environment, this is a popular walk. All the more because at the end, the world's steepest railway is available to take walkers back up to the top of the cliffs. This walk is not suitable for people with heart or breathing difficulties and for those with a fear of heights.




Please note: There are closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park

Map of Walk

Location
                Sponsor of Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
PDF has larger maps for easy printing
Map Controls - Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Echo Point
Echo Point Archway Intersection
Int of the Three Sisters Footpath and Spooners Lookout Footpath
Int of Prince Henry Cliff Track and the Three Sisters Footpath
Int of Lady Game Lookout Track and the Three Sisters Footpath
Top of the Giant Staircase
The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection
The Three Sisters Bridge intersection
Bottom of Giant Staircase
Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks
Cooks Crossing
Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
Starting point for this hiking track: Echo Point

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 Discovery Centre
 
Echo Point Discovery Centre
 
 The archway exit from Echo Point
 
The archway exit from Echo Point
 
 Following the path to the Three Sisters
 
Following the path to the Three Sisters

 
 Passing a nice lookout
 
Passing a nice lookout
 
 Heading down towards the Three Sisters
 
Heading down towards the Three Sisters
 
 Looking down the Giant Staircase to the Three Sisters
 
Looking down the Giant Staircase to the Three Sisters

 
 The Giant Staircase
 
The Giant Staircase
 
 Following the Federal Pass track
 
Following the Federal Pass track
 
 bridge over Kedumba Creek
 
bridge over Kedumba Creek

 
 Katoomba Falls
 
Katoomba Falls
 
 Turpentine Tree
 
Turpentine Tree
 
 Following the track along the valley floor
 
Following the track along the valley floor

 
 The Scenic Railway
 
The Scenic Railway
 
 Bottom Platform of the Scenic Railway
 
Bottom Platform of the Scenic Railway
 
 Entrance to Scenic World
 
Entrance to Scenic World

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway bushwalking track

Track Notes


Catch the bus to Echo Point
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk 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
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk Parking fees apply in the area.
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 Alt = 929 m
Echo Point is the Blue Mountains' most famous lookout, home to one of the best photo opportunities for the Three Sisters. Visited by over two million tourists each year, this popular spot also serves as the starting point for numerous bush walks of various grades, securing its position as one of the most popular locations in the Blue Mountains.

(0 km) Echo Point to Echo Point Archway Intersection
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath		 Length = 92 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 22 m Descent = -1 m
From Echo Point, this walk heads away from the view, towards the visitor centre and the toilet block. On the other side of the visitor centre, the track comes to the start of a footpath which winds under an archway, signposted as the way to the Three Sisters

Echo Point Visitor Information Centre Alt = 954 m
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

(0.09 km) Echo Point Archway Intersection to The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection
Track: Hard - footpath,bushtrack,bushtrack		 Length = 507 m Time = 14 mins
Climb = 6 m Descent = -75 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.
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.
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.

(0.6 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
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

(0.6 km) The Three Sisters Bridge intersection to Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks
Track: Hard - bushtrack		 Length = 472 m Time = 29 mins
Climb = 47 m Descent = -191 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, the track follows the 'Scenic Railway' sign, keeping the main cliff to the right. The track continues with some great views over the Valley, and at several points, there are small seats to enjoy these fine views. The track then comes to a well-signposted intersection, with signs pointing along the 'Federal Pass Track' and 'Dardanelles Pass'.

(1.07 km) Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks to Cooks Crossing
Track: Moderate - bushtrack		 Length = 1.74 km Time = 59 mins
Climb = 226 m Descent = -217 m
From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Federal Pass' sign towards 'Scenic Railway', keeping the main cliffs on the right. Not long after the intersection, the track passes 'under the sisters' rock formation (signposted). From here, the track turns and continues along a relatively stretch and, at several points, passes some notable rock formations and caves embedded in the cliffs. There are occasional good views that are not shrouded by the trees. The walk continues until coming to the base of Katoomba Falls, crossing these using a metal bridge know as 'Cooks Crossing'. (Just across the bridge, there is a picnic table.)

(2.81 km) Cooks Crossing to Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
Walk: Easy - bushtrack		 Length = 170 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 22 m Descent = -11 m
From the intersection, this walk heads south-west away from Katoomba Falls along the bush track, soon passing the signposted 'Turpentine Tree'. Shortly after this tree, the track comes to an intersection with another bush track and set of stairs (on the right, signposted as 'Furber Steps').

(2.98 km) Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track to Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
Walk: Easy - bushtrack		 Length = 166 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 10 m Descent = -16 m
From the bottom of Furber Steps, this walk follows the 'To base of scenic railway' sign keeping the handrail on the left, and following the flat bush track. This track passes through a small gate over a metal bridge at the bottom of the Scenic Railway.

(3.14 km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) to Scenic World
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport		 Length = 275 m Time = 24 mins
Climb = 203 m Descent = -2 m
From the bottom platform, this walk heads up to the cliff top using the Scenic Railway. Hang on tight! This 415m-long journey is the world's steepest railway. Use of the railway costs $10 for adults and $5 for children one-way. Last train normally at 4:45pm (opens at 9am). More info
Note: The distance and altitude change for this ride is not included in the total for this walk.

Scenic World Alt = 951 m
Scenic World is one of the most renowned tourist attractions of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Located on the cliffs of the Jamison Valley , visitors can enjoy a ride on the Scenic Railway (the world's steepest incline railway) or the Scenic Cableway, into the Jamison Valley, and explore the Scenic Walkway from the base. Alternatively, the Scenic Skyway offers a bird's eye view over the valley, with a glass floor to enhance the experience. Scenic World also features a revolving restaurant, a cafe and a kiosk, in addition to the documentary theatre and souvenir shop. Rides can be purchased, starting from $16 for adults and $10 for children, and combination or family passes are available. More info

Catch the bus from Scenic World
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk 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 Scenic World
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk 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
Map Car Shuffle
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by

A list of 27 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 0.1 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
Furber Steps-Scenic Railway Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 0.9 km 1 hr 15 mins 4 / 6 1.1 km
Echo Point to Eastern Skyway Station Blue Mountains National Park Return 2.2 km 1 hr 30 mins 3 / 6 0.1 km
Echo Point to Leura Cascades Blue Mountains National Park One way 3.3 km 1 hr 45 mins 3 / 6 0.0 km
Echo Point to Barrabaroo Lookout Blue Mountains National Park Return 4.2 km 2 hrs 3 / 6 0.0 km
Katoomba Kiosk to base of Katoomba Falls Blue Mountains National Park Return 1.6 km 2 hrs 4 / 6 1.0 km
Scenic Railway to the Landslide Blue Mountains National Park Return 2.7 km 2 hrs 30 mins 3 / 6 1.1 km
Carrington Park to Leura Forest and pass loop Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 4.7 km 3 hrs 4 / 6 1.5 km
Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 3.8 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 0.1 km
Echo Point to Leura Forest Circuit Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 4.9 km 3 hrs 9 mins 4 / 6 0.1 km
Dardenelles Pass Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 4.9 km 3 hrs 30 mins 4 / 6 0.1 km
Scenic Railway to Golden Staircase Circuit Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 5.8 km 3 hrs 30 mins 4 / 6 1.1 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 1.4 km
Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps) Blue Mountains National Park Return 1.8 km 3 hrs 45 mins 4 / 6 1.1 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 1.5 km
Leura to Katoomba via Dardanelles Pass Blue Mountains National Park One way 6.6 km 5 hrs 4 / 6 2.0 km
Scenic World down Furber Steps to Narrow Neck loop Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 6.6 km 5 hrs 4 / 6 1.1 km
Solitary Kiosk Loop Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 9.4 km 5 hrs 30 mins 4 / 6 1.4 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
Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle Blue Mountains National Park Return 13.1 km 7 hrs 30 mins 4 / 6 1.1 km
Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle Blue Mountains National Park Return 16.7 km 11 hrs 5 / 6 1.1 km
Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley Blue Mountains National Park One way 28.1 km 2 Days 5 / 6 1.1 km
Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls Blue Mountains National Park One way 28.8 km 3 Days 5 / 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 Katoomba Falls Blue Mountains National Park Return 3.1 km 1 hr 30 mins 3 / 6 0.0 km
Silver Mist park to Honey Moon Lookout Blue Mountains National Park One way 0.6 km 30 mins 3 / 6 0.4 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 0.9 km
Katoomba Falls Park to Cliff View Lookout Blue Mountains National Park Return 0.6 km 15 mins 1 / 6 0.9 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
Round Walk Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 0.9 km 45 mins 4 / 6 1.0 km
Katoomba Falls Circuit Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 1.6 km 1 hr 45 mins 4 / 6 1.1 km
Scenic World to Echo Point Blue Mountains National Park One way 2.1 km 1 hr 15 mins 3 / 6 1.1 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 1.8 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 Scenic World via Giant Stairway.
Channel Call sign
(more info)		 Site Distance and dir from Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
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 39 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, cloudy at times.
Fine, cloudy at times.
11.4°C (feels like 10.6°)
6 km/h from the W
97% humidity     (as at 15/06:00am)
Mon11°|20°Fine, cloudy at times.
Tue9°|21°Fine, mostly sunny.
Wed9°|22°Fine.
Thu10°|23°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.

Cost to drive a car into the park (if you do not have a valid pass)

      $7

Camping is available in the park

$0 to $5

Public toilets are available in the park

Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees
Camping
Facilities


Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park
Closure information last checked Monday 15th of March 2010 08:00 AM

Closed areas

Breakfast Point Lookout

Breakfast Point Lookout at Wentworth Falls is CLOSED until further notice.

Grand Canyon Track

Due to track restoration works the Grand Canyon track is completely CLOSED whilst major resoration works take place.

From January 11th until further notice:

  • There is no access for canyoners (7 days)
  • There is no access for walkers (7 days) from either end of the track.
  • There is no access to the Grose Valley from Evans Lookout via Grand Canyon

Current works will be completed by end of June 2010.

 

Other closure information

Burralow Picnic and Camping Area has RE-OPENED. Access is 4WD only, please take care using this trail.

The Giant Stairway and Dardanelles Pass (between Leura Forest and Federal Pass/Dardanelles Junction) will be CLOSED for trackwork for approximately two hours on Monday 15 March 2010.  An exact time for the closure cannot be given at this stage, but please expect the delay from approximately 9am.

The Braeside Fire Trail at Blackheath, is CLOSED for a pest management program, until approximately Friday 19 March.  There is no access for vehicles, walkers or bike riders.When the pest management program has been completed the fire trail access will be restricted to 4WD until we can upgrade the causeway, due to flood damage. 

The Braeside walking track is OPEN  - access is from the Cliff Top Track only – return by same route.

Due to storm damage and flooding areas of the park are CLOSED. Visitors are advised not to enter canyons or attempt to cross flooded creeks and rivers. The following areas are CLOSED until further notice:

  • Mt Hay Road
  • Undercliff track from Den Fenella to Princes Rock
  • Darwins Walk

For updates and further information please contact the NPWS Heritage Centre at Blackheath, ph:4787 8877, open 7 days 9:00am to 4:30pm


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