Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track are found in each of the tabs below
Feature name map not found I will now go and get it now
This walk starts at the world renowned Echo Point lookout. After exploring the Three Sisters, the walk descends steeply into the valley and meanders around the base of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. A leisurely and exciting ride up the Scenic Railway replaces the long walk back up the hill.
Cross sectional view of the Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
3km
Time
3 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Signs
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 780m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 300m is flat with no steps and the remaining 230m is very steep.
Quality of track
Around 2.3km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 970m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
This whole walk, 3.3km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 3.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 3.1km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 200m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 3.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Walk with a club - Enjoy bushwalking and make new friends (community announcement) The NPA is more than just a bushwalking club. We are a conservation group that helps protect natural places As a member you can join any of our 1000 guided walks each year and enjoy our quaterly Magazine 'Nature NSW'. Membership fee is just $65 per year, concession fee also available. Learn More...
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
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Int of Lady Game Lookout Track and the Three Sisters Footpath Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 432 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -45 m
From the archway, this walk follows the lower of the two footpaths heading away from Echo Point, for approximately 30m, before coming to the intersection of the Spooners Lookout track. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the gentle hill and along the footpath. This soon flattens out for a short period before climbing back up to the intersection of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Veer 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. Continue straight: 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.
(0.43 km)
Int of Lady Game Lookout Track and the Three Sisters Footpath
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Top of the Giant Staircase Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 9 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
Veer right: 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.
(0.44 km)
Top of the Giant Staircase
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Lady Game Lookout Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - bushtrack
Length = 11 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -11 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath down the hill towards the Three Sisters for about 10m before coming to the Lady Game Lookout. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Lady Game Lookout
Alt = 896 m
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.
(0.44 km)
Top of the Giant Staircase
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The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 32 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -24 m
Turn left: 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).
(0.47 km)
The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection
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The Three Sisters Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - bushtrack
Length = 6 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -11 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the bridge over to the Three Sisters. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
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[1]. This iconic rock formation is popular amongst tourists and bushwalkers alike. More info
(0.47 km)
The Three Sisters Bridge intersection
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Bottom of Giant Staircase Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 197 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -154 m
Veer left: From the bridge, the walk goes steeply down the cliff using the metal Giant staircase with handrails. Along the way there are magnificent views of the valley, with chairs to help enjoy various outlooks. The walk continues to descend steeply until coming to an intersection with a flat bush track, signposted as the 'Dardenelles Walking Track'.
(0.67 km)
Bottom of Giant Staircase
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Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 289 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -36 m
Turn right: From the bottom of the Giant Staircase, the walk 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'.
(0.96 km)
Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks
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Cooks Crossing Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.72 km
Time = 52 mins
Climb = 179 m
Descent = -169 m
Turn right: 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[2]). 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.)
(2.68 km)
Cooks Crossing
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Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 169 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: 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').
(2.85 km)
Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
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Scenic World Alternate Exit:
Track: Hard - bushtrack,footpath
( Show detail)
Length = 702 m
Time = 24 mins
Climb = 233 m
Descent = -36 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs. After the first section, the walk flattens out slightly as it zigzags up the hill. The track also goes under several large overhangs before coming to an intersection and a 'Vera's Grotto' sign. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Scenic Skyway' sign up the wooden steps and across the short wooden boardwalk to the other side. The track continues with the hand railing on the left, until reaching the base of the Furber Steps. From here, the walk continues up the concrete steps, zigzagging steeply up the side of the cliff, until reaching the Furber Lookout at the base of the last flight of steps. Continue straight: From the Furber Lookout, this walk heads up the concrete stairs, climbing to the top.
The walk passes the 'Furber Steps' signpost and continues along the bush track, winding up along the side of the hill until coming to the intersection of the Furber Steps and the Lynes Point tracks. Turn left : From the lookout, this walk follows the bush track, heading down the short metal staircase to the intersection of the Lynes Point bush track at the bottom. Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads up the stairs, climbing to the top. Here it continues along the bush track, winding past a large rock overhang with a bench seat underneath and through the forest for a short while, to the signposted intersection of the 'Underfalls Walk'. Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the bush track heading up the hill, winding up through the forest for a short while. Soon the track bends slightly around to the right and comes to the Rainforest Lookout, at the base of the set of wooden steps. Turn left : From the Rainforest Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps, climbing to the top where it comes to a 'T' intersection with the 'Round Walk' track. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Scenic Skyway' sign down the wooden steps, then flattens out for a short distance before continuing up the other side, climbing up the long, steep set of wooden steps. At the top, the walk comes to the intersection of the Round Walk and the Juliets Balcony track (unsignposted). Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads to the top of the metal stairs. The track then continues steeply up through the bush, climbing to Vanimans Lookout. Turn left: From Vanimans Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps, climbing up the hill through the bush until it comes to the intersection with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the only unsignposted bush track up the gentle hill. It winds up the wooden steps, bending around to the left until it flattens out at the intersection with the Scenic World footbridge. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the wooden footbridge that winds around the back of the Scenic World multi-story car park, to the concrete footpath. The walk continues around the main building, climbing up some concrete steps to the main entrance of Scenic World. (End of the alternative exit track)
(2.85 km)
Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
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Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 167 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -15 m
Continue straight: 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.
(3.02 km)
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
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Scenic World Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
Length = 299 m
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 210 m
Descent = -8 m
Turn left: 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 [3], 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
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a NONE rating and No Ban in place. (Downloaded 1 hour ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
Blue Mountains National ParkLink 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. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park Closure information last downloaded Saturday 25th of May 2013 12:00 AM CLOSED AREAS Attention: helicopter operation affecting Katoomba walking tracks - Sunday 26th May 2013 The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed on Sunday 26th May 2013 due to helicopter lifting in the new replacement for Honeymoon Bridge. This work is necessary on Sunday due to the favourable weather forecast The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed duringhelicopter lifting in the new replacement for Honeymoon Bridge:-
Federal Pass (from Katoomba Falls [Cook’s Crossing] to intersection with Dardanelles Pass below Leura.
Federal Pass from Golden Stairs intersection, below Narrow Neck, to the Scenic Railway bottom station.
Giant Stairs
Dardanelles
There will be no access to the top of the Three Sisters, beyond the Prince Henry Cliff Walk junction. Glenraphael Drive at Narrow Neck will also be closed at the national park boundary – 1.5km from Cliff Drive. There will be no access to Narrow Neck for vehicles or pedestrians. Access to and from Scenic World will be open via Furber Steps. For further information please call 02 4787 8877.
Locations affected:Dardenelles Pass loop walking track, Federal Pass Breakfast Point Lookout closed - Breakfast Point Lookout
Breakfast Point Lookout at Wentworth Falls is closed until further notice. Campsites at Euroka - Euroka campground
Darug campsite now closed until further notice for maintenance and upgrade. Camping is available at other sites at Euroka Campground. For bookings you can book online or call 1300 072 757. For group bookings over 6 and to speak to the local Area office please call 02 4588 2400 Monday to Friday. Claustral Canyon access change
Access to Claustral Canyon via the usual route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. NPWS has sought alternative access through private land without success. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land.
Alternative access and parking from the west side of Mt Bell has been approved. For details please contact the NPWS Heritage Centre, phone 02 4787 8877; open seven days 9.00 am to 4.30 pm. Glenbrook precinct has re-opened
Access to Jellybean Pool via the road and the walking track is now open. Euroka walking track remains closed as does Ironbarks Firetrail and Portal Waterhole precinct. Honeymoon Bridge, Three Sisters, Katoomba - works occurring from Monday 29 April till early June NPWS will be starting work to replace the Honeymoon bridge at the Three Sisters on Monday 29 April. Work should be completed by early June. There will be no access to the bridge during this time. All walking tracks and other lookouts in the area, including the Giant Stairway, will remain open. Short term closures for helicopter operations during the work will be advised. NPWS Heritage Centre is open 7 days a week; for information call 02 4787 8877. Ingar camping areas - Ingar campground
Vehicle access along Ingar Road may be closed at the end of Queen Elizabeth Drive while private property development works are underway. NPWS requests that visitors respect private property closures.
When the gate is closed Ingar Camping Area will remain open to walkers who access around the private property. Walking distance approximately 13kms. Murphys Glen camping area closed - Murphys Glen campground
Murphys Glen is closed due to road damage and facilities maintenance. Wentworth Falls walking tracks
The Undercliff and Overcliff tracks are closed between Princes Rock access and Lyrebird Lookout due to recent landslides. This means visitors doing the National or Wentworth Pass loops will need to return via the Shortcut Track. The Den Fenella walking track will be closed 7 days per week during upgrade work which commenced 31 January 2013. The Den Fenella lookout remains closed due to structural damage on the bridge. All enquiries to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
Locations affected:Overcliff-Undercliff track, Den Fenella walking track HAZARD REDUCTION BURNS Hazard reduction burn Wild Dog Mountains - CLOSED All walking routes in the Wild Dog Mountains will remain closed until further notice while hazard reduction burning operations are current. The W7 or Cedarland Ridge Rd from Green Gully to Medlow Gap section was re-opened on Monday 13 May 2013.
Anyone intending to walk in Wild Dogs during May should check the national parks website prior to setting off for any updates regarding affected areas. View a map of the hazard reduction burn planned for the Wild Dogs area (PDF 259KB). Hazard reduction burn
A hazard reduction burn has been completed along the Gingra Range and spur ridges leading off this range. The area is bounded by Cottage Rock, Arabanoo Creek, Gingra Creek and the Kowmung River. Access to this area is closed until further notice whilst there is a risk of limb or tree fall after the burn.’View a map of the hazard reduction burn in the Gingra Range area (PDF 192KB).
All enquiries to NPWS Oberon office on 02 6336 1972 or the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
Hiking near Sydney 
NEW
Track: Hard
1 km
not too much longer now :)