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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle are found in each of the tabs below

Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle
Time: 8 hrs 45 mins Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
 		4.2 km SSW of Katoomba
Length: 12 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 12 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start) 		Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 1075 m There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk
Style: Return

With quite significant hills, this is a great walk is for the day-walker looking for something more challenging than the average Katoomba cliff top walk. With fantastic views at Botting's Lookout, from the top of the Ruined Castle, and especially good views from Mt Solitary, this walk is well worth the time invested.




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

Map of Walk

Location
                Sponsor of Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle
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Map Controls - Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Golden Stairs Track carpark
Botting's Lookout
Bottom of Golden Staircase
Ruined Castle (Nth)
Ruined Castle Campsite
Ruined Castle (Nth)
Ruined Castle (South)
Starting point for this hiking track: Golden Stairs Track carpark

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 
 Jamison 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-89302N 
 Katoomba 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-89301S 
 Katoomba 1:100 000 Map Series 8930 

Photo Gallery
 
 The Golden Staircase Carpark
 
The Golden Staircase Carpark
 
 Katoomba Cliffs from Botting's Lookout
 
Katoomba Cliffs from Botting's Lookout
 
 From Mt Solitary
 
From Mt Solitary

 
 Going down the Golden Staircase
 
Going down the Golden Staircase
 
 Going through the fern environment in the valley
 
Going through the fern environment in the valley
 
 The Ruined Castle
 
The Ruined Castle

 
 The view from the top of Mt Solitary
 
The view from the top of Mt Solitary
 
 Going up Mt Solitary
 
Going up Mt Solitary
 
 The campsite at the top of Mt Solitary
 
The campsite at the top of Mt Solitary

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle bushwalking track

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Drive to Golden Stairs Track carpark
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk 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|

(0 km) Golden Stairs Track carpark to Botting's Lookout
Track: Moderate - bushtrack		 Length = 186 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -77 m
From car park and information sign on Glenraphael Dr, the walk follows the 'Golden Stairs' sign into the scrub. The track heads gently downhill, with the occasional glimpse of views out to Malaita Point and towards the Three Sisters. The walk soon passes a steep section with a couple of switch backs - this is just before Botting's lookout. This lookout is signposted, fenced and provides nice views of the Katoomba escarpment including the Three Sisters.

Botting's Lookout Alt = 878 m
Botting's Lookout offers great views over the Jamison Valley and the cliff line, including the Landslide, Malaita Point and the Golden Stairs. A plaque at the lookout states that the lookout was named after Walter Botting (1887-1985), a pioneer trail-maker of the Katoomba District. More info

(0.19 km) Botting's Lookout to Bottom of Golden Staircase
Track: Hard - bushtrack		 Length = 310 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 19 m Descent = -110 m
From Botting's Lookout, the walk heads downhill into the gully and down the stairs. The track soon flattens out as it heads under a small overhang and heads between the cliff and fence. After about 100m of fence, the track turns right into a gully. On the other side of the gully, the walk climbs down a series of metal and stone stairs. The walk flattens again before another series of steps. Finally, the track heads down the wide spur to meet with the signposted intersection with Federal Pass walking track.

(0.5 km) Bottom of Golden Staircase to Ruined Castle (Nth)
Walk: Easy - bushtrack		 Length = 2.67 km Time = 58 mins
Climb = 96 m Descent = -170 m
From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Ruined Castle' and 'Mt Solitary' signs, keeping the valley on the left. The track is fairly flat and well managed, and heads through the dense forest. Several hundred metres before reaching the intersection, the walk passes several small campsites that are just off to the side of the track. These vary in their size and most have fire scars. Soon the walk comes to an intersection with a track on the left, with a sign for 'Ruined Castle'.

(3.17 km) Ruined Castle (Nth) to Ruined Castle (South)
Alternate Route: Track: Moderate - bushtrack ( Show detail) 		Length = 880 m Time = 20 mins
Climb = 20 m Descent = -94 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the signpost towards 'Mt Solitary', heading south-east along the track. This section of track is fairly flat and, at several points, it is possible to see across the valley over to the Landslide. There are also a number of small campsites down the side of the hill, to the left. The track continues past these campsites until coming to a small campsite that is just off the side of the track. This is just before the track goes down slightly.
From the intersection, the walk heads south-east (keeping the valley on the left), down the hill slightly before flattening out and continuing along the narrow bush track. The walk goes through ferns and low undergrowth before coming to an intersection with a track signposted as part of the Ruined Castle Circuit. At this point, there are several signposts providing information on the circuit, as well as the track to Mt Solitary.

(3.17 km) Ruined Castle (Nth) to Ruined Castle (South)
Track: Hard - bushtrack		 Length = 1.03 km Time = 36 mins
Climb = 84 m Descent = -158 m
From the intersection, the walk follows the sign towards the 'Ruined Castle'. This goes up the hill to the south-west relatively steeply (please heed the sign saying that this trail is easily degraded). At the top of the first hill, the track flattens out slightly, turning to the south-east. This continues until the track goes around to the right and behind the Ruined Castle. On the south-eastern side of this, it is possible to climb up the large boulders to a magnificent lookout over the Katoomba Valley. The views from the top here are absolutely amazing and definitely worth the effort. Back on the track, the walk continues to the north-east, beginning to steeply descend until coming to an intersection with another bush track. At this point, there are several information signs providing information on the bush walks in the area.

(4.2 km) Ruined Castle (South) to Mt Solitary Lookout
Route: Hard - bushtrack		 Length = 1.79 km Time = 1 hr 1 mins
Climb = 328 m Descent = -30 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the signposts south towards Mt Solitary. At this point, the track is relatively flat and goes through the ferns, however after a short while the track begins to climb steeply and steadily up the spur, towards the top of Mt Solitary. This is achieved by an extremely wide bush track that, over time, has been widened by walkers. Once reaching the top of this first spur, the track continues south-east along a relatively flat bush track for a short while before beginning to rise again. At this point, the track heads up the steep 'Koorowall Knife Edge' and there are several small rock climbs. The track follows small signs, including spray painted marks, until just before the top where there is a pleasant lookout to the west.

Drive from Golden Stairs Track carpark
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

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by

A list of 8 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
Scenic Railway to Golden Staircase Circuit Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 5.8 km 3 hrs 30 mins 4 / 6 1.8 km
Federal Pass Walking Track Blue Mountains National Park One way 7.9 km 5 hrs 4 / 6 3.6 km
Ruined Castle walk Blue Mountains National Park Return 8.4 km 5 hrs 4 / 6 0.0 km
Scenic World down Furber Steps to Narrow Neck loop Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 6.6 km 5 hrs 4 / 6 1.8 km
Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle Blue Mountains National Park Return 13.1 km 7 hrs 30 mins 4 / 6 1.8 km
Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle Blue Mountains National Park Return 16.7 km 11 hrs 5 / 6 1.8 km
Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley Blue Mountains National Park One way 28.1 km 2 Days 5 / 6 1.8 km
Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls Blue Mountains National Park One way 28.8 km 3 Days 5 / 6 1.8 km

The next 10 closest walks
Walk Name Park Style Length (km) Time Grade km from the
start of this walk
Along Narrow Neck to Taro's Ladder Blue Mountains National Park Return 20.0 km 7 hrs 3 / 6 0.8 km
Narrow Neck to Castle Head Blue Mountains National Park Return 4.2 km 1 hr 45 mins 4 / 6 0.8 km
Furber Steps-Scenic Railway Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 0.9 km 1 hr 15 mins 4 / 6 1.8 km
Katoomba Falls Circuit Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 1.6 km 1 hr 45 mins 4 / 6 1.8 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 1.8 km
Scenic World to Echo Point Blue Mountains National Park One way 2.1 km 1 hr 15 mins 3 / 6 1.8 km
Scenic World to Katoomba Falls Lookout Blue Mountains National Park Return 1.2 km 2 hrs 4 / 6 1.8 km
Scenic world to Three Sisters Loop via Furber Steps Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 5.8 km 5 hrs 30 mins 4 / 6 1.8 km
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk Blue Mountains National Park One way 6.8 km 3 hrs 30 mins 3 / 6 1.8 km
Witches Leap Circuit Blue Mountains National Park Circuit 1.1 km 2 hrs 4 / 6 1.8 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 3.3 km
Summit Gear 80- Bathurst Rd , Katoomba (02) 4782 3018 3.6 km
Summit Gear 11 Ross St , Glenbrook (02) 4739 4373 31.6 km
Simdra Pet & Hobby Mart 45 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6352 4422 30.4 km
Lithgow 4WD Centre 281 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6353 1899 30.6 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle.
Channel Call sign
(more info)		 Site Distance and dir from Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle
Click to re-center search
5 BIN05 Fire Tower MT BINDO
Emergency use only		 26 km (to the WNW)
7 VMC7 Fire Tower MT BINDO 26 km (to the WNW)
6 LGW06 Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS 29 km (to the NNW)
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 32 km (to the E)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 37 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 11 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
Rain. Windy.
Rain. Windy.
10.6°C (feels like 9.8°)
4 km/h from the W
93% humidity     (as at 02/09:00am)
Sat10°|14°Rain. Windy.
Sun8°|13°Very windy.
Mon4°|13°Mostly sunny.
Tue4°|13°Shower or two.
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 Saturday 4th of September 2010 04:00 AM

Closed areas

Breakfast Point Lookout

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

Other closure information

  • Roberts Pass at Leura is CLOSED east of the Lindeman Pass junction, due to a landslide. The track is impassable and there is currently NO ACCESS to Valley of the Waters via Roberts Pass.
  • The track from Junction Rock to Evans Lookout in the Grose Valley at Blackheath is CLOSED due to landslide.
  • Ingar Picnic Area at Wentworth Falls and Murphys Glen at Woodford are open; access by 4WD recommended.
  • Burralow Picnic and Camping Area - vehicle access is 4WD only, please take care using this trail.
  • The Braeside Fire Trail at Blackheath - vehicles access is 4WD only, please take care using this trail.

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


Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Australia Surival - Excellent Walk IP:58.165.219.xxx | 2009-07-16 11:13:13
This is a excellent walk, great views, worth doing. :D
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David Mapletoft IP:203.32.142.xxx | 2009-10-14 01:51:11
The 'Golden Staircase' could be aptly named the :( 'Grubby Staircase' at present. :(

It must be one of the most dangerous :!: , unkempt staircases in the entire Blue Mountains. Worn, at times to the point of NO STAIRS, it is seriously dangerous, especially after rain.

Be prepared for this, the rest of the walk to the Ruined Castle is worth the dangerous descent.
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Barney - Track Info needed... IP:115.128.57.xxx | 2009-10-28 09:40:36
Does anyone know or can give details about the camping spot on Mt Solitary? Are there any other campsites near the Ruined Castle? Thanks! Would appreciate some feedback!
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admin - re: Track Info needed... Super Administrator | 2009-10-30 07:44:11
Barney wrote:
Does anyone know or can give details about the camping spot on Mt Solitary? Are there any other campsites near the Ruined Castle?

Hi Barney,
There are a few campsites along the main track near the base of the Ruined Castle (mentioned in passing in the notes). There is also several ontop of Mt SOlitary the main one in Chinaman's Gully see http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/blue-mountains-katoomba/katoomba-to-wentworth-falls-via-the-jamison-valley.html for more info. Sorry for the info not been as clear as our other notes. I hope to get in there and update these notes soon. Please carry plenty of water, the springs are not reliable.
Matt :)
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Paul Harmon - Golden Staircase - Dangerous IP:123.243.11.xxx | 2009-11-07 07:10:48
We just did the walk. The Golden staircase was in my opinion the most dangerous leg of the trip. At times we found ourselves on very steep slippery worn and muddy stairs with full exposure to a cliff fall. This should not be attempted with young kids and only for the fit and sure of foot. Be careful.
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Dave - Mt Solitary youtube video IP:115.64.62.xxx | 2010-05-03 12:51:02
www.youtube.com/parryguitarz
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1 0
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