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: 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
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle bushwalking track
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(0 km)
Golden Stairs Track carpark
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Bottings Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 209 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -80 m
From the Golden Stairs car park and information sign on Glenraphael Dr[1], the walk follows the 'Golden Stairs / To Federal Pass' sign[2] along the narrow track. The track leads gently downhill[3] past the black and yellow 'Warning - Sections of the Golden Stairs are unfenced and can be slippery when wet' sign[4], with the occasional glimpse out to Malaita Point and towards the Three Sisters[5][6]. The walk soon heads down a few steep eroded sections of track[7] and passes through a couple of switchbacks. The track then leads to a fenced rock platform[8] signposted as 'Botting's L.O.'[9].
Botting's Lookout
Alt = 878 m
Botting's Lookout[10] 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)[11], a pioneer trail-maker of the Katoomba District. More info
(0.21 km)
Bottings Lookout
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Bottom of Golden Staircase Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 429 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 41 m
Descent = -177 m
From the lower side of Botting's Lookout[12], this walk heads downhill along the eroded track[13]. The walk follows the steps through a narrow gully[14] then turns right to flatten out[15] and head under a small overhang between the cliff and fence (passing a 'Caution Rockfall Hazard' sign[16]). After about 100m of fence, the track turns right to cross a wide gully[17]. On the other side of the gully, this walk climbs down a series of metal[18] and stone[19] staircases. The walk flattens again before heading down another series of stairs. Finally, the track winds down the wide spur[20] to meet the signposted T-intersection with 'Federal Pass'[21].
(0.64 km)
Bottom of Golden Staircase
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Miners Campsite Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.26 km
Time = 51 mins
Climb = 104 m
Descent = -129 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Federal Pass - Ruined Castle' sign[22] along the flat wide track, keeping the valley to your left. This track follows the old horse-drawn coal tram route. The track leads through a tall rainforest filled with fern trees[23] and vines[24], with the occasional lyrebird. After about 1.3km the forest opens up[25], letting in more light and exposing some distant filtered views. After wandering through the more open forest[26] for about 250m, the track passes a small campsite[27] (on the right). This walk continues for another 700m along the main track through the bracken fern forest[28] to find a larger campsite[29] (just up to the right) with a short stone wall on one side[30]).
Miners Campsite
Alt = 726 m
This flat campsite beside the Federal Pass walking track about 2.2km south of the intersection at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. There is short constructed stone wall[31] left over from when there area was habited by miners. The campsite is surrounded by a tall forest, bracken ferns and some nice fern trees. There is no water or facilities.
(2.9 km)
Miners Campsite
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Northern Ruined Castle campsite Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 300 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -11 m
From the miners campsite[32], this walk follows the clear track south-west, keeping the valley to your left. The mostly flat track narrows a bit as it leads past a large flat area (on your right) after about 140m[33], then past a smaller campsite[34] a short distance later. The track then winds through the forest for another 100m to come to a clearing and signposted three-way intersection[35], where there is a 'Federal Pass - Katoomba' sign[36] pointing back along the track. (There is a campsite a few metres further on and to the the left[37].)
Northern Ruined Castle campsite
Alt = 726 m
A short distance south east of the intersection[38] with the Federal Pass and the northern access track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic campsite. There are two main flat areas for camping, both with fire scares[39]. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns[40][41][42][43]. There is no water nor any other facilities.
(3.2 km)
Northern Ruined Castle campsite
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Intersection South of Ruined Castle Alternate Route:
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
( Show detail)
Length = 933 m
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -77 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mount Solitary' sign[44] past the campsite (on your left) and past the 'Warning - Remote area indistinct route steep terrain - Exposed climbing loose surfaces - No reliable water Carry plenty Sterilise any water found on route' sign[45]. This walk continues along the mostly flat track, passing through a tall turpentine forest[46] for about 450m where you come into view of a campsite[47] (down to your left). The walk continues a short distance further, coming to an intersection[48] where there is a fair amount of coal on the ground[49], a campsite down to your left[50] and the entrance to an old small coal mine[51] (behind a rock) on your right. From the intersection, this walk follow the main track south-east, initially keeping the campsite and valley to your left. The track initially heads down a short rocky section[52] then flattens out to pass a large square boulder[53] after about 100m. The track continues through ferny forest for just over 200m, then passes another campsite[54] (down a steep hill to your left), and about 30m further on, comes to a signposted intersection where a 'Katoomba' arrow[55][56] points back along the track.
(3.2 km)
Northern Ruined Castle campsite
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Ruined Castle Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 727 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 82 m
Descent = -17 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Ruined Castle'[57] sign uphill along the eroded track and soon passes the yellow 'Warning - Remote area indistinct route steep terrain - Exposed climbing loose surfaces - No reliable water Carry plenty Sterilise any water found on route' sign[58]. The track winds up the wide valley getting steeper as it goes, climbing up onto the main ridgeline. Here the walk turns left (away from the view of Castle Head[59]) and follows the rocky track more gently uphill for about 220m to pass under the side of a large boulder[60]. The track continues along the narrow ridge for about 280m, with some filtered views past another large boulder to the base of the tall Ruined Castle summit[61]. Here the walk heads gently down a bit (keeping the rock wall to your left), past a crevice[62], then follows the main track to the other (southern) side of the summit. The track then heads up again to find a number of rocky pinnacles[63].
(3.93 km)
Ruined Castle
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Intersection South of Ruined Castle Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 389 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -123 m
From near the summit of Ruined Castle[64], this walk heads south-east along the main ridgeline, initially keeping the rock wall to your left[65]. The track follows the rocky ridgeline gently downhill[66] and after about 70m the track starts to become much steeper[67]. The track winds down, flattening out for a short time[68] before continuing steeply down to a sign posted three-way intersection[69] just beyond the 'Ruined Castle to Mount Solitary' map[70]. There is a 'Ruined Castle' arrow[71] here, pointing back up the hill.
(4.32 km)
Intersection South of Ruined Castle
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Bottom of Korrowall Knife-edge Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.33 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 132 m
Descent = -38 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mount Solitary' sign[72] gently downhill along the fairly narrow track[73], keeping the main valley to your left. After about 300m, the more eroded and rocky track[74] begins to climb the ridge and after climbing for just shy of 300m, the track flattens out and passes a couple of small clearings[75][76] - the second clearing is just past where the track leads downhill. Just after the second clearing (used as a campsite[77]), the track begins to climb up the ridge again[78]. This track climbs up a few rocky eroded section and soon comes to the base of a tall series of rockwalls - the Korrowall Knife-edge[79].
(5.65 km)
Bottom of Korrowall Knife-edge
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Top of Korrowall Knife-edge Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 204 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 86 m
Descent = -2 m
From the base of the rocks[80], this walk starts the arduous climb up the Korrowall Knife-edge. Ascending the Korrowall Knife-edge is a hard climb, vertical in places and much of the climbing will involve both hands - some people use ropes to help lift heavy packs. This walk initially heads around to the left of the first boulder to head up through the eroded steep valley[81] between the rocks. The walk continues to scramble up the side of the rocks[82], then climbs vertically up a crack in the rock[83] to a small flat area[84], offering the first distant view[85] for this climb. The walk continues by climbing up a 3m rock wall[86], then up the eroded track[87] before climbing up through the obvious gap[88] in the next rock wall. At the top of this climb is another great view[89] and a short distance further up, this faint track passes a rock with a hole/cave[90] (on your right). From here, the walk follows the worn track up through a couple more rock gullies[91], still generally keeping the rock wall to your right (and passing a couple of arrows[92]). This brings the walk to an exposed flat area, with red dirt and fantastic views[93]. The walk continues by climbing up through the next eroded gully[94] to the top of the Korrowall Knife-edge, where there is a large rock wall on your left[95].
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a NONE rating and No Ban in place. (Downloaded 4 hours 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 Thursday 17th of May 2012 05:00 PM
Burralow picnic and camping area is temporarily closed; all access trails leading into Burralow picnic and camping area (including Paterson Range Fire Trail, Burralow Rd/Tabaraga Ridge Fire Trail) are closed due to significant local rainfall and slippery trails. The Burralow Bridge from Paterson Range fire trail is currently out for all vehicles for structural repairs.
For updates and further information phone the NPWS Blackheath office 02 4787 8877, 9.00 am-4.30 pm seven days, or Richmond office on 02 4588 2400 9.00am-5.00 pm weekdays.
Redgum camp site at Euroka picnic and camping area at Glenbrook is closed until 27 May 2012 for maintenance and upgrade.
Darug campsite will be closed from 29 May 2012 until further notice for maintenance and upgrade.
Camping is available at other sites at Euroka. For bookings and further information phone 02 4588 2400 Mon-Thurs. (except school holidays and public holidays) or 02 4739 2950 weekends.
Claustral Canyon
Access to Claustral Canyon via the usual route across private land at Mt Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. NPWS has sought alternative access to Claustral through private land without success. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mt Tomah residents and avoid using private land.
Murphys Glen & Ingar camping areas
Murphys Glen Campsite is closed at the gate due to boggy and muddy road conditions.
Ingar Campsite Loop Road is closed due to wash outs and muddy road conditions. The day use area and car park remain open. This means that campers must walk from the day use area to campsites (about 100m).
For further information contact the NPWS Heritage Centre, phone 02 4787 8877; open seven days 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.
Prince Henry Cliff Walk is closed from Lady Darley Lookout (below Lillianfels) to Cliff View Lookout (below Skyway east station) after a fire damaged boardwalks, stairs and steps. Visitors are advised to use urban footpaths to walk between Katoomba Cascades Reserve and Echo Point.
Roberts Pass at Leura
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.
Undercliff Track at Wentworth Falls
The Undercliff Track at Wentworth Falls is closed until approx. mid-july 2012 for major repair. There is no access to the section of the track between Princes Rock and Fletchers Lookout. The section of track from Princes Rock to Den Fenella is open.
Road access to Waratah Picnic Area at Berambing is closed due to the very wet conditions. Visitors can park at the entrance gate and walk in to the Gorge walking track. The closure is expected to be in place until mid-April to allow the road and parking areas to dry out.
The Woodford-Oaks fire trail will be closed to general public access on Sunday 24 June, for the Woodford-Oaks Classic Careflight fundraising event, involving approx. 1,000 participants. In the interests of public safety, the trail is open to event runners and cyclists only until approx 1.30 pm.
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.
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!
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 :)
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.
I have done ths walk at least once per year for the last 10 year, camping overnight at Chinaman's creek and returning the next day. The Golden Stairs do need care when wet, but there are handrails or wire attached to the rocks in the more exposed sections.
I have taken inexperienced walkers to Solitary and they negotiated the stairs without drama, although a reasonable level of fitnes is required as it is a bit of a climb to the top of Solitary and back up the stairs when returning
The campsite at Chinamans Creek is superb with reliable clean water available if you know where to look. There is a rocky overhang to bed down in as an alternative in rainy weather.
The views south at the Chinamans Creek lookout are close to be the best in the Blue Mountains.
reliable clean water available if you know where to look.
Hi Andrew, Sounds like you really like this walk, it is a good one. Just to make it clear to other people finding water on Mount Solitary is much less reliable then it once was. The creeks and springs now dry up much quicker than they did just 10 years ago. Please be prepared with enough water.
Matt :)
I had wanted to get to the top of Mt Solitary for some time now.
After an intended overnight camping trip had to be aborted
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W27syNYIT0o
A clear day and a there and back walk was planned for yesterday.
The Golden Stairs have had the work done that was being prepared when I was last there, and they are looking great. The work the goes into making sure a safe walk is possible is just amazing around the Blue Mountains, a real credit to those who do it.
2.5 hours each way it took us, that is to the first camp site on top.
After looking forward to the walk for so long and looking at the pictures of the knife edge, I think I had myself a little worked up about it. The climbs up the two steeper sections did give me faster heart rate for a few moments; we then took what I was lead to believe the more gentle route just before the top which when around to the right. Whilst sill steep this way was not as exposed as the edge sections.
We walked on (extra time) to Chinamans Gully and out to both sides of the Mt to check out the view.
Back to the casuarinas grove (and the nicer of the camp spots for my money) to hang our hammocks and grab a bite to eat.
The trip back down the knife edge was easier than I thought it would have been, possibly on the back of some confidence having now been up there.
Gee I love the Golden Stairs, but I was cursing them by the time I was nearing the top of them on the return walk.
An overnighter next time for sure, I have heard many people refer to Mt Solitary as “A special place” now I know what the mean.
Thanks for the great notes and walks available on Wildwalks Matt.
casuarinas grove (and the nicer of the camp spots for my money) to hang our hammocks and grab a bite to eat.
Hi Simon, sounds like a great day out. That casuarina grove is a great place hey, esp great if you have a few people in hammocks. You saw Chinamans Gully it has some good potential spots for the hammock. Singa-Jingawell Creek Campsite further along the ridge is a very nice campsite to, similar Hammock options to Chinamans Gully, but has rock platform and great view a very short walk from the main camping area. Not as perfect for hammocks but great all the same.
Glad the notes where helpful.
Matt :)
from golden stairs do we take the federal pass track ???....... if we do then does it lead to ruined castle??
Hi Evan
At the bottom of the Golden Stairs, you will come to the signposted Federal Pass track. Turn right and walk along it. Later there is a side track that leads up to Ruined Castle.
I am sorry this is not clear enough in the notes for you, can you make some suggestion (it seems to read fine to me).
Thanks
Matt :)
Great walk and spectacular views from the top of Mt Solitary.
Excellent track notes and the walk is pretty self explanatory, someone has marked the track up the knife edge and on top with pink paint, some cans may have done but it helped us nonetheless.
There's a little bit of exposure going up the first bit of the knife edge as previously mentioned but there are plenty of handholds so you can steady yourself.
Great workout heading up the later steeper sections.
We were lucky that it's been raining so much, the creek near Chinaman's cave was running and the northern lookout made a good collection point and dinner spot. A group had nabbed the spot close to the northern lookout nearby so we spent the night under the cover of the cave.
My friends were relatively unfit and really struggled up the stairs back to the car but they had a hard time going up to the Ruined Castle and Mt Solitary the day before. Plenty of rests did the trick and there are enough flats in between each high point to make it really enjoyable.
Got talking to another walker who stayed up in the Casuarina Grove and he said that the sunrise from there was pretty spectacular. I caught it from the ledge nearby and was blown away, if only it was the Saturday morning where fog was filling the valley.
Definitely agree with the 'Special Place' comment, my first overnighter in the mountains and I'll be dragging my wife up for the next one!
As a side note, the walker we spoke to was from the States and pulled out the Wildwalks tracknotes.
Great work guys, he was really impressed!
Great walk and spectacular views from the top of Mt Solitary.
Hi Oli
Thanks for the detailed feedback. Sounds like a fun way to spend a couple of days. Great to hear of water up in the gully. And great to hear the notes where useful for you and the guy you ran into.
Happy walking
Matt :)
Hiking near Sydney 
Route: Hard
1 km
not too much longer now :)