Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
2 Days
28.2 km
2487 m
One way
3.2 km S of Katoomba
Blue Mountains National Park
Track: Hard
Following the same route as the Katoomba -Mt Solitary - Kedumba -Wentworth Falls Walk this is the two days version. This walks passes popular sights including the Landslide, Ruined Castle, Mt Solitary and Wentworth Falls this is a great way to explore the Jamison Valley.
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
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Scenic World is one of the main tourist attractions of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Located on the edge of the cliffs main activities include the Scenic Railway (the steepest railway in the world), Scenic Skyway and the Scenic Cableway. Offering great views of the Jamison Valley as the cableways conveys you across the valley can give anyone a thrill. Scenic World also features a restaurant and cafe. More info
(0 km) Scenic World to Landslide Track: Moderate - railtrail, duckboard, bushtrack
Distance = 1.4 km
Time = 1 Hrs
Climb = 143 m
Descent = -337 m
From Scenic World the track goes down the cliffs using the Scenic Railway. This is a 415m long journey and is the world's steepest railway. At the bottom the track comes to a great viewing platform of the valley. Use of the railway costs $10 for adults and $5 for children one-way. Last train normally at 4:45pm (opens at 9am) From the bottom of the Scenic Railway on the upper viewing platform the track heads south-west along the boardwalk (this has great views over the valley and cliffs). The track passes an old replica of a mining cart, as well as an old mine. Just past this the track comes to a pipeline that runs down the hill collecting fresh drinkable water. This is clearly signposted as drinkable. Continuing past the old mine shafts along the boardwalk the track comes to an intersection with a bushtrack going slightly off to the right. This is signposted as the way to the Landslide. From the intersection the track heads south-west following the signposts towards the Landslide along the bushtrack. This winds around and the track is largely a bushtrack with frequent small boulders strewn along it. Frequently old mine shafts are just off the track as well as mine markers. The track continues in this manner passing under Malaita Point before breaking out of the vegetation to a relatively good view of the area just before the landslide. At this point the track continues around to the north and at this point the track becomes considerably rougher with frequent boulders over the track. There are also excellent views of the Landslide and cliffs above as the vegetation is quite sparse compared to the track at the start of the component.
The Landslide
Alt = 742
A large rockfall going into the valley and approximately 100m. There is a good lookout of the Landslide under the cliffs from the eastern side.
(1.45 km) Landslide to Ruined Castle (Nth) Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 4.2 km
Time = 1 Hrs 50 mins
Climb = 333 m
Descent = -362 m
From the eastern side of the Landslide the track heads south across the face of the Landslide. At this point the track is quite rough with frequent boulders making it a slight scramble. The trail continues in this manner until reaching the western side of the Landslide where the track becomes a narrow and flat bushtrack that follows the line of the cliffs. The surrounding trees at the point are quite dense producing an extremely peaceful feeling to the area. The trail continues in this manner before coming to an intersection with a set of stairs clearly signposted as the 'Golden Staircase'. From the intersection the track heads south and gradually around to the east following the signs towards Ruined Castle and Mt Solitary. The track continues along the flat, well managed and shrouded bushtrack until coming to an intersection with the Ruined Castle Circuit. This is clearly signposted. Several hundred metres before reaching the intersection the track passes several small campsites that are just off to the side of the track. These vary in their size and most have fire scars.
(5.63 km) Ruined Castle (Nth) to Ruined Castle (South) Alternative ROUTE: Track: Moderate - Bush Track ( Show detail)
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -97 m
From the intersection the track heads south-east along the flat bushtrack following the signpost towards Mt Solitary. This continues along the flat and at several points it is possible to see across the valley over to the Landslide. Accompanying this there are also frequent campsites down off the side of the hill to the left. The track continues in this manner 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 track heads south-east down the hill slightly before flattening out and continuing along the narrow bushtrack. This goes through the ferns and low undergrowth before coming to an intersection with a bushtrack 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.
The Ruined Castle
Alt = 793
A jutting formation coming out of the Jamison Valley the Ruined Castle has great views of the Jamison Valley from Katoomba to Leura. It is also possible to see clearly Mt Solitary to the south-east.
(5.63 km) Ruined Castle (Nth) to Mt Solitary Lookout Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 2.8 km
Time = 2 Hrs 30 mins
Climb = 771 m
Descent = -547 m
From the intersection the track 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 Castle. On the south-eastern side of this it is possible to climb up the large boulders o a magnificent lookout over the Katoomba Valley. The views from the top here are absolutely amazing and definitely worth the climb.. Back on the track the trail continues to the north-east beginning to steeply descend until coming to an intersection with another bushtrack. At this point there are several information signs providing information on the bushwalks in the area. From the intersection the track follows the signposts 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 bushtrack that over time has been widened by walkers choosing the best route for them. Once reaching the top of this first spur the track continues north-east along a relatively flat bushtrack for a short while before beginning to rise again. At this point the track is consistently steep and there are several small climbs with the track following small signs including spraypainted marks until just before the top where there is a good lookout to the west.
Mt Solitary Lookout
Alt = 944
With fantastic lookouts into the Jamison Valley and to the west this is well-worth the scramble to the top. The small clearing and impromptu campsite at the top offers a great spot to shelter from the elements if its windy on the top.
(8.45 km) Mt Solitary Lookout to Mt Solitary Campground Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -118 m
From the lookout the track goes up and to the left of the of the ridge and scrambles to the top where it continues to follow the small markers along the bushtrack. At this point there are great views over the valley. Once reaching the top of the hill the track continues along a narrow bushtrack through light vegetation and trees before coming to a large clearing and campsite. From the campsite on the top of Mt Solitary the track heads south-east along the bushtrack that goes through the trees and the campsites (which are frequent). After a short while the previous tracks that made up the common track join together and the track begins to steadily wind down the hill and towards the end this begins to steeply descend along the sandy trail. This continues until the track comes to an intersection with a bushtrack just before reaching a large clearing and campsite (no reliable water).
(9.23 km) Mt Solitary Campground to Chinaman's Gully Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -47 m
From the intersection the track heads north, passing a large spraypainted 'water 250m' sign on the rock. The trail follows the bushtrack next to Chinamen's Gully and passes several large overhanging camping caves as well as many campsites. The track continues in this manner until at the large campsite reaches a small creek. If you follow this creek down towards the cliff further the water gets better.
Chinaman's Gully Campsite
Alt = 809
Next to a small creek and sheltered from the winds this campsite is great for those camping on the top of Mt Solitary. For daywalkers this spot offers the chance to rest under the overhangs of the cliffs and to pick up water before continuing. Water here is not reliable.
(9.23 km) Mt Solitary Campground to Top of the Cliffs Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 2.9 km
Time = 1 Hrs 15 mins
Climb = 197 m
Descent = -301 m
From the intersection the track heads east for approximately 30m before crossing a large clearing and campsite and going up the small steep climb up the rocky section at the eastern end of this. At the top of here the track goings up with a narrow bushtrack and goes further and gradually up following the small yellow spraypainted markers that are approximately every 50m. The track continues with several small and gradual ups and downs until turning towards the north and joining up with the clifftops. Continueing east the track passes several magnificent lookouts before in the final section descending quite gradually into a clearing and campsite next to the top end of Singajingawell Creek. From the campsite the track heads east along the narrow bushtrack which winds its way through the scrub. Occassionally in this section there are fallen sections of trees. In these cases new tracks have been formed around the trunks. This continues until at the end the track begins to go down slightly before breaking out onto the top of the cliffs. At this point there is a fabulous lookout over the valley and it is possible to see all around the cliffs and over to the cliffs up to Wentworth Falls.
(12.1 km) Top of the Cliffs to Int of Kedumba River Bushtrack and Sublime Point Servicetrail Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 4.2 km
Time = 2 Hrs
Climb = 343 m
Descent = -607 m
From the lookout at the top of the cliffs the track heads down the hill between the cliffs. This goes extremely steeply down along the narrow bushtrack. The track is heavily subject to erosion and no infrastructure has been built to help maintain the stability of the track. The first section of the descent is definitely the steepest and at the bottom of this the trail steadys out however it is still extremely steep. At this point it zig-zags down the hill. This continues until in the final section the track once again becomes extremely steep. Due to the nature of this descent in the last section the track has been extensively widened as walkers choose the best way to navigate the hill. From here the track continues further east for a short while before passing a small sign and clearing pointing to Mt Solitary and Kedumba Creek. Passing this the trail is flat and follows the white diamonds on the trees every 50-100m. This continues until in the last section the track heads down gradually and over a reasonable length of time to Kedumba Crk, which is a wide creek. For those game there is a large log by which to cross over the creek or otherwise it is possible to walk through it to the clearing on the opposite bank. From the clearing on the eastern bank of the Kedumba Creek the track heads north-east up the bank and onto the narrow bushtrack. After a while the track widens out and begins to follow the white diamonds nailed to the trees next to the track. This goes steadily but generally not steeply up, with the trail zig-zagging its way to the top of the hill. In the final section the track turns for several hundred metres towards the north-west and crosses a small gully before turning back to the east and continuing on the bushtrack up to the intersection with the Sublime Point Servicetrail. This intersection is marked by several small stone cairns.
(16.27 km) Int of Kedumba River Bushtrack and Sublime Point Servicetrail to End of Kedumba River Rd Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 3.5 km
Time = 1 Hrs 30 mins
Climb = 383 m
Descent = -73 m
From the intersection the track heads north-east up the hill along the servicetrail for a short period before turning to the south-east/ At this point the track flattens out before coming to a large intersection with another servicetrail. At this point there is a large sign pointing the direction to Wentworth Falls. From the intersection the track heads north up the hill along the servicetrail, following the sign to Wentworth Falls. After the first section of hill the track turns to the south and becomes very steep as it climbs between the gap in the cliffs. This continues as the track passes a large boom gate and continues steeply up the hill until reaching the top where the track curves around to the north. At this point there are some great views out to the south-west From the top of the cliffs the track zig-zags north along a relatively flat servicetrail until coming to the end of Kedumba Valley Rd marked by a large towering gateway with small bushtrack around it.
(19.8 km) End of Kedumba River Rd to King's Tableland Intersection Walk: Easy - road, servicetrail
Distance = 5.2 km
Time = 1 Hrs 40 mins
Climb = 163 m
Descent = -102 m
From the end of Kedumba River Rd at the large archway the track heads north along the wide dirt road. This gradually curves around to the north-east until connecting to Tableland Rd. This is followed north until the track turns left into Hordern Rd. This is followed until the end where there is the start of a servicetrail heading north. From the end of Hordern Rd the track heads north along the servicetrail and after approximately 100m passes a large wire gate. 100m on from here the trail passes a large green boomgate and sign saying King's Tableland Track. After this the flat servicetrail continues until coming to an intersection with another servicetrail signposted as the way to the Rocket Point Trail.
King's Tableland
Alt = 853
The first point of Aboriginal and European contact in the Blue Mountains, King's Tableland is a a significant Aboriginal meeting spot. Historical and cultural sites on the Tableland include open camp sites, occupation shelters, axe grinding grooves, stone arrangements and art sites including cave paintings and rock engravings.
(24.96 km) King's Tableland Intersection to Top of Wentworth Falls Walk: Easy - Bush Track
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -65 m
From the intersection the trackheads north along the servicetrail. As the track begins to go down it changes to being a bushtrack. This gradually turns to the north-west until coming to an intesection with another bushtrack marked by signs pointing to Rocket Point and to Wentworth Falls. From the intersection the track heads east and shortly afterwards joins up with a small creek. Once joining the creek the track turns to the north and goes for approximately 50m before coming to an intersection signposted as the Round Walk. From the intersection the track goes down the hill (about 10m) until coming to an intersection with a well-managed bushtrack next to the cliffs. Just off to the right are Wentworth Falls. From the intersection the track heads upstream next to the falls for approximate 35m before coming to the top of Wentworth Falls. The track crosses this on large stepping stones.
(25.46 km) Top of Wentworth Falls to Wentworth Falls Railway Station Walk: Easy - bushtrack, road
Distance = 2.7 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 135 m
Descent = -59 m
From Wentworth Falls the track heads up the log stairs until coming to an intersection signposted as part of the Weeping Rock Tracks. From the intersection the track follows the sign to the Charles Darwin Walk. This goes down to and along beside Jamison Creek along a slippery rockshelf. The track goes up a steep set of stairs before coming to an intersection signposted as the Charles Darwins Walk. From the intersection the track heads north following the signs along the Charles Darwin Walk. This goes beside the creek and shortly after crosses two small streamlets that feed into Jamison Creek. The track continues north and goes along a mixture of bushtrack and boardwalk. This passes a great section of overhanging cliff on the other side of the creek. After this the track rises slightly before going down to an intersection with a track signposted as the way up to Fletcher St. From the intersection the track heads north and beside the creek. This turns to the north-west and goes along a mixture of rough boardwalk and bushtrack until going along a long section of boardwalk. This crosses the creek and goes up a steep set of stairs. At the top of these the track goes past a beautiful section of creek where the water cascades down the rocks. Shortly after the track crosses over to the other side of the creek and then not long after back again. Once over the second bridge the track continues beside the creek until coming to an intersection with a bushtrack that goes down and crosses the creek. From the intersection the track goes under the large pipeline and follows Jamison Creek north until coming to an intersection with a bridge and track that goes across the creek. From the intersection the track heads up the stairs and immediately comes to an intersection with a set of stairs going up the hill. From the intersection the track heads north along the bushbtrack until crossing Jamison Creek on a small wooden bridge. Once over the bridge the track goes up the stairs and along the bushtrack until going under the archway saying Charles Darwin Walk and emerging into Wilson Park. From the entry into Wilson Park at the archway the track heads north through the park towards the toilet block. The track connects to a footpath and continues to follow this north through the park until coming to the Great Western Highway. The track turns right and goes slightly uphill until crossing the highway at the traffic lights. The track heads north along Station St next to the shops until turning right and going into Wentworth Falls Railway Station.
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 famou
Just did this walk over the weekend. A few notes for the track...
Chinamans Gully was a fairly poor water source (and it had rained the night before) with a very very small trickle going through the stream and a lot of it being almost still. I would recommend trying to carry enough to get you to Kedumba River (in the 2nd day).
The extremely steep descent in the 2nd day is as described very steep so please don't take that lightly. It is also quite lengthy (I would estimate 1-2km).
I also found the track hard to find after crossing Kedumba River and trying to make my way to the sublime point service trail. Once on top of the hill it was fine however the initial part immediately after the river was not very easy to see at all.
Thanks for the feedback, I updated the notes to make it clear that water is not reliable at Chinamans Gully. I will also make some change in the other section soon. Hope you enjoyed the walk.
Tom Vale wrote:
Just did this walk over the weekend. A few notes for the track...
Chinamans Gully was a fairly poor water source (and it had rained the night before) with a very very small trickle going through the stream and a lot of it being almost still. I would recommend trying to carry enough to get you to Kedumba River (in the 2nd day).
The extremely steep descent in the 2nd day is as described very steep so please don't take that lightly. It is also quite lengthy (I would estimate 1-2km).
I also found the track hard to find after crossing Kedumba River and trying to make my way to the sublime point service trail. Once on top of the hill it was fine however the initial part immediately after the river was not very easy to see at all.
Hiking near Sydney 
5 km
