Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls are found in each of the tabs below
Circling the Jamison Valley, this spectacular three day walk is packed with great views and beautiful scenery. From Scenic World the walk heads around the base of the cliffs before climbing up to the Ruined Castle and then Mt Solitary. Walkers can rest in the sheltered Chinaman's Gully campsite overnight (don't expect water). Day two takes a rough track across Solitary and down to the Kedumba River. On the third day, the walk climbs to King's Tableland and the beautiful and amazing Wentworth Falls.
NPWS is a proud sponsor of Wildwalks. For more information on the spectacular parks and reserves of NSW Visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Catch the bus to Scenic World
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.
A Personal Locating Beacon is a hand-held device that, when triggered, sends a message to the emergency services with your location. The emergency services staff can then look at your trip intention forms and decide how best to help you. In the Blue Mountains, you can hire these for no charge, just complete this Trip intention form, and a borrowing form. The device can be picked up from:
NPWS Office - Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath - 9am to 4pm 7 days Ph: 02 4787 8877
Katoomba Police Station - 217 Katoomba St Katoomba - Anytime Ph: 02 4782 8199
Springwood Police Station - 4 Jerseywold Avenue Springwood - Anytime Ph: 02 4751 0299 More info
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
(0 km)
Scenic World
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Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
Length = 275 m
Time = 24 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -203 m
From Scenic World, this walk goes down the cliffs using the Scenic Railway. Hang on tight! This 415m-long journey 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) More info Note: The distance and altitude change for this ride is not included in the total for this walk.
(0.28 km)
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
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Landslide Track: Moderate - duckboard,bushtrack
Length = 1.34 km
Time = 46 mins
Climb = 175 m
Descent = -178 m
From the bridge over the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk follows the signs to 'scenic walkway', passing a replica of a mining cart, as well as an old mine. Just past this, the walk comes to a pipeline that runs down the hill collecting fresh water, signposted as drinkable. Continuing past the old mine shafts along the boardwalk, this walk comes to an intersection with a bush track going slightly off to the right. This is signposted as the way to the Landslide. From the intersection, the walk follows the wide track and signposts towards the 'landslide' (keeping the cliffs on the right). The walk winds along a bush track with small boulders strewn along it. There are a number of old mine shafts just off the track and some interesting historical items. The track continues under Malaita Point before breaking out of the vegetation to a worthy view of the valley, just before the landslide. As the track comes to the old landslide site, it become rougher with plenty of boulders over the track. There are also excellent views of the cliffs above and the landslide as the vegetation is quite sparse here.
The Landslide
Alt = 742 m
'The Landslide' is a large rockfall going into the valley approximately 100m. There is a good vantage point for the landslide from under the cliffs to the east, and a great but more distant view from Narrow Neck lookout. The landslide occurred in 1931 after a few days of rumbling. There has been much debate as to whether this event was helped along by erosion and coal mining in the area at the time.
(1.62 km)
Landslide
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Ruined Castle (Nth) Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 4.19 km
Time = 1 hr 49 mins
Climb = 303 m
Descent = -329 m
From the eastern side of the Landslide, the walk heads across the face of the landslide (keeping the cliff on the right). At this point, the track is quite rough, with frequent boulders making it a slight scramble. On the other side of the landslide, the track narrows and becomes a flat bush track that follows the base of the cliffs. The surrounding trees become quite dense again, adding quite an ambiance to the area. The walk heads along the bottom of the Narrow Neck escarpment, until coming to an intersection with a set of stairs off to the right, signposted as the 'Golden Staircase'. 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'.
The Ruined Castle
Alt = 793 m
A formation jutting 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 Mt Solitary to the south-east.
(5.8 km)
Ruined Castle (Nth)
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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.
(6.84 km)
Ruined Castle (South)
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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.
Mt Solitary Lookout
Alt = 944 m
This informal lookout is on top of the 'Koorowall Knife Edge' on the western side of Mount Solitary. The lookout boasts some fantastic views over the Jamison Valley and to the west - this is well-worth the scramble to the top. There is some natural shelter and shade to rest amongst, and some people have camped here in the past (although better camping is available in Chinamans Gully).
(8.62 km)
Mt Solitary Lookout
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Chinamans Gully Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.1 km
Time = 28 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -165 m
From the lookout, this walk goes up the hill, keeping the ridge to the right. The track then scrambles to the top and continues to follow the small markers along the bush track. At this point, there are great views over the valley.
From the top, the walk continues along a narrow bush track through light vegetation and trees before coming to a large clearing and campsite. After passing a few more campsites and small tracks, this walk steadily winds down the hill until it becomes steeper along the sandy trail. At the bottom of the steep hill is an intersection with a track on the left. (This is top end of Chinamans Gully, just before a large clearing and campsite with no reliable water). From the intersection, this walk heads north, passing a large spray-painted 'water 250m' sign on the rock. The walk follows the bush track next to Chinamans Gully and passes several large overhanging camping caves as well as many campsites. The track continues in this manner until reaching the large campsite and a small creek. (If you follow this creek down towards the cliff further, there is a better chance of finding water, although chances are still low).
Chinamans Gully Campsite
Alt = 809 m
Next to a small creek (often dry) and sheltered from the winds, this campsite is great for those wanting to camp on Mt Solitary. For daywalkers, this spot offers the chance to rest under the overhangs of the cliffs before continuing. Water here is not reliable, please note that in the past water was more reliable, but not so now. Please carry plenty of water. There is a camping area near the beginning of the track and there are also a few spots along the gully where people have camped previously.
(9.72 km)
Chinamans Gully
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Top of the Cliffs Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.19 km
Time = 1 hr 26 mins
Climb = 244 m
Descent = -308 m
From the campsite at the Chinamans Gully, this walk heads south away from the creek. The track goes past several large overhanging camping caves as well as many campsites. Following the gully, the track continues until passing a spray-painted sign on the boulder next to the track, saying 'water 250m', and very soon coming to an intersection. From the intersection, this walk heads east for approximately 30m before crossing a large clearing and campsite, and going up the small steep rocky climb. At the top of the climb, the walk heads along the narrow bush track, following the small yellow spray-painted markers that are approximately every 50m. The track gradually heads over a few rises and falls until turning towards the north and joining up with the clifftops, with come great views towards Katoomba. Continuing east (with the cliff on the left), the track passes several magnificent lookouts before descending gradually into a clearing and campsite, next to the headwaters of Singajingawell Creek. From Singajingawell campsite, this walk heads east along the narrow bush track. The track winds its way through the scrub (keeping Katoomba to the left), occasionally passing fallen trees. Near the end of the plateau, the track begins to go downhill slightly before breaking out at the top of the cliffs. At this point, there is a fabulous vantage point over the valley and it is possible to see all around the cliffs and over to Wentworth Falls.
(12.91 km)
Top of the Cliffs
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Kedumba River Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.25 km
Time = 1 hr 4 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -600 m
From the view point at the top of the cliffs, this walk heads down the hill between the cliffs. Near the top, there is a false track on the right - keep left at this point. The walk follows an extremely steep, narrow and heavily eroded bush track. The first section of the descent is the steepest. The trail then evens out a little, however it is still steep as the track starts to zigzag down the hill. After a little longer, the track becomes steep and wide.
From here, the track continues east, passing a clearing and small sign pointing to 'Mt Solitary' and 'Kedumba River'. The track then follows the white diamonds on the trees every 50-100m. The walk then continues down the hill until coming to the bank of Kedumba River, and crosses the wide creek. (There is a fallen tree some people have used to cross the creek, others cross the creek directly. Note: This creek may become impassable after rain.)
Kedumba River Campsite
Alt = 150 m
This campsite is next to the Kedumba River, along the Mount Solitary walking track. This is a large clearing and basic campsite. Open fires are not permitted so it is necessary to take a fuel stove. There is normally plenty of water in the creek, but it should be treated for drinking. There are no facilities.
(15.16 km)
Kedumba River
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Int of Kedumba River Bushtrack and Sublime Point Servicetrail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.92 km
Time = 1 hr 3 mins
Climb = 337 m
Descent = -7 m
From the clearing on the eastern bank of the Kedumba Creek, this walk heads north-east up the hill and onto the narrow bush track. 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 uphill, with the trail zigzagging its way to the top of the hill. After some time, the track turns towards the north-west for several hundred metres and crosses a small gully, before turning back to the east and continuing on the bush track up to the intersection with the Sublime Point management trail.
(17.08 km)
Int of Kedumba River Bushtrack and Sublime Point Servicetrail
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Int of Sublime Point and Waterboard Servicetrails Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 397 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 42 m
Descent = -4 m
From the intersection, this walk heads south-east, up the hill along the management trail. After a short time, the trail starts tending to the right, flattening out before coming to a large intersection with another management trail on the left, signposted 'Wentworth Falls'.
(17.47 km)
Int of Sublime Point and Waterboard Servicetrails
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End of Kedumba River Rd Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 3.13 km
Time = 1 hr 22 mins
Climb = 326 m
Descent = -53 m
From the intersection, this walk heads north, uphill along the management trail, following the sign to 'Wentworth Falls'. After the uphill section, the trail turns to the right and starts heading steeply up between the gap in the cliffs. The walk passes a locked gate and continues steeply up the hill until reaching the top, where the track curves around to the bends again sharply to the left - there are some great views from here. From the top of the cliffs, the track zigzags north along a relatively flat management trail until coming to the end of Kedumba Valley Rd, marked by a large towering gateway with small track around it.
(20.6 km)
End of Kedumba River Rd
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King's Tableland Intersection Walk: Easy - road,servicetrail
Length = 5.17 km
Time = 1 hr 41 mins
Climb = 163 m
Descent = -102 m
From the end of Kedumba River Rd at the large archway, this walk heads north along the wide dirt road. This gradually curves around left (at the junction with Kings Tableland Rd, unsignposted), becoming Tableland Rd. The walk continues along Tableland Rd for some time, before coming into a more suburban area and turning left into Hordern Rd. At the far end of Hordern Rd, there is a 'T' intersection with a dirt road. From the end of Hordern Rd, this walk heads north along the management trail, away from the power lines, and after approximately 100m passes a large wire gate. Another 100m on from here, the trail passes a large green gate and sign saying 'Kings Tableland Track'. After this, the flat management trail continues until coming to an intersection with another management trail, signposted as the 'Rocket Point Track.
King's Tableland
Alt = 853 m
The first point of Aboriginal and European contact in the Blue Mountains, King's Tableland is a significant Aboriginal meeting spot. Historical and cultural sites on the tableland include open campsites, occupation shelters, axe grinding grooves, stone arrangements and art sites, including cave paintings and rock engravings.
(25.77 km)
King's Tableland Intersection
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The archway intersection Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 382 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -55 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rocket Point Track' sign north along the smaller management trail. As the track begins to go downhill, it narrows into a bush track. The track gently winds along until coming to an intersection with another bush track, marked by signs pointing to 'Rocket Point' and 'Wentworth Falls'. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rocket Point' sign down the narrow track (with the main valley to the right). Soon the track comes to an unfenced rock platform on a right-hand bend in the track, with great views over the valley (but not of the falls). From the view, the walk follows the stone steps down along the rock face to soon come to an intersection just before the large rock archway at the 'Rocket Point Lookout' sign.
(26.15 km)
The Archway Intersection
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Rocket Point Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 6 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -2 m
From the intersection, this walk follows 'Rocket Point Lookout' sign, keeping the rock face to the right. Soon the track leads to the fenced and signposted 'Rocket Point Lookout' and its great views of Wentworth Falls and surrounding valley.
Rocket Point Lookout
Alt = 804 m
Rocket Point Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, high on the cliff south-west of Wentworth Falls, in the Blue Mountains National Park. The lookout provides a good view down Wentworth Falls and into the valley. There is also a great view of the Sublime Point escarpment. The lookout itself has an interesting sandstone wall and is just down from a natural rock arch.
(26.15 km)
The archway intersection
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Top of Wentworth Falls Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 148 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -17 m
From the intersection, this walk heads through the rock arch, away from the face of the 'Rocket Point Lookout' sign. The track heads downhill into a valley and then continues around the hill to soon come to an intersection, marked with a 'Round Walk' sign (just above another track, small creek and falls). From the intersection, this walk follows the track away from the 'Round Walk' sign to zigzag down the hill a short distance to the well-managed and fenced track below (marked with a 'Rocket Point Circuit' pointing back up). From the intersection, this walk keeps the handrail on the left and cross a small creek using the stepping stones. The track soon leads to a large pool, Queen's Cascades and a fenced creek crossing, the top of Wentworth Falls.
Queen's Cascades
Alt = 799 m
Queen's Cascades are a lovely set of falls on the Jamison Creek at the top of Wentworth Falls. The creek heads down the wide, two-stage cascades into a sandy pool. From the pool, the water flows between the stepping stones, under the fence and down the very tall Wentworth Falls. There are also great views to Sublime Point across the valley.
(26.3 km)
Top of Wentworth Falls
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Weeping Rock waterfall Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 106 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -4 m
From top of Wentworth Falls, this walk crosses the creek on the stepping stones keeping the view to the left (the creek may be impassable after rain). The walk heads up the log steps (passing some more nice views of Jamison Creek) to soon come to a three-way intersection, with a sign pointing back to 'Wentworth Falls' and 'Wentworth Pass'. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Weeping Rock Circuit' and 'Darwins walk' signs up a few steps and between the rocks. The track soon leads to a great view of Weeping Rock, then heads down some steps onto a slippery rock platform, beside a pool at the base of Weeping Rock waterfall.
Weeping Rock
Alt = 804 m
Weeping Rock is a waterfall on Jamison Creek, upstream of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park. The water falls over the wide circular top overhang, to then cascade down the rocks to a pool below. A staircase beside the falls helps walkers view this waterfall from different angles. This is a nice cool spot on hot days. The rocks are slippery and there are no fences, care is needed.
(26.41 km)
Weeping Rock waterfall
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Int of Charles Darwin and Weeping Rock Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 35 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = 0 m
From the bottom of Weeping Rock, this walk heads up the metal staircase (with the falls to the right). At the top of the falls, the track continues upstream, across the slippery rock platform, keeping the lovely view of Jamison Creek to the right. The track soon heads up some steps to an intersection with 'Darwins Walk' and a sign pointing back to 'Weeping Rock Circuit'.
(26.44 km)
Int of Charles Darwin and Weeping Rock Tracks
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Wentworth Falls Railway Station Track: Moderate - bushtrack,footpath
Length = 2.65 km
Time = 51 mins
Climb = 116 m
Descent = -58 m
From the intersection, this walk heads alongside Jamison Creek (creek to the right)following the signs along the Charles Darwin Walk. The track soon crosses two small streamlets and continues up the main creek along a mixture of bush track 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, on the left. From the intersection, this walk heads upstream beside the creek. This track goes along a mixture of boardwalk and bush track until continuing on a long section of boardwalk. The walk crosses the creek and goes up a steep set of stairs, then past a beautiful section of creek where the water cascades down the rocks.
Shortly the cascades, the track crosses the creek using a foot bridge and comes to a signposted intersection with 'Parkes Street' track (on the left).
From the intersection, this walk follows the clear track upstream (keeping the creek through the bush, on the right). The track bends right passing a bench seat and crossing the creek on a footbridge. On the other side of the bridge the walk climbs the stairs then gently meanders along the side of the creek till coming to a clearing. On the other side of the clearing the walk comes to an intersection just before the pipe bridge. From the intersection, this walk follows 'Village' sign along the track and under the large pipeline (keeping Jamison Creek on the left). The track meanders alongside the creek over some timber platforms and through a lovely Banksia grove. After a short time the walk passes a 'Charles Darwin walk' sign and comes to an intersection with a timber bridge on the left of the track. From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs (away from the bridge and creek) and turns left. The walk almost immediately comes to an intersection with a set of stairs (heading up to Page Ave on the right) and a sign pointing to 'Wilson Park'. From the intersection, this walk follows 'Wilson Park' and 'Village' signs down some steps and along the track (keeping the creek to the left). The track soon passes a bush regeneration information sign and heads into an open pine forest. The walk then crosses the creek on a small timber bridge and heads up the hill. Soon the track passes under the 'Charles Darwin Walk' arch and enters Wilson Park (just next to the tennis courts). From the the archway in Wilson Park, this walk heads away from the tennis courts, keeping the creek on the right. At the far end of the park, the walk comes to the Great Western Highway and turns right. After about 150m, this walk crosses the highway at the traffic lights and heads up Station St, past the shops and up to Wentworth Falls Railway Station on the right.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 22 minutes ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
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.
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
This last weekend myself and a mate (both about 60 yrs) started at the Golden Staircase went accross to Mount Solitary and then down accross the Kadumba River and then up to the locked gate on Kadumba Valley Rd (this is a 2 day version of this walk that is best described at: http://ozultimate.com/bushwalking/walk.php?nid=237
We found this a very challenging but rewarding walk - some of the scambles are verging on climbs and some of the time the footing can be a bit difficult.
On a previous walk, in the wet, we had returned via the Golden staircase and found it treacherous. Having said that desceding the staircase on a fine day was no trouble at all.
When it comes to water we carried 4 litres each but probably used more than 6 by the time we reached the Kedumba river. It was not too hot and, with care, we certainly would have survived on 4 but we found slowly trickling water in the very lowest reaches of the Chinaman’s gully creek so we drank freely. There is another creek further east that other walkers told us still had water but with a little more dry weather Solitary could soon be completely dry so be careful.
Had a great walk from Golden stairs to Mt solitary today.
There is no moving water in the creek at the moment so be prepared and carry water in.
Was an absolutely beautiful sunny day, although a bit windy climbing the knife.
Fantastic website you have got here..
Hiking near Sydney 
5 km
not too much longer now :)