Carrington Park to Leura Forest return

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1 hr 30 mins

2.3 km Return

432 m

Hard track

This walk starts from Carrington Park and winds down into the valley below, to Leura Forest. Leura Forest was a pleasure ground in years gone by, and now boasts a nice little picnic area with a shelter, picnic tables and seats. This is a great spot for lunch. Take some time to explore the forest before climbing back up the valley the way you came.

Stair case on Federal pass bellow Jameison Lookout

Shady chair of Federal pass above Fern Bower

Carrington Park

Carrington Park is a medium-sized park on a traffic island, at the junction of Cliff Road and Merriwa St, Katoomba. The park is partially fenced and has a picnic shelter, picnic tables, garbage bins and children's play equipment.

(0km) Carrington Park → Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Carrington Park Track

40 m

1 mins

-9m Easy track

From Carrington Park, the walk crosses Cliff Drive and goes down the stairs and past the sign for 'Blue Mountains National Park'. The walk continues down the stairs until reaching an intersection signposted with the way to 'Echo Point' or 'Leura Cascades'.

(0km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Carrington Park Track → Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Leura Forest Track

150 m

3 mins

-10m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Leura Cascades 1km' sign down the wooden steps and along the bush track, winding through the forest until coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Leura Forest' Track.

(0km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Leura Forest Track → Int of Federal Pass and Jamieson Lookout Tracks

40 m

1 mins

-3m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Leura Forest' sign along the bush track, winding down the hill for a short while before dropping down a set of wooden steps, to the signposted intersection with the 'Jamieson Lookout' track.

(0km) Int of Federal Pass and Jamieson Lookout Tracks → Jamieson Lookout

20 m

1 mins

-6m Easy track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Jamieson Lookout' sign along the short bush track to the rock shelf at the Jamieson Lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Jamieson Lookout

Jamieson Lookout is a fenced lookout at the east end of the Federal Pass track, and just off Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The lookout has a bench seat and provides great views up the Jamison Valley, along Kings Tableland escarpment and past Mount Solitary. The lookout is perched up on a large rock buttress, giving views unobscured by trees.

(0km) Int of Federal Pass and Jamieson Lookout Tracks → Fern Bower

90 m

3 mins

-36m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the dirt path, heading down the long set of wooden and rocky steps. The walk winds down past a picnic chair under a cliff overhang, and continues down the steps into the valley and through the forest to the Fern Bower information sign.

Fern Bower

Fern Bower is an especially pleasant part of the Blue Mountains National Park, protected from heat and providing a great environment for fern trees, bracken ferns and moss to thrive. Fern Bower is a signposted area along the Federal Pass walking track, just below Jamieson Lookout and next to Linda Creek. This is a nice place to stop, rest and enjoy the bird noises.

(0km) Fern Bower → Int of Federal Pass and the Amphitheatre track

320 m

13 mins

10m

-150m Hard track

Continue straight: From the information sign, the walk follows the track down the steps, passing a 'Rich History' information sign before coming down to the signposted intersection with the Amphitheatre track, at the top of a metal staircase.

(1km) Int of Federal Pass and the Amphitheatre track → Lila falls crossing

20 m

1 mins

-18m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Federal Pass Leura Forest' sign down the long metal staircase, to cross the bridge over Linda Creek in front of Lila Falls.

Lila Falls

Lila Falls is a thin waterfall on Linda Creek. The Federal Pass crosses the creek (on a bridge) in front of these falls, just below the intersection with the amphitheatre. The waterfall is not the most spectacular one in this valley, but it is a nice cool spot to catch your breath.

(1km) Lila Falls crossing → Marguerite Cascades

180 m

11 mins

37m

-90m Hard track

Continue straight: From the Lila Falls, this walk follows the track heading down the hill, winding down a wooden walkway keeping the creek to the left. The track hugs the rock wall and passes under a shallow overhang. The walk continues down a staircase, then turns back down into the gully where it come to the taller and slender Linda Falls. After passing Linda Falls the walk follows the wooden steps down through the gulley, crossing the creek again before heading down to the Marguerite Cascades.

Marguerite Cascades

Marguerite Cascades are a series of small cascades finishing with a taller waterfall of a few metres height, dropping into a shallow sandy pool. The cascades are on Linda Creek and a small bridge crosses the creek at the base of the falls as part of the Federal Pass walking track. The cascades are a nice place to sit and listen to the water running and the local birds in this cool shady area.

(1km) Marguerite Cascades → Leura Forest

320 m

11 mins

50m

-14m Hard track

Continue straight: From the 'Marguerite Cascades'[1], this walk follows the timber steps downhill, winding steeply for a short while until coming to an intersection with a faint track, marked with a timber 'Federal Pass' sign[2], just beside a foot bridge[3].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk crosses Linda Creek just below a pleasant cascade[4] using the foot bridge with a handrail[5]. This walk then continues along the bush track that winds along the valley floor, to the signposted 'Leura Forest'. From here, the walk continues along the wide bush track, passing a few picnic tables, and winding through the forest to an open area with a large gazebo and an information sign at the intersection of the Federal Pass and the Dardenelles tracks.

Leura Forest

Leura Forest is a great picnic area in the Jamison Valley at the junction of the Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks. This place was home to a popular tea house (also known as 'Lady Carrington Dining Hall') from the late 1800's[6]. Today walkers can still enjoy the historic rotunda and the foundations of the original tea house[7]. The picnic area provides a great rest spot under the shade of the lilli pilli and coachwood forest.

Maps for the Carrington Park to Leura Forest return walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Six Foot Track	1:50 000 Map Series	Six Foot Track	NSW-six-foot-track
Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Carrington Park to Leura Forest return bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Carrington Park to Leura Forest return

Altitude analysis for Carrington Park to Leura Forest return

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.3 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

900m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 200m is very steep. The remaining (65m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

690m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 410m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 35m follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 20m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 910m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 250m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 1.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 150m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Carrington Park to Leura Forest return walk.

Solitary Restaurant to Jamieson Lookout

308 m Return, 15 mins

Starting near Solitary Restaurant in Leura, this walk heads into the bush passing Echo Tree Lookout. The track the follows the Prince Henry track to Federal Pass, soon coming to Jamiesons Lookout. Jamiesons Lookout provides a great view across the valley, with a bench seat to help you rest and tak

Total climbing: 21m

Moderate track

Carrington Park to BurraBarroo Lookout

582 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk starts from, and returns to, the Carrington Park track head and winds down along the Prince Henry cliff walk to the Burrabarroo Lookout. There are great views across the Jamison valley and Leura Forest from the lookout. Being such a short walk to a great lookout, this is a great walk

Total climbing: 52m

Moderate track

Carrington Park to Bridal Veil Lookout return

892 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk starts from, and returns to, the Carrington park track head and takes you to the Bridal Veil Lookout, on the western side of the Leura Cascades. This lookout provides you with a spectacular view, just a short stroll from Katoomba. This is a great walk for those keen to start bushwalk

Total climbing: 69m

Moderate track

Carrington Park to Marguerite Cascades

1.7 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk explores the eastern end of Federal Pass track. Starting near Carrington Park, on Cliff Drive, the walk descends steeply, passing the Jamieson Lookout, Fern Bower and Lila and Linda falls. A couple more stair cases and the track comes to Marguerite Cascades. A side trip down to Laura Fo

Total climbing: 368m

Hard track

Echo Point to Leura Cascades

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting at Australia's most popular lookout and passing one of the most beautiful sets of waterfalls in this part of the park, this is one of the most breathtaking cliff walks around Katoomba. Signposted as part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, this walk passes stunning lookouts including Copelands,

Total climbing: 204m

Moderate track

Carrington Park to Bridal View Lookout

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores the area around the wonderful Leura Cascades. The track includes many of the great viewing points for the falls. The walk also provides some other great views out across the Jamison Valley. A wonderful walk to enjoy the Bridal View lookout.

Total climbing: 224m

Moderate track

Federal Pass

4.4 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

The Federal Pass is an excellent track that guides you past much of Katoomba's iconic scenery. The walk starts from Cliff Drive, in Leura, and winds into the Jamison Valley, exploring Leura Forest and passing the base of the Three Sisters. The walk follows the historic Federal Pass beneath Katoomba

Total climbing: 433m

Hard track

Carrington Park to Leura Forest and pass loop

4.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk is a fantastic way to see Leura Forest. The walk descends from Carrington Park, visiting Leura Forest and following a loop along the base of the cliffs and beneath the Three Sisters, before climbing back up to Carrington Park. This walk explores a variety of forests types and a few waterf

Total climbing: 674m

Hard track

Echo Point to Leura Forest Circuit

4.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

Forming a circuit around the cliffs and then the valley floor, this is a walk more then capable of convincing a walker of the beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park. There are plenty of fantastic views including Echo Point, Tallawarra Lookout and Honeymoon Point. Leura Forest is a great spot to

Total climbing: 588m

Hard track

Dardenelles Pass

4.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk offers a grand way to explore above and below the cliffline of Echo Point in Katoomba. Starting and finishing at Echo Point, the walk passes the Three Sisters and heads down the steep Giant Staircase. The walk along Dardenelles Pass is lovely as it winds through many areas of rainforest. T

Total climbing: 595m

Hard track

Leura to Katoomba via Dardanelles Pass

6.6 km One way, 4 hrs

With approximately equal parts cliff-walk and forest track, this track truly shows what the cliff edges of the Jamison Valley have to offer, especially at Tarpeian and Fossil Rocks. There is a beautiful descent into the valley, as well as the mystique of Leura Forest, and a number of great spots to

Total climbing: 697m

Hard track

The Prince Henry Cliff Walk

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

Going from Katoomba to Leura, this walk covers the top of the cliff line and most of the major lookouts. With brilliant vistas all along the way, the views of the Jamison Valley are truly amazing. Time should be set aside to dawdle along the cliffs and soak up the serenity of the cliffs.

Total climbing: 575m

Moderate track

Federal Pass Walking Track

8 km One way, 5 hrs

This classic trail follows along the base of the cliffs from Leura to the Golden Stairs, passing many of the more popular sights of the Katoomba region. Travelling through beautiful forest environments, this is one of the longer walks in the area. Leura Forest and Kedumba Falls are both great places

Total climbing: 989m

Hard track

Solitary Kiosk Loop

9.4 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

This is a great walk, with much to offer photographers and those who only have a day in Katoomba. The walk descends into the valley from Solitary Kiosk before climbing up the scenic (and steep) Furber steps and soaking up the views around the rim of the valley. A great way to take in both the valley

Total climbing: 1009m

Hard track

Mt Solitary and Kedumba Valley Circuit

33.8 km Circuit, 3 Days

On this 3 day walk you will explore some remote areas around the Kedumba Valley, and some of the most famous spots in the Blue Mountains. The walks starts at Scenic World to head down Furber Steps and follow the Federal pass past the Scenic Railway, the land slide, to an optional side trip up Ruined

Total climbing: 2863m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Carrington Park to Leura Forest return walk.

Solitary Kiosk and Restaurant to Copelands Lookout

570 m Return, 20 mins

Starting from Solitary Restaurant on Cliff Drive in Leura, this track heads down to the historic Copelands Lookout, providing great views across Jamison Valley. Copelands Lookout is a fairly large lookout with a natural sandstone floor and hand-built sandstone walls. This one way of enjoying great

Total climbing: 57m

Moderate track

Solitary Restaurant to Fossil Rock

150 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk starts at Solitary Restaurant on Cliff Drive, and soon arrives at the lookout at Fossil Rock, with great views down the valley. If you are feeling a bit more energetic, there is an optional side trip to Bridal Veil Lookout, giving great views of the Bridal Veil waterfall. This walk

Total climbing: 19m

Moderate track

Leura Cascades Circuit

844 m Circuit, 30 mins

Following Leura Creek down to a beautiful small waterfall, this is one of the prettiest short walks in the Leura area. Sit under the overhang and watch as the falls cascade down around you, then climb to great views of the Leura cliffline, before this circuit track leads back to the park.

Total climbing: 62m

Moderate track

Round Walk- (Leura Cascades Loop)

844 m Circuit, 30 mins

This is a short walk out from the beautiful Leura Park. The walk heads past cliffs, the cascades, large ferns and even a historic bridge. The walk is a great one to do between meals at a picnic. Leura Cascades themselves are a great set of waterfalls, and worth taking the camera for.

Total climbing: 62m

Moderate track

Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve

1.8 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

From Leura Park to Gordon Falls Park, this diverse walk offers fantastic views of the Jamison Valley, as well as two great side trips down to some smaller waterfalls. Don't be fooled by their size - they are quite beautiful. Be sure to allow extra time for the side trips (especially Gordon Falls),

Total climbing: 200m

Moderate track

Leura Park to Copelands Lookout

1.5 km Return, 1 Hr

The walk out to Copelands Lookout and back is a walk with some variety. The track winds down past some cascades, then past some views into the Jamison Valley and then another view of the cascades. This walk is capped off with the view from Copelands Lookout before returning to Leura Park.

Total climbing: 99m

Moderate track

Leura Park to Gordon Falls Lookout

3.6 km Return, 2 hrs

Starting at Leura Park, this walk passes above Leura Cascades before working its way along the route of Prince Henry's Cliff Walk. The walk winds past many lookouts with brilliant views over the Jamison Valley. The views are even more exceptional from the turn-around point at Gordon Falls Lookout.

Total climbing: 380m

Moderate track

Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk

2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk is relatively short and takes in some magnificent views. The walk visits Olympian, Bridal Veil View and Tarpeian Lookouts, which are all perched high on top of the cliffs. A great walk, exploring some of the quieter, but still very spectacular, lookouts in the Blue Mountains.

Total climbing: 170m

Moderate track

Bridal Veil View Lookout Leura

954 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk from Cliff Drive, Leura, heads out to pretty Bridal Veil View Lookout. At the base of a staircase, the lookout provides great views of Bridal Veil Falls. There is also an optional side trip to Tarpeian Rock, which is well worth the extra time, providing great views up the Jamison v

Total climbing: 64m

Moderate track

Tarpeian Rock

432 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk starts from Cliff Rd in Leura and heads out to Tarpeian Rock Lookout, crossing over Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The lookout provides breathtaking views down the Jamison Valley and along the Kings Tableland to Mount Solitary. The floor of the lookout is interesting in it's own right, w

Total climbing: 31m

Easy track

Lyrebird Dell walk

538 m Return, 30 mins

Lyrebird Dell is a glorious and culturally significant location in the Blue Mountains. This walk follows the shortest route to the picnic area in a large sandstone cave. You will find the cave nestled into the hillside beside a lovely waterfall. The cave enjoys a long history with the traditional o

Total climbing: 38m

Moderate track

Leura Oval to End of Gladstone Rd

1.6 km One way, 1 Hr

The walk from Leura Oval to Gladstone Rd is a fantastic way of exploring a small section of the Blue Mountains National Park. You will visit number of scenic spots including the Pool of Siloam and Golf Links Lookout. The cave, picnic area and waterfall at Lyrebird Dell make this a nice place to sto

Total climbing: 115m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Carrington Park to Leura Forest return walk starts and ends at the Carrington Park (gps: -33.720233, 150.31744)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

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.

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