Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle
Download & Print Map and Notes
7 hrs 30 mins
12.4 km Return
963 m
Hard track
This is a very popular, full day walk, in the Katoomba Area, offering great views of the valley. The walk follows the edge of the cliffs, through the undergrowth, from the Scenic Railway to the Ruined Castle. There are great views to enjoy from the Ruined Castle. Arrive back in time to catch the Scenic Railway back up, or be prepared for the walk up Furber Steps, an alternate exit.
Scenic World
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.
(0km) Scenic World → Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
300 m
26 mins
8m
-210m
Very easyFrom 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.
(0km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) → Scenic World
870 m
28 mins
248m
-46m
Hard trackTurn right: From the Scenic Railway Platform, this walk heads north-east (keeping the valley on the right), soon passing through the gate signposted 'Blue Mountains National Park', and then along the bush track. This goes along the flat, next to the cliffs, until reaching the bottom of a set of stairs on the left, signposted as the 'Furber Steps'.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs. After the first section, the walk flattens out slightly as it zigzags up the hill. The track also goes under several large overhangs before coming to an intersection and a 'Vera's Grotto' sign.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Scenic Skyway' sign up the wooden steps and across the short wooden boardwalk to the other side. The track continues with the hand railing on the left, until reaching the base of the Furber Steps. From here, the walk continues up the concrete steps, zigzagging steeply up the side of the cliff, until reaching the Furber Lookout at the base of the last flight of steps.
Continue straight: From the Furber Lookout, this walk heads up the concrete stairs, climbing to the top. The walk passes the 'Furber Steps' signpost and continues along the bush track, winding up along the side of the hill until coming to the intersection of the Furber Steps and the Lynes Point tracks.
Turn left : From the lookout, this walk follows the bush track, heading down the short metal staircase to the intersection of the Lynes Point bush track at the bottom.
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads up the stairs, climbing to the top. Here it continues along the bush track, winding past a large rock overhang with a bench seat underneath and through the forest for a short while, to the signposted intersection of the 'Underfalls Walk'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the bush track heading up the hill, winding up through the forest for a short while. Soon the track bends slightly around to the right and comes to the Rainforest Lookout, at the base of the set of wooden steps.
Turn left : From the Rainforest Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps, climbing to the top where it comes to a 'T' intersection with the 'Round Walk' track.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Scenic Skyway' sign down the wooden steps, then flattens out for a short distance before continuing up the other side, climbing up the long, steep set of wooden steps. At the top, the walk comes to the intersection of the Round Walk and the Juliets Balcony track (unsignposted).
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads to the top of the metal stairs. The track then continues steeply up through the bush, climbing to Vanimans Lookout.
Turn left: From Vanimans Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps, climbing up the hill through the bush until it comes to the intersection with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the only unsignposted bush track up the gentle hill. It winds up the wooden steps, bending around to the left until it flattens out at the intersection with the Scenic World footbridge.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the wooden footbridge that winds around the back of the Scenic World multi-story car park, to the concrete footpath. The walk continues around the main building, climbing up some concrete steps to the main entrance of Scenic World.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs. After the first section, the walk flattens out slightly as it zigzags up the hill. The track also goes under several large overhangs before coming to an intersection and a 'Vera's Grotto' sign.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Scenic Skyway' sign up the wooden steps and across the short wooden boardwalk to the other side. The track continues with the hand railing on the left, until reaching the base of the Furber Steps. From here, the walk continues up the concrete steps, zigzagging steeply up the side of the cliff, until reaching the Furber Lookout at the base of the last flight of steps.
Continue straight: From the Furber Lookout, this walk heads up the concrete stairs, climbing to the top. The walk passes the 'Furber Steps' signpost and continues along the bush track, winding up along the side of the hill until coming to the intersection of the Furber Steps and the Lynes Point tracks.
Turn left : From the lookout, this walk follows the bush track, heading down the short metal staircase to the intersection of the Lynes Point bush track at the bottom.
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads up the stairs, climbing to the top. Here it continues along the bush track, winding past a large rock overhang with a bench seat underneath and through the forest for a short while, to the signposted intersection of the 'Underfalls Walk'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the bush track heading up the hill, winding up through the forest for a short while. Soon the track bends slightly around to the right and comes to the Rainforest Lookout, at the base of the set of wooden steps.
Turn left : From the Rainforest Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps, climbing to the top where it comes to a 'T' intersection with the 'Round Walk' track.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Scenic Skyway' sign down the wooden steps, then flattens out for a short distance before continuing up the other side, climbing up the long, steep set of wooden steps. At the top, the walk comes to the intersection of the Round Walk and the Juliets Balcony track (unsignposted).
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads to the top of the metal stairs. The track then continues steeply up through the bush, climbing to Vanimans Lookout.
Turn left: From Vanimans Lookout, this walk heads up the wooden steps, climbing up the hill through the bush until it comes to the intersection with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the only unsignposted bush track up the gentle hill. It winds up the wooden steps, bending around to the left until it flattens out at the intersection with the Scenic World footbridge.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the wooden footbridge that winds around the back of the Scenic World multi-story car park, to the concrete footpath. The walk continues around the main building, climbing up some concrete steps to the main entrance of Scenic World.
(0km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) → Int of Scenic Railway Boardwalk and Landslide Bush Track
190 m
6 mins
25m
-17m
Very easyTurn left : 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.
(0km) Int of Scenic Railway Boardwalk and Landslide Bush Track → Landslide
1.2 km
40 mins
150m
-161m
Moderate trackContinue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide track and signposts towards the 'landslide'[2] (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
'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.
(2km) Landslide → Bottom of Golden Staircase
1.6 km
42 mins
128m
-123m
Moderate trackContinue straight: 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'.
(3km) Bottom of Golden Staircase → Miners Campsite
2.3 km
51 mins
104m
-129m
Moderate trackContinue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Federal Pass - Ruined Castle' sign[3] 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[4] and vines[5], with the occasional lyrebird. After about 1.3km the forest opens up[6], letting in more light and exposing some distant filtered views. After wandering through the more open forest[7] for about 250m, the track passes a small campsite[8] (on the right). This walk continues for another 700m along the main track through the bracken fern forest[9] to find a larger campsite[10] (just up to the right) with a short stone wall on one side[11]).
Miners Campsite
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[12] 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.
Miners Campsite
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[13] 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.
(5km) Miners Campsite → Northern Ruined Castle campsite
300 m
7 mins
16m
-11m
Moderate trackContinue straight: From the miners campsite[14], 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[15], then past a smaller campsite[16] a short distance later. The track then winds through the forest for another 100m to come to a clearing and signposted three-way intersection[17], where there is a 'Federal Pass - Katoomba' sign[18] pointing back along the track. (There is a campsite a few metres further on and to the the left[19].)
Northern Ruined Castle campsite
A short distance south east of the intersection[20] 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[21]. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns[22][23][24][25]. There is no water nor any other facilities.
(6km) Northern Ruined Castle campsite → Ruined Castle
730 m
20 mins
82m
-17m
Hard trackTurn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Ruined Castle'[26] 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[27]. 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[28]) and follows the rocky track more gently uphill for about 220m to pass under the side of a large boulder[29]. 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[30]. Here the walk heads gently down a bit (keeping the rock wall to your left), past a crevice[31], 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[32].
(6km) Ruined Castle → Northern Ruined Castle campsite
1.3 km
35 mins
78m
-145m
Experienced onlyContinue straight: From near the summit of Ruined Castle[33], this walk heads south-east along the main ridgeline, initially keeping the rock wall to your left[34]. The track follows the rocky ridgeline gently downhill[35] and after about 70m the track starts to become much steeper[36]. The track winds down, flattening out for a short time[37] before continuing steeply down to a sign posted three-way intersection[38] just beyond the 'Ruined Castle to Mount Solitary' map[39]. There is a 'Ruined Castle' arrow[40] here, pointing back up the hill.
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Katoomba' sign[41][42] along the mostly flat and clear track[43], keeping the main valley to your right. The track almost immediately passes a campsite[44] (down a steep track on your right) and continues along the flat through the ferny forest[45]. A little over 200m later, the track passes a large square boulder[46], then about 100m further, this walk comes to an intersection[47], where there is a fair amount of coal on the ground[48], a campsite down to your right[49] and the entrance to an old small coal mine[50] (behind a rock) on your left.
Continue straight: From the intersection[51], this walk heads along the main track[52] initially keeping the campsite[53] down to your right. The clear track is mostly flat and passes through a tall turpentine forest[54] for about 500m before passing another campsite[55] (on your right). Then, just a few metres further on, this walk comes to a signposted three-way intersection[56] where a sign points back along the track to 'Mount Solitary'[57]. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Katoomba' sign[41][42] along the mostly flat and clear track[43], keeping the main valley to your right. The track almost immediately passes a campsite[44] (down a steep track on your right) and continues along the flat through the ferny forest[45]. A little over 200m later, the track passes a large square boulder[46], then about 100m further, this walk comes to an intersection[47], where there is a fair amount of coal on the ground[48], a campsite down to your right[49] and the entrance to an old small coal mine[50] (behind a rock) on your left.
Continue straight: From the intersection[51], this walk heads along the main track[52] initially keeping the campsite[53] down to your right. The clear track is mostly flat and passes through a tall turpentine forest[54] for about 500m before passing another campsite[55] (on your right). Then, just a few metres further on, this walk comes to a signposted three-way intersection[56] where a sign points back along the track to 'Mount Solitary'[57]. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .
Maps for the Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle 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 |
| Jamison | 1:25 000 Map Series | 89302N JAMISON | NSW-89302N |
| Katoomba | 1:25 000 Map Series | 89301S KATOOMBA | NSW-89301S |
| Katoomba | 1:100 000 Map Series | 8930 KATOOMBA | 8930 |
Cross sectional view of the Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle
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 | 12.4 km | ||
| Time | 7 hrs 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 | Minimal directional signs (4/6) | ||
| Experience Required | Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6) | ||
| Weather | Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6) | ||
| 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
2.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 730m is very steep and the remaining 490m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 730m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (490m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 730m has minimal directional signs. The remaining (490m) is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
3.7km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 2km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (730m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 730m is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 490m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Similar walks
A list of walks that share part of the track with the Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle walk.
Round Walk
854 m Circuit, 45 mins
Hard track
Furber Steps-Scenic Railway
869 m Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins
Hard track
Witches Leap Circuit
1.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs
Hard track
Katoomba Kiosk to Katoomba Falls
1.1 km Return, 45 mins
Moderate track
Scenic World to Katoomba Falls Lookout
1.2 km Return, 2 hrs
Hard track
Katoomba Falls Circuit
1.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins
Hard track
Katoomba Kiosk to base of Katoomba Falls
1.7 km Return, 2 hrs
Hard track
Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps)
1.7 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Scenic World to Echo Point
2.1 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins
Moderate track
Scenic Railway to the Landslide
2.7 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track
3.1 km One way, 3 hrs
Hard track
Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
3.1 km One way, 3 hrs
Hard track
Federal Pass
4.4 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Scenic world to Three Sisters Loop via Furber Steps
5.8 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Scenic Railway to Golden Staircase Circuit
5.9 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Leura to Katoomba via Dardanelles Pass
6.6 km One way, 4 hrs
Hard track
Scenic Railway to Leura Forest
6.7 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
Scenic World down Furber Steps to Narrow Neck loop
6.8 km Circuit, 5 hrs
Hard track
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk
6.8 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
Ruined Castle Walk
7.9 km Return, 5 hrs
Hard track
Federal Pass Walking Track
8 km One way, 5 hrs
Hard track
Solitary Kiosk Loop
9.4 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle
11.7 km Return, 8 hrs 45 mins
Experienced only
Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle
16.2 km Return, 11 hrs
Experienced only
Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley
29.2 km One way, 2 Days
Experienced only
Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls
29.3 km One way, 3 Days
Experienced only
Mt Solitary and Kedumba Valley Circuit
33.8 km Circuit, 3 Days
Experienced only
Other Nearby walks
A list of walks that start near the Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle walk.
Katoomba Falls to Echo Point via Prince Henry Cliff Walk
1.8 km One way, 1 Hr
Moderate track
Reids Plateau Loop
352 m Circuit, 20 mins
Moderate track
Katoomba Cascades
254 m Return, 15 mins
Moderate track
Katoomba Falls Park to Cliff View Lookout
556 m Return, 20 mins
Very easy
Lady Darley Lookout Track
218 m Return, 20 mins
Moderate track
Silver Mist Park to Honeymoon Lookout
595 m One way, 30 mins
Moderate track
Echo Point to Barrabaroo Lookout
4 km Return, 2 hrs
Moderate track
Echo Point to Leura Cascades
3.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins
Moderate track
The Three Sisters Footpath
1.1 km Return, 45 mins
Hard track
Echo Point to Eastern Skyway Station
2.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
Echo Point to Leura Forest Circuit
4.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs
Hard track
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle walk starts and ends at the Scenic World (gps: -33.728585, 150.30095)
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.
Comments
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