Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps)

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs 45 mins

1.7 km Return

302 m

Hard track

This pleasant walk starts at the popular Scenic World, in Katoomba, where the Scenic Railway and the Skyway are located. The walk finds its way down the Furber steps, where there are some great side trips to lookouts. At the bottom, the walk heads around through the forest to the base of the Katoomba falls. This is a great spot for a lunch break before tackling the climb back up to the top.

Mist from Vaniman's Lookout 1940 Wallace Green

Looking through the trees to the Katoomba Falls

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 → End of wooden footbridge

120 m

3 mins

-20m Very easy

From the Scenic World main entrance, this walk follows the 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk' signs down the concrete steps and around to the back of the building, where it comes to a wooden footbridge that curves around behind the main car park. At the end of the footbridge, this walk comes to an intersection with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.

(0km) End of wooden footbridge → Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Katoomba Falls Round Walk

50 m

1 mins

-13m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track down the gentle hill, winding down some wooden steps as the track bends around to the right. It then arrives at the signposted intersection of the 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk' and the track to the base of the Scenic Railway.

(0km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Katoomba Falls Round Walk → Vanimans Lookout

40 m

1 mins

-16m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steep wooden steps, following the signs to the bottom of the Scenic Railway. The walk comes to the intersection of Vanimans Lookout at the bottom of the steps.

Vaniman's Lookout

Vaniman's Lookout is a fenced, long and narrow lookout on the cliff edge, opposite Reids Plateau. The view looks directly over the Three Sisters across the Kedumba Valley, under the Scenic Skyway. The lookout was considered one of the finest views on the Three Sisters in the 1900's. The lookout was named after Chester Melvin Vaniman in 1905, a well-know adventurer and artist from the USA, who visited the Blue Mountains in 1903. More info.

(0km) Vanimans Lookout → Int of Katoomba Falls Round Walk and Juliets Balcony Track

110 m

3 mins

-11m Hard track

Turn right: From Vanimans Lookout, this walk follows the bush track heading away from the bottom of the wooden steps. The track winds around the side of the hill and down the steep metal stairs. At the bottom, the walk comes to the intersection of the Katoomba Falls Round Walk and Juliets Balcony track (unsignposted).

(0km) Int of Katoomba Falls Round Walk and Juliets Balcony Track → Int of Katoomba Falls Round Walk and Furber Steps

60 m

1 mins

-4m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the long set of wooden steps winding down the side of the hill. After this, the walk flattens out for a short distance then continues up a short set wooden steps to the intersection of the Round Walk and the Furber Steps track.

(0km) Int of Katoomba Falls Round Walk and Furber Steps → Rainforest Lookout

10 m

-1m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Base of Scenic Railway' signpost down the wooden steps to the bottom, where it comes to the Rainforest Lookout.

Rainforest Lookout

Unlike many lookouts in the area, Rainforest Lookout does not offer sweeping valley views. Instead, this lookout offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with the canopy of the rainforest. Spend some time in the cool shade listening to the birds and Witches Leap creek passing by. A sign at the lookout explains that there once were wood-fired barbeques here for picnics, but removed due to the toll on the local environment[3].

(0km) Rainforest Lookout → Int of Furber Steps and Katoomba Falls Lookout Track

20 m

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the Rainforest Lookout, the track follows the bush track heading past the base of the wooden steps and then through the forest for a short while, until it reaches the signposted intersection of the Underfalls Walk.

(0km) Int of Furber Steps and Katoomba Falls Lookout Track → Katoomba Falls

180 m

6 mins

-67m Easy track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Underfalls Walk' sign down a short set of steps and across a small waterfall using the wooden bridge (This creek flows from Witches Leap all the way down to Veras Grotto). Once past the falls, the track continues through the rainforest, winding along the well-defined path until arriving at Katoomba Falls Lookout, right at the base of the falls. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

(0km) Int of Furber Steps and Katoomba Falls Lookout Track → Queen Victoria Lookout

30 m

1 mins

-1m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Scenic Railway' sign along the bush track, winding through the forest for a short while before passing a large rock overhang with a wooden bench seat underneath. The walk continues down a set of stairs until reaching the signposted 'Queen Victoria Lookout'.

(0km) Queen Victoria Lookout → Int of Furber Steps and Lynes Point Track

10 m

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the short metal staircase to the intersection of the Queen Victoria Lookout at the top.

(0km) Int of Furber Steps and Lynes Point Track → Lynes Point

10 m

0m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading around the right-hand side of the metal staircase, continuing around under the Queen Victoria Lookout to Lynes Point. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

(0km) Int of Furber Steps and Lynes Point Track → Furber Lookout

30 m

1 mins

-7m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading away from the short metal staircase, winding along the side of the hill to the top of some concrete steps where there is a 'Furber Steps' signpost. From here, the walk continues down the concrete steps for a short distance until it comes to the signposted 'Furber Lookout'.

(0km) Furber Lookout → Int of Furber Steps and Vera's Grotto Track

90 m

7 mins

17m

-84m Hard track

Continue straight: From the Furber Lookout, this walk heads down the concrete steps that zigzags steeply down to the bottom of the cliffs. The track then flattens out and continues through the forest with the hand railing on the right, crossing a short boardwalk and coming down to the signposted intersection of the Vera's Grotto track.

(1km) Int of Furber Steps and Vera's Grotto Track → Vera's Grotto

30 m

3 mins

27m

-3m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Vera's Grotto' sign along the bush track, winding down a set of wooden steps to Vera's Grotto Lookout at the bottom. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Vera's Grotto

Vera's Grotto is a pleasant little spot located amongst the cascades on Witches Leap creek. This is a great area for lunch on a hot day, as it is always kept cool by the falls and the shade from the surrounding trees. When venturing to the grotto, you may be lucky enough to spot the Whistler and Yellow Robins. Superb Lyrebirds are also heard and even seen frequently in the surrounding area.

(1km) Int of Furber Steps and Veras Grotto Track → Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track

130 m

6 mins

-75m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk goes down the stairs. These zigzag down the hill and, at several points, go under overhangs in the cliff. The walk continues steeply downhill (occasionally on metal stairs) until reaching an intersection with a bush track signposted 'Federal Pass'.

(1km) Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track → Cooks Crossing

170 m

5 mins

12m

-21m Easy track

Turn left: From the bottom of Furber steps, this walk follows the sign to 'Katoomba Falls View' keeping the handrail on the right. The walk goes along the flat and very well-managed bush track and passes a signposted 'Turpentine Tree' on the right. Soon after the Turpentine Tree, the track comes to the base of Katoomba Falls, at a place known as 'Cooks Crossing'. There is a metal bridge that crosses the falls just past the picnic table.

Katoomba Falls

The Katoomba Falls are among the most famous waterfalls in the the Blue Mountains region. The Kedumba River falls about 150 meters in 2 main stages. The Undercliff Track, from the Furber Steps, can be used to access the first landing of the waterfall. The Katoomba Falls can be viewed from most lookouts in the the area, including from the bottom of the falls at Cooks Landing on Federal Pass, or from the track running next to the Kedumba River at the top of the falls. These falls are also a highlight for the trip across the Scenic Skyway.

Maps for the Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps) 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 Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps)

Altitude analysis for Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps)

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	1.7 km
		Time	3 hrs 45 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	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		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

330m of this walk is very steep and another 300m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 120m has short steep hills and the remaining 120m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

450m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 360m follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 40m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 15m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 820m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 50m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 640m of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 230m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 870m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 800m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 70m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps) walk.

Round Walk

854 m Circuit, 45 mins

A great walk exploring the upper section of Furber Steps. Starting at the Katoomba Kiosk, this walk visits Witches Leap, Juliets Balcony and Vanimans Lookout to loop back to the Kiosk. There are great views down the Kedumba Valley and of many of the surrounding features. A well shaded walk with so

Total climbing: 52m

Hard track

Furber Steps-Scenic Railway

869 m Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This popular walk descends into the Jamison Valley, passing great views of Mt Solitary and Katoomba Falls. Be sure to allow time to explore as many of the side trips as possible as these are just amazing (especially the cascading water at Katoomba Falls). To save the walk back up the hill, take a ri

Total climbing: 46m

Hard track

Witches Leap Circuit

1.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs

A great circuit walk near Scenic World, Katoomba. This walk heads into a temperate rain forest, following a shrouded trail through Witches Leap, a small creek crossing, before emerging near Katoomba Kiosk. The kiosk is a good spot to stop for a coffee before heading back along the flat trail to Scen

Total climbing: 89m

Hard track

Katoomba Kiosk to Katoomba Falls

1.1 km Return, 45 mins

This is a excellent return walk, starting from the Katoomba kiosk and winding down to the Furber Steps, where it continues along a well signposted side track to the Katoomba Falls lookout. As this walk starts and finishes at the Kiosk, it is can be a great place to grab some tucker before heading of

Total climbing: 116m

Moderate track

Scenic World to Katoomba Falls Lookout

1.2 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk starts from Scenic World and winds part way down the Furber Steps and along a small, well travelled side track to the Katoomba Falls lookout. Providing great views, and plenty of visitor information at Scenic World, this is a great walk for those who like waterfalls, ferns and grottos, and

Total climbing: 146m

Hard track

Katoomba Falls Circuit

1.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

For those looking for a walk involving more than simple boardwalk, this trail winding through the temperate rain forest could be just the thing. Katoomba Falls cannot fail to dazzle as they cascade down the cliffs, and the opportunity to stop for a quick cup of coffee in Katoomba Falls Kiosk makes t

Total climbing: 159m

Hard track

Katoomba Kiosk to base of Katoomba Falls

1.7 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk starts from the Katoomba Kiosk, on Cliff Drive, winds down to the bottom of Furber Steps and continues to the base of the Katoomba Falls. There are optional side trips to Katoomba Falls lookout and Vera's Grotto on the way. By the creek at the base of Katoomba Falls is a great spot to enjo

Total climbing: 272m

Hard track

Scenic World to Echo Point

2.1 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This is one of the most popular tourist walks in the Katoomba area. The walk follows the cliffs along a well maintained and signposted track between two popular destinations, Scenic World and Echo Point. You will see amazing views of the Jamison Valley and Mt Solitary before enjoying the majesty of

Total climbing: 192m

Moderate track

Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track

3.1 km One way, 3 hrs

This walk starts at the world renowned Echo Point lookout. After exploring the Three Sisters, the walk descends steeply into the valley and meanders around the base of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. A leisurely and exciting ride up the Scenic Railway replaces the long walk back up the hill.

Total climbing: 282m

Hard track

Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway

3.1 km One way, 3 hrs

This walk starts at the most popular lookout in the Blue Mountains, and passes one of Australia's most famous landmarks, The Three Sisters. After descending into the valley and enjoying the views along the bottom of the cliffs you catch the scenic railway back up the hill. With great views of the va

Total climbing: 273m

Hard 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

Scenic world to Three Sisters Loop via Furber Steps

5.8 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts from the popular Scenic World, in Katoomba, and winds down the Furber steps into the Jamison Valley, following the bush track around the Three Sisters, before climbing up the Giant Staircase and returning along the clifftops. This walk takes you on a crash course of the Blue Mountai

Total climbing: 722m

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

Scenic Railway to Leura Forest

6.7 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

Any walk that begins with a trip on the world's steepest railway is bound to be exciting, but its the tranquility of Leura Forest that makes this walk extra special. From the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk goes through the cool forest at the base of the cliffs, until reaching Leura Forest.

Total climbing: 622m

Moderate track

Scenic World down Furber Steps to Narrow Neck loop

6.8 km Circuit, 5 hrs

This walk starts from the popular Scenic World tourist spot. The walk winds down into the Jamison Valley via the Furber steps, heads west around the edge of the valley, past the landslide, and climbs the Golden Stairs, before returning to Scenic World along the roads. This is a great day walk, provi

Total climbing: 769m

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

Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle

12.4 km Return, 7 hrs 30 mins

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 Sc

Total climbing: 963m

Hard track

Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle

16.2 km Return, 11 hrs

One of the longer day-walks in the Katoomba area, this track goes from the very popular Scenic World to the fantastic lookout on top of the Ruined Castle and then on to the amazing Mt Solitary. Be prepared for a long, but amazing, day of viewing the Jamison Valley. Make sure you are back to catch t

Total climbing: 1345m

Experienced only

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 Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps) walk.

Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley

29.2 km One way, 2 Days

This is the two day version of this popular and challenging walk. This walk passes popular sights including the Landslide, Ruined Castle, Mt Solitary and Wentworth Falls, and is a great way to explore the Jamison Valley. Water is rarely available at the campsite, with the Kedumba River being the on

Total climbing: 2135m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls

29.3 km One way, 3 Days

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 over

Total climbing: 2147m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway to Golden Staircase Circuit

5.9 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

Exploring below the cliffs on the western side of the Scenic Railway, this walk passes some spectacular lookouts, especially the view from the Landslide. In addition to this, it goes through beautiful shrouded forest before climbing steeply up the Golden Staircase. Once out of the valley, be prepare

Total climbing: 723m

Hard track

Scenic Railway to the Landslide

2.7 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

A great walk for those exploring Scenic World as it passes the old coal-mining sites of Katoomba. Following the base of the cliffs the views are largely shrouded until breaking out into the open at the Landslide. As you walk, be sure to look up and see if you can spot any abseilers, especially in th

Total climbing: 353m

Moderate track

Katoomba Falls to Echo Point via Prince Henry Cliff Walk

1.8 km One way, 1 Hr

This walk is a lovely clifftop walk above the Jamison Valley, with extensive views out to Mt Solitary. The Three Sisters make a wonderful highlight, along with great views from Echo Point Lookout. The walk takes in many additional lookouts along the way, each with its own unique view of the Blue Mou

Total climbing: 196m

Moderate track

Reids Plateau Loop

352 m Circuit, 20 mins

This walk starts near Katoomba Kiosk, opposite Katoomba Park, on Cliff Drive. The walk heads through the bush, on a well established track, out to Reids Plateau. The loop around Reids Plateau explores several lookouts and the bush through the area. There are a couple of short side trips out to ex

Total climbing: 29m

Moderate track

Katoomba Cascades

254 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk starts at Katoomba Falls Park, on Cliff Drive. The track heads down to the popular Katoomba Cascades. There is some shade and a bench seat at the base of the falls. There are a few spots to enjoy a snack or get the feet wet on a hot day. An optional side trip can extend the walk

Total climbing: 19m

Moderate track

Katoomba Falls Park to Cliff View Lookout

556 m Return, 20 mins

This very pleasant walk starts from the Katoomba Falls Park. The walk explores the cliffs and dense vegetation in the area, and enters the Blue Mountains National Park to enjoy the views from the Cliff View Lookout. The lookout provides stunning views up the Kedumba Valley. The walk is well signp

Total climbing: 38m

Very easy

Lady Darley Lookout Track

218 m Return, 20 mins

This walk provides the shortest access to Lady Darley Lookout from the road. Starting from Panorama Dr, in Katoomba, the walk heads down a hill with stairs, to the lookout. The lookout is on the Prince Henry Cliff walk, and provides great views of the Kedumba Valley. Although popular, this is much

Total climbing: 50m

Moderate track

Silver Mist Park to Honeymoon Lookout

595 m One way, 30 mins

This walk starts at Silver Mist Park and follows a section of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The walk visits Tallawalla Lookout, with great views up the valley, and Honeymoon Lookout. An optional side trip, taking in more views from Banksia Lookout, is great if you are still feeling energetic. Eithe

Total climbing: 40m

Moderate track

Echo Point to Barrabaroo Lookout

4 km Return, 2 hrs

Following the cliffs, this track is primarily a lookout track with frequent, fantastic views of the Jamison Valley. These lookouts can be accessed directly from the track, without the frequent side trips (and thus backtracking) of other Katoomba cliff walks. On reaching Barrabaroo Lookout, the trail

Total climbing: 258m

Moderate 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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps) walk starts and ends at the Scenic World (gps: -33.728585, 150.30096)

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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