HomeHiking near Sydney Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop
Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop are found in each of the tabs below
Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop
This walk starts from the popular Echo Point, in Katoomba, and winds down to the base of the Three Sisters via the Giant Stairs. From the bottom of the stairs the track follows Dardanelles pass to the Leura Forest, a great place for lunch. The track then heads back to the Giant Stairs along the Federal Pass and climbs back up to Echo Point. This walk will visits popular and hidden treasures of the area.
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There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop
Cross sectional view of the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
3.8km
Time
3 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
2.4km of this walk has short steep hills and another 680m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 490m is very steep and the remaining 200m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
1.6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.4km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (870m) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
This whole walk, 3.8km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 3.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 3.4km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 410m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 3.8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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This modern building at Echo Point is a great source of information. It is open daily from 9am-5pm (except Christmas Day). There is a large range of books, maps and information about the area (and ice creams). There are toilets opposite the entrance[fac=8015], and mobility parking opposite[fac=8014]. For more information, phone 1300 653 408. More info
(0 km)
Echo Point Archway Intersection
to
Int of Three Sisters Walkway and Spooners Lookout path Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 101 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -4 m
From the intersection, this walk heads along the 'Three Sisters walkway'[1] footpath, initially keeping the metal fence to the right. The smooth concrete path leads up and over a rise then leads gently downhill for about 80m to a signposted three-way intersection[2].
(0.1 km)
Int of the Three Sisters Pathway and Spooners Lookout path
to
Oreades Lookout Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 304 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -33 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Three Sisters 400m' arrow[3] downhill along the concrete path, keeping the valley to the right. After about 15m the walk leads past a stone seat[fac=8018] (on the left), with a blue tongue lizard sculpture[4]. The walk continues gently downhill for another 60m to pass another sandstone seat (on the left)[fac=8019]. From here the path winds gently downhill for another 70m to find yet another sandstone seat (on the left)[fac=8020]. The path continues downhill for another 45m to find a clear intersection marked with a large 'Three Sisters Walk' sign[5]. On the right is a small flat loose gravel area with two seats[fac=8021]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Three Sisters, Giant Stairway' sign[6] moderately steeply downhill[fac=8024] along the smooth concrete path[7]. After about about 90m[8] this path leads past stone seat[fac=8022] (on the left) in a small sandstone overhang[9]. Check the miniature cicada sculptures[10] above the overhang. From here this walk continues downhill along the path for about 30m to find the fenced Oreades Lookout[11] (on the right).
(0.41 km)
Oreades Lookout
to
Int of Prince Henry Cliff Track and the Three Sisters Footpath Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 20 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -11 m
Continue straight: From Oreades Lookout platform, this walk follows the main path down the steps, keeping the valley views to the right. At the bottom of the first set of steps the walking comes to an intersection with a track (on the left).
(0.43 km)
Int of Lady Game Lookout Track and the Three Sisters Footpath
to
Top of the Giant Staircase Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 18 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -10 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath down the gentle hill towards the Three Sisters, passing under a rock archway and coming to the top of the Giant Staircase.
(0.44 km)
Top of the Giant Staircase
to
Lady Game Lookout Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - bushtrack
Length = 12 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath down the hill towards the Three Sisters for about 10m before coming to the Lady Game Lookout. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Lady Game Lookout
Alt = 896 m
Lady Game Lookout is a narrow, fenced lookout above the Three Sisters. The track to this lookout starts just near the archway which marks the start of the Giant Staircase. Lady Game Lookout provides a bird's-eye view over the Three Sisters and is a popular stop whilst exploring the area.
(0.44 km)
Top of the Giant Staircase
to
The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 40 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -31 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the steep stairs, winding down the side of the cliffs, to the intersection next to the bridge (which goes across to the overhang under the First Sister).
(0.48 km)
The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection
to
The Three Sisters Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - bushtrack
Length = 11 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the bridge over to the Three Sisters. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
The Three Sisters
Alt = 845 m
This well-known rock formation can be found just south of Katoomba, and can be viewed from many of the cliffside lookouts, from Narrow Neck all the way around to Sublime Point. Historically, this formation appears in Aboriginal 'Dream Time' stories, where three sisters were transformed into stone[12]. This iconic rock formation is popular amongst tourists and bushwalkers alike. More info
(0.48 km)
The Three Sisters Bridge intersection
to
Leura Forest (Int of Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks) Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.08 km
Time = 46 mins
Climb = 109 m
Descent = -259 m
Veer left: From the bridge, the walk goes steeply down the cliff using the metal Giant staircase with handrails. Along the way there are magnificent views of the valley, with chairs to help enjoy various outlooks. The walk continues to descend steeply until coming to an intersection with a flat bush track, signposted as the 'Dardenelles Walking Track'. Turn left: From the bottom of the Giant Staircase, this walk follows the Dardanelles Pass sign towards 'Leura Forest', keeping the main cliff face on the left. There are occasional good views out over the valley to the east. Gradually, the track begins to descend and becomes more shady. In this section of track, there are often fallen logs across the track, which will need to be climbed over. Gradually, the track descends down behind the pergola at Leura Forest.
Leura Forest
Alt = 721 m
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[13]. Today walkers can still enjoy the historic rotunda and the foundations of the original tea house[14]. The picnic area provides a great rest spot under the shade of the lilli pilli and coachwood forest.
(1.56 km)
Leura Forest (Int of Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks)
to
Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.29 km
Time = 36 mins
Climb = 117 m
Descent = -99 m
Turn right: From Leura Forest, the walk follows the 'Federal Pass' sign towards 'Scenic Railway'. Shortly after crossing a small creek using a little bridge, the track begins to steadily go downhill then flatten out. The environment surrounding the bush track at this point is quite dense and, while very pretty, it is difficult to see views of the surrounding area, although there are occasional glimpses of Sublime Point Service Trail on the left. After a while, the track begins to steadily climb to a signposted intersection with 'Dardenelles Pass'. There are several signposts and a bench seat.
(2.85 km)
Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks
to
Bottom of Giant Staircase Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 289 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 36 m
Descent = -33 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign pointing along the 'Dardenelles Track' towards the 'Giant Steps' - this is the upper track, keeping the main cliffs on the left. After the first short rise, the track flattens out and continues with some great views over the valley. At several points, small seats have been installed to enjoy these views. The track soon comes to an intersection signposted as the 'Giant Staircase'.
(3.14 km)
Bottom of Giant Staircase
to
Oreades Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack,footpath,bushtrack,footpath
Length = 282 m
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 203 m
Descent = -20 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign up the 'Giant Staircase'. This climbs steeply (with handrails) until coming to an intersection with a bridge that goes across to the First of the three Sisters. Along the way, there are chairs in which to rest from the climb and enjoy the magnificent views of the valley. Veer right: From the bridge, the walk heads up the staircase steeply to the top. The stairs have handrails and climb up the side of the cliffs to the intersection with the Lady Game Lookout track. Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath up and away from the lookout, passing under a rock archway and continuing up the gentle hill to the intersection with the Cliff Drive access track. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stone/concrete steps on the main path to almost immediatly find an unnamed, fenced lookout platform[15] (on the left).
(3.42 km)
Oreades Lookout
to
Int of Prince Henry Cliff Track and the Three Sisters Footpath Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 109 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From Oreades Lookout, this walk heads uphill along the path for about 30m to pass a stone seat[fac=8022] (on the right), in a small sandstone overhang[16]. Check the miniature cicada sculptures[17] above the overhang. From here the walk leads moderately steeply[fac=8024] uphill along the smooth concrete path[18] for about 90m[19], to come to a clear intersection marked with a large 'Three Sisters Walk' sign[20]. On the left is a small flat loose gravel area with two seats[fac=8021].
(3.53 km)
Int of Prince Henry Cliff Track and the Three Sisters Pathway
to
Echo Point Archway Intersection Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 296 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -8 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the large 'Echo Point' sign[21] uphill along the smooth concrete path. The path leads uphill for about 45m
to find a sandstone seat (on the right)[fac=8020]. From here the path continues winding gently uphill for another 70m to pass another sandstone seat (on the right)[fac=8019]. From this seat the path continues gently uphill for another 60m past yet another similar stone seat[fac=8018] (on the right), this seat has a blue tongue lizard sculpture[22]. After another 15m
this walk comes to a clear signposted Y-intersection[23]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Katoomba & Echo point' arrow [24] uphill along the concrete path, initially keeping the metal fence to the left. The path leads uphill for about 80m then over a rise to head downhill for short distance to an intersection with a track[25] (on the left) just before the stone archway[26] near Echo Point.
Catch the bus from Echo Point Archway Intersection
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Blue Mountains National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page 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. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Grand Canyon walking track The Grand Canyon walking track will be closed from Wednesday 14 October 2015 to mid-June 2016. The closure is necessary to allow work to continue on improving the walking track. Access for canyoners will be on weekends only. Access from Evans Lookout via Beauchamp Falls to the Grose Valley will remain open. Evans Lookout carpark, Loop carpark, and Neates Glen carpark will remain open. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 47878877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed for maintenance. This includes the Gorge Walking track. No access to the area is permitted.Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Hawkesbury area office on (02) 4588 2400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Prince Henry cliff walk, Leura Blue Mountains City Council wishes to advise that Prince Henry cliff walk between Majestic lookout and the junction with the Leura Cascades walk is currently closed due to a landslip. Detours will be in place and clearly signposted around the affected area. Access from the Leura picnic area to the cascades is unaffected. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Tourism on 1300 653 408 or Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Butterbox Swamp track The traditional access to Butterbox Canyon via the endangered swamp is now closed and rehabilitated. No access permitted. Canyoners should use the new track provided. Temporary signage is in place. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Claustral canyon access change Access to Claustral canyon via the previous route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land. Alternative access from the west side of Mount Bell has been identified. For more information, please contact the Blue Moauntains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Cahills lookout - Katoomba As a result of a recent bushfire, Cahills lookout remains closed until further notice. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Council on (02) 4780 5000.
Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens Waratah Native Gardens Some areas of this park are closed due to a major landslip event occurring across The Gorge Walking Track. Closed areas include The Gorge Walking Track in the Blue Mountains National Park. A full assessment is underway to determine the extent of damage and to ensure the area is made safe. The Gorge Walking Track is closed at the entry trackhead however the Waratah Native Gardens Day Use and Picnic Area located off Valley Ridges Road Berambing (west of Bilpin) has now been reopened. This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. For more information, please contact NPWS Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines
First time I've ever been down the Giant Stairway. Great engineering feat. The views are great and the valley floor is a really nice walk. And the climb back up is a good test. Very enjoyable.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)