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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway are found in each of the tabs below
Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
Time: 3 hrs Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
3.8 km SSE of Katoomba
Length: 3.1 km Walk Length
As this is a One Way walk, the 3.1 km only includes the walking distance from the start to the end point
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 273 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 273 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk
Style: One way
Track: Hard

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 valley, and a beautiful forest environment, this is a popular walk. All the more because at the end, the world's steepest railway is available to take walkers back up to the top of the cliffs. This walk is not suitable for people with heart or breathing difficulties and for those with a fear of heights. (open in app)


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 Scenic World via Giant Stairway

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Echo Point Information Center
Echo Point Archway Intersection
Int of the Three Sisters Pathway and Spooners Lookout path
Int of Prince Henry Cliff Track and the Three Sisters Footpath
Oreades Lookout
Int of Lady Game Lookout Track and the Three Sisters Footpath
Top of the Giant Staircase
The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection
The Three Sisters Bridge intersection
Bottom of Giant Staircase
Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks
Cooks Crossing
Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
Starting point for this hiking track: Echo Point Information Center

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Six Foot Track 1:50 000 Map Series NSW-six-foot-track 
 Katoomba 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-89301S 
 Katoomba 1:100 000 Map Series 8930 

Photo Gallery

 
Echo Point Discovery Centre
 
Echo Point Discovery Centre +
 
The archway exit from Echo Point
 
The archway exit from Echo Point +
 
Following the path to the Three Sisters
 
Following the path to the Three Sisters +

 
Passing a nice lookout
 
Passing a nice lookout +
 
Heading down towards the Three Sisters
 
Heading down towards the Three Sisters +
 
Looking down the Giant Staircase to the Three Sisters
 
Looking down the Giant Staircase to the Three Sisters +

 
The Giant Staircase
 
The Giant Staircase +
 
Following the Federal Pass track
 
Following the Federal Pass track +
 
bridge over Kedumba Creek
 
bridge over Kedumba Creek +

 
Katoomba Falls
 
Katoomba Falls +
 
Turpentine Tree
 
Turpentine Tree +
 
Following the track along the valley floor
 
Following the track along the valley floor +

 
The Scenic Railway
 
The Scenic Railway +
 
Bottom Platform of the Scenic Railway
 
Bottom Platform of the Scenic Railway +
 
Entrance to Scenic World
 
Entrance to Scenic World +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway 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 3.1km
Time 3 hrs
.


Grade 4/6

Track: Hard
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
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
2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 680m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 430m is flat with no steps and the remaining 240m is very steep.

Quality of track
Around 2.3km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 1km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
This whole walk, 3.4km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 3.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 3.2km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 200m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
This whole walk, 3.4km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Catch the bus to Echo Point Information Center
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk 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.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Echo Point Information Center
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk Parking fees apply in the area.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Echo Point Alt = 929 m
Echo Point is the Blue Mountains' most famous and popular lookout, home to one of the best photo opportunities for the Three Sisters[1]. Visited by over two million tourists each year, this popular spot also serves as the starting point for many great walks in the area. The lookout is well fenced[2], has information signs[3][4] and stunning views across the valley to the Three Sisters[5] and Mount Solitary[6]. There are mounted binoculars and seats nearby.

Echo Point Information Centre Alt = 947 m
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 Information Center to Echo Point Archway Intersection
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 31 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -1 m
From the front of the visitor center[7], this walk heads gently uphill, following the 'Three Sister walk' sign[8]. The walk soon passes the toilet block[fac=8015][9] and veers right to pass under the stone archway[10] and come to an intersection[11] with a path (on the right) just past the 'Blue Mountains National Park' sign[12].

(0.03 km) Echo Point Archway Intersection to Oreades Lookout
Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 405 m Time = 10 mins
Climb = 10 m Descent = -37 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the 'Three Sisters walkway'[13] 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[14].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Three Sisters 400m' arrow[15] 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[16]. 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[17]. 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[18] moderately steeply downhill[fac=8024] along the smooth concrete path[19]. After about about 90m[20] this path leads past stone seat[fac=8022] (on the left) in a small sandstone overhang[21]. Check the miniature cicada sculptures[22] above the overhang. From here this walk continues downhill along the path for about 30m to find the fenced Oreades Lookout[23] (on the right).

(0.44 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).

(0.46 km) Int of Lady Game Lookout Track and the Three Sisters Footpath to The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection
Track: Hard - bushtrack,footpath
Length = 58 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -41 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.
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).

(0.51 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[24]. This iconic rock formation is popular amongst tourists and bushwalkers alike. More info

(0.51 km) The Three Sisters Bridge intersection to Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 493 m Time = 29 mins
Climb = 53 m Descent = -187 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 right: From the bottom of the Giant Staircase, the walk follows the 'Scenic Railway' sign, keeping the main cliff to the right. The track continues with some great views over the Valley, and at several points, there are small seats to enjoy these fine views. The track then comes to a well-signposted intersection, with signs pointing along the 'Federal Pass Track' and 'Dardanelles Pass'.

(1.01 km) Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks to Cooks Crossing
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.72 km Time = 52 mins
Climb = 179 m Descent = -169 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Federal Pass' sign towards 'Scenic Railway', keeping the main cliffs on the right. Not long after the intersection, the track passes 'under the sisters' rock formation (signposted[25]). From here, the track turns and continues along a relatively stretch and, at several points, passes some notable rock formations and caves embedded in the cliffs. There are occasional good views that are not shrouded by the trees. The walk continues until coming to the base of Katoomba Falls, crossing these using a metal bridge know as 'Cooks Crossing'. (Just across the bridge, there is a picnic table.)

(2.73 km) Cooks Crossing to Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 169 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 21 m Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south-west away from Katoomba Falls along the bush track, soon passing the signposted 'Turpentine Tree'. Shortly after this tree, the track comes to an intersection with another bush track and set of stairs (on the right, signposted as 'Furber Steps').

(2.9 km) Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track to Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 167 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 10 m Descent = -15 m
Continue straight: From the bottom of Furber Steps, this walk follows the 'To base of scenic railway' sign keeping the handrail on the left, and following the flat bush track. This track passes through a small gate over a metal bridge at the bottom of the Scenic Railway.

(3.07 km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) to Scenic World
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
Length = 299 m Time = 26 mins
Climb = 210 m Descent = -8 m
Turn left: From the bottom platform, this walk heads up to the cliff top using the Scenic Railway. Hang on tight! This 415m-long journey is the world's steepest railway. 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.

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 [26], 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

Drive from Scenic World
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Catch the bus from Scenic World
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
Map Car Shuffle
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by


Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Paddy Pallin 166 Katoomba St , Katoomba (02) 4782 4466 1.8 km
Summit Gear 80- Bathurst Rd , Katoomba (02) 4782 3018 2.2 km
Summit Gear 11 Ross St , Glenbrook (02) 4739 4373 28.9 km
Boots Great Outdoors Shop 25 Home Centre Wolseley St , Penrith (02) 4733 5744 33.5 km
Kangaroo Tent City Cnr Mulgoa & Blaikie Rds, Penrith (02) 4733 4111 33.9 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
Click to re-center search
5 BIN05 Fire Tower MT BINDO
Emergency use only
29 km (to the WNW)
7 VMC7 Fire Tower MT BINDO 29 km (to the WNW)
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 29 km (to the E)
6 LGW06 Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS 30 km (to the NNW)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 35 km (to the NE)

Weather and Park info

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.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      27°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu16°|26°Shower or two.
Fri15°|28°Mostly sunny.
Sat12°|22°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Blue Mountains National Park Link 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 fees Camping Facilities
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


Walker Feedback

Comments
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Isabel Bock - Trip IP:95.208.66.xxx | 2010-11-05 13:38:52
beautiful nature, but he giant stairway is really big. need about 3-4 hours for a relaed walk. fast walk: 1,5 hours.
In winter be there at 9 and start walking or doa 3-days trip with camping out there, BUT can become very cold!
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Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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