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.
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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 Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track
Cross sectional view of the Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track 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 800m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 300m 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).
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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
Oreades Lookout Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 426 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -47 m
From the archway, this walk follows the lower of the two footpaths heading away from Echo Point, for approximately 30m, before coming to the intersection of the Spooners Lookout track. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Three Sisters' arrow[1] gently uphill along the concrete path, keeping the main valley behind and to the left. The track then leads up, past a short fence, to a clear intersection with the Three Sisters Walk[2]. 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).
(0.43 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).
(0.45 km)
Int of Lady Game Lookout Track and the Three Sisters Footpath
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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.
(0.46 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.
(0.46 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).
(0.5 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
(0.5 km)
The Three Sisters Bridge intersection
to
Bottom of Giant Staircase Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 204 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -151 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'.
(0.71 km)
Bottom of Giant Staircase
to
Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 289 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -36 m
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 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[13]). 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.)
(2.72 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').
(2.89 km)
Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
to
Scenic World Alternate Exit:
Track: Hard - bushtrack,footpath
( Show detail)
Length = 702 m
Time = 24 mins
Climb = 233 m
Descent = -36 m
Turn right: 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. (End of the alternative exit track)
(2.89 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.
(3.06 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 [14], 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
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
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Parking fees apply in the area.
not too much longer now :)