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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Scenic Railway to Leura Forest are found in each of the tabs below
Scenic Railway to Leura Forest
Time: 4 hrs 30 mins Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
3.2 km S of Katoomba
Length: 6.7 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 6.7 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 622 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 622 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: Return
Track: Moderate

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. This is a great spot to relax and enjoy the serenity of a day in the bush before returning back along the bush track. (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 Scenic Railway to Leura Forest

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Scenic Railway to Leura Forest bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Scenic Railway to Leura Forest
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Scenic World
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
Cooks Crossing
Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks
Starting point for this hiking track: Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)

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

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

 
The Three Sisters from Bottom Platform Scenic Railway
 
The Three Sisters from Bottom Platform Scenic Railway +
 
Following the track along the valley floor
 
Following the track along the valley floor +
 
Turpentine Tree
 
Turpentine Tree +

 
Katoomba Falls
 
Katoomba Falls +
 
bridge over Kedumba Creek
 
bridge over Kedumba Creek +
 
Following the Federal Pass track
 
Following the Federal Pass track +

 
Federal Pass sign
 
Federal Pass sign +
 
Leura Forest picnic benches
 
Leura Forest picnic benches +
 
Leura Forest Gazebo
 
Leura Forest Gazebo +

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the Scenic Railway to Leura Forest bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Scenic Railway to Leura Forest bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic Railway to Leura Forest bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Scenic Railway to Leura Forest 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 7km
Time 4 hrs 30 mins
.


Grade 3/6

Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1 Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
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 Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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
3km of this walk has short steep hills and another 340m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (300m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track
Around 3.3km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 300m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
This whole walk, 3.6km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 3.6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 3.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
This whole walk, 3.6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


No permits are required



Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Catch the bus to Scenic World
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 Scenic World
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
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|

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 [1], 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

(0 km) Scenic World to Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
Length = 299 m Time = 26 mins
Climb = 8 m Descent = -210 m
From 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
Note: The distance and altitude change for this ride is not included in the total for this walk.

(0.3 km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) to Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 167 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 15 m Descent = -10 m
Turn 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'.

(0.47 km) Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track to Cooks Crossing
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 169 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 12 m Descent = -21 m
Continue straight: 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.

(0.64 km) Cooks Crossing to Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.72 km Time = 52 mins
Climb = 169 m Descent = -179 m
Continue straight: From the base of Katoomba Falls, the walk crosses the creek along the metal footbridge and joins up with the track on the other side. The track starts to turn to the right, winding along Federal Pass walking track, under the cliffs. At several points, the walk passes some notable rock formations and caves embedded in the cliffs. In addition, there are occasional good views that are not shrouded by the trees. The track continues in this manner for some time, and then passes 'under the (three) sisters'[2] (clearly signposted). After passing under this rock formation, the track turns to the left and climbs slightly up to a seat and an intersection signposted with 'Dardanelles Pass' and 'Federal Pass' signs.

(2.36 km) Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks to Leura Forest (Int of Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks)
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.29 km Time = 36 mins
Climb = 99 m Descent = -117 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Federal Pass' - 'Leura Forest' sign (the lower track), keeping the main cliff face on the left. This track heads steadily downhill until flattening out and continuing generally north-east. 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 right. Soon before Leura Forest, the track is flat and passes over a small creek. Leura Forest is a shaded picnic area with several tables and a large pergola.

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[3]. Today walkers can still enjoy the historic rotunda and the foundations of the original tea house[4]. The picnic area provides a great rest spot under the shade of the lilli pilli and coachwood forest.

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|
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|

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
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 1.7 km
Summit Gear 80- Bathurst Rd , Katoomba (02) 4782 3018 2 km
Summit Gear 11 Ross St , Glenbrook (02) 4739 4373 30 km
Simdra Pet & Hobby Mart 45 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6352 4422 30.5 km
Lithgow 4WD Centre 281 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6353 1899 30.8 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Scenic Railway to Leura Forest.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Scenic Railway to Leura Forest
Click to re-center search
5 BIN05 Fire Tower MT BINDO
Emergency use only
28 km (to the WNW)
7 VMC7 Fire Tower MT BINDO 28 km (to the WNW)
6 LGW06 Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS 29 km (to the NNW)
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 30 km (to the E)
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


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