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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle are found in each of the tabs below
Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle
Time: 11 hrs 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: 16.2 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 16.2 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 1345 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 1345 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
Route: Hard

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 the train up in time, or be prepared to walk out one of the alternate routes, either via Furber Steps or via the Golden Staircase. (open in app)

This walk passes through a remote area and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.
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 Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle
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Map Scale 1 km
Scenic World
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
Int of Furber Steps and Scenic Railway Track
Int of Furber Steps and Vera's Grotto Track
Furber Lookout
Int of Furber Steps and Lynes Point Track
Queen Victoria Lookout
Int of Furber Steps and Katoomba Falls Lookout Track
Rainforest Lookout
Int of Katoomba Falls Round Walk and Furber Steps
Int of Katoomba Falls Round Walk and Juliets Balcony Track
Vanimans Lookout
Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Katoomba Falls Round Walk
End of wooden footbridge
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
Int of Scenic Railway Boardwalk and Landslide Bush Track
Landslide
Bottom of Golden Staircase
Bottings Lookout
Golden Staircase car park
Sydney Water pipe service trail
Int of Glenraphael and Cliff Drives
Bottom of Golden Staircase
Miners Campsite
Northern Ruined Castle campsite
Ruined Castle mine campsite
Northern Ruined Castle campsite
Ruined Castle
Intersection South of Ruined Castle
Bottom of Korrowall Knife-edge
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 
 Jamison 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-89302N 
 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 +
 
An old Coal Miners Train
 
An old Coal Miners Train +
 
Bottom Platform of the Scenic Railway
 
Bottom Platform of the Scenic Railway +

 
Following the track along the valley floor
 
Following the track along the valley floor +
 
Heading through the forest
 
Heading through the forest +
 
Looking up at Malaita Point
 
Looking up at Malaita Point +

 
Continuing along the bushtrack
 
Continuing along the bushtrack +
 
Going up Mt Solitary
 
Going up Mt Solitary +
 
The view from the top of Mt Solitary
 
The view from the top of Mt Solitary +

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 Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle 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 16km
Time 11 hrs
.


Grade 5/6

Route: Hard
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep and difficult scrambles (5/6)
Quality of track Rough unclear track (5/6)
Signs No directional signs (5/6)
Experience Required High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
Weather Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Infrastructure No facilities provided (5/6)
*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
2.7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 2.1km is very steep and a 590m section is very steep with difficult rock scrambles. The remaining 490m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track
5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.1km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 590m follows a rough unclear track and the remaining 490m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 2.4km has minimal directional signs. Whilst another 490m is clearly signposted and the remaining 200m Has no directional signs.

Experience Required
3.7km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 2.4km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. Whilst another 2km requires no previous bushwalking experience and the remaining 200m requires a leader with a high level of bushwalking experience.

Weather
6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 1.7km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (930m) is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1.7km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). Whilst another 490m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and the remaining 200m has no facilities provided.

Track Notes


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 Scenic World
Alternate Exit: Track: Hard - bushtrack,footpath ( Show detail)
Length = 869 m Time = 28 mins
Climb = 248 m Descent = -46 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'.
Turn left: 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)

(0.3 km) Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) to Int of Scenic Railway Boardwalk and Landslide Bush Track
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - duckboard
Length = 186 m Time = 6 mins
Climb = 25 m Descent = -17 m
Turn left : From the bridge over the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk follows the signs to 'scenic walkway', passing a replica of a mining cart, as well as an old mine. Just past this, the walk comes to a pipeline that runs down the hill collecting fresh water, signposted as drinkable. Continuing past the old mine shafts along the boardwalk, this walk comes to an intersection with a bush track going slightly off to the right. This is signposted as the way to the Landslide.

(0.49 km) Int of Scenic Railway Boardwalk and Landslide Bush Track to Landslide
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.16 km Time = 40 mins
Climb = 150 m Descent = -161 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide track and signposts towards the 'landslide'[2] (keeping the cliffs on the right). The walk winds along a bush track with small boulders strewn along it. There are a number of old mine shafts just off the track and some interesting historical items. The track continues under Malaita Point before breaking out of the vegetation to a worthy view of the valley, just before the landslide. As the track comes to the old landslide site, it become rougher with plenty of boulders over the track. There are also excellent views of the cliffs above and the landslide as the vegetation is quite sparse here.

The Landslide Alt = 742 m
'The Landslide' is a large rockfall going into the valley approximately 100m. There is a good vantage point for the landslide from under the cliffs to the east, and a great but more distant view from Narrow Neck lookout. The landslide occurred in 1931 after a few days of rumbling. There has been much debate as to whether this event was helped along by erosion and coal mining in the area at the time.

(1.64 km) Landslide to Bottom of Golden Staircase
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.55 km Time = 42 mins
Climb = 128 m Descent = -123 m
Continue straight: From the eastern side of the Landslide, the walk heads across the face of the landslide (keeping the cliff on the right). At this point, the track is quite rough, with frequent boulders making it a slight scramble. On the other side of the landslide, the track narrows and becomes a flat bush track that follows the base of the cliffs. The surrounding trees become quite dense again, adding quite an ambiance to the area. The walk heads along the bottom of the Narrow Neck escarpment, until coming to an intersection with a set of stairs off to the right, signposted as the 'Golden Staircase'.

(3.19 km) Bottom of Golden Staircase to Scenic World
Alternate Exit: Track: Hard - bushtrack,road,road,road ( Show detail)
Length = 3.03 km Time = 1 hr 26 mins
Climb = 420 m Descent = -213 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Golden Stairs car park' sign[3] uphill past the termite mound[4] then past the 'Warning - Sections of the Golden Stairs are unfenced and can be slippery when wet' sign[5]. The walk heads up the broad spur along a narrow track, and before long, starts to climbs the first set of rock and metal stairs. After this climb, the track is relatively flat for a little while before another climb up similar stairs[6]. Then the walk makes its way around a gully[7] to the base of a cliff. From here the track is flat for a while, heading between the cliff and the fence for about 100m[8], (passing a 'Caution Rockfall Hazard' sign[9]) before another, smaller climb, up through a gap in the rock[10] to the fenced and signposted 'Botting's L.O.'[11].
Turn left: From Botting's Lookout[12], the walk heads up the hill where the track then turns left. The walk continues, steeply in a couple of places, up some eroded sections of track[13] and through a couple of switchbacks. Soon the narrow track mostly flattens out. leading to the signposted 'Golden Stairs'[14] car park[15] on Glenraphael Dr[16].
Veer right: From the Golden Stairs car park, this walk follows the dirt road north, down the gentle hill and along the ridge as it undulates up and down for about 1km, before reaching the Sydney Water management trail - this is closed to the public at all times.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the dirt road heading up the hill and undulating along the ridge for about 1km, before it climbs up to the intersection with Cliff Drive.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk heads up Cliff Drive briefly, then follows the management trail on the right, just past the house. At the end of the trail, this walk turns right onto Violet Street, following this to the front entrance of Scenic World. (End of the alternative exit track)

(3.19 km) Bottom of Golden Staircase to Miners Campsite
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.26 km Time = 51 mins
Climb = 104 m Descent = -129 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Federal Pass - Ruined Castle' sign[17] along the flat wide track, keeping the valley to your left. This track follows the old horse-drawn coal tram route. The track leads through a tall rainforest filled with fern trees[18] and vines[19], with the occasional lyrebird. After about 1.3km the forest opens up[20], letting in more light and exposing some distant filtered views. After wandering through the more open forest[21] for about 250m, the track passes a small campsite[22] (on the right). This walk continues for another 700m along the main track through the bracken fern forest[23] to find a larger campsite[24] (just up to the right) with a short stone wall on one side[25]).

Miners Campsite Alt = 726 m
This flat campsite beside the Federal Pass walking track about 2.2km south of the intersection at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. There is short constructed stone wall[26] left over from when there area was habited by miners. The campsite is surrounded by a tall forest, bracken ferns and some nice fern trees. There is no water or facilities.

(5.45 km) Miners Campsite to Northern Ruined Castle campsite
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 300 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 16 m Descent = -11 m
Continue straight: From the miners campsite[27], this walk follows the clear track south-west, keeping the valley to your left. The mostly flat track narrows a bit as it leads past a large flat area (on your right) after about 140m[28], then past a smaller campsite[29] a short distance later. The track then winds through the forest for another 100m to come to a clearing and signposted three-way intersection[30], where there is a 'Federal Pass - Katoomba' sign[31] pointing back along the track. (There is a campsite a few metres further on and to the the left[32].)

Northern Ruined Castle campsite Alt = 726 m
A short distance south east of the intersection[33] with the Federal Pass and the northern access track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic campsite. There are two main flat areas for camping, both with fire scares[34]. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns[35][36][37][38]. There is no water nor any other facilities.

(5.75 km) Northern Ruined Castle campsite to Ruined Castle mine campsite
Alternate Route: Track: Moderate - bushtrack ( Show detail)
Length = 553 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 12 m Descent = -31 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mount Solitary' sign[39] past the campsite (on your left) and past the 'Warning - Remote area indistinct route steep terrain - Exposed climbing loose surfaces - No reliable water Carry plenty Sterilise any water found on route' sign[40]. This walk continues along the mostly flat track, passing through a tall turpentine forest[41] for about 450m where you come into view of a campsite[42] (down to your left). The walk continues a short distance further, coming to an intersection[43] where there is a fair amount of coal on the ground[44], a campsite down to your left[45] and the entrance to an old small coal mine[46] (behind a rock) on your right.
Continue straight to rejoin the main walk, following the notes from 6.48km 'Ruined Castle'.

(5.75 km) Ruined Castle mine campsite to Intersection South of Ruined Castle
Alternate Route: Track: Moderate - bushtrack ( Show detail)
Length = 380 m Time = 11 mins
Climb = 10 m Descent = -46 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follow the main track south-east, initially keeping the campsite and valley to your left. The track initially heads down a short rocky section[47] then flattens out to pass a large square boulder[48] after about 100m. The track continues through ferny forest for just over 200m, then passes another campsite[49] (down a steep hill to your left), and about 30m further on, comes to a signposted intersection where a 'Katoomba' arrow[50][51] points back along the track.
Continue straight to rejoin the main walk, following the notes from 6.87km 'Intersection South of Ruined Castle'.

(5.75 km) Northern Ruined Castle campsite to Ruined Castle
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 727 m Time = 20 mins
Climb = 82 m Descent = -17 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Ruined Castle'[52] sign uphill along the eroded track and soon passes the yellow 'Warning - Remote area indistinct route steep terrain - Exposed climbing loose surfaces - No reliable water Carry plenty Sterilise any water found on route' sign[53]. The track winds up the wide valley getting steeper as it goes, climbing up onto the main ridgeline. Here the walk turns left (away from the view of Castle Head[54]) and follows the rocky track more gently uphill for about 220m to pass under the side of a large boulder[55]. The track continues along the narrow ridge for about 280m, with some filtered views past another large boulder to the base of the tall Ruined Castle summit[56]. Here the walk heads gently down a bit (keeping the rock wall to your left), past a crevice[57], then follows the main track to the other (southern) side of the summit. The track then heads up again to find a number of rocky pinnacles[58].

(6.48 km) Ruined Castle to Intersection South of Ruined Castle
Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 389 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 1 m Descent = -123 m
Continue straight: From near the summit of Ruined Castle[59], this walk heads south-east along the main ridgeline, initially keeping the rock wall to your left[60]. The track follows the rocky ridgeline gently downhill[61] and after about 70m the track starts to become much steeper[62]. The track winds down, flattening out for a short time[63] before continuing steeply down to a sign posted three-way intersection[64] just beyond the 'Ruined Castle to Mount Solitary' map[65]. There is a 'Ruined Castle' arrow[66] here, pointing back up the hill.

(6.87 km) Intersection South of Ruined Castle to Bottom of Korrowall Knife-edge
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.33 km Time = 35 mins
Climb = 132 m Descent = -38 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mount Solitary' sign[67] gently downhill along the fairly narrow track[68], keeping the main valley to your left. After about 300m, the more eroded and rocky track[69] begins to climb the ridge and after climbing for just shy of 300m, the track flattens out and passes a couple of small clearings[70][71] - the second clearing is just past where the track leads downhill. Just after the second clearing (used as a campsite[72]), the track begins to climb up the ridge again[73]. This track climbs up a few rocky eroded section and soon comes to the base of a tall series of rockwalls - the Korrowall Knife-edge[74].

(8.2 km) Bottom of Korrowall Knife-edge to Top of Korrowall Knife-edge
Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 204 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 86 m Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From the base of the rocks[75], this walk starts the arduous climb up the Korrowall Knife-edge. Ascending the Korrowall Knife-edge is a hard climb, vertical in places and much of the climbing will involve both hands - some people use ropes to help lift heavy packs. This walk initially heads around to the left of the first boulder to head up through the eroded steep valley[76] between the rocks. The walk continues to scramble up the side of the rocks[77], then climbs vertically up a crack in the rock[78] to a small flat area[79], offering the first distant view[80] for this climb. The walk continues by climbing up a 3m rock wall[81], then up the eroded track[82] before climbing up through the obvious gap[83] in the next rock wall. At the top of this climb is another great view[84] and a short distance further up, this faint track passes a rock with a hole/cave[85] (on your right). From here, the walk follows the worn track up through a couple more rock gullies[86], still generally keeping the rock wall to your right (and passing a couple of arrows[87]). This brings the walk to an exposed flat area, with red dirt and fantastic views[88]. The walk continues by climbing up through the next eroded gully[89] to the top of the Korrowall Knife-edge, where there is a large rock wall on your left[90].

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 Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle
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 8 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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Chris Bustelo - Mt.Solitary and Ruined Castle IP:122.148.62.xxx | 2008-11-17 13:29:55
We walked down Orphan rock, through the Ruined Castle and up Mt.Solitary coming back through the camp sites and up the Golden stairs. AMAZING track! It gets a little difficult at Mt. Solitary but is absolutely worth every drop of sweat!!! Coming down the S.East of the Ruined Castle is very DANGEROUS! Great instructions through this site. :D !!!
Seb - Down Furber Steps to Mt Solita IP:124.171.3.xxx | 2008-12-23 13:21:28
Did this as a trail run, travelling light. Took 3.75 hours return incl breaks. Had to be careful around landslide & climbing up Mt Solitary. Climb up Mt Solitary is not technically difficult, but care is definitely needed. Trail highly recommended. Start very early in summer in avoid heat. Sweetened condensed milk is an awesome energy kick.
Greenie - Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary IP:60.229.26.xxx | 2011-01-27 11:44:25
I did this walk last March. Was a misty day, but still an awesome walk. Great track notes as always from WildWalks.

Here is a different perspective of the walk: http://www.greeniesgonebush.com/2010/03/three-days-in-blue-mountains-day-3.html
Kerry - PDF problem IP:220.236.85.xxx | 2013-02-14 10:50:27
Hi Guys, pdf comes up with an error. Any chance of getting the pdf track notes? Thanks
admin - re: PDF problem Super Administrator | 2013-02-14 19:21:53
Kerry wrote:
pdf comes up with an error. Any chance of getting the pdf track notes? Thanks

Hi Kerry
Sorry for the trouble - Try the link above the map that says "Problem loading PDF.." That seems to always work for computers when this other one does not work (weird - I am not sure why).
Matt :)
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Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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