This walk starts from the popular Scenic World tourist spot. The walk winds down into the Jamison Valley via the Furber steps, heads west around the edge of the valley, past the landslide, and climbs the Golden Stairs, before returning to Scenic World along the roads. This is a great day walk, providing access to some nice, optional side trips. As an alternative to the walk down, you can take the popular Scenic Railway down into the Jamison Valley.
(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 World down Furber Steps to Narrow Neck loop
Cross sectional view of the Scenic World down Furber Steps to Narrow Neck loop bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Scenic World down Furber Steps to Narrow Neck loop bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
7km
Time
5 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*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
4.9km of this walk has short steep hills and another 860m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 760m is very steep and the remaining 310m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
3.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.8km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 550m follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 40m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
Around 4.2km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 2.6km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
Around 5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.8km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 3.6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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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
End of wooden footbridge Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 121 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -20 m
From the Scenic World main entrance, this walk follows the 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk' signs down the concrete steps and around to the back of the building, where it comes to a wooden footbridge that curves around behind the main car park. At the end of the footbridge, this walk comes to an intersection with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
(0.12 km)
End of wooden footbridge
to
Vanimans Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 89 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -29 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track down the gentle hill, winding down some wooden steps as the track bends around to the right. It then arrives at the signposted intersection of the 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk' and the track to the base of the Scenic Railway. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steep wooden steps, following the signs to the bottom of the Scenic Railway. The walk comes to the intersection of Vanimans Lookout at the bottom of the steps.
Vaniman's Lookout
Alt = 909 m
Vaniman's Lookout is a fenced, long and narrow lookout on the cliff edge, opposite Reids Plateau. The view looks directly over the Three Sisters across the Kedumba Valley, under the Scenic Skyway. The lookout was considered one of the finest views on the Three Sisters in the 1900's. The lookout was named after Chester Melvin Vaniman in 1905, a well-know adventurer and artist from the USA, who visited the Blue Mountains in 1903[2]. More info
(0.21 km)
Vanimans Lookout
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Rainforest Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 183 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -16 m
Turn right: From Vanimans Lookout, this walk follows the bush track heading away from the bottom of the wooden steps. The track winds around the side of the hill and down the steep metal stairs. At the bottom, the walk comes to the intersection of the Katoomba Falls Round Walk and Juliets Balcony track (unsignposted).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the long set of wooden steps winding down the side of the hill. After this, the walk flattens out for a short distance then continues up a short set wooden steps to the intersection of the Round Walk and the Furber Steps track. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Base of Scenic Railway' signpost down the wooden steps to the bottom, where it comes to the Rainforest Lookout.
Rainforest Lookout
Alt = 900 m
Unlike many lookouts in the area, Rainforest Lookout does not offer sweeping valley views. Instead, this lookout offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with the canopy of the rainforest. Spend some time in the cool shade listening to the birds and Witches Leap creek passing by. A sign at the lookout explains that there once were wood-fired barbeques here for picnics, but removed due to the toll on the local environment[3].
(0.39 km)
Rainforest Lookout
to
Int of Furber Steps and Katoomba Falls Lookout Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 17 m
Time =
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the Rainforest Lookout, the track follows the bush track heading past the base of the wooden steps and then through the forest for a short while, until it reaches the signposted intersection of the Underfalls Walk.
(0.41 km)
Int of Furber Steps and Katoomba Falls Lookout Track
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Katoomba Falls Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 184 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -67 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Underfalls Walk' sign down a short set of steps and across a small waterfall using the wooden bridge (This creek flows from Witches Leap all the way down to Veras Grotto). Once past the falls, the track continues through the rainforest, winding along the well-defined path until arriving at Katoomba Falls Lookout, right at the base of the falls. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Katoomba Falls
Alt = 829 m
The Katoomba Falls are among the most famous waterfalls in the the Blue Mountains region. The Kedumba River falls about 150 meters in 2 main stages. The Undercliff Track, from the Furber Steps, can be used to access the first landing of the waterfall. The Katoomba Falls can be viewed from most lookouts in the the area, including from the bottom of the falls at Cooks Landing on Federal Pass, or from the track running next to the Kedumba River at the top of the falls. These falls are also a highlight for the trip across the Scenic Skyway.
(0.41 km)
Int of Furber Steps and Katoomba Falls Lookout Track
to
Queen Victoria Lookout Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 34 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Scenic Railway' sign along the bush track, winding through the forest for a short while before passing a large rock overhang with a wooden bench seat underneath. The walk continues down a set of stairs until reaching the signposted 'Queen Victoria Lookout'.
(0.44 km)
Queen Victoria Lookout
to
Int of Furber Steps and Lynes Point Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 6 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the short metal staircase to the intersection of the Queen Victoria Lookout at the top.
(0.45 km)
Int of Furber Steps and Lynes Point Track
to
Lynes Point Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 6 m
Time =
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading around the right-hand side of the metal staircase, continuing around under the Queen Victoria Lookout to Lynes Point. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
(0.45 km)
Int of Furber Steps and Lynes Point Track
to
Int of Furber Steps and Vera's Grotto Track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 118 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -91 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading away from the short metal staircase, winding along the side of the hill to the top of some concrete steps where there is a 'Furber Steps' signpost. From here, the walk continues down the concrete steps for a short distance until it comes to the signposted 'Furber Lookout'. Continue straight: From the Furber Lookout, this walk heads down the concrete steps that zigzags steeply down to the bottom of the cliffs. The track then flattens out and continues through the forest with the hand railing on the right, crossing a short boardwalk and coming down to the signposted intersection of the Vera's Grotto track.
(0.57 km)
Int of Furber Steps and Vera's Grotto Track
to
Vera's Grotto Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 25 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -3 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Vera's Grotto' sign along the bush track, winding down a set of wooden steps to Vera's Grotto Lookout at the bottom. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Vera's Grotto
Alt = 849 m
Vera's Grotto is a pleasant little spot located amongst the cascades on Witches Leap creek. This is a great area for lunch on a hot day, as it is always kept cool by the falls and the shade from the surrounding trees. When venturing to the grotto, you may be lucky enough to spot the Whistler and Yellow Robins. Superb Lyrebirds [4] are also heard and even seen frequently in the surrounding area.
(0.57 km)
Int of Furber Steps and Veras Grotto Track
to
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 301 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -90 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk goes down the stairs. These zigzag down the hill and, at several points, go under overhangs in the cliff. The walk continues steeply downhill (occasionally on metal stairs) until reaching an intersection with a bush track signposted 'Federal Pass'. Turn right: 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.
(0.87 km)
Scenic World
to
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform) Alternate Entry:
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
( Show detail)
Length = 299 m
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -210 m
Turn left : 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) Turn left to join the main walk, following the notes from 0.87km 'Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)'. More info
(0.87 km)
Scenic Railway (Bottom Platform)
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Landslide Track: Moderate - duckboard,bushtrack
Length = 1.34 km
Time = 46 mins
Climb = 175 m
Descent = -178 m
Continue straight: 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. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide track and signposts towards the 'landslide'[5] (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.
(2.21 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'.
(3.76 km)
Bottom of Golden Staircase
to
Bottings Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 429 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 177 m
Descent = -41 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Golden Stairs car park' sign[6] uphill past the termite mound[7] then past the 'Warning - Sections of the Golden Stairs are unfenced and can be slippery when wet' sign[8]. 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[9]. Then the walk makes its way around a gully[10] 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[11], (passing a 'Caution Rockfall Hazard' sign[12]) before another, smaller climb, up through a gap in the rock[13] to the fenced and signposted 'Botting's L.O.'[14].
Botting's Lookout
Alt = 878 m
Botting's Lookout[15] offers great views over the Jamison Valley and the cliff line, including the Landslide, Malaita Point and the Golden Stairs. A plaque at the lookout states that the lookout was named after Walter Botting (1887-1985)[16], a pioneer trail-maker of the Katoomba District. More info
(4.19 km)
Bottings Lookout
to
Golden Stairs Track carpark Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 209 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 80 m
Descent = -9 m
Turn left: From Botting's Lookout[17], 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[18] and through a couple of switchbacks. Soon the narrow track mostly flattens out. leading to the signposted 'Golden Stairs'[19] car park[20] on Glenraphael Dr[21].
(4.4 km)
Golden Staircase car park
to
Sydney Water pipe service trail Track: Moderate - road
Length = 856 m
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = -81 m
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.
(5.25 km)
Sydney Water pipe service trail
to
Int of Glenraphael and Cliff Drives Track: Moderate - road
Length = 970 m
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 126 m
Descent = -48 m
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.
(6.22 km)
Int of Glenraphael and Cliff Drives
to
Scenic World Walk: Easy - road
Length = 566 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -34 m
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.
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.
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
Did this in reverse on 24.1.15. Parked at Golden Stairs on Glenraphael Rd. The Stairs are easier down than up and the well formed Furber Steps and metal staircases are appreciated at the end of the day. Around the Landslide navigating is made easy by following the yellow poles. Thriving from cars can be a problem so park at Scenic World, walk up Violet St to Glenraphael and finish via Furber. Very pleasant walking.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)