Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls 13h , 2 days to 3 days 5 8h to 11h 29.9 km ↑ 2007 m Very challenging One way ↓ 2094 m
Circling the Jamison Valley, this spectacular two or three-day walk is packed with great views and beautiful scenery. From Scenic World the walk heads around the base of the cliffs before climbing up to the Ruined Castle and then Mt Solitary. If you plan to camp at Chinaman's Gully campsite, don't expect to find water up there, carry enough. The climb up to and down from Mt Solitary is steep and requires comfort with exposure to hight and rock scrambling skills. After climbing out of the valley this journey leads you along some remote roads to King's Tableland and the beautiful Wentworth Falls area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
1,400
1,150
900
650
400
150 0 m 9 km 3 km 6 km 12 km 15 km 18 km 21 km 24 km 1.5 km 4.5 km 6x 7.5 km 19.5 km 10.5 km 13.5 km 16.5 km 22.5 km 25.4 km 26.9 km 28.4 km 29.9 km
Class 5 of 6 Rough unclear track
Quality of track Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage No directional signs (5/6)
Infrastructure No facilities provided (5/6)
Experience Required High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
Weather Forecasted & unexpected severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)
Getting to the start: From Great Western Highway, A32
Turn on to then drive for 155 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Bathurst Road, BMD and drive for another 165 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Gang Gang Street, BMD and drive for another 105 m Turn right onto Lurline Street, BMD and drive for another 1.4 km Turn right onto Goyder Avenue and drive for another 140 m Turn left onto Katoomba Street and drive for another 10 m Keep right onto Katoomba Falls Road and drive for another 325 m Continue onto Katoomba Falls Road, BMD and drive for another 390 m Turn left onto Cliff Drive, BMD and drive for another 360 m Turn left and drive for another 105 m
Before you start any journey ensure you; • Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are late returning • Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge to undertake this journey safely • Consider weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers • Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point • Are healthy and fit enough for this journey. If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Like it? Please share it Bushwalking is fun but also can be dangerous. All information here is general and your personal and specific situation needs to be considered. You need to be prepared to cope with all kinds of errors and/or omissions. Neither the authors nor publishers accept responsibility or liability for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained. © bushwalk.com. The maps and some text in this document are generated using Open Database Licenced data © OpenStreetMap contributors and other sources. maps.bushwalk.com/j/kthv85 0 1 3 5km 0 0.5 1 2km 0 0.5 1 2km 0 0.5 1km Start185260 m→ 40 m→ 450 m→ 155 m→ 20 m→ 65 m→ 2.9 km→
P i
sign cafe seat seat seat seat seat gate toilet toilet steps down bridge bridge lookout lookout lookout building car park waterfall viewpoint viewpoint viewpoint viewpoint camp site
1,640
1,342
1,044
746
448
150 0 m 3 km 5 km 890 m 295 m 590 m 1.2 km 2.1 km 2.7 km 3.3 km 3.8 km 4.1 km 4.4 km 4.7 km 5.6 km 5.9 km 1.5 km 1.8 km 2.4 km 3.6 km 1x 5.3 km 2.5 km→ 940 m→ 1.7 km→ 180 m→ 850 m→
i i sign sign toilet toilet shelter summit campsite campsite campsite water tap viewpoint viewpoint viewpoint
1,650
1,350
1,050
750
450
150 6 km 9 km 12 km 7.2 km 8.1 km 8.7 km 9.3 km 9.9 km 6.9 km 6.3 km 7.5 km 7.8 km 1x 6.6 km 8.4 km 9.6 km 10.2 km 10.5 km 10.8 km 11.1 km 11.4 km 11.7 km 2.9 km→ 970 m→ 1.5 km→ 1.9 km→
i i sign sign campsite
1,620
1,326
1,032
738
444
150 13 km 1x 15 km 12.1 km 13.2 km 13.5 km 13.8 km 14.1 km 14.7 km 15.3 km 15.9 km 16.2 km 17.9 km 12.4 km 12.7 km 14.4 km 15.6 km 16.5 km 16.8 km 17.1 km 17.3 km 17.6 km 420 m→ 4.2 km→ 370 m→ 155 m→ 290 m→ 500 m→30 m→ 25 m→
i i i P sign sign sign gate gate summit car park viewpoint
1,620
1,326
1,032
738
444
150 18 km 21 km 1x 23 km 18.9 km 19.2 km 19.5 km 19.8 km 20.1 km 20.7 km 21.3 km 21.8 km 22.1 km 23.9 km 18.3 km 18.6 km 20.4 km 21.6 km 22.4 km 22.7 km 23.3 km 23.6 km 510120 m→ 820 m→ 590 m→ 800 m→ 325 m→ 50 m→ 165 m→ 20 m→ 80 m→ 75 m→ 20 m→ 800 m→ 8603251028019545 m→120 m→ m→m→20 m→ m→ 55 m→
i i d sign sign seat gate toilet toilet bridge bridge bridge bridge bridge bridge bridge bridge bridge bridge stones lookout up steps up steps stepping waterfall waterfall waterfall historical historical water tap playgroun restaurant restaurant pay phone
1,650
1,350
1,050
750
450
150 30 km 24 km 1x 27 km 24.9 km 25.2 km 25.5 km 25.8 km 26.1 km 26.7 km 27.3 km 27.9 km 28.2 km 24.3 km 24.6 km 26.4 km 27.6 km 28.5 km 28.8 km 29.1 km 29.4 km 29.7 km Getting started: From Scenic World, Then pass the toilet (20 m on your left). follow the steep Furber Steps through the bush and down into the valley, at the After another 80 m pass the Scenic World cafe bottom of Furber Steps turn right and (80 m on your right). follow the track along the base of the cliff After another 20 m pass the toilet (20 m on your to cross over the lower section of the right). Scenic World Railway. Alternatively, you can catch the Scenic Railway down, Hang Then cross the bridge (about 75 m long) Juliets Balcony is a spectacular lookout, perched on tight! This 415m-long journey is the on top of a rock buttress near Orphan Rock, under the Scenic Skyway. The lookout provides world's steepest railway. Then pass the car park (50 m on your left). sweeping views of the start of the Kedumba At the bottom, the track comes to a great P Valley, from Katoomba Falls to the Three Sisters. viewing platform of the valley. There is a The lookout is accessed by a staircase, off the fee for the railway with the, last train Furber Steps track. The fenceline continues normally at 4:45pm (opens at 9am) More After another 75 m (at the intersection along the lookout, forming a long, fenced info. of Katoomba Falls Round Walk & Prince balcony. Henry Cliff Walk) turn right, to head along Katoomba Falls Round Walk. Start by heading along Prince Henry After another 35 m (at the intersection Cliff Walk. After another 45 m turn right, to head along of Furber Steps & Katoomba Falls Round Katoomba Falls Round Walk. Walk) turn right, to head along Furber After another 25 m find the Vaniman's Lookout Steps (a steps). After another 45 m find the Scenic World (on your left). Then head down the steps (about 490 m long) building (9 m on your left).
Then find the Rainforest Lookout (15 m on your left).
Vaniman's Lookout is a fenced, long and narrow Scenic World is one of the most renowned lookout on the cliff edge, opposite Reids tourist attractions of Katoomba and the Blue Plateau. The view looks directly over the Three Mountains. Located on the cliffs of the Jamison Sisters across the Kedumba Valley, under the Valley , visitors can enjoy a ride on the Scenic Scenic Skyway. The lookout was considered one Unlike many lookouts in the area, Rainforest Railway (the world's steepest incline railway) or of the finest views on the Three Sisters in the Lookout does not offer sweeping valley views. the Scenic Cableway, into the Jamison Valley, 1900's. The lookout was named after Chester Instead, this lookout offers an opportunity to get and explore the Scenic Walkway from the base. Melvin Vaniman in 1905, a well-know adventurer up close and personal with the canopy of the Alternatively, the Scenic Skyway offers a bird's and artist from the USA, who visited the Blue rainforest. Spend some time in the cool shade eye view over the valley, with a glass floor to Mountains in 1903. listening to the birds and Witches Leap creek enhance the experience. Scenic World also After another 115 m pass the seat (on your passing by. A sign at the lookout explains that features a revolving restaurant, a cafe and a right). there once were wood-fired barbeques here for kiosk, in addition to the documentary theatre picnics, but removed due to the toll on the local After another 45 m find the Juilets Balcony and souvenir shop. Rides can be purchased, environment. lookout (5 m on your right). starting from $16 for adults and $10 for children, and combination or family passes are available. After another 20 m (at the intersection After another 5 m continue straight, of Furber Steps & Underfalls Walk) to head along Federal Pass Walking continue straight, to head along Track. Furber Steps. After another 95 m pass the seat (on your right).
This flat campsite beside the Federal Pass After another 60 m come to the Queen Victoria After another 65 m (at the intersection walking track about 2.2km south of the Lookout viewpoint (6 m on your left). of Federal Pass Walking Track & Scenic Walkway) continue straight, to head intersection at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. After another 10 m to find the seat (on your along Federal Pass Walking Track. There is short constructed stone wall left over right). from when there area was habited by miners. After another 170 m pass the seat (8 m on your The campsite is surrounded by a tall forest, After another 55 m come to the Lynes Point left). has no backrest. bracken ferns and some nice fern trees. There is viewpoint (8 m on your left). After another 1.2 km find the The Landslide (35 no water or facilities. After another 135 m pass the Vera Falls m on your left). waterfall (30 m on your right). Then come to the Vera's Grotto viewpoint (30 m After another 155 m (at the on your left). intersection of Ruined Castle Track & Federal Pass) turn left, to head along Ruined Castle Track. After another 115 m pass the toilet (25 m on After another 150 m (at the your left). intersection of Furber Steps & Federal 'The Landslide' is a large rockfall going into the Pass) continue straight, to head along valley approximately 100m. There is a good Then pass the sign (on your left). Federal Pass (a walking track). vantage point for the landslide from under the i cliffs to the east, and a great but more distant After another 30 m pass the seat (on your left). view from Narrow Neck lookout. The landslide After another 20 m find the Northern Ruined occurred in 1931 after a few days of rumbling. Castle campsite (on your left). After another 165 m head through/around the There has been much debate as to whether this gate (on your left). event was helped along by erosion and coal mining in the area at the time.
continue straight, to head along After another 1.5 km (at the Federal Pass Walking Track. intersection of Federal Pass & Golden A short distance south east of the intersection Stairs) continue straight, to head with the Federal Pass and the northern access along Federal Pass. track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic After another 7 m cross the bridge (about 4 m After another 70 m pass the sign (on your left). campsite. There are two main flat areas for long) i camping, both with fire scares. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns. There is no After another 6 m come to the Scenic Railway After another 1.7 km come to the camp site (10 water nor any other facilities. viewpoint (10 m on your left). m on your right). After another 540 m pass the Ruined Castle Open fires are not allowed. campsite water tap (10 m on your left). After another 660 m find the Miners Campsite (10 m on your right). Then pass the shelter (20 m on your left). After another 55 m come to the viewpoint (15 m this spot offers the chance to rest under the overhangs on your left). of the cliffs before continuing. Water here is not reliable, please note that in the past water was After another 45 m pass the toilet (10 m on your more reliable, but not so now. Please carry right). plenty of water. There is a camping area near Then find the Ruined Castle mine campsite (10 After another 125 m turn right, to the beginning of the track and there are also a m on your left). head along Mount Solitary Walking few spots along the gully where people have Track. camped previously. After another 150 m pass the Chinamans Cave After another 145 m find the Corowal Plateau (15 m on your right). campsite (on your left). After another 180 m to find the end.
This campsite is almost due east of Ruined Castle, just off the track that leads around the base of hill. The campsite is down a short but Turn around and retrace your steps back to the steep bank near the site of an old mine. The are main route. a few campsites scattered along the flat area, The Corowal Plateau campsite is an informal Back at the main route turn left and follow on mostly surrounded by some tall stringy barks. campsite at the north eastern end of Mount from the 10.3 km waypoint. There are a few fire scars and some filtered Solitary. The clearing is set among some valley views. A pleasant spot to stay. There was pleasant casurina forest. There are a few once a water spring nearby, but this is no longer campfire scares, although this is in a fuel stove reliable, you will need to carry in your own only area. There is plenty of flat area but there After another 630 m (at the water. is no water source or any other facilities. intersection of Chinaman Gully & Mount After another 65 m pass the Mount Solitary Solitary Walking Track) continue summit (10 m on your left). straight, to head along Mount Solitary After another 340 m (at the Walking Track. intersection of Mount Solitary Walking Start of an optional side trip: An optional side trip After another 1.9 km find the Singa-Jingawell Track & Ruined Castle Track) continue to Chinamans Gully view. Creek Campsite (7 m on your right). straight, to head along Mount Solitary Walking Track. To start this optional side trip turn After another 90 m pass the sign (on your right). leftAt the intersection of Mount Solitary i Walking Track & Chinaman Gully by After another 1.3 km come to the viewpoint (on heading along Chinaman Gully (a your left). walking track). After another 25 m find the Chinamans Gully After another 70 m come to the viewpoint (on Campsite (40 m on your left). Singa-Jingawell Creek Campsite is near the your left). northern wall, partway across the eastern half of Mount Solitary. The informal campsite sits in a pleasant little depression beside the small, usually dry creek. There is a rock platform at the After another 245 m continue top of the campsite that provides great views up straight. the Kedumba River towards Katoomba. There is a large fire scare, but this is in a fuel stove only Next to a small creek (often dry) and sheltered area, so please avoid lighting any campfires. from the winds, this campsite is great for those The creek gets a small amount of water in it wanting to camp on Mt Solitary. For daywalkers, after rain, but it does not last long, so always best to bring your own. After another 20 m pass the sign (on your right). i After another 245 m veer left.
After another 1.1 km veer left, to head along Mount Solitary Walking After another 400 m (at the Track. intersection of Kedumba Valley Road & After another 80 m continue straight. Sublime Point Trail) turn left, to head along Kedumba Valley Road. After another 20 m pass the sign (6 m on your After another 970 m continue i left). After another 290 m veer right. straight, to head along Mount Solitary Walking Track. After another 800 m head through/around the gate (on your left).
After another 700 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 330 m (at the intersection of Goat i Track & Kedumba Valley Road) continue straight, to head along Kedumba Valley Road. After another 690 m find the Kedumba River After another 6 m come to the Cleary Memorial After another 155 m turn left. Campsite (6 m on your left). Lookout viewpoint (25 m on your left). After another 190 m continue straight, to head along Kedumba Valley Road. After another 20 m pass the sign (on your left). i After another 290 m turn left, to After another 1.3 km pass the Kedumba Hill head along Tableland Road. This campsite is next to the Kedumba River, summit (8 m on your right). along the Mount Solitary walking track. This is a After another 770 m pass the sign (on your left). large clearing and basic campsite. Open fires are not permitted so it is necessary to take a i fuel stove. There is normally plenty of water in After another 6 m head through/around the gate the creek, but it should be treated for drinking. (on your left). After another 500 m (at the There are no facilities. intersection of Tableland Road & Robert Then pass the car park (5 m on your right). Street) continue straight, to head P along Tableland Road. After another 100 m veer right, to After another 260 m continue straight, to head along Mount Solitary Walking head along Kedumba Valley Road. Track. After another 490 m continue straight, to After another 30 m turn left. head along Kedumba Valley Road. After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Kedumba Valley Road. After another 1.9 km (at the intersection of Sublime Point Trail & Mount Solitary Walking Track) turn After another 25 m veer right. right, to head along Sublime Point Trail (a vehicle track). After another 320 m continue straight. lookout, high on the cliff south-west of Wentworth Falls, After another 540 m continue in the Blue Mountains National Park. The lookout straight. provides a good view down Wentworth Falls and into the valley. There is also a great view of the Sublime Point escarpment. The lookout itself has After another 185 m veer left, to an interesting sandstone wall and is just down After another 25 m find the King's Tableland head along Tableland Road. from a natural rock arch. historical (10 m on your left).
After another 70 m turn left.
After another 120 m continue straight, to head along Tableland Road. After another 20 m find the Grand Stairway The first point of Aboriginal and European historical (on your left). contact in the Blue Mountains, King's Tableland is a significant Aboriginal meeting spot. Historical and cultural sites on the tableland After another 820 m (at the include open campsites, occupation shelters, intersection of Tableland Road & axe grinding grooves, stone arrangements and Hordern Road) turn left, to head along art sites, including cave paintings and rock Hordern Road (a residential road). engravings. After another 135 m continue straight. After another 105 m (at the intersection of The Grand Stairway is a very memorable section Hordern Road & Coronation Road) continue of the National Pass in the Blue Mountains straight, to head along Hordern Road. National Park. The stairway is reported to be After another 380 m continue straight, to 'the tallest outdoor staircase in Australia' and was built in the early 1900's by hand (and head along Hordern Road. After another 165 m turn left, to dynamite). This stairway, and the rest of the head along Rocket Point Circuit. National Pass, was built by a team nicknamed 'the Irish Brigade' for the cost of £430 . After another 105 m (at the Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained intersection of Little Switzerland Drive & and provides walkers access to the valley below Hordern Road) turn right, to head along Wentworth Falls. Little Switzerland Drive (a vehicle track). After another 50 m turn sharp right, After another 25 m continue straight, to head to head along Rocket Point Circuit. At the intersection of Wentworth Falls along Little Switzerland Drive. Track & Rocket Point Circuit turn right, After another 20 m head through/around the to head along Wentworth Falls Track. gate (on your left). After another 95 m find the Rocket Point Lookout (10 m on your right). After another 215 m continue straight. After another 40 m cross the stepping stones (on your left). Then find the Queen's Cascades waterfall (5 m on your right).
Rocket Point Lookout is a fenced and signposted After another 4 m continue straight, After another 215 m continue to head along Weeping Rock Circuit. straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk.
After another 140 m cross the bridge (about 25 m long) Queen's Cascades are a lovely set of falls on the After another 20 m (at the intersection After another 100 m cross the bridge (about 4 m Jamison Creek at the top of Wentworth Falls. The of Charles Darwin Walk & Weeping Rock long) creek heads down the wide, two-stage cascades Circuit) continue straight, to head into a sandy pool. From the pool, the water flows along Charles Darwin Walk. between the stepping stones, under the fence After another 100 m cross the bridge (about 5 m and down the very tall Wentworth Falls. There After another 60 m turn right, to long) are also great views to Sublime Point across the head along Charles Darwin Walk. valley. After another 130 m pass the waterfall (10 m on your right).
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Weeping Rock Circuit & Wentworth Falls Track) continue straight, to head After another 570 m continue After another 10 m continue along Weeping Rock Circuit. straight, to head along Charles Darwin straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. Walk. After another 65 m find the Weeping Rock waterfall (9 m on your right). After another 345 m cross the bridge (about 5 m After another 235 m pass the sign (on your left). long) i After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 10 m After another 40 m veer right. long) Weeping Rock is a waterfall on Jamison Creek, After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 15 m upstream of Wentworth Falls in the Blue long) Mountains National Park. The water falls over After another 30 m pass the toilet (6 m on your the wide circular top overhang, to then cascade After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 6 m right). down the rocks to a pool below. A staircase long) beside the falls helps walkers view this waterfall After another 25 m pass the playground (25 m After another 35 m continue straight, to head from different angles. This is a nice cool spot on on your left). along Charles Darwin Walk. hot days. The rocks are slippery and there are After another 80 m pass the Falls Bistro no fences, care is needed. After another 25 m cross the bridge (about 8 m restaurant (35 m on your left). After another 10 m pass the Charles Darwin long) W:katoombarsl.com.au passed this way 1836 sign (on your left). i After another 20 m continue straight, to head We-Su 12:00-14:00,17:30-20:00 Then head up the steps (about 6 m long) along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 55 m continue turn right. straight.
Then head up the steps
After another 45 m turn left.
After another 15 m to find the end.
After another 110 m pass the Canton Palace restaurant (9 m on your left). W:www.cantonpalace.com.au T:+61 2 4757 1868 Mo-Su 17:00-21:00 After another 10 m pass the toilet (30 m on your right).
07:00-17:00 After another 20 m pass the water tap (25 m on your right).
turn right.
After another 6 m pass the seat (on your right).
After another 10 m turn left.
After another 35 m pass the pay phone (on your left). After another 6 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)