Katoomba Kiosk to Katoomba Falls Base

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Safer Bushwalks
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of 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.

Getting There

Start	(-33.7262787,150.3039261)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Turn on to Bathurst Road, BMD then drive for 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 280 m

Track Notes

Getting started
From Katoomba Falls Kiosk, this walk heads out the front doors and turns left following the side of the building, past the car park to the small park, which it crosses, passing the water fountain and the large information signs to the signposted intersection of the 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk' and the track heading to 'Scenic Railway ....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the Katoomba Falls Reserve at the start. There is a toilet (about 50 m back from the start). After 65 m pass the car park (15 m on your left).
	After another 20 m veer left, to head along Prince Henry Cliff Walk. After another 75 m pass the "Blue Mountains National Park" (on your left).
	Continue straight, to head along Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of Katoomba Falls Track & Prince Henry Cliff Walk) turn right, to head along Katoomba Falls Track. After another 50 m pass a seat (on your left). After another 35 m pass a seat (on your left). After another 85 m find the "Cliffside lookout" (30 m on your left). Cliffside lookout Cliffside lookout This unnamed, fenced lookout is perched on the cliff's edge on Reids Plateau. The lookout has a bench seat and overlooks the Witches Leap area. The view is mostly of the surrounding trees, with glimpses of cliffs on the other side of the valley. There is a nice view of Witches Leap waterfall. + - This unnamed, fenced lookout is perched on the cliff's edge on Reids Plateau. The lookout has a bench seat and overlooks the Witches Leap area. The view is mostly of the surrounding trees, with glimpses of cliffs on the other side of the valley. There is a nice view of Witches Leap waterfall. After another 15 m pass the "Witches Leap" (20 m on your right). After another 10 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your left). After another 155 m find the "Vaniman's Lookout" (20 m on your right). Vaniman's Lookout Vaniman's Lookout 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. + - 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.
	At the intersection of Katoomba Falls Round Walk & Katoomba Falls Track veer left, to head along Furber Steps (a steps). Then head down the steps (about 490 m long)
	Turn right, to head along Furber Steps. After another 8 m pass the "Rainforest Lookout" (6 m on your left). After another 6 m find the "Rainforest Lookout" (15 m on your left). Rainforest Lookout Rainforest Lookout 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. + - 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.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Katoomba Falls. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 20 m (at the intersection of Furber Steps & Underfalls Walk) continue straight, to head along Furber Steps. After another 55 m find the "Juilets Balcony" (20 m on your right). Juilets Balcony Juilets Balcony Juliets Balcony is a spectacular lookout, perched on top of a rock buttress near Orphan Rock, under the Scenic Skyway. The lookout provides sweeping views of the start of the Kedumba Valley, from Katoomba Falls to the Three Sisters. The lookout is accessed by a staircase, off the Furber Steps track. The fenceline continues along the lookout, forming a long, fenced balcony. + - Juliets Balcony is a spectacular lookout, perched on top of a rock buttress near Orphan Rock, under the Scenic Skyway. The lookout provides sweeping views of the start of the Kedumba Valley, from Katoomba Falls to the Three Sisters. The lookout is accessed by a staircase, off the Furber Steps track. The fenceline continues along the lookout, forming a long, fenced balcony. After another 35 m come to the "Juliet's Balcony" (15 m on your right). After another 6 m pass a seat (on your right).
	After another 5 m turn right, to head along Furber Steps. After another 55 m come to the "Queen Victoria Lookout" (6 m on your left). Turn right, to head along Furber Steps. After another 55 m find a seat. After another 55 m come to the "Lynes Point" (8 m on your left).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Vera's Grotto. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 60 m veer right, to head along Furber Steps.
	After another 165 m (at the intersection of Furber Steps & Federal Pass) turn around, to head along Federal Pass (a walking track). After another 30 m pass a seat (on your left). After another 95 m pass a seat (6 m on your right).
	Continue straight, to head along Federal Pass. After another 115 m come to a seat. "Katoomba Falls View".
	Turn around here and retrace the main route for 1.1 km to get back to the start. About 120 m past the end is "Katoomba Falls". Katoomba Falls Katoomba Falls 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. + - 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. About 135 m past the end is "Seat". Seat Seat A timber slat bench seat on a conrete platform. The seat is 53cm high, 35cm deep and 1.8m wide with a 40cm high backrest. + - A timber slat bench seat on a conrete platform. The seat is 53cm high, 35cm deep and 1.8m wide with a 40cm high backrest.

An optional side trip to Katoomba Falls.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Furber Steps & Underfalls Walk Start heading along Underfalls Walk (a walking track). After another 45 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
	After another 165 m come to the end. A viewpoint. About 10 m past the end is "Katoomba Falls". Katoomba Falls Katoomba Falls 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. + - 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

At the intersection of Furber Steps & Underfalls Walk Start heading along Underfalls Walk (a walking track).

After another 45 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)

After another 165 m come to the end.

A viewpoint.

About 10 m past the end is "Katoomba Falls".

Katoomba Falls

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.

+

-

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.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 215 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Vera's Grotto.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	Continue another 25 m to find Vera's Grotto at the end. About 30 m past the end is "Vera's Grotto". Vera's Grotto Vera's Grotto 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 are also heard and even seen frequently in the surrounding area. + - 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 are also heard and even seen frequently in the surrounding area. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

Continue another 25 m to find Vera's Grotto at the end.

About 30 m past the end is "Vera's Grotto".

Vera's Grotto

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 are also heard and even seen frequently in the surrounding area.

+

-

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 are also heard and even seen frequently in the surrounding area.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Terrain

Katoomba Kiosk to Katoomba Falls Base

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	2.2 km
Time	1 h 30 min to 2 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one -29 m back from the start.

Seat: There are 8 on route, on average they are 245 m apart with the largest gap of 1.1 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-29 m	[toilet]
Seat	145 m	[seat]
Seat	180 m	[seat]
Seat	540 m	[seat]
Seat	610 m	[seat]
Seat	920 m	[seat]
Seat	1 km	[seat]
Seat	1.1 km	[seat]
Seat	1.2 km	Seat

Articles

Katoomba Falls Kiosk
The Katoomba Falls Kiosk serves a variety of light and healthy meals including breakfast, lunch and Devonshire teas. A drink enjoyed here will add to the experience of any local bushwalk. For more information, phone (02) 4782-4868.

Rainforest Lookout
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.

Katoomba Falls
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.

Vera's Grotto
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 are also heard and even seen frequently in the surrounding area.

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