Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River

Track Notes

Getting started
From Scenic World, follow the steep Furber Steps through the bush and down into the valley, at the bottom of Furber Steps turn right and follow the track along the base of the cliff to cross over the lower section of the Scenic World Railway. Alternatively, you can catch the Scenic Railway down, 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. There is a fee for the railway with the, last train normally at 4:45pm (opens at 9am) More info.....

An optional side trip to Chinamans Gully view.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Prince Henry Cliff Walk. After 45 m find the "Scenic World" (9 m on your left). Scenic World Scenic World Scenic World is one of the most renowned tourist attractions of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Located on the cliffs of the Jamison Valley , 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. + - Scenic World is one of the most renowned tourist attractions of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Located on the cliffs of the Jamison Valley , 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. Then pass the toilet (20 m on your left). After another 80 m pass the "Scenic World" (80 m on your right). After another 20 m pass the toilet (20 m on your right). Then cross the bridge (about 75 m long) Then pass the car park (50 m on your left).
	After another 75 m (at the intersection of Katoomba Falls Round Walk & Prince Henry Cliff Walk) turn right, to head along Katoomba Falls Round Walk. After another 45 m turn right, to head along Katoomba Falls Round Walk. After another 25 m find the "Vaniman's Lookout" (on your left). 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. After another 115 m pass a seat (on your right). After another 45 m find the "Juilets Balcony" (5 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 (at the intersection of Furber Steps & Katoomba Falls Round Walk) turn right, to head along Furber Steps (a steps). Then head down the steps (about 490 m long) Then 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.
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of Furber Steps & Underfalls Walk) continue straight, to head along Furber Steps. After another 95 m pass a seat (on your right). After another 60 m come to the "Queen Victoria Lookout" (6 m on your left). After another 10 m find a seat. After another 55 m come to the "Lynes Point" (8 m on your left). After another 135 m pass the "Vera Falls" (30 m on your right). Then come to the "Vera's Grotto" (30 m on your left).
	After another 150 m (at the intersection of Furber Steps & Federal Pass) continue straight, to head along Federal Pass (a walking track). After another 30 m pass a seat (on your left). After another 165 m head through/around the gate.
	Continue straight, to head along Federal Pass Walking Track. After another 7 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 6 m come to the "Scenic Railway" (10 m on your left).
	After another 5 m continue straight, to head along Federal Pass Walking Track.
	After another 65 m (at the intersection of Federal Pass Walking Track & Scenic Walkway) continue straight, to head along Federal Pass Walking Track. After another 10 m pass the artwork (on your right). After another 160 m pass a seat (8 m on your left)., has no backrest. After another 1.2 km find the "The Landslide" (35 m on your left). The Landslide The Landslide '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. + - '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.
	After another 1.5 km (at the intersection of Federal Pass & Golden Stairs) continue straight, to head along Federal Pass. After another 70 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 1.7 km come to the camp site (10 m on your right). Open fires are not allowed. After another 660 m find the "Miners Campsite" (10 m on your right). Miners Campsite Miners Campsite 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 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. + - 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 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.
	After another 155 m (at the 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 your left). Then pass the sign (on your left). After another 20 m find the "Northern Ruined Castle campsite" (on your left). Northern Ruined Castle campsite Northern Ruined Castle campsite A short distance south east of the intersection 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. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns. There is no water nor any other facilities. + - A short distance south east of the intersection 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. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns. There is no water nor any other facilities. After another 540 m pass the "Ruined Castle campsite" (10 m on your left). Then pass the shelter (20 m on your left). After another 45 m pass the toilet (10 m on your right). Then find the "Ruined Castle mine campsite" (10 m on your left). Ruined Castle mine campsite Ruined Castle mine campsite 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 steep bank near the site of an old mine. The are a few campsites scattered along the flat area, mostly surrounded by some tall stringy barks. There are a few fire scars and some filtered valley views. A pleasant spot to stay. There was once a water spring nearby, but this is no longer reliable, you will need to carry in your own water. + - 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 steep bank near the site of an old mine. The are a few campsites scattered along the flat area, mostly surrounded by some tall stringy barks. There are a few fire scars and some filtered valley views. A pleasant spot to stay. There was once a water spring nearby, but this is no longer reliable, you will need to carry in your own water.
	After another 340 m (at the intersection of Mount Solitary Walking Track & Ruined Castle Track) continue straight, to head along Mount Solitary Walking Track. After another 90 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 1.3 km come to the viewpoint (on your left). After another 70 m come to the viewpoint (on your left).
	After another 245 m continue straight. After another 55 m come to the viewpoint (15 m on your left).
	After another 125 m turn right, to head along Mount Solitary Walking Track. After another 145 m find the "Corowal Plateau campsite" (on your left). Corowal Plateau campsite Corowal Plateau campsite The Corowal Plateau campsite is an informal campsite at the north eastern end of Mount Solitary. The clearing is set among some pleasant casurina forest. There are a few campfire scares, although this is in a fuel stove only area. There is plenty of flat area but there is no water source or any other facilities. + - The Corowal Plateau campsite is an informal campsite at the north eastern end of Mount Solitary. The clearing is set among some pleasant casurina forest. There are a few campfire scares, although this is in a fuel stove only area. There is plenty of flat area but there is no water source or any other facilities. After another 65 m pass the "Mount Solitary" (10 m on your left).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Chinamans Gully view. 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 630 m (at the intersection of Chinaman Gully & Mount Solitary Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Mount Solitary Walking Track. After another 1.9 km find the "Singa-Jingawell Creek Campsite" (7 m on your right). Singa-Jingawell Creek Campsite Singa-Jingawell Creek Campsite Singa-Jingawell Creek Campsite is near the 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 top of the campsite that provides great views up the Kedumba River towards Katoomba. There is a large fire scare, but this is in a fuel stove only area, so please avoid lighting any campfires. The creek gets a small amount of water in it after rain, but it does not last long, so always best to bring your own. + - Singa-Jingawell Creek Campsite is near the 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 top of the campsite that provides great views up the Kedumba River towards Katoomba. There is a large fire scare, but this is in a fuel stove only area, so please avoid lighting any campfires. The creek gets a small amount of water in it after rain, but it does not last long, so always best to bring your own.
	After another 1.1 km veer left, to head along Mount Solitary Walking Track.
	After another 970 m continue straight, to head along Mount Solitary Walking Track. After another 700 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 690 m find the "Kedumba River Campsite" (6 m on your left). Kedumba River Campsite Kedumba River Campsite This campsite is next to the Kedumba River, along the Mount Solitary walking track. This is a large clearing and basic campsite. Open fires are not permitted so it is necessary to take a fuel stove. There is normally plenty of water in the creek, but it should be treated for drinking. There are no facilities. + - This campsite is next to the Kedumba River, along the Mount Solitary walking track. This is a large clearing and basic campsite. Open fires are not permitted so it is necessary to take a fuel stove. There is normally plenty of water in the creek, but it should be treated for drinking. There are no facilities.
	After another 100 m veer right, to head along Mount Solitary Walking Track.
	After another 1.9 km (at the intersection of Sublime Point Trail & Mount Solitary Walking Track) turn right, to head along Sublime Point Trail (a vehicle track). After another 20 m pass the sign (on your right).
	After another 400 m (at the intersection of Kedumba Valley Road & Sublime Point Trail) turn left, to head along Kedumba Valley Road. After another 20 m pass the sign (6 m on your left). After another 800 m head through/around the gate. After another 330 m (at the intersection of Goat Track & Kedumba Valley Road) continue straight, to head along Kedumba Valley Road. After another 6 m come to the "Cleary Memorial Lookout" (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). After another 1.3 km pass the "Kedumba Hill" (8 m on your right). After another 770 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 6 m head through/around the gate. Then pass the car park (5 m on your right). After another 260 m continue straight, to head along Kedumba Valley Road. After another 490 m continue straight, to head along Kedumba Valley Road. After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Kedumba Valley Road.
	After another 245 m veer left. After another 80 m continue straight.
	After another 290 m veer right.
	After another 155 m turn left.
	After another 290 m turn left, to head along Tableland Road.
	After another 500 m (at the intersection of Tableland Road & Robert Street) continue straight, to head along Tableland Road.
	After another 30 m turn left.
	After another 25 m veer right. After another 320 m continue straight.
	After another 185 m veer left, to head along Tableland Road.
	After another 120 m continue straight, to head along Tableland Road.
	After another 820 m (at the intersection of Tableland Road & Hordern Road) turn left, to head along Hordern Road (a residential road). After another 105 m (at the intersection of Hordern Road & Coronation Road) continue straight, to head along Hordern Road. After another 380 m continue straight, to head along Hordern Road.
	After another 105 m (at the intersection of Little Switzerland Drive & Hordern Road) turn right, to head along Little Switzerland Drive (a vehicle track). After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Little Switzerland Drive. After another 20 m head through/around the gate. After another 215 m continue straight.
	After another 540 m continue straight. After another 25 m find the "King's Tableland" (10 m on your left). King's Tableland King's Tableland The first point of Aboriginal and European contact in the Blue Mountains, King's Tableland is a significant Aboriginal meeting spot. Historical and cultural sites on the tableland include open campsites, occupation shelters, axe grinding grooves, stone arrangements and art sites, including cave paintings and rock engravings. + - The first point of Aboriginal and European contact in the Blue Mountains, King's Tableland is a significant Aboriginal meeting spot. Historical and cultural sites on the tableland include open campsites, occupation shelters, axe grinding grooves, stone arrangements and art sites, including cave paintings and rock engravings. After another 135 m continue straight.
	After another 165 m turn left, to head along Rocket Point Circuit.
	After another 50 m turn sharp right, to head along Rocket Point Circuit. After another 95 m find the "Rocket Point Lookout" (10 m on your right). Rocket Point Lookout Rocket Point Lookout Rocket Point Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, high on the cliff south-west of Wentworth Falls, in the Blue Mountains National Park. The lookout 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 an interesting sandstone wall and is just down from a natural rock arch. + - Rocket Point Lookout is a fenced and signposted lookout, high on the cliff south-west of Wentworth Falls, in the Blue Mountains National Park. The lookout 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 an interesting sandstone wall and is just down from a natural rock arch.
	After another 70 m turn left. After another 20 m find the "Grand Stairway" (on your left). Grand Stairway Grand Stairway The Grand Stairway is a very memorable section of the National Pass in the Blue Mountains National Park. The stairway is reported to be 'the tallest outdoor staircase in Australia' and was built in the early 1900's by hand (and dynamite). This stairway, and the rest of the National Pass, was built by a team nicknamed 'the Irish Brigade' for the cost of Ã‚Â£430 . Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls. + - The Grand Stairway is a very memorable section of the National Pass in the Blue Mountains National Park. The stairway is reported to be 'the tallest outdoor staircase in Australia' and was built in the early 1900's by hand (and dynamite). This stairway, and the rest of the National Pass, was built by a team nicknamed 'the Irish Brigade' for the cost of Ã‚Â£430 . Today, the Grand Stairway is well-maintained and provides walkers access to the valley below Wentworth Falls.
	At the intersection of Wentworth Falls Track & Rocket Point Circuit turn right, to head along Wentworth Falls Track. After another 40 m cross the stepping stones. Then find the "Queen's Cascades" (5 m on your right). Queen's Cascades Queen's Cascades Queen's Cascades are a lovely set of falls on the Jamison Creek at the top of Wentworth Falls. The creek heads down the wide, two-stage cascades into a sandy pool. From the pool, the water flows between the stepping stones, under the fence and down the very tall Wentworth Falls. There are also great views to Sublime Point across the valley. + - Queen's Cascades are a lovely set of falls on the Jamison Creek at the top of Wentworth Falls. The creek heads down the wide, two-stage cascades into a sandy pool. From the pool, the water flows between the stepping stones, under the fence and down the very tall Wentworth Falls. There are also great views to Sublime Point across the valley.
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Weeping Rock Circuit & Wentworth Falls Track) continue straight, to head along Weeping Rock Circuit. After another 65 m find the "Weeping Rock" (9 m on your right). Weeping Rock Weeping Rock Weeping Rock is a waterfall on Jamison Creek, upstream of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park. The water falls over the wide circular top overhang, to then cascade down the rocks to a pool below. A staircase beside the falls helps walkers view this waterfall from different angles. This is a nice cool spot on hot days. The rocks are slippery and there are no fences, care is needed. + - Weeping Rock is a waterfall on Jamison Creek, upstream of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park. The water falls over the wide circular top overhang, to then cascade down the rocks to a pool below. A staircase beside the falls helps walkers view this waterfall from different angles. This is a nice cool spot on hot days. The rocks are slippery and there are no fences, care is needed. After another 10 m pass the "Charles Darwin passed this way 1836" (on your left). Then head up the steps (about 6 m long)
	After another 4 m continue straight, to head along Weeping Rock Circuit.
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of Charles Darwin Walk & Weeping Rock Circuit) continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 100 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long) After another 130 m pass the waterfall (10 m on your right).
	After another 570 m continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 345 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long) After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 55 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long) After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long) After another 35 m continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 25 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long) After another 20 m continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk.
	After another 215 m continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 140 m cross the bridge (about 25 m long) After another 100 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
	After another 60 m turn right, to head along Charles Darwin Walk.
	After another 10 m continue straight, to head along Charles Darwin Walk. After another 235 m pass the sign (on your left).
	After another 40 m veer right. After another 30 m pass the toilet (6 m on your right). After another 25 m pass the playground (25 m on your left). After another 80 m pass the "Falls Bistro" (35 m on your left). W:katoombarsl.com.au We-Su 12:00-14:00,17:30-20:00
	After another 55 m continue straight.
	After another 45 m turn left. After another 110 m pass the "Canton Palace" (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 a 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)
	Turn right. Then head up the steps
	After another 15 m come to the end.
	At the intersection of Mount Solitary Walking Track & Chinaman Gully Start heading along Chinaman Gully (a walking track). After 25 m find the "Chinamans Gully Campsite" (40 m on your left). Chinamans Gully Campsite Chinamans Gully Campsite Next to a small creek (often dry) and sheltered from the winds, this campsite is great for those wanting to camp on Mt Solitary. For daywalkers, this spot offers the chance to rest under the overhangs of the cliffs before continuing. Water here is not reliable, please note that in the past water was more reliable, but not so now. Please carry plenty of water. There is a camping area near the beginning of the track and there are also a few spots along the gully where people have camped previously. + - Next to a small creek (often dry) and sheltered from the winds, this campsite is great for those wanting to camp on Mt Solitary. For daywalkers, this spot offers the chance to rest under the overhangs of the cliffs before continuing. Water here is not reliable, please note that in the past water was more reliable, but not so now. Please carry plenty of water. There is a camping area near the beginning of the track and there are also a few spots along the gully where people have camped previously. After another 150 m pass the "Chinamans Cave" (15 m on your right).
	After another 180 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 350 m to the main route.

Start	(-33.7285118,150.3007652)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	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
Finish	(-33.7096169,150.3763989)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Car (There is free parking available.) Train

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	29.9 km
Time	13 h, 2 days to 3 days

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)

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	45 m	[toilet]
Toilet	145 m	[toilet]
Seat	370 m	[seat]
Seat	580 m	[seat]
Seat	650 m	[seat]
Seat	960 m	[seat]
Seat	1.3 km	[seat]
Camp site	5.8 km	[camp site]
Campsite	6.5 km	Miners Campsite
Campsite	6.7 km	Northern Ruined Castle campsite
Toilet	6.7 km	[toilet]
Shelter	7.2 km	[shelter]
Toilet	7.2 km	[toilet]
Campsite	7.2 km	Ruined Castle mine campsite
Campsite	9.6 km	Corowal Plateau campsite
Campsite	10.3 km + 25 m	Chinamans Gully Campsite
Campsite	12.2 km	Singa-Jingawell Creek Campsite
Campsite	15.6 km	Kedumba River Campsite
Toilet	29.5 km	[toilet]
Toilet	29.9 km	[toilet]
Seat	29.9 km	[seat]

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