Katoomba Falls Circuit

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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	(-33.7285118,150.3007652)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Turn on to Parke Street, BMD then drive for 75 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Bathurst Road, BMD and drive for another 155 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Katoomba Street and drive for another 570 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Katoomba Street and drive for another 850 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

Track Notes

Getting started
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.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. 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). Then pass a seat (25 m on your left). After another 100 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 turn right.
	After another 45 m turn right. 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).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Juliets Balcony. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 15 m continue straight.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Highly recommended optional sidetrip to Katoomba Falls. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 60 m continue straight. After another 35 m find the "Rainforest Lookout" (15 m on your right). 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 50 m come to the "Vaniman's Lookout" (15 m on your left). After another 125 m find the "Cliffside lookout" (30 m on your right). 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 140 m pass a seat (10 m on your right)., has a backrest.
	Turn left.
	After another 20 m continue straight.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Katoomba Falls Kiosk. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 20 m continue straight. After another 40 m pass the "Blue Mountains National Park" (on your right).
	After another 85 m continue straight. After another 45 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 15 m pass the "Witches Leap" (20 m on your left).
	After another 55 m continue straight. After another 50 m cross the bridge (about 75 m long)
	After another 65 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Juliets Balcony.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 25 m come to "Juilets Balcony". 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. About 10 m past the end is a seat. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 25 m come to "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.

About 10 m past the end is a seat.

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

An optional side trip to Katoomba Falls Kiosk.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the Katoomba Falls Reserve at the start.
	After another 35 m come to the end. About 15 m past the end is a car park. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 55 m to the main route.

Highly recommended optional sidetrip to Katoomba Falls.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Then head down the steps (about 40 m long)
	Turn right. Find the Rainforest Lookout at the start. Find the Rainforest Lookout at the start. Then pass the "Plant Life on the Edge" (6 m on your left).
	After another 20 m turn left. After another 45 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long) After another 165 m come to "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 255 m to the main route.

Terrain

Katoomba Falls Circuit

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	1.2 km
Time	40 min to 1 h 45 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
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 are 2 on route, on average they are 410 m apart with the largest gap of 1.1 km.

Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 270 m apart with the largest gap of 470 m.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	45 m	[toilet]
Seat	50 m	[seat]
Toilet	145 m	[toilet]
Seat	370 m	[seat]
Seat	380 m + 60 m	[seat]
Seat	790 m	[seat]

Articles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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