Scenic World to Katoomba Falls Base (Via Furber Steps)
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

1 h 30 min to 2 h

2.3 km
return

↑ 427 m
↓ -427 m

Hard track
This pleasant walk starts at the popular Scenic World, in Katoomba, where the Scenic Railway and the Skyway are located. The walk finds its way down the Furber steps, where there are some great side trips to lookouts. At the bottom, the walk heads around through the forest to the base of the Katoomba falls. This is a great spot for a lunch break before tackling the climb back up to the top. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
Show all
Entrance to Scenic World. | Photo by admin, 2008.
following the wooden footbridge. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Mist from Vaniman's Lookout 1940 Wallace Green. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from Vanimans Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Looking through the trees to the Katoomba Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Climbing down metal staircases. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Juliets Balcony view. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Small sheltered rest area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
example of forest in the area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The Rainforest Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Following the defined tracks. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Heading down through the forest. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Katoomba Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Going through the temperate rainforest. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Top of Furber Steps. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Furber Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Going under the cliffs to Vera's Grotto. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Katoomba Falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.7285118,150.3007652)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom
  • 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 390 m
  • Turn left onto Cliff Drive, BMD and drive for another 360 m
  • Turn left and drive for another 120 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
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 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.
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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 , 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.

After another 100 m pass the toilet (20 m on your right).
Then cross the bridge (about 75 m long)
After another 50 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.
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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 15 m continue straight, to head along Katoomba Falls Round Walk.
After another 30 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.
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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)
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.
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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 90 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 70 m 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.

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.
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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.
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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.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Scenic World to Katoomba Falls Base (Via Furber Steps)


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 2.3 km
Time 1 h 30 min to 2 h
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 is one 145 m from the start.

Seat: There are 5 on route, on average they are 380 m apart with the largest gap of 1.1 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
145 m[toilet]
Seat
370 m[seat]
Seat
580 m[seat]
Seat
650 m[seat]
Seat
960 m[seat]
Seat
1.2 km[seat]
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