Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the stunning beauty of Blue Mountains National Park on the challenging, 5.3km Dardanelles Pass loop walking track. Starting and ending at 35 Echo Point Rd in Katoomba, this Grade 4 circuit trail features waterfalls, lush rainforest, and breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley. Don't miss the iconic Three Sisters, the tranquil Leura Forest picnic spot, or the picturesque Marguerite Cascades. Just a 104km journey from the heart of Sydney, it's a must-do experience for seasoned bushwalkers seeking outdoor adventure in New South Wales.

Length:

5.3km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: 35 Echo Point Rd

End: 35 Echo Point Rd

Blue Mountains National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Katoomba

From state capital: 104km

Latitude: -33.73198627

Longitude: 150.3120968

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8,907 views

Hike overview

This challenging walk offers a feast of waterfalls, rainforest, and breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley, in Blue Mountains National Park. Definitely for the adventurous, Dardanelles Pass loop walking track begins from Echo Point lookout.
Follow the signs to the iconic Three Sisters, before descending the Giant Stairway. After working your way down over 900 stairs, you'll enter a dense canopy of magnificent coachwood, sassafrass, and lilly pilly. Leura Forest, at the base of the cliffs, is the perfect spot for a picnic stop, with tables and shelters nestled amid the beauty.
Once you're well rested you can continue along Dardanelles Pass, where a crystal clear creek leads to the picturesque Marguerite Cascades. From here you can take Fern Bower track back out of the valley, and then enjoy the breath taking views Prince Henry Cliff walk as you stroll back to Echo Point.
Take a virtual tour of Dardanelles Pass loop walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Tips

Although leeches are harmless, they can cause some discomfort, so it's recommended during wet weather to keep your legs covered. Salt, teatree oil, and toothpaste will repel them.
Fill in the free trip intention form and hire a PLB before you set out. It's a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.
Check the weather before you set out and ensure you're well prepared. Weather can be unpredictable and extreme in this area and Dardanelles Pass can become boggy when it rains.

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Walk map and GPX file
Dardanelles Pass Loop Walking Track (5.3km)

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Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Blue Mountains National Park.

To Three Sisters carpark. Dardanelles Pass loop walking track starts at the bottom of Giant Stairway in Blue Mountains National Park. To get there, take the Katoomba exit from Great Western Highway. Turn into Katoomba Street and follow it to the end. Park entry points Three Sisters carpark See on map Parking Paid parking is available at Echo Point. Free parking is available at Leura Cascades picnic area. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and Country NSW regions
Blue Mountains National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. Some parts of the park close overnight; details are provided for specific attractions.
9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Blackheath, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lawson, Leura, Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Woodford

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Blue Mountains National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Dardanelles Pass Loop Walking Track (5.3km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Dardanelles pass loop walking track (5. 3km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Dardanelles Pass Loop Walking Track (5.3km)