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.
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.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
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.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
