Trail Fast Facts
Ruined Castle walking track is an 8.5km, grade 4 hike in Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 4-5 hours to complete.
Warning
Due to the ever-changing nature of the track and access points, check current conditions before you set off on your adventure. Track closures, hazards, and even parking availability can be subject to change.
Hike Overview
The Ruined Castle walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is an adventurer's paradise. This challenging 8.5km grade 4 hike offers a journey through both history and nature. Descend into the heart of Jamison Valley via the Golden Stairs, a testament to human ingenuity.
The track follows an historic mining route, where remnants of miners' cottages whisper tales of a bygone era. Lush rainforest with towering coachwood and sassafras trees provides a cool and refreshing escape. Keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot an elusive lyrebird flitting through the undergrowth.
Prepare for a challenging climb to the iconic Ruined Castle rock formation. The true reward awaits at the summit. After the final steep scramble with some rock hopping, you'll be greeted by breathtaking panoramic views across Jamison Valley, Wentworth Falls, and Katoomba. Soak it all in from this unforgettable vantage point. Enjoy a picnic lunch savoring the unmatched beauty before making your descent. For a shorter return trip, simply retrace your steps. Alternatively, extend your adventure with a circuit via Ruined Castle Campsite before walking back to the trailhead.
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.
Tips
- It's a good idea to fill in the free trip intention form and hire a PLB when planning your hike.
- Bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS
- Toilets and picnic facilities are located at Katoomba Falls picnic area on Cliff Drive.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 958 m
Min elevation: 688 m
Total climbing: 633 m
Total descent: -633 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
The main starting point for this challenging 8.5km hike is the Golden Stairs carpark, located off Glenraphael Drive near Narrow Neck. To get there, turn off the Great Western Highway at Katoomba and follow signs to Scenic World. Continue along Cliff Drive and turn left onto Glenraphael Drive. Follow this unsealed road for about 2km until you reach the carpark.
For a longer and more challenging option, you can start your hike at Katoomba Kiosk, near Scenic World. Follow the Federal Pass and Mount Solitary walking track which eventually connects to Ruined Castle walking track.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, home of the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba. Discover iconic lookouts and waterfalls, historic walking tracks, mountain biking, Aboriginal culture, adventure sports, and camping - right on Sydney's doorstep.
Katoomba area is the heart of Blue Mountains National Park. This popular day trip from Sydney is home of the iconic Three Sisters. It's packed with heritage walks, world-class views and waterfalls, including Wentworth Falls.
The dazzling natural beauty of Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls has drawn visitors for over 100 years. Echo Point is a Blue Mountains favourite. Marvel at the famous views of the Three Sisters rock formation, Mount Solitary, and the dramatic sandstone cliffs towering above the Jamison Valley.
From family-friendly strolls to challenging descents into World Heritage-listed wilderness, Katoomba area is a walker's paradise. Take in ever changing views along Prince Henry Cliff walk which boasts over 20 lookouts and 3 waterfalls between Katoomba and Leura. Swap cliff top for cool rainforest on the short Round walking track. It's easily combined with a Scenic World ride (fees apply). The historic Giant Stairway will test your legs as it zig zags down the cliff face to meet the heart-pumping Federal Pass.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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
Suggest an edit
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Weather
Acknowledgement of Country
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.
1 Review on “Ruined Castle Walking Track (8.5km)”
Fantastic area to explore. We visited here while on the multi-day Mount Solitary circuit. Just check current conditions if planning to do this.
This route is currently closed due to landslides.
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list