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.
The Scenic World to Ruined Castle hike offers a full day of adventure in the Katoomba area, with stunning views as your reward. This challenging 20-kilometer journey, with a grade 5 difficulty rating, takes you through the heart of Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales. Expect to spend 10-11 hours completing the entire return hike.
Your adventure begins at Scenic World, where you'll descend the Furber Steps. These steps lead you down to Federal Pass nestled within the valley. As you make your way down, breathtaking lookout points will provide glimpses into the vast Jamison Valley.
The track continues along a historic mining route, where remnants of old miners' cottages stand as silent testaments to the region's past. Lush rainforest surrounds you, offering a cool and refreshing escape. Keep an eye out for the elusive lyrebird flitting through the undergrowth.
Reaching the summit of the iconic Ruined Castle requires a challenging climb, but the effort is well worth it. After a final scramble with some rock hopping, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across Jamison Valley, Wentworth Falls, and Katoomba. Take a moment to soak in the beauty before continuing your hike.
The Challenge: Korowal Knife Edge and the Summit
The next section is undeniably the toughest part of the journey. You'll traverse challenging terrain and get your heart pumping with a hike up Korowal Knife Edge, a rough and unformed track along the western ridge of Mount Solitary. Once you complete the traverse of this section and reach the summit of Mount Solitary, you've reached the halfway point of your hike. From here, it's time to turn around and retrace your steps.
Extending Your Adventure: Overnight Camping
If you're looking to extend your adventure, campsites are available near the summit. However, there's no water source on the mountain, so be sure to carry plenty of supplies for an overnight stay.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
- 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.
Total distance: 20277 m
Max elevation: 963 m
Min elevation: 659 m
Total climbing: 1882 m
Total descent: -1882 m
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Scenic World is conveniently in the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage region west of Sydney, Australia. During peak summer holidays, they offer extended hours for visitors.
By Car:
The easiest way to reach Scenic World is by car. It's a scenic drive of approximately 100km and takes less than two hours via the M4 and Great Western Highway. Free parking is available on-site in their multistory carpark. They also cater to electric vehicles with Tesla Connector charging points and standard 240v outlets.
By Taxi:
If you prefer not to drive, taxi services are available. Katoomba Taxi Service and 13CABS both operate in the upper Blue Mountains and can take you directly to Scenic World.
By Public Transport:
For those who prefer a car-free journey, public transport is a great option. Sydney Trains run regular services between Central Station and Katoomba Station on the Blue Mountains Line. Scenic World is just 3km from Katoomba Station. You can easily connect with the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus or public buses Route 686 & 686G, which stop right at Scenic World's bus park.
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.
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.
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Blue Mountains National Park
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Blue Mountains National Park
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Blue Mountains National Park
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.
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.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
