Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs

3.8 km Circuit

512 m

Hard track

This walk starts from the popular Echo Point, in Katoomba, and winds down to the base of the Three Sisters via the Giant Stairs. From the bottom of the stairs the track follows Dardanelles pass to the Leura Forest, a great place for lunch. The track then heads back to the Giant Stairs along the Federal Pass and climbs back up to Echo Point. This walk will visits popular and hidden treasures of the area.

Looking down the Giant Staircase to the Three Sisters

Echo Point Information Centre

This modern building at Echo Point is a great source of information. It is open daily from 9am-5pm (except Christmas Day). There is a large range of books, maps and information about the area (and ice creams). There are toilets opposite the entrance

[Toilet Accessible]

, and mobility parking opposite

[Parking Accessible]

. For more information, phone 1300 653 408. More info.

(0km) Echo Point Archway Intersection → Int of Three Sisters Walkway and Spooners Lookout path

100 m

2 mins

-4m Very easy

From the intersection, this walk heads along the 'Three Sisters walkway'[1] footpath, initially keeping the metal fence to the right. The smooth concrete path leads up and over a rise then leads gently downhill for about 80m to a signposted three-way intersection[2].

(0km) Int of the Three Sisters Pathway and Spooners Lookout path → Oreades Lookout

300 m

8 mins

10m

-33m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Three Sisters 400m' arrow[3] downhill along the concrete path, keeping the valley to the right. After about 15m the walk leads past a stone seat

[Seat]

(on the left), with a blue tongue lizard sculpture[4]. The walk continues gently downhill for another 60m to pass another sandstone seat (on the left)

[Seat]

. From here the path winds gently downhill for another 70m to find yet another sandstone seat (on the left)

[Seat]

. The path continues downhill for another 45m to find a clear intersection marked with a large 'Three Sisters Walk' sign[5]. On the right is a small flat loose gravel area with two seats

[Seat]

.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Three Sisters, Giant Stairway' sign[6] moderately steeply downhill

[Trip Hazard]

along the smooth concrete path[7]. After about about 90m[8] this path leads past stone seat

[Seat]

(on the left) in a small sandstone overhang[9]. Check the miniature cicada sculptures[10] above the overhang. From here this walk continues downhill along the path for about 30m to find the fenced Oreades Lookout[11] (on the right).

(0km) Oreades Lookout → Int of Prince Henry Cliff Track and the Three Sisters Footpath

20 m

1 mins

-11m Easy track

Continue straight: From Oreades Lookout platform, this walk follows the main path down the steps, keeping the valley views to the right. At the bottom of the first set of steps the walking comes to an intersection with a track (on the left).

(0km) Int of Lady Game Lookout Track and the Three Sisters Footpath → Top of the Giant Staircase

20 m

1 mins

-10m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath down the gentle hill towards the Three Sisters, passing under a rock archway and coming to the top of the Giant Staircase.

(0km) Top of the Giant Staircase → Lady Game Lookout

10 m

1 mins

-12m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath down the hill towards the Three Sisters for about 10m before coming to the Lady Game Lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Lady Game Lookout

Lady Game Lookout is a narrow, fenced lookout above the Three Sisters. The track to this lookout starts just near the archway which marks the start of the Giant Staircase. Lady Game Lookout provides a bird's-eye view over the Three Sisters and is a popular stop whilst exploring the area.

(0km) Top of the Giant Staircase → The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection

40 m

4 mins

-31m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the steep stairs, winding down the side of the cliffs, to the intersection next to the bridge (which goes across to the overhang under the First Sister).

(0km) The Three Sisters Bridge Intersection → The Three Sisters

10 m

0m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the bridge over to the Three Sisters. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

The Three Sisters

This well-known rock formation can be found just south of Katoomba, and can be viewed from many of the cliffside lookouts, from Narrow Neck all the way around to Sublime Point. Historically, this formation appears in Aboriginal 'Dream Time' stories, where three sisters were transformed into stone. This iconic rock formation is popular amongst tourists and bushwalkers alike. More info.

(0km) The Three Sisters Bridge intersection → Leura Forest (Int of Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks)

1.1 km

46 mins

109m

-259m Hard track

Veer left: From the bridge, the walk goes steeply down the cliff using the metal Giant staircase with handrails. Along the way there are magnificent views of the valley, with chairs to help enjoy various outlooks. The walk continues to descend steeply until coming to an intersection with a flat bush track, signposted as the 'Dardenelles Walking Track'.
Turn left: From the bottom of the Giant Staircase, this walk follows the Dardanelles Pass sign towards 'Leura Forest', keeping the main cliff face on the left. There are occasional good views out over the valley to the east. Gradually, the track begins to descend and becomes more shady. In this section of track, there are often fallen logs across the track, which will need to be climbed over. Gradually, the track descends down behind the pergola at Leura Forest.

Leura Forest

Leura Forest is a great picnic area in the Jamison Valley at the junction of the Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks. This place was home to a popular tea house (also known as 'Lady Carrington Dining Hall') from the late 1800's[13]. Today walkers can still enjoy the historic rotunda and the foundations of the original tea house[14]. The picnic area provides a great rest spot under the shade of the lilli pilli and coachwood forest.

(2km) Leura Forest (Int of Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks) → Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks

1.3 km

36 mins

117m

-99m Moderate track

Turn right: From Leura Forest, the walk follows the 'Federal Pass' sign towards 'Scenic Railway'. Shortly after crossing a small creek using a little bridge, the track begins to steadily go downhill then flatten out. The environment surrounding the bush track at this point is quite dense and, while very pretty, it is difficult to see views of the surrounding area, although there are occasional glimpses of Sublime Point Service Trail on the left. After a while, the track begins to steadily climb to a signposted intersection with 'Dardenelles Pass'. There are several signposts and a bench seat.

(3km) Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks → Bottom of Giant Staircase

290 m

10 mins

36m

-33m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign pointing along the 'Dardenelles Track' towards the 'Giant Steps' - this is the upper track, keeping the main cliffs on the left. After the first short rise, the track flattens out and continues with some great views over the valley. At several points, small seats have been installed to enjoy these views. The track soon comes to an intersection signposted as the 'Giant Staircase'.

(3km) Bottom of Giant Staircase → Oreades Lookout

280 m

25 mins

203m

-20m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign up the 'Giant Staircase'. This climbs steeply (with handrails) until coming to an intersection with a bridge that goes across to the First of the three Sisters. Along the way, there are chairs in which to rest from the climb and enjoy the magnificent views of the valley.
Veer right: From the bridge, the walk heads up the staircase steeply to the top. The stairs have handrails and climb up the side of the cliffs to the intersection with the Lady Game Lookout track.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath up and away from the lookout, passing under a rock archway and continuing up the gentle hill to the intersection with the Cliff Drive access track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stone/concrete steps on the main path to almost immediatly find an unnamed, fenced lookout platform[15] (on the left).

(3km) Oreades Lookout → Int of Prince Henry Cliff Track and the Three Sisters Footpath

110 m

3 mins

18m

-2m Easy track

Continue straight: From Oreades Lookout, this walk heads uphill along the path for about 30m to pass a stone seat

[Seat]

(on the right), in a small sandstone overhang[16]. Check the miniature cicada sculptures[17] above the overhang. From here the walk leads moderately steeply

[Trip Hazard]

uphill along the smooth concrete path[18] for about 90m[19], to come to a clear intersection marked with a large 'Three Sisters Walk' sign[20]. On the left is a small flat loose gravel area with two seats

[Seat]

(4km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Track and the Three Sisters Pathway → Echo Point Archway Intersection

300 m

7 mins

19m

-8m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the large 'Echo Point' sign[21] uphill along the smooth concrete path. The path leads uphill for about 45m to find a sandstone seat (on the right)

[Seat]

. From here the path continues winding gently uphill for another 70m to pass another sandstone seat (on the right)

[Seat]

. From this seat the path continues gently uphill for another 60m past yet another similar stone seat

[Seat]

(on the right), this seat has a blue tongue lizard sculpture[22]. After another 15m this walk comes to a clear signposted Y-intersection[23].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Katoomba & Echo point' arrow [24] uphill along the concrete path, initially keeping the metal fence to the left. The path leads uphill for about 80m then over a rise to head downhill for short distance to an intersection with a track[25] (on the left) just before the stone archway[26] near Echo Point.

Maps for the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Six Foot Track	1:50 000 Map Series	Six Foot Track	NSW-six-foot-track
Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop

Altitude analysis for Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	3.8 km
		Time	3 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.4km of this walk has short steep hills and another 680m has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 490m is very steep and the remaining 200m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.4km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (870m) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

This whole walk, 3.8km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 3.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 3.4km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 410m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 3.8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop walk.

The Three Sisters Footpath

1.1 km Return, 45 mins

Going from Echo Point (the most popular lookout in the Blue Mountains) to the Three Sisters (one of Australia's most famous landmarks), this walk is extremely popular with both tourists and locals, and rightly so. Be prepared for great views of Mt Solitary, the Jamison Valley and especially great vi

Total climbing: 100m

Hard track

Scenic Railway - Federal Pass Track

3.1 km One way, 3 hrs

This walk starts at the world renowned Echo Point lookout. After exploring the Three Sisters, the walk descends steeply into the valley and meanders around the base of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. A leisurely and exciting ride up the Scenic Railway replaces the long walk back up the hill.

Total climbing: 282m

Hard track

Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway

3.1 km One way, 3 hrs

This walk starts at the most popular lookout in the Blue Mountains, and passes one of Australia's most famous landmarks, The Three Sisters. After descending into the valley and enjoying the views along the bottom of the cliffs you catch the scenic railway back up the hill. With great views of the va

Total climbing: 273m

Hard track

Echo Point to Leura Cascades

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting at Australia's most popular lookout and passing one of the most beautiful sets of waterfalls in this part of the park, this is one of the most breathtaking cliff walks around Katoomba. Signposted as part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, this walk passes stunning lookouts including Copelands,

Total climbing: 204m

Moderate track

Echo Point to Barrabaroo Lookout

4 km Return, 2 hrs

Following the cliffs, this track is primarily a lookout track with frequent, fantastic views of the Jamison Valley. These lookouts can be accessed directly from the track, without the frequent side trips (and thus backtracking) of other Katoomba cliff walks. On reaching Barrabaroo Lookout, the trail

Total climbing: 258m

Moderate track

Federal Pass

4.4 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

The Federal Pass is an excellent track that guides you past much of Katoomba's iconic scenery. The walk starts from Cliff Drive, in Leura, and winds into the Jamison Valley, exploring Leura Forest and passing the base of the Three Sisters. The walk follows the historic Federal Pass beneath Katoomba

Total climbing: 433m

Hard track

Carrington Park to Leura Forest and pass loop

4.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk is a fantastic way to see Leura Forest. The walk descends from Carrington Park, visiting Leura Forest and following a loop along the base of the cliffs and beneath the Three Sisters, before climbing back up to Carrington Park. This walk explores a variety of forests types and a few waterf

Total climbing: 674m

Hard track

Echo Point to Leura Forest Circuit

4.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

Forming a circuit around the cliffs and then the valley floor, this is a walk more then capable of convincing a walker of the beauty of the Blue Mountains National Park. There are plenty of fantastic views including Echo Point, Tallawarra Lookout and Honeymoon Point. Leura Forest is a great spot to

Total climbing: 588m

Hard track

Dardenelles Pass

4.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk offers a grand way to explore above and below the cliffline of Echo Point in Katoomba. Starting and finishing at Echo Point, the walk passes the Three Sisters and heads down the steep Giant Staircase. The walk along Dardenelles Pass is lovely as it winds through many areas of rainforest. T

Total climbing: 595m

Hard track

Scenic world to Three Sisters Loop via Furber Steps

5.8 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts from the popular Scenic World, in Katoomba, and winds down the Furber steps into the Jamison Valley, following the bush track around the Three Sisters, before climbing up the Giant Staircase and returning along the clifftops. This walk takes you on a crash course of the Blue Mountai

Total climbing: 722m

Hard track

Leura to Katoomba via Dardanelles Pass

6.6 km One way, 4 hrs

With approximately equal parts cliff-walk and forest track, this track truly shows what the cliff edges of the Jamison Valley have to offer, especially at Tarpeian and Fossil Rocks. There is a beautiful descent into the valley, as well as the mystique of Leura Forest, and a number of great spots to

Total climbing: 697m

Hard track

Scenic Railway to Leura Forest

6.7 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

Any walk that begins with a trip on the world's steepest railway is bound to be exciting, but its the tranquility of Leura Forest that makes this walk extra special. From the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk goes through the cool forest at the base of the cliffs, until reaching Leura Forest.

Total climbing: 622m

Moderate track

The Prince Henry Cliff Walk

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

Going from Katoomba to Leura, this walk covers the top of the cliff line and most of the major lookouts. With brilliant vistas all along the way, the views of the Jamison Valley are truly amazing. Time should be set aside to dawdle along the cliffs and soak up the serenity of the cliffs.

Total climbing: 575m

Moderate track

Federal Pass Walking Track

8 km One way, 5 hrs

This classic trail follows along the base of the cliffs from Leura to the Golden Stairs, passing many of the more popular sights of the Katoomba region. Travelling through beautiful forest environments, this is one of the longer walks in the area. Leura Forest and Kedumba Falls are both great places

Total climbing: 989m

Hard track

Solitary Kiosk Loop

9.4 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

This is a great walk, with much to offer photographers and those who only have a day in Katoomba. The walk descends into the valley from Solitary Kiosk before climbing up the scenic (and steep) Furber steps and soaking up the views around the rim of the valley. A great way to take in both the valley

Total climbing: 1009m

Hard track

Mt Solitary and Kedumba Valley Circuit

33.8 km Circuit, 3 Days

On this 3 day walk you will explore some remote areas around the Kedumba Valley, and some of the most famous spots in the Blue Mountains. The walks starts at Scenic World to head down Furber Steps and follow the Federal pass past the Scenic Railway, the land slide, to an optional side trip up Ruined

Total climbing: 2863m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop walk.

Echo Point to Eastern Skyway Station

2.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk follows the Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Echo point to the Scenic Skyway eastern station. The pleasant cliff top walk explores many great lookouts. There is the option to go for a ride on the Skyway one way or return (fee applies). This walk can be done one way, there is vehicle access

Total climbing: 280m

Moderate track

Echo Point to Katoomba Falls

3.1 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

From one magnificent lookout to more magnificent lookouts of the Jamison Valley this walk just gets better as it heads from the highly popular Echo Point, to Katoomba Falls. Hidden below Katoomba Park these falls are enchanting to watch as the water cascades down the rocks and along the stream. From

Total climbing: 310m

Moderate track

Silver Mist Park to Honeymoon Lookout

595 m One way, 30 mins

This walk starts at Silver Mist Park and follows a section of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The walk visits Tallawalla Lookout, with great views up the valley, and Honeymoon Lookout. An optional side trip, taking in more views from Banksia Lookout, is great if you are still feeling energetic. Eithe

Total climbing: 40m

Moderate track

Lady Darley Lookout Track

218 m Return, 20 mins

This walk provides the shortest access to Lady Darley Lookout from the road. Starting from Panorama Dr, in Katoomba, the walk heads down a hill with stairs, to the lookout. The lookout is on the Prince Henry Cliff walk, and provides great views of the Kedumba Valley. Although popular, this is much

Total climbing: 50m

Moderate track

Katoomba Cascades

254 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk starts at Katoomba Falls Park, on Cliff Drive. The track heads down to the popular Katoomba Cascades. There is some shade and a bench seat at the base of the falls. There are a few spots to enjoy a snack or get the feet wet on a hot day. An optional side trip can extend the walk

Total climbing: 19m

Moderate track

Katoomba Falls Park to Cliff View Lookout

556 m Return, 20 mins

This very pleasant walk starts from the Katoomba Falls Park. The walk explores the cliffs and dense vegetation in the area, and enters the Blue Mountains National Park to enjoy the views from the Cliff View Lookout. The lookout provides stunning views up the Kedumba Valley. The walk is well signp

Total climbing: 38m

Very easy

Furber Steps-Scenic Railway

869 m Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This popular walk descends into the Jamison Valley, passing great views of Mt Solitary and Katoomba Falls. Be sure to allow time to explore as many of the side trips as possible as these are just amazing (especially the cascading water at Katoomba Falls). To save the walk back up the hill, take a ri

Total climbing: 46m

Hard track

Katoomba Falls Circuit

1.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

For those looking for a walk involving more than simple boardwalk, this trail winding through the temperate rain forest could be just the thing. Katoomba Falls cannot fail to dazzle as they cascade down the cliffs, and the opportunity to stop for a quick cup of coffee in Katoomba Falls Kiosk makes t

Total climbing: 159m

Hard track

Scenic World down Furber Steps to Narrow Neck loop

6.8 km Circuit, 5 hrs

This walk starts from the popular Scenic World tourist spot. The walk winds down into the Jamison Valley via the Furber steps, heads west around the edge of the valley, past the landslide, and climbs the Golden Stairs, before returning to Scenic World along the roads. This is a great day walk, provi

Total climbing: 769m

Hard track

Scenic World to base of Katoomba Falls (Via Furber Steps)

1.7 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins

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 Katoomb

Total climbing: 302m

Hard track

Scenic World to Echo Point

2.1 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This is one of the most popular tourist walks in the Katoomba area. The walk follows the cliffs along a well maintained and signposted track between two popular destinations, Scenic World and Echo Point. You will see amazing views of the Jamison Valley and Mt Solitary before enjoying the majesty of

Total climbing: 192m

Moderate track

Scenic World to Katoomba Falls Lookout

1.2 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk starts from Scenic World and winds part way down the Furber Steps and along a small, well travelled side track to the Katoomba Falls lookout. Providing great views, and plenty of visitor information at Scenic World, this is a great walk for those who like waterfalls, ferns and grottos, and

Total climbing: 146m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Echo Point to Leura Forest via Three Sisters and Giant Stairs loop walk starts and ends at the Echo Point Archway Intersection (gps: -33.731963, 150.31270)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.

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