Reids Plateau Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

20 mins

352 m Circuit

29 m

Moderate track

This walk starts near Katoomba Kiosk, opposite Katoomba Park, on Cliff Drive. The walk heads through the bush, on a well established track, out to Reids Plateau. The loop around Reids Plateau explores several lookouts and the bush through the area. There are a couple of short side trips out to extra lookouts, including one that passes through a natural tunnel. Reids Plateau Picnic area has a few picnic tables, shelter, and a great view making a great spot for a picnic lunch.

Steps near int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Reids Plateau loop

Reids Plateau track west of Cliff side lookout

Mount solitary from Reids Plateau Picnic area

'Cave' shelter at Reids Plateau Picnic area

Track passing 'cave' at Reids Plateau Picnic area

Katoomba Falls Kiosk

The Katoomba Falls Kiosk serves a variety of light and healthy meals including breakfast, lunch and Devonshire teas. A drink enjoyed here will add to the experience of any local bushwalk. For more information, phone (02) 4782-4868. More info.

(0km) Katoomba Falls Kiosk → Int of Katoomba Kiosk Loop and Witches Leap Track

70 m

2 mins

-7m Moderate track

From Katoomba Falls Kiosk, this walk heads out the front doors and turns left following the side of the building, past the car park to the small park, which it crosses, passing the water fountain and the large information signs to the signposted intersection of the 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk' and the track heading to 'Scenic Railway & Skyway'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Reids Plateau' sign down the concrete stairs, passing a 'Greenspace Project' sign. The walk continues down to the bottom of the stairs and to the intersection of the Katoomba Falls Walk and the Prince Henry Cliff Walk (unsignposted).

(0km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Reids Plateau loop → Int of Reids Plateau loop track

10 m

-4m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk goes south, up the concrete stairs. The track climbs up to the intersection with the Reids Plateau loop at the top of the first flight of stairs.

(0km) Int of Reids Plateau loop track → Cliffside lookout

30 m

1 mins

-6m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads climbs up the right of the two staircases. At the top, the walk continues along the footpath for a short distance through the trees to the first lookout.

Cliffside lookout

This unnamed, fenced lookout is perched on the cliff's edge on Reids Plateau. The lookout has a bench seat and overlooks the Witches Leap area. The view is mostly of the surrounding trees, with glimpses of cliffs on the other side of the valley. There is a nice view of Witches Leap waterfall.

(0km) Cliffside lookout → Int of Tunnel lookout and Reids Plateau picnic area tracks

60 m

1 mins

-11m Moderate track

Turn left : From the lookout, the walk heads south along the footpath, winding around the edge of the plateau while keeping the valley to the right. The walk soon comes to the next lookout.
Veer left: From the lookout, the walk follows the footpath south through the bush and up the concrete steps intersection with the Tunnel Lookout track .

(0km) Int of Tunnel lookout and Reids Plateau picnic area tracks → Tunnel Lookout

0 m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the shorter flight of steps and under a rock overhang to the Tunnel Lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Tunnel Lookout

Tunnel Lookout is a fenced lookout perched on the cliff edge, accessed though a small natural tunnel. The panorama looks along the Kedumba Valley, as well as taking in Orphan Rock to the right. There is also good view of Ruined Castle. The Scenic Skyway passes in front of the lookout every so often.

(0km) Int of Tunnel lookout and Reids Plateau picnic area tracks → Reids Plateau picnic area

20 m

0m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk head along the footpath to the open concrete area at the fenced-off cliff edge, where there are a few tables and chairs .

Reids Plateau Picnic area

Reids Plateau Picnic Area is at the southern end of Reids Plateau, near Katoomba Kiosk. There are a few picnic benches and tables near a great lookout, looking towards Mount Solitary. The tables are sheltered by a reasonably realistic artificial cave. The lookout is a nice place to shelter from the rain or sun, and great for a picnic. The area is quite popular, so you are unlikely to be here alone.

(0km) Reids Plateau picnic area → Int of Reids Plateau loop and lookout tracks

30 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Veer left: From the picnic area, the walk follows the concrete path north, winding around the plateau for a short distance to the intersection with the Plateau lookout path, near the fibreglass rock shelter.

(0km) Int of Reids Plateau loop and lookout tracks → Reids Plateau lookout

10 m

-1m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads east through the bush and away from the fibreglass shelter, soon coming to the lookout at the end of the path. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Plateau Lookout

This small, fenced lookout is on Reids Plateau, near Katoomba Kiosk. The lookout provides a partial view through some trees, across the Kedumba Valley towards the Three Sisters.

(0km) Int of Reids Plateau loop and lookout tracks → Int of Reids Plateau loop track

50 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath north through the bush, passing the fibreglass shelter and continuing down the concrete steps to the intersection with the Reids Plateau loop track.

(0km) Int of Reids Plateau loop track → Katoomba Falls Kiosk

90 m

2 mins

11m

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the concrete steps to the intersection with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
Continue straight: With the Katoomba Falls track to the left and the picnic bench to the right, this walk heads north up the concrete stairs, passing a 'Greenspace Project' sign. The walk comes to the top of the stairs, to the signposted intersection of 'Round Walk' at the back of the small park near the Katoomba Kiosk.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses through the park, passing the large information signs and the water fountain, arriving at the Katoomba Kiosk.

Maps for the Reids Plateau 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 Reids Plateau Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Reids Plateau Loop

Altitude analysis for Reids Plateau 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	352 m
		Time	20 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 220m of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 140m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 200m of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 150m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 180m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 170m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 350m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 350m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 300m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 50m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Reids Plateau Loop walk.

Round Walk

854 m Circuit, 45 mins

A great walk exploring the upper section of Furber Steps. Starting at the Katoomba Kiosk, this walk visits Witches Leap, Juliets Balcony and Vanimans Lookout to loop back to the Kiosk. There are great views down the Kedumba Valley and of many of the surrounding features. A well shaded walk with so

Total climbing: 52m

Hard track

Witches Leap Circuit

1.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs

A great circuit walk near Scenic World, Katoomba. This walk heads into a temperate rain forest, following a shrouded trail through Witches Leap, a small creek crossing, before emerging near Katoomba Kiosk. The kiosk is a good spot to stop for a coffee before heading back along the flat trail to Scen

Total climbing: 89m

Hard track

Katoomba Kiosk to Katoomba Falls

1.1 km Return, 45 mins

This is a excellent return walk, starting from the Katoomba kiosk and winding down to the Furber Steps, where it continues along a well signposted side track to the Katoomba Falls lookout. As this walk starts and finishes at the Kiosk, it is can be a great place to grab some tucker before heading of

Total climbing: 116m

Moderate 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

Katoomba Kiosk to base of Katoomba Falls

1.7 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk starts from the Katoomba Kiosk, on Cliff Drive, winds down to the bottom of Furber Steps and continues to the base of the Katoomba Falls. There are optional side trips to Katoomba Falls lookout and Vera's Grotto on the way. By the creek at the base of Katoomba Falls is a great spot to enjo

Total climbing: 272m

Hard track

Katoomba Falls to Echo Point via Prince Henry Cliff Walk

1.8 km One way, 1 Hr

This walk is a lovely clifftop walk above the Jamison Valley, with extensive views out to Mt Solitary. The Three Sisters make a wonderful highlight, along with great views from Echo Point Lookout. The walk takes in many additional lookouts along the way, each with its own unique view of the Blue Mou

Total climbing: 196m

Moderate 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 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

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

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 Reids Plateau Loop walk.

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

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 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

Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley

29.2 km One way, 2 Days

This is the two day version of this popular and challenging walk. This walk passes popular sights including the Landslide, Ruined Castle, Mt Solitary and Wentworth Falls, and is a great way to explore the Jamison Valley. Water is rarely available at the campsite, with the Kedumba River being the on

Total climbing: 2135m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls

29.3 km One way, 3 Days

Circling the Jamison Valley, this spectacular three day walk is packed with great views and beautiful scenery. From Scenic World the walk heads around the base of the cliffs before climbing up to the Ruined Castle and then Mt Solitary. Walkers can rest in the sheltered Chinaman's Gully campsite over

Total climbing: 2147m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway to Golden Staircase Circuit

5.9 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

Exploring below the cliffs on the western side of the Scenic Railway, this walk passes some spectacular lookouts, especially the view from the Landslide. In addition to this, it goes through beautiful shrouded forest before climbing steeply up the Golden Staircase. Once out of the valley, be prepare

Total climbing: 723m

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

Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle

16.2 km Return, 11 hrs

One of the longer day-walks in the Katoomba area, this track goes from the very popular Scenic World to the fantastic lookout on top of the Ruined Castle and then on to the amazing Mt Solitary. Be prepared for a long, but amazing, day of viewing the Jamison Valley. Make sure you are back to catch t

Total climbing: 1345m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle

12.4 km Return, 7 hrs 30 mins

This is a very popular, full day walk, in the Katoomba Area, offering great views of the valley. The walk follows the edge of the cliffs, through the undergrowth, from the Scenic Railway to the Ruined Castle. There are great views to enjoy from the Ruined Castle. Arrive back in time to catch the Sc

Total climbing: 963m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Reids Plateau Loop walk starts and ends at the Katoomba Falls Kiosk (gps: -33.726453, 150.30400)

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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