Walks

There’s a range of trails into the Jamison Valley, right at your doorstep. Bushwalks in the Blue Mountains range from leisurely, accessible strolls to challenging hikes for the more adventurous.

Easy: Accessible and spectacular, the amble from Echo Point to the top of the Three Sisters is particularly serene early in the morning. Beat the crowds for unrivalled views of the magnificent Jamison Valley, the Three Sisters and Mt Solitary (Korowal/Munmie). Suitable for all fitness levels and access requirements. On a quiet walk you may be lucky enough to spot a Lyre bird or even an echidna.
1 kilometre return, no steps, paved

Medium: From Echo Point, take the Prince Henry Cliff Walk – a mostly unpaved track with a few stair climbs and lookouts along the way – past the Scenic Skyway station as you head toward 150m Katoomba Falls. Skip across Katoomba Cascades and along the recently commissioned night walk to Kedumba River Look Out.
3 kilometre return, some steps and unpaved areas

With a bit of planning, add the Furber Steps to your loop – you’ll pass the waterfall on your way down to the valley floor. Don’t forget to check the timetable and bring money if a gondola ride to the top sounds preferable to the 900-or-so stair climb.
Challenging, with many steps, allow an extra 1-2 hrs

And beyond: The Giant Staircase is also steep and exposed. From Echo Point, stop at Honeymoon Bridge (visible in the photo above the fire place) where the mountains fall away beneath your feet. The stairs descend to Federal Pass, where the path splits to the ancient Leura forest if you turn left (allow 1-2 hrs return) and the Furber Steps if you turn right (allow 1-2 hrs return). For a longer route, set off for the Militia Point landslide (allow 2-3 hrs return), the Golden Staircase (allow 5-6 hrs return) and the Ruined Castle (7-8hrs return), or head on up and over Mt Solitary (Korowal/Munmie) for a serious challenge. Check the Scenic World gondola timetable before you begin if a ride out of the valley sounds better than the hike.

We recommend planning all walks with up-to-date information from National Parks. Take warm clothes, plenty of water and make sure you’ve told someone where you’re headed and when you expect to be back. You can also speak to the information centre at Echo Point.

Lookouts

Echo Point (Echo Point Rd, Katoomba – 2 minute walk) 

At its most serene at sunrise, beat the crowds and watch the mist clear from the valley. The sunsets are magnificent, too.

Cahills Lookout (258-276 Cliff Dr, Katoomba – 5 minute drive) 

This is a popular sunset spot, with views over the Megalong Valley.

Evans Lookout (Evans Lookout Rd, Blackheath – 20 minute drive) 

Looks over the blue gum forest on the floor of the Grose Valley.