The Giant Stairway to Furber Steps Loop in Katoomba is a fantastic hike that features two iconic staircases in the Blue Mountains.
This moderately challenging track offers some of the region’s best scenery, including sweeping valley views, unique rock formations, lush forests, and more.
Read on to discover the highlights of this walk, the best starting points, and the ideal direction to take on your hike.
| Giant Stairway to Furber Steps Loop | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (loop) |
| Time: | 3 hours (depending on stops) |
| Grade: | Moderate (many steps) |
Getting There
Since this is a loop walk, you have several starting points to choose from, including Scenic World, Katoomba Cascades, and Echo Point. For this guide, we’ll begin at Echo Point.
You’ll also need to decide whether to hike clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending on where you prefer to climb out of the valley; either at Furber Steps or the Giant Stairway.
We recommend going clockwise, descending via the Giant Stairway. The Giant Stairway is steeper and generally busier, especially at certain times of day, so descending here and ascending via the Furber Steps makes for an easier experience.
Echo Point can be crowded with day-trippers and tourists, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a parking spot. If you’re using public transport, regular buses run between Katoomba Station and Echo Point.
Map
Below is a map of the walk with the two key milestones:
- Giant Stairway
- Furber Steps
Track Notes
As noted, we’ll be hiking clockwise, starting from Echo Point. This route takes us down the Giant Stairway at the Three Sisters and back up via the Furber Steps near Scenic World.
This moderately challenging bushwalk includes steps and uneven surfaces, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, along with a few snacks.
1. Echo Point
If it’s your first time at Echo Point Lookout, take some time to explore this beautiful spot right next to the Three Sisters.
There are several viewing platforms at different levels, each providing unique panoramic views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters from various angles.
To begin the walking trail, follow the Three Sisters Walk to the Giant Stairway. The trailhead is located just behind the information centre.
2. Giant Stairway
The family-friendly walk to the Three Sisters passes several scenic lookouts before reaching a large archway, marking the entrance to the Giant Stairway.
First opened in 1932, the Giant Stairway spans 540 metres and descends over 300 metres into the Jamison Valley; a remarkable feat of engineering.
This structure includes more than 900 steps, with a combination of steel staircases and steps carved into the cliff face.
The Giant Stairway was constructed to connect the cliff top at Echo Point with the Federal Pass walking trail in the valley below.
3. Federal Pass
At the base of the Giant Stairway, you’ll reach a junction with the Dardanelles Pass.
Turning left at this point leads to Leura Forest and Leura Cascades, while turning right takes you toward the Furber Steps and Scenic World via the Federal Pass.
To continue the loop, turn right to follow a long section of the Federal Pass. This path winds around the base of the Three Sisters and leads to the Furber Steps.
This 2-kilometre stretch is a true bushwalking adventure, taking you through a scenic forest landscape beneath the towering cliffs of the Jamison Valley.
Near the end of this section, the trail crosses the Kedumba River at the base of Katoomba Falls via a small footbridge known as Cooks Crossing.
4. Furber Steps
Shortly after crossing the river, the trail reaches a junction where the impressive Furber Steps begin.
At this junction, the Federal Pass continues westward past Scenic World’s valley stations, extending all the way to Ruined Castle and Mount Solitary.
To start the ascent out of the valley, however, turn right at this junction to tackle the challenging climb via the Furber Steps.
Though climbing the Furber Steps is quite strenuous, several vantage points along the way offer stunning views of the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls; perfect spots to pause and take in the scenery.
One of the standout lookouts is the impressive Queen Victoria Lookout.
5. Katoomba Falls
After conquering the Furber Steps, consider a short detour to Katoomba Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Blue Mountains.
This detour is part of the Katoomba Falls Round Walk, which begins at Scenic World. Just follow the signs to reach the waterfall.
From Katoomba Falls, continue along the Katoomba Falls Round Walk to climb back up to higher ground via Witches Leap, a small waterfall cascading over a rock face.
6. Katoomba Cascades
Once you reach higher ground, the trail continues east along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, with several lookouts to discover along the way.
The Duke & Duchess of York Lookout provides stunning views over the Jamison Valley, and with a bit of patience, you might even spot the Scenic Skyway gliding by.
From this vantage point, follow the trail along the Kedumba River toward the Katoomba Cascades.
The Katoomba Cascades offer a beautiful display on the Kedumba River, complete with a spacious picnic area just north of the cascades. This popular spot in the Blue Mountains is surrounded by various nearby lookouts to explore.
From the cascades, take the stairs up to Cliff Drive, where you’ll find the connecting trail marked as the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
7. Final Stretch
The last section between the cascades and Echo Point is arguably the best part of the entire loop, forming part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, which extends all the way to Leura.
This clifftop trail features several stunning lookouts, including Cliff View Lookout, Allambie Lookout, and Lady Darley’s Lookout.
Cliff View Lookout is the highlight along this stretch, offering sweeping views over the Jamison Valley and a chance to watch the Scenic Skyway glide by.
From here, it’s about a kilometre of clifftop hiking back to Echo Point, where you can grab some lunch, explore Katoomba, or set off for your next Blue Mountains adventure!
