Katoomba Falls
Winter in the Blue Mountains is a perfect time to go bushwalking. So grab those walking boots, pull out your backpack, fill up your water bottle, locate your trekking pole and join GeocachingNSW on this winter walking event. All geocachers are welcome to attend even if you are not a member of GeocachingNSW.
The Walk
We will meet at Echo Point, Katoomba (see Trailhead Waypoint) at 9:45am and depart at 10am sharp. From here we will walk to the Three Sisters then descend some 300m into the gorgeous Jamison Valley via the Giant Stairway. We then follow the walking track along the Federal Pass to Katoomba Falls. It’s then just a short distance to the bottom station of the Scenic Railway, where you can ascend from the valley riding the steepest passenger railway in the world! After catching your breath, it’s an 800m walk to the Meet’n’Greet picnic spot.
Total distance for the walk is approximately 4km and should take about 3-3½ hours to complete. The walk is classified as hard due to the 800 steps of the Giant Stairway which are quite steep. If you have heart issues or breathing difficulties, you are advised not to attempt the descent. Once on the valley floor, it’s a pleasant walk around to the Scenic Railway. The walk can be undertaken by children, however, we will leave it up to you to decide if it is OK for them to come along.
There is a cost involved to ride the Scenic Railway back to the top. The cost is $14 per adult, $8 per child (4-13yrs) and $36 for a Family consisting of 2 adults and up to 5 children aged 13yrs and under. Concessions are available however you will need to talk to Scenic Railway staff to see if you are eligible.
We highly recommend you wear sturdy, comfy shoes, a hat and sunscreen and bring plenty to drink. There is no potable water available on this walk. Don’t forget some snacks to enjoy. Please dress appropriately for the expected weather and remember conditions can deteriorate rapidly in the Blue Mountains. Even though it is winter, it might be advisable to bring some insect repellant. A trekking pole may also be a helpful accessory.
There is ticketed parking around Echo Point however, we would suggest parking at the Meet’n’Greet picnic spot (published coordinates) and car shuffle with someone to drop you off at Echo Point. Please visit the Geocaching NSW forums to organise car shuffles.
Meet’n’Greet
If you are not coming for the walk, you are more than welcome to join us at the Meet’n’Greet picnic. Just meet at the published co-ordinates from around 12:30pm onwards and look for the GeocachingNSW banner for where we have set up. We expect the walkers to arrive around 1:30pm. It is a BYO everything event so bring along all your food and drink requirements. It would probably be a good idea to bring along your folding chair as well.
Public Transport Information
There are regular train services that will get you to Katoomba and a bus service to Echo Point. Visit Transport NSW for your options.
Please post a “Will Attend” log to make sure you receive any announcements that we may make before the day.
We hope you can come along and enjoy a spectacular day of geocaching friendship.
Cheers,
GeocachingNSW Committee
FTF Honours
Paul_the_Hippy - Amazing!!
Scenic Railway