If you want your legs to feel like jelly, and the next day wonder where all your new muscles came from, this is the walk for you!
Plunging into the Jamison Valley behind the Three Sisters, the Giant Stairway truly deserves its name. A grand total of 998 steps lead you down to the bottom of the cliffs of the Three Sisters, some carved right into the cliff face and some steel staircases.
Don’t get too worried though – the stairway is well protected with fences and steel handrails, and if you’re reasonably good on your feet this is a perfect way to experience both the cliff top and valley bottom environments of the Blue Mountains.
The walk begins at the visitor centre at Echo Point. Walk under an old stone archway and you’re straight into the bush, walking along a smooth path through tall ribbon gums on your way to the Three Sisters. This section of the track is wide and very easy going and has a couple of great lookouts.
The Giant Stairway begins directly above the first of the Three Sisters, and takes you down to the valley via a series of dizzying staircases – some pinned to the rock, some carved right out of the cliff itself. Go nice and slow on the way down – and don’t miss the chance to walk across Honeymoon Bridge to stand on the first of the Three Sisters.
Once you reach the bottom of the steps turn right on to the Federal Pass walking track, which winds around the base of the Three Sisters, passing through some beautiful tall wet sclerophyll forest; keep an eye out for lyrebirds along this stretch of the walk.
After about 30 minutes you’ll cross Kedumba Creek, where you can stand on the bridge and gaze up at a fantastic view of Katoomba Falls. Another five minutes walk and you’ll be standing at the base of the Scenic Railway.
Make an elegant retreat to the cliff top on the world’s steepest railway. (Fare payable at the top) The last train up departs at 4.50pm), and rejoin the Explorer Bus in the coach parking area at Scenic World.
