Furber Steps walk, Blue Mountains National Park Travel Guide

4.5 (73)

Descend into the heart of the Blue Mountains via the iconic Furber Steps for rainforest immersion and valley views. A challenging and rewarding walk!

The Furber Steps offer a challenging descent into the Jamison Valley within Blue Mountains National Park, near Katoomba, NSW. This iconic walking track features stunning views, lush rainforest, and cascading waterfalls, providing a rewarding experience for those who don't mind a heart-pumping trek down (and potentially back up) a lot of steps.

A brief summary to Furber Steps walk

Federal Pass, Katoomba, New South Wales, 2780, AU
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Furber Steps walk.

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the steps can be steep and uneven.
Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike back up the steps.
Consider taking the Scenic Railway back to the top to avoid a strenuous climb.
Check the Scenic World website for the last train departure time if you plan to use the Scenic Railway.
Allow ample time to explore the various side tracks and lookouts along the way.

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Explore Furber Steps walk on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Furber Steps walk, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Scenic World, follow the signs for Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Take the concrete steps down and around the back of the building to a wooden footbridge. At the end of the footbridge, you'll find an intersection with the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Continue following the signs for Furber Steps. The entrance to the steps is a short distance away. This initial walk from Scenic World to the Furber Steps Trailhead is free.
Public Transport

From Katoomba Station, take bus 686 or 686G towards Scenic World. Alight at the Scenic World stop. From there, follow the walking directions to the Furber Steps trailhead. A single adult Opal card fare for the bus is approximately $3.20 AUD.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From Katoomba Station, a taxi or ride-share to Scenic World will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $15-$25 AUD. From Scenic World, follow the walking directions to the Furber Steps trailhead.

Discover more about Furber Steps walk

The Furber Steps is a steep and rewarding walking track located in the Blue Mountains National Park near Katoomba. This iconic descent into the Jamison Valley offers a unique perspective on the region's natural beauty, showcasing lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views.Originally constructed in 1908, the Furber Steps were named after Thomas Furber, a government surveyor who secured funding for the track's creation. The steps were carved into the cliff face to replace dangerous wooden ladders that previously provided access to the valley floor. Today, the track consists of a combination of the original hand-carved steps and steel staircases.As you descend, you'll be surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation, with the calls of native birds filling the air. Keep an eye out for the catbird or wompa pigeon, and remember to bring your binoculars for birdwatching. The track passes by several waterfalls, including Katoomba Falls and Vera's Grotto Falls, offering opportunities for memorable photos and peaceful moments.At the bottom of the Furber Steps, you'll reach the Federal Pass, a historic walking trail that links Katoomba Falls with other scenic locations in the Jamison Valley. From here, you can explore further, taking detours to Katoomba Falls Lookout, Scenic World, or even embark on longer hikes to the Three Sisters or Mount Solitary.For those who prefer not to climb back up the steep Furber Steps, the Scenic Railway offers a convenient and thrilling alternative. This historic railway, originally built for a coal mine, is the steepest passenger railway in the world, providing a unique ascent back to the top of the escarpment.