Ruined Castle: A Blue Mountains Icon
Hike to the iconic Ruined Castle in the Blue Mountains for panoramic views and a journey through history and nature.
The Ruined Castle is a captivating rock formation in the Blue Mountains National Park, near Katoomba, NSW. Resembling a crumbling castle from afar, this landmark is the reward at the end of a challenging hike through historic mining terrain and lush rainforest, offering panoramic views of the Jamison Valley.
A brief summary to Ruined Castle
- Cedar Valley, New South Wales, 2787, AU
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good tread, as the trail can be steep and slippery, especially on the Golden Stairs.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike is challenging and takes 4-5 hours to complete.
- Check the National Parks website for alerts and closures before you go.
- Consider hiring a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath.
Getting There
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Car
The most common way to access the Ruined Castle walk is by car. From Katoomba, follow the signs to Scenic World. Continue along Cliff Drive and turn left onto Glenraphael Drive (an unsealed road). Follow this road for about 2km to the Golden Stairs carpark, the starting point of the walk. Parking is free but can be limited. Be aware that Glenraphael Drive is a dirt track.
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Public Transport
To reach the Ruined Castle walking track via public transport, take a train from Sydney to Katoomba Station. From Katoomba Station, catch a local bus (Route 686) towards Scenic World. Alight at the stop for the Golden Stairs. From there, it's a walk to the start of the trail. A single adult train fare from Sydney to Katoomba is around $9.
Discover more about Ruined Castle
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cahill's Lookout
4.9 km
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Sublime Point Lookout
5.0 km
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Elysian Rock Lookout
5.3 km
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Golf Links Lookout
5.6 km
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Leura Cascades Picnic Area
5.6 km
Escape to Leura Cascades: Waterfalls, birdlife, and scenic walks in the heart of the Blue Mountains.
Greater Blue Mountains drive
5.9 km
Discover the stunning vistas and natural wonders along the Greater Blue Mountains Drive, a must-see for tourists in New South Wales.
Everglades House & Gardens
6.2 km
Discover the enchanting Everglades House & Gardens, a historic treasure in the Blue Mountains, blending natural beauty with rich heritage.
Sylvia Falls
7.6 km
Discover the serene beauty of Sylvia Falls in Blue Mountains National Park, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest and walking trails.
Lincoln's Rock
7.6 km
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Empress Falls
7.7 km
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National Pass
8.1 km
Explore the breathtaking National Pass in Wentworth Falls, a hiker's paradise featuring stunning waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and lush rainforest trails.
Jamison Lookout
8.1 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Jamison Valley from the accessible and iconic Jamison Lookout in the Blue Mountains.
Wentworth Falls
8.4 km
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Fletchers Lookout
8.4 km
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Ask Roz Blue Mountains
8.6 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Narrow Neck trail
2.9 km
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Federal Pass
3.2 km
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Golden Stairs
3.4 km
Explore the breathtaking Golden Stairs in Blue Mountains National Park, where adventure meets stunning views in nature's paradise.
Ruined Castle walking track
3.4 km
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Landslide Lookout
3.5 km
Experience panoramic views of the Blue Mountains from Landslide Lookout in Katoomba, a testament to nature's dramatic forces.
Eagle Hawk Lookout
3.6 km
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The Three Sisters
3.6 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich heritage of The Three Sisters, an iconic rock formation in New South Wales' stunning Blue Mountains.
Scenic Walkway
3.7 km
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Three Sisters
3.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and cultural significance of the Three Sisters, an iconic landmark in the stunning Blue Mountains of New South Wales.
Hildas Lookout
3.7 km
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Giant Stairway
3.7 km
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Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway
3.7 km
Discover the stunning Echo Point to Scenic World trail, featuring breathtaking views, steep staircases, and unique attractions in the heart of the Blue Mountains.
Echo Point Lookout (Three Sisters)
3.8 km
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Queen Elizabeth Lookout
3.8 km
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Echo Point Lookout
3.8 km
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Essential places to dine
Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
4.1 km
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Darley's Restaurant
4.1 km
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Miss Lilian Tea House
4.1 km
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Echoes Restaurant & Bar Blue Mountains
4.1 km
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The Lounge
4.1 km
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Pins On Lurline
4.7 km
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Restaurant Como
4.7 km
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Bowery
5.4 km
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Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant Katoomba
5.5 km
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8Things Eatery
5.6 km
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Aunty Ed's Restaurant and Bar
5.7 km
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Tempus Katoomba
5.8 km
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The Carrington Hotel
5.8 km
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Mountain Culture Brewery - Katoomba
5.9 km
Experience craft beer excellence at Mountain Culture Brewery in Katoomba—where flavors meet breathtaking mountain views.
Avalon Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
5.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Skyway Souvenirs
3.9 km
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The Lookout Echo Point
4.0 km
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AU-RANGE
4.0 km
Discover the charm of AU-RANGE, Katoomba's premier souvenir store, featuring unique gifts that capture the spirit of the Blue Mountains.
The Hattery
5.4 km
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Odd Mountain Oddities
5.5 km
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The Little Lost Bookshop Katoomba
5.5 km
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Kmart Katoomba K Hub
5.6 km
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Gift Shop Tora
5.6 km
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Katoomba Village
5.7 km
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Macarthur's Arcade
5.8 km
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Mr Pickwick's Fine Old Books
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Katoomba Vintage Emporium
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Omnia
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Incantations
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Katoomba Antique Centre
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar NSW
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Elysian Bar
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Champagne Charlies
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The Baroque Room
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The Old City Bank Bar and Brasserie
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The Bootlegger Bar Katoomba
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Station Bar & Woodfired Pizza
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Alexandra Hotel
6.7 km
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Sublime Lounge
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The Henry Blue Mountains
13.5 km
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Frankie & Mo's Wine Shop & Bar
14.2 km
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Side B Vinyl Bar
14.3 km
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Royal Hotel
26.0 km
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Bramble Bar Blaxland
29.4 km
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Lapstone Hotel
29.4 km
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