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Federal Pass

Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Federal Pass.

Getting there and parking

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    Federal Pass walking track is in the Katoomba area of Blue Mountains National Park. You can join Federal Pass at four places:

    • From Leura Cascades, you can access the start of the walk via Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit.
    • From Echo Point in Katoomba, follow Three Sisters walk for 450m then descend Giant Stairway. Follow Dardanelles Pass to connect with the start of the track at Leura Forest. For a shorter walk, head towards Scenic World, where Dardanelles Pass joins Federal Pass a short way along.
    • Alternatively, descend via Furber Steps, near Scenic World on Cliff Drive, where you’ll join Federal Pass about halfway. From here, you can walk to Ruined Castle, passing Golden Stairs on the way.
    • Golden Stairs descends from Glen Raphael Drive, (unsealed) on Narrow Neck Plateau south Katoomba. Descend to the intersection with Federal Pass; turn right to go to Ruined Castle where the track ends, or turn left to walk back towards Scenic World, Furber Steps, Giant Stairway and finally Leura Forest.

    Parking

    Parking is available at all sites where you can access Federal Pass, with paid parking at Echo Point. Federal Pass can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

    Facilities

    Toilets

    Toilets are available at the nearby Leura Cascades picnic area and at Scenic World

    Picnic tables

    Picnic tables are available at the nearby Leura Cascades picnic area

    Cafe/kiosk

    A kiosk is located at Scenic World

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    This walk involves a steep descent of 170m. Visitors with heart or breathing difficulties are advised not to attempt this descent. You may want to reconsider doing this walk if you have issues with heights. Take care with children.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Federal Pass

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    Park info