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Federal Pass

Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Historic Federal Pass is a challenging walk in Blue Mountains National Park. Set out from either Leura or Katoomba and enjoy views of the Three Sisters, waterfalls and Scenic World. 

Where
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Distance
13km one-way
Time suggested
6hrs 30min
Grade
Hard
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, topographic map, gps, compass
Please note

For information regarding the price of Scenic Railway tickets, contact Scenic World.

If you like your scenic views from the ground up, you’ll love this magnificent walk through Jamison Valley.

Originally built by the Katoomba community, from Leura Forest to Katoomba Falls, the track was extended on the old horse-drawn coal tramway line and now goes all the way to Ruined Castle, on the other side of Jamison Valley.

The track follows the base of the cliffs from Leura to Ruined Castle, passing forests, waterfalls and the iconic Three Sisters. You can join Federal Pass at four places and each junction involves a challenging climb down and back up the valley.

You can join this historic track by descending any of the stairways (Furber Steps or Golden Stairs) to marvel at the scenic views of the dramatic cliff line. You’ll pass through dense forests and cool clear waterfalls, with some great picnic spots along the way.

If you’re after a real heart-pumping finish, take the stairs back to the top, or cut it short and enjoy an exhilarating train ride to the top from Scenic World hopping off at Katoomba.

This historic track will take about 12 hours to complete if you choose to start in Leura at Fern Bower circuit, walk all the way to Ruined Castle, and return back the same way. 

Take a virtual tour of Federal Pass captured with Google Street View Trekker

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Wide view of 2 people descending a steep section of the Giant Stairway with steel railing. Photo: Stephen Alton © OEH

    Giant Stairway

    Giant Stairway is in the Katoomba area of Blue Mountains National Park, near Three Sisters walk. This popular walking track descends 998 stairs from Echo Point to Honeymoon Bridge—which connects to the first sister.

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Bush Trackers

Bush Trackers was created to encourage children to engage with the environment in and around the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. This program highlights the natural and cultural splendour of the greater Blue Mountains through education initiatives and bushwalks.

Charles Darwin walk, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Steve Alton

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

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