Furber Steps Katoomba
Descend nearly 900 steps into the lush Jamison Valley, a challenging hike rewarded with stunning rainforest and Katoomba Falls views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Furber Steps Katoomba
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend nearly 900 steps into the lush Jamison Valley, a challenging hike rewarded with stunning rainforest and Katoomba Falls views. 
"A challenging but incredibly rewarding hike into the heart of the Blue Mountains!"
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Crucial for the steep steps and uneven terrain. Trail runners or hiking boots are best.
⬆️ Consider Scenic World
Descend Furber Steps, ride the railway up to save energy. Book ahead!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Furber Steps Descent
Starts near Echo Point
Descend nearly 900 steps into the lush Jamison Valley, surrounded by ancient rainforest.
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Katoomba Falls
Along the Federal Pass track
Witness the impressive cascade tumbling down the escarpment, a stunning reward after your hike.
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Federal Pass Track
Jamison Valley floor
Explore the rainforest and rugged terrain of the valley floor, connecting to other iconic walks.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Descent (and Ascent!)
Fitness and Footwear are Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Crucial for the steep steps and uneven terrain. Trail runners or hiking boots are best.
⬆️ Consider Scenic World
Descend Furber Steps, ride the railway up to save energy. Book ahead!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on the strenuous climb. There are no water sources on the steps.
📸 Capture the Views
The rainforest canopy and valley vistas are incredible. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Crucial for the steep steps and uneven terrain. Trail runners or hiking boots are best.
⬆️ Consider Scenic World
Descend Furber Steps, ride the railway up to save energy. Book ahead!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on the strenuous climb. There are no water sources on the steps.
📸 Capture the Views
The rainforest canopy and valley vistas are incredible. Don't forget your camera!
⏱️ Allow Ample Time
Factor in time for the hike, photos, and potential queues for Scenic World.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and the rewarding challenge of the Furber Steps. The descent into the Jamison Valley and the views of Katoomba Falls are consistently praised. However, the strenuous nature of the climb back up is a common point of caution, with many recommending the Scenic Railway as an alternative.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Furber Steps are located near Echo Point in Katoomba. You can drive and park near Echo Point or take public transport to Katoomba town centre and walk to the trailhead. Many visitors combine this with a visit to Scenic World.
Yes, there is parking available near Echo Point, which is the common starting point for the Furber Steps. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
You can take a train to Katoomba Station and then a bus or taxi to Echo Point. From Echo Point, it's a short walk to the top of the Furber Steps.
Most people start at Echo Point, descend the Furber Steps, and then either ascend back up or use Scenic World's railway to return to the top.
Yes, the entrance to the Furber Steps is well-marked near Echo Point, a popular lookout with clear signage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Furber Steps themselves are part of the Blue Mountains National Park and are free to access. However, if you plan to use Scenic World's railway to ascend, you will need to purchase a ticket.
The Furber Steps are accessible at all times as they are part of the national park. However, if you plan to use Scenic World, check their operating hours, which typically run from 9 am to 5 pm.
Generally, there is no entry fee for most of the Blue Mountains National Park, including the Furber Steps. Fees may apply to specific areas or facilities.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book Scenic World tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and potentially save time.
Some travel bloggers and websites offer discount codes for Scenic World. It's worth checking online for current offers before you book.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Descending the Furber Steps can take 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace. Ascending can take significantly longer, often 1-1.5 hours, or less if you use Scenic World.
Yes, the Furber Steps are considered a strenuous hike due to the steepness and number of steps (around 900). It's a good workout for your legs and lungs.
Many visitors recommend descending the Furber Steps and taking the Scenic Railway back up to conserve energy and enjoy the valley views from the train.
There are no toilets directly on the Furber Steps. You'll find facilities at Echo Point at the top and potentially at Scenic World at the bottom.
Yes, some fitness enthusiasts use the Furber Steps for running or stair training. It's a challenging but popular spot for a workout.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the steps offers great views of the Jamison Valley. Along the Federal Pass track, you'll find stunning rainforest scenery and the Katoomba Falls.
Yes, as you descend or ascend the Furber Steps and walk along the Federal Pass, you'll get excellent vantage points to photograph Katoomba Falls.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the mist in the valley, while afternoon light offers a warm glow. Midday can be harsh, but the rainforest canopy provides shade.
Drone usage in national parks is strictly regulated. Check with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for current rules and regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley views and rainforest. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing the waterfall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
This offers a thrilling ride and stunning views without the arduous climb. Alternatively, focus on the lookouts at Echo Point and explore the easier, paved walks near Scenic World, which offer beautiful views of the valley and Katoomba Falls without the steep descent. 🏃 Fitness Enthusiasts & Runners
+1 Remember to wear appropriate running shoes and carry water, as it's a demanding physical activity. The surrounding Federal Pass track also offers more technical trail running opportunities. 📸 Photographers
+1 The lush greenery and unique rock formations provide endless subjects. Consider visiting in the early morning for soft light and potential mist, or in the late afternoon for golden hour hues. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Furber Steps Experience: A Stairway to Adventure
+1This route is part of a larger network of trails, including the Federal Pass, which allows for extended exploration of the valley floor. Along the way, you'll encounter the majestic Katoomba Falls, a breathtaking cascade that adds to the allure of the hike. The dense rainforest surrounding the steps provides a cool, shaded environment, making it a refreshing escape, especially on warmer days.
+1Key considerations for tackling the Furber Steps include wearing appropriate footwear, carrying sufficient water, and being aware of your fitness level. The steps can be slippery when wet, so caution is advised. For those looking for a unique challenge, the steps are also used for charity stair climbs, highlighting their demanding nature.
Connecting Trails: Beyond the Steps
From the Federal Pass, hikers can extend their journey to iconic locations such as the Ruined Castle, a dramatic rock formation that provides panoramic views. Other popular routes accessible from the Federal Pass include walks to Marguerite Cascades and Vera's Grotto, offering further opportunities to discover the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains.
+1For those who prefer not to ascend the Furber Steps, the Scenic Railway at Scenic World offers a convenient and scenic alternative. This historic railway descends steeply into the valley, providing spectacular views, and can be used to access the Federal Pass and other valley floor attractions. Combining the Furber Steps with these connecting trails and Scenic World allows for a diverse and memorable Blue Mountains experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit