Carrington Park to Leura Forest and pass loop
Download & Print Map and Notes
3 hrs
4.8 km Circuit
674 m
Hard track
Carrington Park
Carrington Park is a medium-sized park on a traffic island, at the junction of Cliff Road and Merriwa St, Katoomba. The park is partially fenced and has a picnic shelter, picnic tables, garbage bins and children’s play equipment.
(0km) Carrington Park → Int of Federal Pass and Jamieson Lookout Tracks
230 m
5 mins
5m
-22m
Moderate track
From Carrington Park, the walk crosses Cliff Drive and goes down the stairs and past the sign for ‘Blue Mountains National Park’. The walk continues down the stairs until reaching an intersection signposted with the way to ‘Echo Point’ or ‘Leura Cascades’.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Leura Cascades 1km’ sign down the wooden steps and along the bush track, winding through the forest until coming to the signposted intersection of the ‘Leura Forest’ Track.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Leura Forest’ sign along the bush track, winding down the hill for a short while before dropping down a set of wooden steps, to the signposted intersection with the ‘Jamieson Lookout’ track.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Leura Cascades 1km’ sign down the wooden steps and along the bush track, winding through the forest until coming to the signposted intersection of the ‘Leura Forest’ Track.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Leura Forest’ sign along the bush track, winding down the hill for a short while before dropping down a set of wooden steps, to the signposted intersection with the ‘Jamieson Lookout’ track.
(0.23km) Int of Federal Pass and Jamieson Lookout Tracks → Jamieson Lookout
20 m
1 mins
0m
-6m
Easy track
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Jamieson Lookout’ sign along the short bush track to the rock shelf at the Jamieson Lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.
Jamieson Lookout
Jamieson Lookout is a fenced lookout at the east end of the Federal Pass track, and just off Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The lookout has a bench seat and provides great views up the Jamison Valley, along Kings Tableland escarpment and past Mount Solitary. The lookout is perched up on a large rock buttress, giving views unobscured by trees.
(0.23km) Int of Federal Pass and Jamieson Lookout Tracks → Fern Bower
90 m
3 mins
0m
-36m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the dirt path, heading down the long set of wooden and rocky steps. The walk winds down past a picnic chair under a cliff overhang, and continues down the steps into the valley and through the forest to the Fern Bower information sign.
Fern Bower
Fern Bower is an especially pleasant part of the Blue Mountains National Park, protected from heat and providing a great environment for fern trees, bracken ferns and moss to thrive. Fern Bower is a signposted area along the Federal Pass walking track, just below Jamieson Lookout and next to Linda Creek. This is a nice place to stop, rest and enjoy the bird noises.
(0.32km) Fern Bower → Int of Federal Pass and the Amphitheatre track
320 m
13 mins
10m
-150m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the information sign, the walk follows the track down the steps, passing a ‘Rich History’ information sign before coming down to the signposted intersection with the Amphitheatre track, at the top of a metal staircase.
(0.64km) Int of Federal Pass and the Amphitheatre track → Lila falls crossing
20 m
1 mins
0m
-18m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Federal Pass Leura Forest’ sign down the long metal staircase, to cross the bridge over Linda Creek in front of Lila Falls.
Lila Falls
Lila Falls is a thin waterfall on Linda Creek. The Federal Pass crosses the creek (on a bridge) in front of these falls, just below the intersection with the amphitheatre. The waterfall is not the most spectacular one in this valley, but it is a nice cool spot to catch your breath.
(0.66km) Lila Falls crossing → Marguerite Cascades
180 m
11 mins
37m
-90m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the Lila Falls, this walk follows the track heading down the hill, winding down a wooden walkway keeping the creek to the left. The track hugs the rock wall and passes under a shallow overhang. The walk continues down a staircase, then turns back down into the gully where it come to the taller and slender Linda Falls.
After passing Linda Falls the walk follows the wooden steps down through the gulley, crossing the creek again before heading down to the Marguerite Cascades.
Marguerite Cascades
Marguerite Cascades are a series of small cascades finishing with a taller waterfall of a few metres height, dropping into a shallow sandy pool. The cascades are on Linda Creek and a small bridge crosses the creek at the base of the falls as part of the Federal Pass walking track. The cascades are a nice place to sit and listen to the water running and the local birds in this cool shady area.
(0.84km) Marguerite Cascades → Leura Forest
320 m
11 mins
50m
-14m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the ‘Marguerite Cascades’[1], this walk follows the timber steps downhill, winding steeply for a short while until coming to an intersection with a faint track, marked with a timber ‘Federal Pass’ sign[2], just beside a foot bridge[3].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk crosses Linda Creek just below a pleasant cascade[4] using the foot bridge with a handrail[5]. This walk then continues along the bush track that winds along the valley floor, to the signposted ‘Leura Forest’. From here, the walk continues along the wide bush track, passing a few picnic tables, and winding through the forest to an open area with a large gazebo and an information sign at the intersection of the Federal Pass and the Dardenelles tracks.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk crosses Linda Creek just below a pleasant cascade[4] using the foot bridge with a handrail[5]. This walk then continues along the bush track that winds along the valley floor, to the signposted ‘Leura Forest’. From here, the walk continues along the wide bush track, passing a few picnic tables, and winding through the forest to an open area with a large gazebo and an information sign at the intersection of the Federal Pass and the Dardenelles tracks.
Leura Forest
Leura Forest is a great picnic area in the Jamison Valley at the junction of the Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks. This place was home to a popular tea house (also known as ‘Lady Carrington Dining Hall’) from the late 1800’s[6]. Today walkers can still enjoy the historic rotunda and the foundations of the original tea house[7]. The picnic area provides a great rest spot under the shade of the lilli pilli and coachwood forest.
(1.16km) Leura Forest (Int of Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks) → Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks
1.3 km
36 mins
117m
-99m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From Leura Forest, the walk follows the ‘Federal Pass’ sign towards ‘Scenic Railway’. Shortly after crossing a small creek using a little bridge, the track begins to steadily go downhill then flatten out. The environment surrounding the bush track at this point is quite dense and, while very pretty, it is difficult to see views of the surrounding area, although there are occasional glimpses of Sublime Point Service Trail on the left. After a while, the track begins to steadily climb to a signposted intersection with ‘Dardenelles Pass’. There are several signposts and a bench seat.
(2.44km) Int of Federal Pass, Scenic Railway and Dardenelles Tracks → Bottom of Giant Staircase
290 m
10 mins
36m
-33m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign pointing along the ‘Dardenelles Track’ towards the ‘Giant Steps’ – this is the upper track, keeping the main cliffs on the left. After the first short rise, the track flattens out and continues with some great views over the valley. At several points, small seats have been installed to enjoy these views. The track soon comes to an intersection signposted as the ‘Giant Staircase’.
(2.73km) Bottom of Giant Staircase → Leura Forest (Int of Federal Pass and Dardenelles Tracks)
870 m
27 mins
89m
-108m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the bottom of the Giant Staircase, this walk follows the Dardanelles Pass sign towards ‘Leura Forest’, keeping the main cliff face on the left. There are occasional good views out over the valley to the east. Gradually, the track begins to descend and becomes more shady. In this section of track, there are often fallen logs across the track, which will need to be climbed over. Gradually, the track descends down behind the pergola at Leura Forest.
(3.61km) Leura Forest → Lower Linda Creek Falls
300 m
10 mins
9m
-50m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the gazebo, this walk follows the wide bush track past the information sign and through the forest, passing a few picnic tables and coming to the Leura Forest signpost. From here the walk continues along the wide track to cross Linda Creek in a timber foot bridge with a handrail[8]. On the other side of the creek this walk comes to an intersection with a faint track, marked with a ‘Federal Pass’ sign[9].
(3.91km) Lower Linda Creek Falls → Lila Falls crossing
200 m
12 mins
95m
-37m
Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Prince Henry Cliff Walk’ sign[10] up the timber steps keeping the cascade to your left[11]. The track leads steeply uphill for a short while, to come to the signposted ‘Marguerite Cascades’[12].
Continue straight: From Marguerite Cascades, this walk climbs steeply up the wooden steps, then turns left and crosses Linda Creek. These steps climb to a bridge, where the walk passes the tall and slender Linda Falls. From Linda Falls the walk heads up the wooden and metal staircases. The walk then follows the wooden boardwalk that hugs the side of a rock wall under a shallow overhang before heading up some more steps and soon coming to a small bridge crossing Linda Creek in front of Lila Falls.
Continue straight: From Marguerite Cascades, this walk climbs steeply up the wooden steps, then turns left and crosses Linda Creek. These steps climb to a bridge, where the walk passes the tall and slender Linda Falls. From Linda Falls the walk heads up the wooden and metal staircases. The walk then follows the wooden boardwalk that hugs the side of a rock wall under a shallow overhang before heading up some more steps and soon coming to a small bridge crossing Linda Creek in front of Lila Falls.
(4.1km) Lila falls crossing → Int of Federal Pass and the Amphitheatre track
20 m
1 mins
18m
0m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the Lila Falls, this walk crosses the bridge and heads up the metal staircase. At the top of this climb the walk comes to signposted intersection with the ‘Amphitheatre track’.
(4.12km) Int of Federal Pass and the Amphitheatre track → Fern Bower
320 m
13 mins
150m
-10m
Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Prince Henry Cliff Walk’ sign up the timber steps, keeping the valley on the right. The walk winds up the long wooden steps through the rainforest, until it reaches the Fern Bower information sign.
(4.44km) Fern Bower → Int of Federal Pass and Jamieson Lookout Tracks
90 m
3 mins
36m
0m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the information sign, this walk follows the bush track, heading up the long set of wooden steps that wind up through the forest. The walk passes a picnic chair under a rocky overhang on the right, and continues up to the top of the valley, where it comes to the intersection with the Jamieson Lookout track.
(4.54km) Int of Federal Pass and Jamieson Lookout Tracks → Carrington Park
230 m
5 mins
22m
-5m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the wooden steps and follows the bush track, winding up the gentle hill to the signposted intersection with the ‘Prince Henry Cliff Walk’.
Turn left: From the intersection, the track follows the ‘Echo Point’ sign along the bush track, winding through the forest for a short while before climbing up a set of wooden steps, to the intersection with the Carrington Park Track (not signposted).
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track up the stairs. Just past the sign for ‘Blue Mountains National Park’, the track emerges onto Cliff Drive. Crossing the road, the walk goes into Carrington Park.
Turn left: From the intersection, the track follows the ‘Echo Point’ sign along the bush track, winding through the forest for a short while before climbing up a set of wooden steps, to the intersection with the Carrington Park Track (not signposted).
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track up the stairs. Just past the sign for ‘Blue Mountains National Park’, the track emerges onto Cliff Drive. Crossing the road, the walk goes into Carrington Park.
Maps for the Carrington Park to Leura Forest and pass loop walk
You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
| Six Foot Track | 1:50 000 Map Series | Six Foot Track | NSW-six-foot-track |
| Katoomba | 1:25 000 Map Series | 89301S KATOOMBA | NSW-89301S |
| Katoomba | 1:100 000 Map Series | 8930 KATOOMBA | 8930 |
Cross sectional view of the Carrington Park to Leura Forest and pass loop bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Carrington Park to Leura Forest and pass loop
Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
| Length | 4.8 km | ||
| Time | 3 hrs | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 4/6 Hard track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Quality of track | Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6) | ||
| Signs | Directional signs along the way (3/6) | ||
| Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
| Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) | ||
| Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
2.6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.8km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (390m) is very steep.
Quality of track
3km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.7km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 70m follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 40m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
Around 2.9km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.8km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 4.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 4.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 4.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 290m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
Similar walks
308 m Return
15 mins
Moderate track
582 m Return
30 mins
Moderate track
892 m Return
30 mins
Moderate track
1.7 km Return
1 hr 15 mins
Hard track
2.3 km Return
1 hr 30 mins
Hard track
3.1 km One way
3 hrs
Hard track
3.1 km One way
3 hrs
Hard track
3.2 km One way
1 hr 45 mins
Moderate track
3.3 km Return
1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
3.8 km Circuit
3 hrs
Hard track
4.4 km One way
3 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
4.8 km Circuit
3 hrs
Hard track
4.8 km Circuit
3 hrs
Hard track
5.8 km Circuit
5 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
6.6 km One way
4 hrs
Hard track
6.7 km Return
4 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
6.8 km One way
3 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
8 km One way
5 hrs
Hard track
9.4 km Circuit
5 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
33.8 km Circuit
3 Days
Experienced only
Other Nearby walks
570 m Return
20 mins
Moderate track
150 m Return
15 mins
Moderate track
844 m Circuit
30 mins
Moderate track
844 m Circuit
30 mins
Moderate track
1.8 km One way
1 hr 15 mins
Moderate track
1.5 km Return
1 Hr
Moderate track
3.6 km Return
2 hrs
Moderate track
2 km Circuit
1 Hr
Moderate track
954 m Return
30 mins
Moderate track
432 m Return
15 mins
Easy track
538 m Return
30 mins
Moderate track
1.6 km One way
1 Hr
Moderate track
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Carrington Park to Leura Forest and pass loop walk starts and ends at the Carrington Park (gps: -33.720233, 150.31744)Your transport options to Carrington Park are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/cptlf
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Comments