Katoomba Falls is one of our favourite waterfalls here at Mountain Whispers, and once you see them you’ll understand why.
The Katoomba Falls Circuit is a great way to take in a number of the great lookouts we have here in the Blue Mountains, as well as Katoomba Falls. Combine this walk with a trip to Scenic World and you’ve got a great full day out exploring.
Start this walk at Scenic World by following the signs to the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Cross over the footbridge and follow the bush track down. After a short walk you’ll find yourself at the base of the Scenic Railway. Another 40 metres down the steep timber stairs and you’ll come across Vanimans Lookout.
Vaniman’s Lookout gives you some great views of Reids Plateau, and looks directly over the three sisters across the Valley. Look up and you’ll see the Scenic Skyway cable car crossing the valley. Back in the 1900’s, Vaniman’s Lookout was known to be one of the best viewing spots of the Three Sisters and it’s still a great spot to view them from today.
Once you’ve finished take in the wonderful views of the Kedumba Valley, follow the bush track away from the bottom of the stairs. Wind around the side of the hill and down the stairs; at the bottom you’ll come to the intersection of Katoomba Falls Round Walk and Juliets Balcony track. This intersection is unsignposted; take the track on the right, and head up the timber stairs. At the top, wind along the bush track to the edge of rock shelf which has been fenced off, to Juliets Balcony.
Juliets Balcony is an amazing lookout and will give you the first glimpses of Katoomba Falls Round Walk. Your views will stretch across the valley from the falls to the Three Sisters.
Turn back around and at the same intersection, turn left onto the Katoomba Falls Circuit. The walk follows a set of steps around the side of the hill, and ends at the intersection of the Round Walk and the Furber Steps track. Turn right and follow the ‘Base of the Scenic Railway’ sign, down the stairs to the Rainforest Lookout.
This lookout is different to many of the lookouts in the area as it gives you the chance to get to the top of the rainforest canopy. While you won’t have views of the valley, you can stop and take in the sound of the birds, and see Witches Leap creek winding through the rainforest. This is a great little spot to stop for lunch and just relax.
After you’ve stopped for a while, turn right from the Rainforest Lookout and follow the bush track pass the steps and through the rainforest. You’ll soon come to an intersection of the Underfalls Walk. Turn left, and follow the Underfalls Walk down a flight of stairs and across a small waterfall. This track will have you continue through the rainforest until you arrive at your destination – Katoomba Falls Lookout. This lookout is right at the base of the falls.
These falls are some of the most famous and most visited in the Blue Mountains area. The Kedumba River forms the Katoomba Falls, dropping around 150 metres in two stages. You can also access the first landing of the waterfall from the Furber Steps (the Undercliff Track).
You can wind your way back up to Scenic World following the bush track through the rainforest. At the Furber Steps intersection, you can turn right to go back to the Rainforest Lookout, and then left to the Round Walk track intersection. Follow the signs directing you to the caravan park up to Witches Leap Lookout. It’s then only a short walk back to the top of the hill. Follow the ‘Round Walk’ signs and you’ll find yourself at the Katoomba Falls Kiosk. This is a great place to stop for a coffee and cake or lunch if you didn’t stop along the walk. Head back to Scenic World following the signs.
If you don’t get a chance to do the Katoomba Falls Circuit while staying with us here at Mountain Whispers, the Katoomba Falls can be see from most of the lookouts in Katoomba, as well as at Cooks Landing on Federal Pass, the track running alongside the Kedumba River at the top of the falls and on a trip on the Scenic Skyway.
The Katoomba Falls are a must-see in the area, and with luxury accommodation at Mountain Whispers you won’t be too far from the falls or the local walks.
Book your luxury Blue Mountains getaway at Mountain Whispers here today.
