BushwalkBushwalk
3 h 30 min to 5 h
| Start | At the intersection of Golden Stairs & Glenraphael Drive (-33.7344207,150.2823585) |
| Mode | Car (There is free parking available.) |
| Directions | From Cliff Drive, BMD
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| Turn map | Directions & comments |
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At the intersection of Golden Stairs & Glenraphael Drive Start heading along Golden Stairs (a walking track).
After another 70 m find the "Botting's Lookout" (5 m on your left).
 Botting's Lookout
Botting's Lookout
Botting's Lookout offers great views over the Jamison Valley and the cliff line, including the Landslide, Malaita Point and the Golden Stairs. A plaque at the lookout states that the lookout was named after Walter Botting (1887-1985), a pioneer trail-maker of the Katoomba District.
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Botting's Lookout offers great views over the Jamison Valley and the cliff line, including the Landslide, Malaita Point and the Golden Stairs. A plaque at the lookout states that the lookout was named after Walter Botting (1887-1985), a pioneer trail-maker of the Katoomba District.
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After another 500 m (at the intersection of Federal Pass & Golden Stairs) turn sharp right, to head along Federal Pass.
After another 660 m find the "Miners Campsite" (10 m on your right).
 Miners Campsite
Miners Campsite
This flat campsite beside the Federal Pass walking track about 2.2km south of the intersection at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. There is short constructed stone wall left over from when there area was habited by miners. The campsite is surrounded by a tall forest, bracken ferns and some nice fern trees. There is no water or facilities.
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This flat campsite beside the Federal Pass walking track about 2.2km south of the intersection at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. There is short constructed stone wall left over from when there area was habited by miners. The campsite is surrounded by a tall forest, bracken ferns and some nice fern trees. There is no water or facilities.
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The alternate route finishes here. Turn left to rejoin the main route at the 3.2 km waypoint. Details below. 
After another 155 m (at the intersection of Ruined Castle Track & Federal Pass) veer right, to head along Ruined Castle Track.
Then find the "Northern Ruined Castle campsite" (10 m on your left).
 Northern Ruined Castle campsite
Northern Ruined Castle campsite
A short distance south east of the intersection with the Federal Pass and the northern access track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic campsite. There are two main flat areas for camping, both with fire scares. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns. There is no water nor any other facilities.
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A short distance south east of the intersection with the Federal Pass and the northern access track to the Ruined Castle, is a fairly large basic campsite. There are two main flat areas for camping, both with fire scares. The area is surround with tall trees and ferns. There is no water nor any other facilities.
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The starting point of an alternate route. An alternative route linking Ruined Castle to Northern Ruined Castle campsite. To take the alternate route continue straight here. Details below. 
Continue another 440 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 3.9 km to get back to the start.
About 15 m past the end is "The Ruined Castle".
 The Ruined Castle
The Ruined Castle
A formation jutting out of the Jamison Valley, the Ruined Castle has great views of the Jamison Valley from Katoomba to Leura. It is also possible to see Mt Solitary to the south-east.
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A formation jutting out of the Jamison Valley, the Ruined Castle has great views of the Jamison Valley from Katoomba to Leura. It is also possible to see Mt Solitary to the south-east.
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Class 4/6 Hard track |
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| Length | 7.9 km |
| Time | 3 h 30 min to 5 h |
| Quality of track | Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6) |
| Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Signage | Minimal directional signs (4/6) |
| Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
| Experience Required | Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6) |
| Weather | Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6) |
Campsite: There are 5 on route, on average they are 1.6 km apart with the largest gap of 4.8 km.
Shelter: There is one 3.9 km (plus an extra 800 m along side route) from the start.
Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3.2 km apart with the largest gap of 4.8 km.| Item | From Start | Name & link to notes |
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Camp site
| 2.4 km | [camp site] |
Campsite
| 3.1 km | Miners Campsite |
Toilet
| 3.4 km | [toilet] |
Campsite
| 3.4 km | Northern Ruined Castle campsite |
Camp site
| 3.5 km | [camp site] |
Campsite
| 3.9 km + 810 m | Ruined Castle mine campsite |
Toilet
| 3.9 km + 810 m | [toilet] |
Shelter
| 3.9 km + 800 m | [shelter] |
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Find the Golden Stairs Car Park at the start.
After 35 m pass the sign (5 m on your left).
"The Ruined Castle".
After another 30 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right).
After another 35 m pass the "Ruined Castle campsite" (10 m on your right).
