Ruined Castle walking track
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
Overview
The hard Ruined Castle walking track rewards with historic mining heritage and scenic views over Jamison Valley in Blue Mountains National Park near Katoomba.
- Distance
- 6.6km return
- Time suggested
- 4 - 5hrs
- Grade
- Grade 4
- Trip Intention Form
-
It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- Personal Locator Beacon
-
Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath.
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, compass, gps, topographic map
Ruined Castle walking track is a jewel among walks in the spectacular Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Beginning at the Golden Stairs and descending into Jamison Valley, this hard walk lets you climb one of the most recognisable landmarks in the valley; the Ruined Castle. It’s a beautiful rock formation that offers great views over the valley as far as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba.
Descending deep into the valley, you’ll enter the cool, lush rainforest with towering coachwood and sassafrass, and a chance to spot a lyrebird. The track is an historic mining route with tell-tale embankments, cuttings and the tumbled ruins of miners’ cottages.
A steep scramble with some rock-hopping past large boulders leads to the impressive rock formation. At the top, enjoy unsurpassed views of Jamison Valley and Cedar Creek Valley. A perfect spot for a picnic before returning
Take a virtual tour of Ruined Castle walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
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.
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.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
- 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 4787 8877
- bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 270 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
Park info
- in the Katoomba area of Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Katoomba area is always open but some locations may close at times due to maintenance, poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
Things to do (109)
- 4WD touring (3)
- Aboriginal culture (7)
- Adventure sports (10)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (9)
- Cafes and kiosks (2)
- Cycling (8)
- Environmental appreciation/study (2)
- Historic heritage (8)
- Other experiences (6)
- Photography (3)
- Picnics and barbecues (8)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (3)
- Sightseeing (58)
- Swimming (2)
- Walking (57)
- Waterfalls (38)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (1)