Passes - Giant Staircase
| Grading | 3 | Medium |
| Track Type | 1 | Maintained tourist track. |
| Track Condition | 1 | Excellent. |
| Exposure | 1 | No Exposure |
| Navigation | 1 | Easy. |
| Length | ||
| Vertical | ||
The Giant Staircase like the Furber steps is a tourist favourite as people challenge themselves in descending and ascending the 860+ steps (yes I remember counting them when I was a boy!). It is also popular because walkers can cross a bridge to the first of the three sisteThe stairs have recently undergone rennovation. Saftey railings were repaired and steps made safer especially in the lower sections.
The Stairway was the brainchild of local Ranger James McKay in 1908. Work started in 1916 but faltered in 1918. It wasn't until the 1930s when entrepreneur and photographer Harry Phillips took up the cause and in 1932 Katoomba Council completed the work.
Some great photos and the history of the making of the Giant Staircase can be found at The Giant Stairway of the Blue Mountains
Access:
- Cliff Drive, Katoomba
- Echo Point, Katoomba
- Dardenelles Pass
Map: Katoomba
Notes:
The Giant Staricase is a well trodden tourist track which descends from the Three Sisters to Dardenalles Pass. There are over 800 steps so those who are below peak fitness might want to make use of the seats provided to rest going both up and down. There are no navigational issues. Turning left at the bottom takes you to Leura Forest via Dardenelles Pass. Right takes you to Furber Steps and Scenic railway via Federal Pass.
Comments...
Grading System
Grade 1 (Easy)
Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.
Grade 2 (Easy-medium)
Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.
Grade 3 (Medium)
Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20 km.
Grade 4 (Medium-Hard)
Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 (Hard)
Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30 km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 (Very hard)
Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
Grades courtesy of John Cooper of The Bush Club
Exposure
Exposure is assessed on the hardest part of the track / pass
1: No Exposure.
2: Some simple climbing involved
3: Climbing with tape or rope neccessary for non-climbers. Still free climbable.
4: Belay advised for non-climbers. Aids for climbers.
5: Belay required for experienced climbers.
Track Condition
Track Conditions are assessed on the worst major section of the track / pass
1: Excellent.
2: Good.
3: OK, but needing some trimming or erosion repairs.
4: A number of sections in poor condition.
5: Overgrown, badly eroded or no track.
Track Type
1: Maintained Tourist track.
2: Marked track.
3: Unmarked track.
4: Footpad.
5: Off track.
Navigation
Navigation is an overall assessment of the track / pass
1: Easy. Track and offshoot tracks are signposted.
2: Easy-Medium. Track is and offshoots are well marked (cairns / tape).
3: Medium. Simple route finding is neccessary.
4: Hard. Route finding can be difficult.
5: Challenging. GPS or map and compass necessary.