Fern Bower to Furber Steps walk

Fern Bower to Furber Steps is a 5.5 km one-way walk from Cliff Drive down into Jamison Valley and back up to the Katoomba cliff top. Allow 3–4 hours. You descend the steep Fern Bower stairs, cross the rough valley track, then finish with another steep staircase at Furber Steps. This is a proper half-day hike, not a casual waterfall stroll: the track is very steep, has many steps and obstacles, and suits walkers with some bushwalking experience. If you’re doing Grand Cliff Top Walk, this is the more adventurous second-day option.

The walk starts by dropping from Cliff Drive on a steep staircase into the valley. The route is clearly signposted, but the tread is rough and obstacle-filled. Keep some energy in reserve for the climb out at the far end.

The winding path follows rough sandstone track through cool rainforest and forest. Waterfalls and picnic spots are part of the valley experience, though the route information doesn’t tie them to named stops; think of this as a forest crossing rather than a walk to one guaranteed waterfall. Lyrebirds are a good possibility in the undergrowth, and you may hear their calls before you see one.

At the base of Furber Steps, a steep staircase climbs back to the cliff top. These hand-built stairs are a big part of the walk, both as a serious final climb and as a glimpse of the track’s older construction.

The valley section follows the Katoomba end of Federal Pass. The track was first built by the Katoomba community between Leura Forest and Katoomba Falls, then extended along the old horse-drawn coal tramway toward Ruined Castle. This walk uses only a short section of that longer route.

Street parking is available near Fern Bower on Cliff Drive. The nearest car parks, toilets and picnic tables are at Leura Cascades picnic area, Katoomba Falls Reserve and Scenic World; those are access-area facilities, not services through the valley. Bring water and a snack. This is point to point, so plan how you’ll get back to Cliff Drive after finishing at Furber Steps. Pets aren’t allowed in Blue Mountains National Park except certified assistance animals.