Furber Steps Blue Mountains ~ Walks in Australia

Down the Cliff Walk Stairs to Federal Pass, Scenic World

Scenic World Blue Mountains signpost to Furber Steps Walking Trails and Paths. The top of the Furber Steps is near the Scenic World building outside Katoomba, NSW in the Blue Mountains of Australia, west of Sydney.

The trail walks can be accessed by following the direction sign, like the one shown in the photo.

Additonal signposts guide you along the path to the top of the Furber Steps trail, but even so, I asked other trail walkers for directions, just to be sure.

I decided to walk down the thousand or so Steps, and take the Scenic Trainway back up.

Steep Grade for Furber Steps Near Scenic World, in the Blue Mountains

I came to the top of the Furber Steps, glad to find that I was on the right trail.

The path is also fairly steep and under a heavy canopy in parts, and slippery with fallen leaves and mud from recent rains.

At times the steps lead up for a short bit, then head down again, a very steep incline.

I paused at this point to take a picture to show how steep the staircases are and to enjoy the brief sunshine.

Juliet's Balcony Lookout on Furber Steps - Federal Pass Blue Mountains

At the bottom of various Furber stairways, short paths lead to lookout points, like this one called Juliet's Balcony.

Furber Steps lead down to Federal Pass, and the lower, valley trail.

Notice the mists over the trees across the valley, looking towards Katoomba Falls.

The weather especially in this part of the Blue Mountains can change dramatically and suddenly, so do carry food, water, sunscreen and raingear if you are planning to trail walk.

Staircase Clings to Cliff Face at Furner Steps, near Scenic World Blue Mountains

Here's another staircase on the Furber Steps trail; again, you can get an idea of how many steps one must traverse.

Near the top, on my way down, I stopped to chat with a woman who was on her way BACK UP!

Her home was nearby, she said, and she would walk up and down these hundreds of steps several days each week for exercise!

Interpretive Sign at Bottom of Furber Steps at Federal Pass Blue Mountains

At the bottom of the Furber Steps, I found this sign and trail map. It would have been even more helpful to have a similar sign posted near the top.

From this point -- the Federal Pass -- you can go left to the Scenic Tramway etc, or across the Valley.

Or go to your right, to view Katoomba Falls, or continue on a 2-3 hour hike to Three Sisters and then walk up the 900 steps of the Giant Stairway. Along the trails, signs give the average walking times, and remind you to take water before setting off. It was nearly noon, so I headed left to catch the train up the cliff.

Small Snake in the Grass Beside Furner Steps, Blue Mountains, Australia

As I was happily handrailing my way down the top part of the Furber Steps, I happened to notice this little snake also happy to sun itself just beside the stair case.

This was the only wildlife I encountered this morning. And as much as I enjoy seeing wildlife, I don't miss it when I am by myself in the rain forest :-)

Related Blue Mountains, Australia pictures, Info: Sydney Australia;Blue Mountains tour bus route; Three Sisters, Echo Point; Jenolan Caves info, hotel;