Dardanelles Pass Loop
Descend the Giant Stairway beside the Three Sisters into the rainforest of Leura Forest, and climb back out the other side.
- Distance5.3km loop
- Time2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
- DifficultyGrade 4 of 5
- Nearest townKatoomba
About this walk
Nearly 900 steel and stone steps drop from Echo Point to the base of the cliffs. From there the Dardanelles Pass track runs through tall, quiet rainforest to Leura Forest before the climb back to the clifftop.
Route map
Mapped length 1.9 km. Route line from OpenStreetMap; distance and grade in the summary are the official NPWS figures where available.
Take this map offline
Phone reception drops out across most of the Mountains. Save the route before you leave town.
GPX opens in Gaia GPS, AllTrails, Organic Maps, Garmin and most navigation apps and shows your live position on the route with no signal. How to use offline maps.How to get there
Start at Echo Point, Katoomba (see the Three Sisters Walk for directions).
Parking: Metered parking at Echo Point.
By train: Train to Katoomba station, then bus 686 to Echo Point.
Good to know
- The Giant Stairway is one-way-at-a-time narrow in places, and tough on knees.
- It closes after rockfalls and for maintenance - check alerts.
Common questions
How long is Dardanelles Pass Loop?
Dardanelles Pass Loop is 5.3km loop and takes about 2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min.
How hard is Dardanelles Pass Loop?
It is rated Grade 4 on the Australian Walking Track Grading System: bushwalking experience recommended: long, rough or very steep sections.
Where does Dardanelles Pass Loop start?
Start at Echo Point, Katoomba (see the Three Sisters Walk for directions). GPS: -33.73199, 150.31210.
Where do I park for Dardanelles Pass Loop?
Metered parking at Echo Point.
Can I take my dog to Dardanelles Pass Loop?
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in NSW national parks, including on leads or in vehicles.
Is there phone reception at Dardanelles Pass Loop?
Do not rely on it. Download the GPX file or save this page offline before you leave Katoomba.
Sources: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (distance, time, grade, coordinates); OpenStreetMap contributors (route line). Last checked Friday 13 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Photo: BriMiDra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
