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The Giant Stairway
Best time to visit
Late afternoon between autumn and spring (March to May, September to November), when the golden light illuminates the walls and the heat does not punish you during the climb.
Budget tips
Access to the staircase is free, but parking at the top costs about AUD 8 per hour. Bring water and snacks from home, as there are no kiosks along the trail.
Recommended for
Adventurers who enjoy physical challenges, Landscape photographers, Budget travelers who love free nature, Couples looking for an intense experience
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: There are 998 steps carved into the blue sandstone of the Blue Mountain, descending 300 meters to the valley below. The staircase was built by Depression-era workers in the 1930s, using only pickaxes and shovels.
Highlights: Halfway down the descent, a seasonal waterfall forms natural pools where you can feel the cold water running through your fingers as it echoes between the sandstone walls. During the hike, you come across old hand-painted signs marking spots where 19th century coal miners worked the slopes.
Insider tips
- Wear sneakers with good grip: the steps are uneven and can get slippery with moisture.
- Climb back via the Scenic Railway if you get too tired, but it costs AUD 39 per person.
- Start early (before 9 am) to find the staircase nearly empty with dramatic fog in the valley.
- Bring a flashlight or use your phone's: some deeper sections of the gorge are very dark even during the day.
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