We were going to walk down the  Giant stairway (900 stairs) beside the Three sisters and hike onto the Scenic railway.

There was a problem though.

As we were preparing to leave the campsite, there was tears…

“I don’t want to go on this big hike!!”

It was cold, quiet windy and playing around the campsite looked much more attractive to a nearly six year old.

Yeah, I could see where she was coming from.

The thing was, we had been preparing for this, talking about what an adventure it was going to be and we had only one day to do it….today.

After a little negotiating (and maybe some bribery!) we got in the car, heading to Echo point to begin the journey down the 900 stairs and onward to the scenic railway.

Arriving at Echo point, the wind was stronger and as I watched family’s rug up their kids in jackets and beanies, I did wonder what the hell I was thinking…. Wouldn’t sitting around the campsite, reading and having cups of tea be easier than this?

The guy at the information centre gave the kids and I the reassuranc and confidence that we were looking for as well as a map, and soon we found the beginning of the track and set off.

The descent down the stairs was narrow, steep and so long! The stairs descend beside the Three sisters and near the beginning of the hike, if you are brave enough, you can cross the bridge to them. Parts of the stairs are hanging on to the side of the cliff and its grated so we could see the valley below you but lucky there was a few stopping spots that had bench seats along the way,so we could gather more courage, rest our legs and let others pass by.  About half way down I got what Ivy described as “Wobbly legs” (lactic acid), so much that she had to hold them still so I could take a photo! Not long after that, apparently I passed it onto her her!

Watching groups ascend the stairs, sweating and puffing, trying to catch their breath I become grateful that we were not going to come back up, but hike to the scenic railway, even if it was to be nearly a two hour hike, it’s had to be easy then coming back up I thought!

And it was.

Turning right at the bottom of the stairs, the track was an easy, sign posted, slowly undulating hike, leading us through valleys and passing cool, fast running waterfalls. We had finally escaped the howling cold wind and enjoyed the serenity, even though we passed many people from all over the world along the way.

Nature was all around us, the Bell birds with their harmonic sounds, the Willy Wagtails happily hoping along the path and the Rosellas that flew right passed our heads, squawking loudly. And the scenery, breath taking colours being cast across the the rocks and cliff faces throughout the valley even though the sky was particularly dull.

We arrived at our destination, the base of the Scenic railway, the steepest railway in the world, to a throng of tourists. Joining the line the kids were excited to sit at the front but remembering the days when there wasn’t a roof and how I nearly fell off the seat when I was younger, I wasn’t convinced that I was brave enough!

Luckily the “train” is now fully enclosed and automated so I felt brave enough to take a spot next to my fearless companions, front row. Climbing backwards up the mountain at a fast pace caused screams from other passenger’s, ones that only got louder as we passed through the pitch black tunnel. Coming to a stop up the top there was smiles all around and high fives from the staff of Scenic world!

And the bribe that was owed? A quick stop at the cafe for ice creams meant that the debt was paid!

So, was it worth the long hike, sore legs and tears the next morning?

You bet it was!!

The kids tackled this challenge with grit and enthusiasm and unbelievably there was no tears, fighting or yelling!

Ivy continue’s to proudly share with people “I climbed down 900 stairs!”, so it was well worth the effort!

Get to Katoomba and try it!

Where: Starts at Echo Point and leads to Scenic world Katoomba, NSW, Australia.

How much?: Costs nothing for the hike but it cost me $33 total for the trip up the Scenic railway. There are other paid attractions that you can also do while at Scenic world.

Where did we stay?: This time we camped at Blackheath Glen holiday park. its a 10 min drive to Katoomba. We have stayed at Katoomba falls holiday park before and it is closer, but maybe not as nice.

Need to know: Take lots of snacks and water, jumpers, your camera, money (for the railway) and sturdy shoes.

The hike down the stairs to the railway took us 3 hours, we didn’t rush and took breaks.

There is plenty of people on the track and it is well sign posted so you will not get lost. Last train up leaves at 4.45pm so don’t leave it too late to start the trip.

Parking at Echo point is metered and there is rangers around ready to fine you. Make sure you park in a spot that will be long enough, or if you park in the street outside Katoomba high they dont charge, you do have a bit of a walk though.

When you get to Scenic world you have three options to get back to your car at Echo point, catch the bus (686), walk along Scenic drive, or do what we did take the 1 hour hike along the mountain edge! (yes we are mad!).

Safe travels

Kerrie