Ruined Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruined CastleStratigraphic range: Triassic |
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|---|---|
View from the top level of the Ruined Castle in the Blue Mountains |
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| Type | Rock formation |
| Unit of | Great Dividing Range |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Sandstone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 33°45′48″S 150°17′39″E / 33.763306°S 150.294033°E |
| Region | Blue Mountains |
| Country | Australia |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Castle-like appearance |
The Ruined Castle is a cool rock formation found in the Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. It's a popular spot for hikers! You can find campsites nearby, making it a great place for a multi-day adventure. From the top of the Ruined Castle, you get amazing 360-degree views of the Jamison Valley and the beautiful Blue Mountains all around you.
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What is the Ruined Castle?
The Ruined Castle is a group of large, rocky boulders. It sits on a ridge that stretches from Castle Head to Mount Solitary. This spot is higher than the land around it, making it stand out from the bushland. It offers fantastic wide views of the whole area.
How to Get to Ruined Castle
You can reach the Ruined Castle by following the Federal Pass walking track. There are a few ways to get onto the Federal Pass:
- You can take the Scenic Railway.
- You can walk down the Furber Steps, which start from Scenic World.
- You can use the Golden Stairs, which go down from the Narrow Neck Plateau. This plateau is southwest of Katoomba.
The Federal Pass track continues southeast from the Ruined Castle all the way to Mount Solitary.
History of the Area
Near the path leading up to the Ruined Castle, you might see sealed openings of old coal mines. This area used to be a mining community. Today, it's a large clearing that hikers use as a campground.
This spot was once important for moving coal and shale oil. A person named John Britty North used an aerial ropeway to transport these materials. After the ropeway stopped working, the walking track you see today was built. It was first used as a horse-drawn rail track. This track connected to a larger rail system that went from Malaita Point to the Megalong Valley.
More Information
- Self-Guided Ruined Castle Trips With Optional Hiking Equipment Rental
