Blue Mountains - Federal Pass Photo Adventure

In the first of a series of Blue Mountains Photo Adventures scheduled for 2021, exclusive to Sony Scene, join Jay on this epic bushwalk along one of the historic gems of the Blue Mountains, the Federal Pass. 

This challenging bush walk will take us deep into the Jamison Valley along Fern Bower, Leura Forest, Dardanelles Pass, Federal Pass, Furber Stairs and Prince Henry Cliff Walk. We will pass some fantastic lookouts and waterfalls and stop to photograph the scenery as we travel, with plenty of opportunity to capture wide open valley views, shady rain forest, wildflowers and other flora, plus the chance to capture Lyrebirds as they dig around for food on their morning rounds. Bring your wide angle, telephoto and macro lenses, as this will be a walk offering the full gamut of beautiful Blue Mountains photography. 

As we travel, your guides will introduce you to the flora, fauna and history of the Blue Mountains giving photographers and non-photographers alike an enjoyable insight into this superlative World Heritage Listed area.

Our Route:  

• Meet at the Solitary Restaurant
• Descend Fern Bower into the Jamison Valley
• Side trip to the old Leura Sewage Farm
• Leura Forest
• Dardanelles Pass
• Katoomba Falls/Cooks Crossing
• Optional - The Scenic Railway (fee applies)
• Furber Stairs
• Mid-Katoomba Falls
• Juliets Balcony
• Scenic World
• Reids Plateau
• Katoomba Cascades
• Prince Henry Cliff Walk
• Echo Point 
• Return to the Solitary Restaurant

This Bushwalk is considered Grade 4 - Hard - Steep Stairs Down and Up - Muddy, slippery bush tracks.

Our adventure commences atop the 200 metre high sandstone escarpments of the Jamison Valley, and takes us on a descent down steep stairs through a shaded, cool, coachwood and fern lined gully with a number of small waterfalls to capture along the way.  Once on the valley floor we will traverse Leura Forest and the Dardanelles Pass taking us directly below the Three Sisters, before navigating the base of Katoomba Falls and Cooks Crossing.

"What goes down, must come up!" So to exit the valley we climb the literally breathtaking 951 steps of the Furber Stairs with spectacular valley views and photo opportunities along the way, plus side trips to Mid-Katoomba Falls and Juliets Balcony; or for those who prefer an easier trip, take the exhilarating ride on the Scenic Railway back to Scenic World (an additional one-way fee of $25 per person is payable at the top taking credit cards only).

Once we regather the team together at the top, and after a short break, we will conclude our trip following the Prince Henry cliff walk over Katoomba Cascades, visiting Echo Point and the Three Sisters, and then traversing the cliff top back to our starting point.

Weather Dependent - We will still host this photo adventure in light / medium rain. In the event heavy rain or storms are forecast we may cancel or postpone the event. If rain is forecast we will instruct you to bring a rain jacket. Also a small towel to cover your camera will help protect it from rainfall while on a tripod. Where temperatures will exceed 30 degrees, we may seek an alernative less strenuous bushwalk, or 

Meals & Water - You will need to bring some snacks or a packed brunch, large water bottle and spare water carrier as there are no facilities while we are inside the valley, and limited facilities along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk before we reach Scenic World or Echo Point.

NB - in warm weather, we recommend you carry a minimum of 2l of water. Safe water refill points can be found at Scenic World, Katoomba Cascades and Echo Point. Water in the valley is NOT safe to drink. We will provide further details of water carriage once we know what the forecast temperature will be on the day.

Fitness & Mobility Requirements - This walk, will cover approximately 10kms of distance in a loop. Despite us traversing well formed and maintained tracks, Bushwalking is a dangerous activity requiring a good level of fitness and self awareness.  We do not recommend you attending this bushwalk if you are suffering from any physical injuries or ailments (especially knees, ankles or hips) or suffer from medicated heart conditions or acute asthma. The bush walk sections will take us down and up steep and uneven national park stairs and bush tracks with access to some remote areas requiring creek crossings. You should ensure you are capable and prepared to cover this distance as while in the valley there are no alternative options to exit. Once back at the top, buses and taxis can be accessed at any point along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk.

Travel Light - We recommend you plan to travel light for this bushwalk. You will need a comfortable backpack and minimise the amount of equipment you bring to the essentials, including space for clothing and allow space to carry up to 2 litres of water. To maintain your comfort, we recommend pack weights including water of no more than 10kgs.

Parking - Car Parking is available on the roadside on Merriwa Street, Emily Street or Cliff Drive. Please allow yourself plenty of time to arrive and reach the meeting point in time for departure. 

Accommodation - Why not #goblue #stayanightortwo Due to the early start, we recommend you stay in one of Katoomba or Leura's many guest houses or hotels, giving you the opportunity to visit and capture the many other photographically stunning locations you can access nearby.

Jay is licensed to operate Photography Tour and Bushwalk activities in NSW National Parks under an Eco Pass License # LIC20/116.

• Bushwalking for Landscape Photographers
• Landscape Photography Essentials
• Capturing the Blue Mountains

• Mirrorless or DSLR Camera & Lenses
• Lens Choice - Wide Angle 16-35mm, Telephoto 24-105mm. You may wish to bring a Macro lens.
• Tripod & plates/mounts for your camera
• Shutter Remote
• Charged Batteries and empty memory cards
• Good Camera/Neck Strap
• Landscape filters inc Grad ND and CPL (if you own them)
• Comfortable Camera Backpack
• Good Hiking boots or Walking shoes (waterproof high ankle support boots are essential)
• Hiking clothing suitable for the weather
• Small towel, Rain jacket & Pack cover if rain is forecast
• Hiking poles if you use them
• Snacks or packed breakfast
• Water bottle (750ml minimum main bottle recommended)
• Spare Water bottle or carrier (1l minimum recommended)