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Women's Ruined Castle Overnight Hike // 1st - 2nd June

Grading - Easy

Saturday June 1, 2024
9:00am to 9:00am

This overnight hike to Ruined Castle is a hidden gem nestled in the breathtaking Blue Mountains World Heritage area. Our trip begins atop the Golden Stairs on Narrow Neck Road, where we'll descend into a serene rainforest. Here, amidst the grandeur of coachwood and sassafras trees, we may be graced by the sight of a lyrebird as we enjoy a tranquil morning tea at the base of the stairs.

This trip covers 4km one way, is thoughtfully paced, taking approximately 3.5-4 hours to reach our campsite. Upon arrival, we'll establish our camp, setting the stage for an adventurous ascent to the Ruined Castle. This iconic rock formation, known for its striking presence, offers panoramic views that stretch across the valley, encompassing Wentworth Falls and Katoomba.

As evening approaches, we'll unwind under the vast, starlit sky, revealing in the peaceful ambience of our wilderness camp.

The following morning greets us with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a leisurely breakfast. After packing up, we'll retrace our steps along the same trail. Weather permitting, we may rise with the dawn for an early climb again to the Ruined Castle, where the sunrise unveils the Jamison Valley—a moment of with coffee in hand and unforgettable beauty!

Incredible Views

Gear rental and packing

Please refer to the booking page to download the packing list, which outlines what you should bring with you.

We offer gear rental to help make your hike as comfortable as possible.

Hiking pack: $40
Hiking poles: $20

Note: Tents are included in the trip, but please let us know in advance if you prefer to bring your own. If you're looking to buy a single-person tent, we recommend this great option from Anaconda.

We strongly recommend using hiking poles, especially for beginners or those who might feel unsteady on their feet. We offer hiking poles for hire at $20+GST. They can significantly assist you when ascending hills and steps, and help alleviate some of the weight from your back. Trust us, hiking poles are a game-changer!

Visit website for more details.

Files

Download The Packing List
2.99 MiB

Event Details

$470.00() Cost

Contact Name:	Team WWA
Contact Number:	0403918346
Email Address:	info@womenwantadventure.com.au
Venue:	Katoomba Falls Reserve (map)
	Blue Mountains National Park
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Itinerary

Title	Description
DAY 1	Meet your guide and fellow hikers at the carpark next to the oval & across the road from the now closed Katoomba Falls Kiosk. Click here for location. Here, you'll be greeted with a warm welcome and an informative briefing. We'll distribute gear and food, and you'll learn how to pack your backpack effectively. Feel free to ask any questions – our aim is to ensure you're fully prepared and comfortable. From our meeting point, we will take a short 5 minutes drive (car pool) to the top of the Golden Stairs. There isnt much room to park here (hence the car pool!). We'll begin our descent down the Golden Stairs, entering the cool, lush rainforest. The trail, rated hard by NSW National Parks, will challenge us with its steep terrain, but we'll take regular breaks and support each other throughout the hike. After about 3.5-4 hours of hiking, we'll reach our campsite. After lunch, we're set for the highlight of our trip – a climb to the top of the Ruined Castle. This rock scramble is exhilarating, requiring stability and mobility. Once atop, savor the stunning views over the Jamison Valley. After this fun venture, we'll return to our campsite for a period of relaxation and to enjoy dinner.
DAY 2	Awake to the serene surroundings and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. The journey back is a time to reflect on the adventure and the beauty of the Blue Mountains, concluding our unforgettable hiking experience. Throughout the trip, our guide will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, providing insights into the natural and cultural history of the area. This hike is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, challenge your physical limits, and create lasting memories with a group of like-minded women.

Title

Description

DAY 1

Meet your guide and fellow hikers at the carpark next to the oval & across the road from the now closed Katoomba Falls Kiosk. Click here for location. Here, you'll be greeted with a warm welcome and an informative briefing. We'll distribute gear and food, and you'll learn how to pack your backpack effectively. Feel free to ask any questions – our aim is to ensure you're fully prepared and comfortable.

From our meeting point, we will take a short 5 minutes drive (car pool) to the top of the Golden Stairs. There isnt much room to park here (hence the car pool!). We'll begin our descent down the Golden Stairs, entering the cool, lush rainforest. The trail, rated hard by NSW National Parks, will challenge us with its steep terrain, but we'll take regular breaks and support each other throughout the hike. After about 3.5-4 hours of hiking, we'll reach our campsite.

After lunch, we're set for the highlight of our trip – a climb to the top of the Ruined Castle. This rock scramble is exhilarating, requiring stability and mobility. Once atop, savor the stunning views over the Jamison Valley. After this fun venture, we'll return to our campsite for a period of relaxation and to enjoy dinner.

DAY 2

Awake to the serene surroundings and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

The journey back is a time to reflect on the adventure and the beauty of the Blue Mountains, concluding our unforgettable hiking experience.

Throughout the trip, our guide will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, providing insights into the natural and cultural history of the area. This hike is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, challenge your physical limits, and create lasting memories with a group of like-minded women.

Inclusions

2 person tents - You can bring your single lightweight tent if it is compact. View example
Waterproof pack liners and covers
One breakfast, one lunch, one dinner and all snacks + day two morning tea prior to finishing
Tea and coffee
Eating utensils and mess kits
Group camping equipment included: stove, pots, tarp, etc
Emergency communications and first aid kits
NSW National Park Eco Pass Licensing and permits
Camping and National Park fees
Photos of your trip posted in a private Facebook Page. Click here to join!

Exclusions

Sleeping mat
Hiking pack (hire option available)
Sleeping bag
Travel to and from meeting location
Pre and post accommodation (see our suggestions in the itinerary section)
Insurance
Hiking Poles Strongly recommended