Tracks - Katoomba Aerial Cableway Track
| Grading | 4 | Medium-Hard |
| Track Type | 3 | Unmarked track. |
| Track Condition | 4 | Poor sections. |
| Exposure | 1 | No Exposure |
| Navigation | 4 | Hard. |
| Length | 4km | |
| Vertical | 400m | |
The Aerial Cableway extended from near the bottom of what is now known as the Scenic Railway across the valley to the gap between the Ruined castle and Castle head. It was constructed in 1887 by the civil engineer Mr O. Schultz for the Katoomba Mining Compny owned by J.B.North mining. Its purpose was to transport oil bearing shale from the Runined Castle mines to the incline railway (scenic railway) so as to continue its journey to the Crushing plant and railway siding (Shell corner) in West Katoomba.[1]
The cableway was originally installed for the Gladstone Colliery (Wentworth Falls) which went bust in 1887. The Engineer repossessed it as he apparently hadn't been fully paid for it.[2] Unfortunately The cableway was short lived as a problem, possibly with a jammed bucket caused the southernmost tower to be wrenched from its position down into the valley. The company had little funds to repair it.[3]
There are many relics to note along the track. They are currently marked with tape. You will find...
- a number of buckets in different states of decay.
- brackets which held the buckets onto the cable
- head gear from the towers, including guiding rollers which still spin!
- the occassional remains of tower poles
- the cable tensioning pit with weights
- cable disengagement spike
- electrical insulators for the electric wire messaging system[4] (see "Buring Mists of Time" for a description)
- and a number of other objects
Access:
- Federal Pass via Furber Steps
- Federal Pass via Golden Stairs
Map: Katoomba & Jamison
Track Notes:
Access to the track is via the Furber Steps (from either Katoomba Falls cafe or Scenic World). At the bottom head west and over the Scenic Railway bottom station. Those interested in the history will observe a number of mine adits along the track. These connect to a vast network of mine tunnels under Katoomba (see the detailed map at the Katoomba Mine adit). Just after passing the Katoomba mine adit an old cable crosses the track. This is the start of the track which mostly follows the route of the cableway across to the old mining village site near the Ruined Castle. This track is steep in parts and slippery in wet weather.
Navigation is simple as the track basically heads in a straight line and the cables can be seen for most of the trip. The detour around the cliffs on Causway creek is the only real deviation from the straight line. This detour uses a steep slippery gully on the right. The cable at the Ruined Castle end is rusted away and can't be followed. The track also peters out. Fortunately there are only about 50-100m left to climb up to Federal Pass. Turn right on Federal pass and exit via the Golden Stairs.
Comments...
Grading System
Grade 1 (Easy)
Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.
Grade 2 (Easy-medium)
Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.
Grade 3 (Medium)
Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20 km.
Grade 4 (Medium-Hard)
Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 (Hard)
Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30 km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 (Very hard)
Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
Grades courtesy of John Cooper of The Bush Club
Exposure
Exposure is assessed on the hardest part of the track / pass
1: No Exposure.
2: Some simple climbing involved
3: Climbing with tape or rope neccessary for non-climbers. Still free climbable.
4: Belay advised for non-climbers. Aids for climbers.
5: Belay required for experienced climbers.
Track Condition
Track Conditions are assessed on the worst major section of the track / pass
1: Excellent.
2: Good.
3: OK, but needing some trimming or erosion repairs.
4: A number of sections in poor condition.
5: Overgrown, badly eroded or no track.
Track Type
1: Maintained Tourist track.
2: Marked track.
3: Unmarked track.
4: Footpad.
5: Off track.
Navigation
Navigation is an overall assessment of the track / pass
1: Easy. Track and offshoot tracks are signposted.
2: Easy-Medium. Track is and offshoots are well marked (cairns / tape).
3: Medium. Simple route finding is neccessary.
4: Hard. Route finding can be difficult.
5: Challenging. GPS or map and compass necessary.