Orphan Rock in the Blue Mountains

[paul8]

Does any one know the approach to climb Orphan Rock near Katoomba in Sydney's Blue Mountains? There should be a track leading to the top of the rock. But how/where do you get on to this track? (I'm not interested in rock climbing ... just want to walk to the top.)

[johnw]

Does any one know the approach to climb Orphan Rock near Katoomba in Sydney's Blue Mountains? There should be a track leading to the top of the rock. But how/where do you get on to this track? (I'm not interested in rock climbing ... just want to walk to the top.)

This track is actually documented in Jim Smith's "How to See The Blue Mountains" - Second Edition 1986. He states "This was the shortest lived track in the Blue Mountains, lasting only 20 years. It was closed in the 1950s because of fears that a large group may cause the collapse of the rock."

You could try ringing NPWS but I doubt that access is allowed.
Apparently there once was a stairway to the summit - http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an23816630

[paul8]

Thanks John. I've sent a msg to your inbox at this site.

[wellsy]

Orphan Rock is closed off for safety reasons . It is owned by Phil Hammon, proprietor of Scenic World, and is to the immediate left of the Skyway platform. Email me at : boof52 [at] gmail.com and I may be able to help you out.

Regards,
wellsy

[lukas]

Hi, yes!
Been up there several times.

There is a posted walking track behind the <snip>

Be warned: The track was closed for a reason, <snip>
Any questions and i'd be happy to help
Lukas

EDIT by moderator
Information removed due to concerns raised about the publicity of such detailed information. Information removed from this topic has been copied and is being considered by the moderation team.

[FatCanyoner]

You probably already have an answer, but if not I just wanted to assure you that it is simple to find a way up, so is worth just searching our yourself.
There is a track which leaves from a fairly distinctive section of the Furber Steps walk. You can also find your own way from a little further down the track if you are willing to scramble through a little scrub. The scenic railway runs down a natural fault in the rock. There is another break in the cliffs just to the east (some really interesting history about this area. The first coal mined from the Katoomba mine, a 200kg slab, was dragged up this gully by hand and exhibited in Sydney to get investment for the mine) and then there is Orphan Rock. From a saddle it is obvious where to go. There is a gate, but I have never seen it locked, or even closed, and the very rotten stairs remain. It is simple to climb to the top, and the old hand rails etc are still in place. Some stunning views from the top.
I first went there as a kid. Nothing has changed much since then. I've been back twice in recent years (one trip report here, with some pics from on top if you click through to them http://fatcanyoners.org/2010/08/07/malaita-point-and-wall/) including at night. Given I found it at night, without following the foot pad, shows just how simple it is to locate if you are willing to look around.
Cheers
Tim