This two-day walk, or very solid one-day walk, takes you from station to station, through lush, scenic forest in the lower Blue Mountains. The walk follows the upper section of Glenbrook Creek most of the way to Blaxland, with a venture over the St Helena Ridge to add some views. An enjoyable two-day walk exploring the diverse range of gully and rocky ridge-top environments in the lower Blue Mountains.
(open in app)
This walk passes through a remote area and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.
There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Cross sectional view of the Faulconbridge to Blaxland bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Faulconbridge to Blaxland bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
15km
Time
2 Days
.
Grade 5/6
Route: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough unclear track (5/6)
Signs
No directional signs (5/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
No facilities provided (5/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4.3km is very steep. Whilst another 4.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 530m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
7km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.4km follows a rough unclear track and a 940m section follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining 55m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 6km has minimal directional signs. Whilst another 2.3km is clearly signposted and the remaining 1.1km Has no directional signs.
Experience Required
14km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.3km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (110m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 14km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.3km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
8km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 4.9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). Whilst another 2.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and the remaining 100m has no facilities provided.
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
Faulconbridge, in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, was named after the maiden name of Sir Henry Parkes' mother[1]. Faulconbridge sits on the Great Western Highway and is surrounded by valleys of lush bushland. This picturesque town was a home, and final resting place, for Sir Henry Parkes', heralded as the 'Father of Federation'[2]. Faulconbridge was originally explored by non-indigenous Australians in 1813, by Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson who were searching for a route over the Blue Mountains [3].
(0 km)
Faulconbridge Station
to
No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde Track: Moderate - road
Length = 414 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -16 m
From the top of Faulconbridge Station, the walk heads off the station overpass to the bushland side of the station (if you come to a car park, you have gone to the wrong side of the station). The walk then keeps the rail line on the left as it follows the footpath down to the road. After a while, the walk comes to an intersection with Sir Henrys Pde, opposite house number 10.
Victory Track
Alt = 442 m
The Victory Track is more formally know as the 'Sir Henry Parkes Victory Track'[4] and is called the 'Victoria Track' in many guide books. The track starts near Sir Henry Parkes' grave[5] in Faulconbridge and leads to Sassafrass Gully Creek. Sir Henry Parks (1815-1896) was a politician and journalist, born in England. He is considered to be the 'Father of Federation' for Australia, although he died of natural causes 5 years before Australia's federation. Parkes was the premier of New South Wales five times. The town Parkes was named in his honour[6]. Parkes would sometime write under the pseudonym 'Faulconbridge'[7] (his mothers maiden name)[8] for the Sydney Morning Herald and other papers and Faulconbridge (the township) was named after his mother when Parkes purchased 600 acres[9] in 1877. More info
(0.41 km)
No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde
to
Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.32 km
Time = 38 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -173 m
Turn right: From 10 Sir Henrys Pde (bushland side), the walk follows the 'Victory Track' sign down into the bush. The walk passes under a few rock overhangs and then crosses a creek. Passing a smaller track (on the left, which leads to the top of the falls), the walk soon comes down to a 'Clarinda Falls' sign[10].
(1.74 km)
Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls
to
Clarinda Falls Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 25 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -4 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the track follows the 'Clarinda Falls' sign[11] towards the log fallen on the rock. The track tends left around the hillside, coming to Clarinda Falls. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
Clarinda Falls
Alt = 283 m
Clarinda Falls is a charming waterfall on Sassafras Creek. The water cascades over a near-vertical wall, into a sandy pool below. The falls are signposted from the main track and provide a nice cool detour, especially on warmer days. The falls are named for the first wife of Sir Henry Parkes, 'Father of Australian Federation'[12].
(1.74 km)
Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls
to
Victory Trk camping area Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 630 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -72 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Sassafras Gully' sign[13] down the hill. The track keeps the creek on the left as it continues down the gully then crosses a creek junction. The walk meanders down the hillside and soon crosses a larger creek junction, before entering a campground clearing (beneath power lines).
Victory Track camping area
Alt = 236 m
Victory Track camping area is a fairly large, informal camping place at the junction of Sassafras and Numantia Creeks. The clearing is in a moist section of forest with plenty of shade. Water from the creek should be treated before use.
(2.37 km)
Victory Trk camping area
to
Victory Trk pool Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 878 m
Time = 24 mins
Climb = 61 m
Descent = -78 m
Continue straight: From the campground clearing, the walk follows the creek, keeping it to the left. The track winds up the hill and back down to the creek a few times and soon comes to an intersection with a faint track on the left (which leads to a pool in the creek).
Victory Track pool
Alt = 219 m
The Victory Track pool is an unofficially-named pond in Sassafras Creek. The pond is deep in parts but not adequate for a swim. It does, however, offer a chance to rest and gaze over the water. There is a small sandy beach, some moss-covered rocks and a lovely grove of Sassafras trees around the pool. This is a nice spot to stop, catch your breath and soak up your surroundings.
(3.24 km)
Victory Trk pool
to
Perch Ponds camping area Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.38 km
Time = 1 hr 11 mins
Climb = 85 m
Descent = -165 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down the valley, keeping the creek on the left. The walk soon turns left, crosses the creek and continues down the valley, with the creek now on the right. Leading down the valley, the track then crosses a gully to arrive at a blue 'Faulconbridge Station' sign (pointing back the way you came)[14]. Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads down across the creek in the direction of the 'To Wiggins Track' sign[15]. The walk winds along the hillside, keeping the creek on the right, passing a blue track marker[16] which directs the walk to the other side of the creek. The walk now keeps the creek on the left as it winds up to a 'Perch Ponds, Springwood Stn' sign[17]. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Perch Ponds' sign[18] across the hillside. The walk soon nears the creek on the left, then undulates above it for a short while. The track crosses a steeply banked creek junction, then continues following the main creek (which is on the left). The walk stays near this creek, coming into a campground clearing with large boulders. Continue straight: From the campground clearing, the walk exits the clearing, keeping the main creek to the right, and immediately crosses a side creek. The walk keeps the main creek on the right as it slowly climbs the hillside. The track then heads downhill, passing under a few rock overhangs and soon entering the campground clearing of 'Perch Ponds'.
Perch Ponds Campsite
Alt = 138 m
Perch Ponds is a lovely waterhole, with a clearing suitable to pitch a tent, located at the junction of Magdala Creek and Glenbrook Creeks. The meeting of the two creek provides a relaxing sound of rushing water and a cool spot to rest on warmer days. The campsite is a flat area above the pool marked with a fire scar. A great shady and quiet area for a camp. There are no facilities and water from the creek needs to be treated.
(6.62 km)
Perch Ponds camping area
to
Martins camping area Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.17 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 51 m
Descent = -67 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Martins Lookout' sign across the campground clearing to an arrow bolted to a tree. The walk follows this arrow down the hill and across the creek, and then follows creek, keeping it on the right. The walk leads up the hill away from the creek to a signposted intersection for 'Martins Lookout'. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows direction of the 'Long Track' sign, down the hill. The track winds down near the creek and passes a sandy beach access before soon entering a second clearing.
Martins campsite
Alt = 122 m
Martins campsite is an unofficial camping area beside Glenbrook Creek. The camping area is a sandy clearing, opposite cliffs on the other bank. The camping area is situated below Martins Lookout, with Bunyan Lookout up the ridge on the opposite hillside. A quiet and shaded location which can give a great night's sleep.
(7.79 km)
Martins camping area
to
Bunyan Lookout Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.19 km
Time = 44 mins
Climb = 235 m
Descent = -39 m
Turn left: From the fireplace, the walk heads along the creek bank, keeping the creek near and on the right. The walk then tends left, up the hill to the intersection and pole without a sign. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Bunyan Lkt' post down the stairs. The walk soon meets the creek and turns left, following the creek for a short distance before crossing at an opening in the shrubs around the creek. From here, the walk follows the cairns (rock stacks) across creek flats before climbing the hill to the base of a small cliff line. At one point beneath the cliff line, the walk ducks through a hole in the rock, then winds up through boulders, following more cairns. The walk continues up the hill, passing through a few more rocky outcrops to reach the informal, unfenced Bunyan Lookout, in a clearing near the cliff line.
Bunyan Lookout
Alt = 318 m
Bunyan Lookout is an large, unfenced sandstone platform overlooking the Glenbrook Creek valley. Behind the lookout, there is a small sandy clearing, big enough for a few tents. The lookout spans across Glenbrook Creek and sandstone cliffs of the valley.
(8.98 km)
Bunyan Lookout
to
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 568 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -7 m
Turn sharp right: From Bunyan Lookout, the walk heads back into the clearing behind the unfenced cliff line and turns left at the cairn (if you head down into the valley, you have gone the wrong way). The walk meanders through the heath for a short time before coming to a red painted stump, on the right of the track.
(9.55 km)
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk
to
Lost Worlds Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 569 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -13 m
Turn right: From the red stump intersection, the walk follows the 'Lost Worlds' sign up the small hill. The walk winds through the bush for a short time then crosses a rocky surface. The track then leaves the rocky surface briefly to return to a similar rock surface with a white crucifix on the edge of the cliff. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Lost Worlds Lookout
Alt = 337 m
Lost Worlds Lookout is a cliff edge marked by a cross. The cross commemorates the Rev. Raymer who was a prominent bushwalker in the area, and has been commemorated by a plaque at Martins Lookout across the valley. The lookout views Glenbrook Creek valley below, the surrounding cliffs and down to Penrith in the west.
(9.55 km)
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk
to
St Helena Ridge Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.39 km
Time = 59 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -132 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads in a southerly direction away from the red stump, keeping it behind on the right of the track. The walk winds through the bush, crossing a few sandy areas that lead to a small cairn marking the intersection, on the left of the track. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads south east along track soon leading downhill. The walk meanders through the heath for quite some time. The walk nears a cliff line on the left, which it continues near for a short time before opening out onto a rocky outcrop with a view across to houses on the opposite hill (just before the steep downhill section).
St Helena Ridge Lookout
Alt = 211 m
St Helena Ridge Lookout, does not have the clearest view or the most spectacular scenery. However, it is a great place to rest before continuing on your way.
(12.94 km)
St Helena Ridge Lookout
to
Int. Waterfall and ridge trk Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 356 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -122 m
Continue straight: From St Helena Ridge lookout, the walk follows a very faint track initially very steeply down off the rock platform, The track initially tends a little to the left to then follow the main ridge line down. The track soon becomes much less steep (and a little clearer) when after about 100m the faint track bends right at another rocky outcrop. Here the walk leads off the side of the ridge to then wind down through the rocky outcrops and continue down through the scrub for about 180m until just before Glenbrook Creek where this walk comes to an un-signposted intersection.
(13.3 km)
Int. Waterfall and ridge trk
to
St Helena waterfall Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 164 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -6 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads upstream, keeping the creek on the right. The track undulates along the bank, passing a few large boulders in the creek before coming to a sandy beach at a bend in the creek. Continue straight: From the beach, the walk heads across the sand bar (covered in reeds) to come within ear-shot of the waterfall, located behind the inlet on the creek. The walk passes through the sandy, shallow section of the creek then walks up the bank and around to the waterfall. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
St Helenas waterfall
Alt = 91 m
St Helenas waterfall is a small fall, flowing from a side creek into Glenbrook Creek. It is rather unimpressive unless there has been recent rainfall. The water cascades down a nice rock face, among the sassafras trees and mossy rocks.
(13.3 km)
Int. Waterfall and ridge trk
to
Blaxland Library Carpark Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.4 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 150 m
Descent = -28 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads downstream, keeping the creek on the left. After approximately 10m, the walk comes to a bushy creek crossing and winds over the rocks and through the bushes. Following this, the walk keeps the creek on the right whilst winding downstream. The track soon arrives at an intersection, which is a sandy area with rocks and stairs leading up the hill. Turn left : From the large boulder, this walk heads up the hill and climbs the stone steps steeply, with a number of pink ribbons marking the initial track. The track continues steeply (eroded in places) up the hill and winds its way up to the un-signposted T-intersection. Turn sharp right: From the intersection[19], this walk heads along the mostly flat track along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your right. Soon the track leads to another intersection at the base of more stone steps, and a rock wall (on the left) that has 'Florabella Pass' engraved in it[20]. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads around the boulder (which is on the left) and soon meets a set of stairs, to the left of a 'Pippas Pass' sign[21] in a tree. Turn right: From the intersection[22], this walk follows the 'Pippas Pass' sign[23] (that is about 2m up a tree) gently downhill along the track, directly away from the rockface, keeping the main valley to your right. The track winds along the side of the hill for about 100m
to then climb up a set of sandstone steps just past a shallow sandstone overhang[24]. From here the track gently undulates along the side of the hill (with a steep valley to your right[25]) for about 300m to lead gently down and cross the usually small creek in the shaded valley[26]. Just after crossing this creek[27], the track bends left to head gently up through the valley along the base of a few natural sandstone walls[28] for about 200m, where the the track becomes rocky and starts to climb a bit more steeply. The track then leads up through a cleft in the rock[29] then about 60m later comes to a unsignposted three-way intersection (with the track on the left crossing the creek), marked with a smooth bark Angophera[30]. Turn left: From the intersection[31], this walk crosses the sandstone platform and creek[32]. Here the track winds gently uphill for about 40m to cross a smaller often dry creek [33] where the track continues uphill for another 30m to pass a grafittied sandstone overhang (on your left)[34]. The track continues gently uphill and bends right to cross a sandstone rock platform and small creek[35] to almost immediately come to a faint intersection with a track in the tall heath[36]. Here the walk turns left and heads uphill for for about 50m where the track then leads up some steps to come to the base of a sandstone cliff and smaller overhang[37]. Here the track bends left and and continues along the side of the hill for another 15m to pass a larger and more grafittied sandstone overhang[38]. From here the track continues to wind more steeply uphill for about 80m before turning left and following a wider track (away from the houses) and into the lower car park of Blaxland library just past the 'Bushcare site' information sign[39]. Here this walk turns right to head up to the library and main car park[40].
(14.69 km)
Blaxland Library Carpark
to
Blaxland shops Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 455 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 28 m
Descent = -9 m
Turn left: From the Blaxland Library car park[41], this walk heads up the ramp on the side of the building[42] then follows the back deck behind the library and community centre[43]. On the far side of the building, this walk follows the bitumen footpath[44] footpath uphill to turn left at the 'Blaxland Civic Centre'[45] sign onto the footpath beside Hope St. This walk follows the footpath uphill for about 150m before turning right to cross Hope St at the traffic calming device[46]. Here the walk bends left and crosses a car park entrance[47], then soon turns right into 'Station St'[48]. Here the walk heads up the footpath to cross another car park entrance[49] then onto the pedestrian lane way that leads between the buildings, under the foot bridge[50] to the main footpath, just before the Great Western Highway, among the Blaxland shops.
Blaxland
Alt = 233 m
Blaxland, found along the Great Western Highway, is one of the larger towns of the Lower Blue Mountains. The town has a number of shops and petrol station all lining the highway which lies between the town and train station. Wascoe was the original name of Blaxland until 1914 when it was renamed after Gregory Blaxland who was one of the explorers who found the route across the mountains for the colony [51]. The Blaxland community hosts a number of events during the month of September. More info
(15.15 km)
Blaxland Shops
to
Blaxland Station Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 72 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the footpath, the walk uses the stairs or ramp to climb onto the pedestrian bridge. The walk then crosses the bridge over the Great Western Highway and then heads down onto Blaxland Station.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Blue Mountains National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Grand Canyon walking track The Grand Canyon walking track will be closed from Wednesday 14 October 2015 to mid-June 2016. The closure is necessary to allow work to continue on improving the walking track. Access for canyoners will be on weekends only. Access from Evans Lookout via Beauchamp Falls to the Grose Valley will remain open. Evans Lookout carpark, Loop carpark, and Neates Glen carpark will remain open. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 47878877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed for maintenance. This includes the Gorge Walking track. No access to the area is permitted.Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Hawkesbury area office on (02) 4588 2400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Prince Henry cliff walk, Leura Blue Mountains City Council wishes to advise that Prince Henry cliff walk between Majestic lookout and the junction with the Leura Cascades walk is currently closed due to a landslip. Detours will be in place and clearly signposted around the affected area. Access from the Leura picnic area to the cascades is unaffected. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Tourism on 1300 653 408 or Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Butterbox Swamp track The traditional access to Butterbox Canyon via the endangered swamp is now closed and rehabilitated. No access permitted. Canyoners should use the new track provided. Temporary signage is in place. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Claustral canyon access change Access to Claustral canyon via the previous route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land. Alternative access from the west side of Mount Bell has been identified. For more information, please contact the Blue Moauntains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Closed areas: Cahills lookout - Katoomba As a result of a recent bushfire, Cahills lookout remains closed until further notice. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Council on (02) 4780 5000.
Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens Waratah Native Gardens Some areas of this park are closed due to a major landslip event occurring across The Gorge Walking Track. Closed areas include The Gorge Walking Track in the Blue Mountains National Park. A full assessment is underway to determine the extent of damage and to ensure the area is made safe. The Gorge Walking Track is closed at the entry trackhead however the Waratah Native Gardens Day Use and Picnic Area located off Valley Ridges Road Berambing (west of Bilpin) has now been reopened. This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. For more information, please contact NPWS Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines
Thank you Wild Walks for a fabulous experience. I took my fifteen year old son on the Victory track over the June Long weekend, my first overnight hike for nearly thirty years...
The weather was clear and mild, perfect in fact. I'd been working quite hard on my fitness and we were well equipped for the task. Can't wait to do more.
Unfortunately I believe there is one significant error in the track notes. Day 2, Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and lost Worlds Trk to St Helena Ridge Lookout. It states that one must look for the small cairn marking the intersection, then states 'walk heads along the wider, better kept track past the cairn' implying that one keeps to the same track heading south and not in fact turning left at the cairn into the significantly less well kept track... We realised the error when we found no ridge line and reached the intersection of the track to St Helena. Also my Topo map of Penrith indicates no name for the ridge leading to the lookout whereas the one named St Helena Ridge leads towards Glenbrook not Blaxland. The real track has become decidedly overgrown and in places very indistinct.
Time lost retracing our steps placed us at the creek after sunset with rapidly gathering gloom, but once we found the steps up to Pippas Pass all was well. Too much time spent admiring the view at Lost Worlds perhaps!
Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Chris Heggie.
admin - re: Mr.
Super Administrator | 2010-06-24 04:52:49
Chris Heggie wrote:
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and lost Worlds Trk to St Helena Ridge Lookout.
Hi Chris
Thanks for your kind words and time reporting the section of the tracknotes that was unclear. Sorry for your extra walking, but sounds like you still had a great walk.
I have added that the track heads south east and soon starts to head downhill. I hope that makes it clearer for future walkers. I here what you are saying about the St Helena Ridge naming. It confused us greatly. There are several references we found that refer to it been the one we have named St Helena Ridge, and only the one for the other ridge. The naming is a constant battle for us, so we try to make it clear and consistent with the maps that we provide.
Hope that helps, and sorry for my slow response to this, I got a bit behind this last week.
Matt :)
Shell
IP:220.244.47.xxx | 2010-09-09 05:09:04
My friends and i also did this walk and had the same problem, however we were stupid enough to keep walking and ended up on St Helena Ridge. FYI if this happens there is an easy to follow trail heading down the end of the ridge which takes you directly to 'Duck Hole' (trail is not on the topo map). You then just cross Glenbrook Creek and a track leads you up the hill towards Glenbrook (a station south). It was definately a beautiful walk, but also an eye opener to paying attention to your topo!
Vince - Same problem as Shell
IP:60.240.67.xxx | 2012-01-25 01:51:37
My girlfriend and I did this walk, however we took the same route as Shell by accident. We didn't realise the error of our ways until reaching the railway line opposite Glenbrook scout hall.
It confused us greatly as the directions/guide were/was someone similar. [Both headed easterly, downhill and crossed a creek with beached areas, then headed uphill.]
We found it quite unbelievable that we could have missed the track by not one but two ridge lines, howe
Remember T.R.E.K. and to always take a PLB with your party when bush-walking in the Blue Mountains.
A fun overnight walk none-the-less.
Cheers :)
seno_b - Latest updates
IP:121.91.27.xxx | 2012-03-27 11:33:43
Hi all and thanks Wildwalks for the tracknotes. I've just finished the walk over the past weekend and enjoyed it but unfortunately there has been a few changes to the route.
- A few of the signs/posts have been updated. I did not notice any "Bunyan Lkt" post. The track now has a few signs calling the route "Kings Link".
- The route was particularly overgrown in ares on the day 2 route. In the "Martins camping area to Bunyan Lookout" section, it was somewhat difficult to find the creek crossing. Also, in the "St Helena Ridge Lookout to Int. Waterfall and ridge trk" section the steep descent was particularly hard. It did not look to have been used too much recently and there are often parts where the track seems lost.
There was also 2 fallen trees covering the track on the day walk but can be navigated.
Just some generic notes to all:
- The walk was fairly difficult in parts. The steep descent I mentioned above was fairly steep and slippery in parts. Strongly recommend groups for this walk.
- The 55min walk through the heath (Bunyan lookout & Lost worlds to St Helena Ridge) was becoming overgrown and largely uninteresting.
- Saw a couple of pythons. I believe they're non-venomous but be prepared ;)
John - Confirming seno_b's remarks
IP:59.167.232.xxx | 2012-06-08 09:11:45
Did this walk weekend before last (i.e. late May). You really have to keep your wits about you on the second day to stay on the route, as the long section along the ridge has become very overgrown, possibly even more so than when seno_b did it. The track is occasionally hard to follow and it's generally fairly unenjoyable walking. I didn't have gaiters and my shins are still recovering!
More seriously, the track from St Helena ridge lookout down off the ridge to the creek is incredibly difficult to follow. I ended up losing it altogether, mistakenly following washaways created by heavy rain a week or so earlier. The descent was pretty unpleasant, and I ended up somewhat downstream of where I should have been after crossing the creek. It took about an hour of toing and froing along the creek to find the steps up to Pippas Pass.
Sona
IP:115.128.19.xxx | 2012-07-04 11:46:06
I've just return from track. And I regret that I didn't read walkers feedback before walking. Same thing happened to us. We were worried we will miss turn to left from Bunyan trail, because our map doesn't show that. However, we found intersection quite easily, problem was track down from St Helena lookout. We don't know when we lost the trail or if there is any, we end up just sliding down the hill and then looking for track around the river.
It would have been nice track, if there wasn't this horrible finish.
admin - re:
Super Administrator | 2012-07-04 23:52:58
Sona wrote:
We don't know when we lost the trail or if there is any, we end up just sliding down the hill and then looking for track around the river.
It would have been nice track, if there wasn't this horrible finish.
Hi Sona
Thanks for the feedback. Shame you did not enjoy this last section. Can you please give my some ideas on how I can make it clearer that this walk has sections that are off track. I have tried with the black diamond grade, and with the new module in the terrain tab. Maybe I need to add some specific text at the top of the tracknotes and the PDF?? Please let me know what would have been helpful for you and I will see what I can do to make it more predictable for people in the future.
Thanks
Matt :)
Julian
IP:101.119.14.xxx | 2013-02-08 08:48:19
I found roughly the same problem as everyone else.
Day one was wonderful, keep your eyes out for lyrebirds!
From Martins Campsite I very quickly lost the track when I reached the creek. Don't walk too far downstream; you only need to go about 10-15 metres. There aren't many cairns around once you cross the creek either, I spent ten minutes trying to find the frack again, when you find it you will know as it has steps and stands out quite clearly heading up the hill.
After the Lost World Lookout keep a sharp eye out for the intersection and get ready to turn left. I counted about 600 paces from the red stump.
The track along the ridge is very overgrown and there is barely anything worth looking at. Be careful when it leads out onto sandstone flats, the track can be lost here easily. As you go on, try to snap the branches back for the next people as some areas are filling up with wood.
Try hard to follow the track down from St Helena Lookout, but be prepared to lose it and scramble all the way to the bottom. Once there I had a hard time finding the track up the hill but keep looking up the whole way, not straight ahead into the track in front of you and you should be ok.
Jean Grey - Martins Look out Camp Site
IP:203.110.132.xxx | 2014-02-18 01:25:02
Hi everyone
Are you able to gain access the the camp site under neath Martins Lookout from Martins Lookout itself?
Thank you.
matt - question
IP:58.111.149.xxx | 2015-01-16 10:18:23
hi im going to do this walk and i was wondering at st Helens ridge the map changes over and there no trail marked on the 25k topo map
Garrett - Some note
IP:110.174.146.xxx | 2015-08-17 00:13:34
Just completed this hike yesterday (~8 hrs) with a group of 13(!) The trail is in very good condition and quite easy to follow for the majority of the hike. A few notes: Did not see the small cairn identifying the turn off to the St Helena Ridge (different from the named one on the map) there is a large fallen tree there instead. The track along this ridge was a little less worn for the first 500 m or so but still able to be be navigated with the help of some cairns. The track led to an easily navigable creek crossing. The steep ascent towards Pippas pass from the creek was easy to find after a very short walk downstream. From here it is necessary to follow the track notes very closely as there are many trails that intersect the walk. The notes were very well written and all the landmarks were easy to identify.
Hiking near Sydney 
Route: Hard
5 km
Check out the facilities at 
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)