This walk offers a diverse range of vegetation and sights along its course. Passing Martins Falls and below Martins Lookout, the walk takes in some amazing views as it climbs up and down the ridge lines, above the many creeks and gullies. A walk to test your legs and your camera.
(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)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Springwood to Blaxland Station
Cross sectional view of the Springwood to Blaxland Station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Springwood to Blaxland Station 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
13km
Time
6 hrs
.
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
5km of this walk is very steep and another 4.3km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 3.3km has short steep hills and the remaining 800m 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 3.9km 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
7km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 4.6km has directional signs at most intersection. Whilst another 1.1km Has no directional signs and the remaining 940m is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
12km 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 12km 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 4.3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). Whilst another 1.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and the remaining 100m has no facilities provided.
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Springwood, along the Great Western Highway, is the second largest town in the Blue Mountains[1]. Springwood also takes the title for the oldest railway station in the Blue Mountains[2]. There are a variety of shops in Springwood, with quite a few cafes, bakeries and two historic hotels. Springwood was named by Governor Macquarie, when his wife and he stopped for water from a deep glen spring, in 1815[3]. It seems aptly named, with many springs and creeks leading away from the ridge at Springwood, including Sassafras Gully, Magdala Creek and Glenbrook Creek. More info
(0 km)
Springwood Station
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Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 269 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -11 m
From Springwood Station, the walk crosses the road at the pedestrian crossing and turns left. The walk continues past the shop front for about 150 metres before turning right at a quadrangle, which leads the walk down through a car park. The walk passes through the car park and crosses Macquarie Rd, to the 'Fariy Dell' sign[4].
(0.27 km)
Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve
to
Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area Walk: Easy - road
Length = 145 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -21 m
Continue straight: From the 'Fairy Dell, 49 Springwood Ave' sign[5], the walk heads downhill into the reserve (along the smaller road), past the signs. The walk winds down past the units (on the left) to the bottom of the road. The walk continues on the left side of the cul-de-sac, to a grassy area with picnic tables.
Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area
Alt = 339 m
Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area is a quiet and shady terraced garden at the head of the Magdala Gully. Fairy Dell is situated just south of Springwood in the Lower Blue Mountains. The picnic area has numerous tables, parking and a grassy area for the kids to play. The Fairy Dell Reserve Picnic area is also the starting point for a number of walks down to Magdala Creek, Picnic Point and nearby Lawson Lookout.
(0.41 km)
Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area
to
Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 390 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -44 m
Veer left: From the picnic area, the walk follows the 'Sassafras Gully' sign down the stairs. The walk quickly passes the vandalised building (which has since been reported as demolished by another walker), then a map sign before meeting a creek. The walk keeps the creek on the right and soon comes to a bridge with direction signs.
(0.8 km)
Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks
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Picnic Point Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 163 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -2 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the bridge, following the 'Picnic Point' signs[6]. The walk immediately climbs many stairs which wind up to a the picnic shelter and grass area of Picnic Point. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Picnic Point
Alt = 331 m
Picnic Point, in Springwood, Blue Mountains, is a quiet, grassy clearing tucked behind the houses above Magdala Creek. The area has a gazebo, picnic table and water tank (water needs to be treated). The clearing has a track leading down to many popular walks, with Lawson's Lookout and Fairy Dell Reserves nearby.
(0.8 km)
Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks
to
Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 135 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -13 m
Continue straight: From the intersection at the bridge, the walk heads in the direction of the 'Perch Ponds' arrow[7], keeping the creek on the right of the track. The walk soon comes to a 'Lawson's Lookout' sign[ref img=146352, above a cascade in the creek.
(0.94 km)
Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk
to
Lawsons Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 407 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 39 m
Descent = -11 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Lawsons Lookout' signs[8], up the hill. The track heads up to a rocky outcrop, where the track turns back on itself and steps through some bushes to the rocky surface of the lookout. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Lawsons Lookout
Alt = 316 m
Lawsons Lookout, in Springwood, Blue Mountains, is an unfenced rockshelf overlooking the wonderful Magdala Creek valley. The lookout is most easily accessed from Raymond Rd.
(0.94 km)
Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk
to
Int. Magdala Ck and Magdala Falls trks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.24 km
Time = 1 hr 7 mins
Climb = 92 m
Descent = -181 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Perch Ponds' sign, keeping the creek on the right. The track crosses the creek many times, passing a number of caves. The track passes a burnt 'Perch Ponds' sign[9] as it crosses a creek to immediately come to an intersection (with arrows engraved in the rocks[10]). Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the arrows engraved in the rock, keeping the creek to the right. The walk winds down the hillside then crosses the creek, continuing to follow the creek (now on the left) to a 'Magdala Falls' sign.
Magdala Falls
Alt = 196 m
Magdala Falls is a disappointing set of falls. The view from the steep hillside doesn't show any of the falls, but instead lets you hear the water cascade into the pool below. A red-stained rock above the pool can be seen through the dense foliage of the trees.
(4.18 km)
Int. Magdala Ck and Magdala Falls trks
to
Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 299 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -25 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk keeps the creek on the left as it heads down the gully. The walk winds down the hill, passing a few rock overhangs as it leads to a 'Martins Lookout' sign.
(4.47 km)
Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks
to
Behind Martins Falls Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 29 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -2 m
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads to the left of the 'Martins Falls' sign (towards the falls). The walk skirts around the edge of the valley, coming under the rock overhang of the falls, and then arriving behind the falls. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Martins Falls
Alt = 185 m
Martins Falls are at a rock overhang on Magdala Creek, near Springwood, almost 400m upstream from the Glenbrook Creek junction. The water falls off a rock platform, over the overhang into a large pond. There is a faint track leading behind the falls, giving a different perspective of the pond and falls - extra care is required. This is a lovely area to enjoy the cool temperatures on warmer days, and is more spectacular after recent rain.
(4.47 km)
Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks
to
Perch Ponds camping area Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 382 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -63 m
Continue straight: From the 'Martins Falls' intersection[11], the track heads up a small hill, then downhill with the creek on the left. The walk meanders above the creek for a short time then opens out onto the 'Perch Ponds' campground clearing[12].
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.
(4.86 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
Turn left: 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.
(6.03 km)
Martins camping area
to
Int. Martins Lookout and Bunyan Lookout Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 230 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -14 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.
(6.26 km)
Int. Martins Lookout and Bunyan Lookout Trk
to
Martins Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 525 m
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 180 m
Descent = -2 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads up the stairs and soon begins zigzagging up the hillside for a short time, coming to be under a cliff line. The track heads up stairs which head through the cliffs and winds steeply up to the next set of stairs. The track heads under many wonderful rock overhangs, as it winds its way using stairs to come up to Martins Lookout. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Martins Lookout
Alt = 299 m
Martin's Lookout is an unfenced view on the rim of the plateau, south of Valley Heights. There are views across and up the Glenbrook Creek, and to the Lost Worlds lookout (on the opposite cliffs) which features a small white crucifix. This cross is in memory of Rev. Raymer who was an avid bushwalker in the area. The plaque in the rock at Martin's Lookout is directly opposite this cross.
(6.26 km)
Int. Martins Lookout and Bunyan Lookout Trk
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Bunyan Lookout Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 959 m
Time = 38 mins
Climb = 222 m
Descent = -25 m
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.
(7.22 km)
Bunyan Lookout
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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.
(7.78 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.
(7.78 km)
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk
to
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and St Helena Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 587 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -10 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.
(8.37 km)
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and St Helena Trk
to
St Helena Ridge Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.81 km
Time = 49 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -122 m
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.
(11.18 km)
St Helena Ridge Lookout
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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.
(11.53 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.
(11.53 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[13], 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[14]. 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[15] in a tree. Turn right: From the intersection[16], this walk follows the 'Pippas Pass' sign[17] (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[18]. From here the track gently undulates along the side of the hill (with a steep valley to your right[19]) for about 300m to lead gently down and cross the usually small creek in the shaded valley[20]. Just after crossing this creek[21], the track bends left to head gently up through the valley along the base of a few natural sandstone walls[22] 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[23] 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[24]. Turn left: From the intersection[25], this walk crosses the sandstone platform and creek[26]. Here the track winds gently uphill for about 40m to cross a smaller often dry creek [27] where the track continues uphill for another 30m to pass a grafittied sandstone overhang (on your left)[28]. The track continues gently uphill and bends right to cross a sandstone rock platform and small creek[29] to almost immediately come to a faint intersection with a track in the tall heath[30]. 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[31]. 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[32]. 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[33]. Here this walk turns right to head up to the library and main car park[34].
(12.93 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[35], this walk heads up the ramp on the side of the building[36] then follows the back deck behind the library and community centre[37]. On the far side of the building, this walk follows the bitumen footpath[38] footpath uphill to turn left at the 'Blaxland Civic Centre'[39] 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[40]. Here the walk bends left and crosses a car park entrance[41], then soon turns right into 'Station St'[42]. Here the walk heads up the footpath to cross another car park entrance[43] then onto the pedestrian lane way that leads between the buildings, under the foot bridge[44] 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 [45]. The Blaxland community hosts a number of events during the month of September. More info
(13.39 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
Dear All,
I have tried to use the section of this walk that goes from 900m past the 'Lost Worlds' Direction Post down to Glenbrook Creek 3 times. Only finding it on the 3rd attempt.
The turn is marked by 2 small cairns but the track on this walk is much smaller than the track which goes straight on to the St Helena fire trail.
The track on this walk at this point is hard to follow at various times and it is not any of the maps.
Worst still is to come at the St Helena lookout. The steps going down to Glenbrook creek could not be found. I am sure that I was on the correct path at some times but it was so covered in slippery bush fire fuel that it was very dangerous.
Even when I got down into Glenbrook creek I found it very difficult to pick up the Steps going to Pippas Pass. I found them by following the rock wall around from the creek that comes down Pippas Pass.
A much safer but longer finish to the walk is to go along St Helena Fire trail and then along the single track to the 'chutes' descent down to the duck hole. The major disadvantage with this exit is that it ends up at the railway above Glenbrook creek.
Regards tim_holcroft@hotmail.com
Jenny
IP:58.179.49.xxx | 2011-04-26 11:00:06
Hi all
I have to agree with Tim. I have lived in this area all my life and know this walk really well. I last did it 12 months ago and had a lot of trouble finding the Bullant track section even though I know where it is. The track has also fallen away in a number of places and has become a bit dangerous. This combined with the high level of leaf litter makes this part of the track not safe for those who are not sure about where they are heading.
Jenny
Maurice van Creij - Beware
IP:211.30.211.xxx | 2011-07-03 10:45:46
From 6.38 to 7.34, the trail has not been marked. It's difficult to find the place to cross the creek as it's a jumbled pile of rocks and bushes.
It's easy to lose sight of the track going uphill. The trail has thankfully been marked with piles of rocks here and there.
The junction at 8.49 is very easy to miss. There's a junction with a fire trial a little further on that has a similar layout and is easily confused. Having a GPS is a must.
Maurice van Creij - BullAnt Track
IP:211.30.211.xxx | 2011-07-03 10:49:20
Tim, I ended up going that route after giving up on finding the junction at 8.49. It added 1.5 hours to my walk and a lot of the trail up to the train tracks was done in good faith. I barely made it out before sunset.
Matt
IP:220.236.11.xxx | 2012-03-26 11:45:02
The track notes may need updating in places as some of the signs have changed eg At 6.38 the notes mention a 'pole without a sign' which no longer exists and has since been replaced with a new sign that reads 'Kings Link Route Only. Experienced Walkers'.
Once on Kings Link you need to pay attention to the very subtle signs. The creek crossing at this point can be found in the form of a cut out step in one of the creek bed boulders. This was no more than 10 or 20 metres after the left turn at the creek. From this point onwards, as in track notes, parts of the track are undefined and are reliant on 'cairns' for direction.
From 7.91 (red stump) we travelled another 8 to 10 mins (600 m approx) to find a small cairn marking the turnoff to St Helena Track at 8.49. The track notes suggest a 45 min walk to St Helena Ridge Lookout which is fairly accurate although the track can be hard to locate in places and is quite thick and overgrown. Long sleeves/pants recommended.
Once at the lookout, we did in fact manage to follow the track down towards Glenbrook creek for approx 50m but it was quickly lost in excessive amounts of undergrowth. At this point we were forced to navigate 'off track' down the very steep ridge towards Glenbrook Creek. This section was hazardous and definitely not for the inexperienced.
Navigational equipment is essential for this walk.
admin - re:
Super Administrator | 2012-03-27 02:30:42
Matt wrote:
The track notes may need updating in places as some of the signs have changed eg At 6.38 the notes mention a 'pole without a sign' which no longer exists and has since been replaced with a new sign that reads 'Kings Link Route Only. Experienced Walkers'.........
Navigational equipment is essential for this walk.
Hi Matt
Thanks for the feedback. I hope you enjoyed the walk. I have re walked part of this area, and still to updated the notes. But not the section you mentioned, Sounds like I need to revisit the area.
Thanks
Matt :)
Beth - Map
IP:60.242.237.xxx | 2013-05-18 08:15:14
I didn't see the cairns to mark the turn off to St Helena's track, possibly due to the recent backburning? I ended up on St Helena's ridge trail, two ridges over, where I did see a small cairn marking the turnoff. That took me down to the Duck Hole where I proceeded to get very lost. I picked up a track which was marked out with ties on trees. I ended up at the railway line, which made me happy as I knew I just had to follow it and find a station. I ended up at Glenbrook.
Beth
IP:60.242.237.xxx | 2013-05-18 08:26:27
" (From 6.26 km) 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."
Not long after the creek crossing the track in this section at one point diverges into two tracks, one which takes you down along the creek, someone has built a stacked cairn along the track so I assumed I was going the right way, but I ran into some people who pointed me in the right direction. Maybe in your instructions you could point out that you no longer follow the creek and you need to verge to the right when the track splits.
Katrina
IP:121.212.130.xxx | 2014-02-10 20:32:28
We did this walk last weekend. Saw the side trial to St Helenas Track and decided tosee where it went as it looked a lot easier to follow than when we saw it last year. It was relatively easy to follow until we came to the edge of the ridgeline. Had to follow some cairns and red markers ( to the east of the track heading down on the map shown here). Lost the markers where the terrain became quite steep, but could follow a natural, but very loose earth path and came out on the creek opposite the track leading up to Florabella Pass to Ross cres. Definitely for experienced walkers. Going back to find the path shown on the map....
Adrian - Suggestion
IP:120.151.95.xxx | 2014-08-04 06:40:29
I did this walk recently and got quite disoriented. Partly my own fault, I admit, not having a GPS. But I've been reviewing the comments above and would like to suggest a more prominent warning be placed on the first page of the walk. I nearly needed emergency services.
I know there's a fairly standard piece of text at the start, about off-track walking. But this walk is something else. I think the warning text needs to be much clearer.
PS - this site is still awesome, mostly!
John Grieve - update
IP:120.146.84.xxx | 2015-01-03 01:21:29
Great walk. Track notes invaluable and overall accurate. Track becomes a little sketchy passing through glenbrook gorge heading back to Blaxland but someone has put red and silver ties in the trees which made it really easy. Took my phone with me which made me feel very reassured but never really needed it. A compass would have been all that was really needed.
Here's a kml link - but the map provided already is very accurate.
We completed the walk last week (mid July 2015), with some rain a few weeks earlier adding to the creek levels and causing much vegetation growth.
From 6.26km (Int. Martins Lookout and Bunyan Lookout Trk to Bunyan Lookout) when reaching the creek it is easy to miss the crossing, once reaching the creek turn left and it is approximately 20m ahead, this is a very slippery section (2 of our party had minor falls) so be careful.
From 7.78km at 8.49km (Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk to Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and St Helena Trk), this is a very easy turn off to miss, which we did most likely due to the recent rain and vegetation growth, the track must be much smaller than the main track which eventually veers West and eventually to Glenbrook.
If you miss the turn off and continue on the main track you will be faced with and additional 6kms (approximately) heading towards Glenbrook, we opted to continue as light was fading and back-tracking was not a wise option.
The additional 6kms was very challenging namely due to fading light, very little to no markers and fresh vegetation growth; it involved a further creek crossing which was the trickiest of the day, on the last section keep and eye out for the orange plastic ribbons on trees which someone has kindly placed on the correct path.
This is a great walk, even with the added detour it was an enjoyable challenge as we got to explorer a much less visited section of the park, however not a recommended detour for un-experienced hikers.
Also note that mobile phone/gps coverage is very limited for most of the walk, so a map and compass may be your best bet.
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 :)