This pleasent walk takes in the sights of two fantastic Blue Mountains valleys. The walk down from Springwood Station uses Magdala Gully to pass a number of waterfalls before visiting Perch Ponds. The walk then follows Glenbrook Creek valley up to Faulconbridge Station for the return home. A quiet walk with a sense of remoteness. If you want to make this an overnight walk you can camp at Perch Ponds where there is a simple bushcamp, a good introduction to overnight walking.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Cross sectional view of the Springwood to Faulconbridge bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Springwood to Faulconbridge 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
11km
Time
5 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
*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 is very steep and another 4.6km has short steep hills. Whilst another 270m is flat with no steps and the remaining 150m has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
7km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 4.1km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (830m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 4.2km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (2.1km) is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 11km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 11km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 2.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (2.5km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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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
to
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
to
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
Victory Trk pool Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.38 km
Time = 1 hr 11 mins
Climb = 165 m
Descent = -85 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Sassafras Gully Rd' sign, keeping the creek on the left. The walk leads up the hill, passing a track (on the left, which leads to an overhang). The walk continues up the hill, then down across a junction of two creeks, immediately entering a clearing with a fireplace in the middle. Continue straight: From the campground clearing, the walk exits the clearing, keeping the creek on the right. The track follows the creek, undulating and meandering for some time, and passing through a steeply banked creek junction. The walk tends left and slightly uphill to a 'Perch Ponds' sign[13] (pointing back the way you came). Veer left: From the intersection, the track heads across the hillside in the opposite direction to the 'Perch Ponds' sign[14] . The track winds for some time, crossing a creek and passing a blue track marker[15] on the other side. The track follows the creek, now on the left, up to a 'To Wiggins Track' sign[16] (pointing back the way you came). Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Faulconbridge Station' sign[17] across a gully. The track winds and undulates above the creek (keeping the creek to the left) and soon drops down and crosses the creek. The walk continues, now with the creek on the right, to an intersection with a faint track (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.
(8.23 km)
Victory Trk pool
to
Victory Trk camping area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 878 m
Time = 24 mins
Climb = 78 m
Descent = -61 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill, keeping the creek on the right. The track winds up and away from the creek and back down to the creek a few times before arriving at a campground clearing (directly under 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.
(9.11 km)
Victory Trk camping area
to
Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 630 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 72 m
Descent = -23 m
Continue straight: From the clearing, the walk crosses the creek junction. The walk then leads up the hill away from the creek for a short time, before dropping to the creek again and crossing it at a junction. The walk leads up the valley, keeping the creek on the right, arriving at a 'Clarinda Falls' sign[18].
(9.74 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
Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the 'Clarinda Falls' sign[19] 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 turn right 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'[20].
(9.74 km)
Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls
to
No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.32 km
Time = 38 mins
Climb = 173 m
Descent = -15 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Faulconbridge Station' sign[21] up the hill. The walk steeply climbs up the hill and passes a smaller track (on the right, which leads to the top of the falls), and then crosses the creek and leads under a few rock overhangs. The walk comes up the hill beside No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde (marked with a 'Victory Track' sign).
Victory Track
Alt = 442 m
The Victory Track is more formally know as the 'Sir Henry Parkes Victory Track'[22] and is called the 'Victoria Track' in many guide books. The track starts near Sir Henry Parkes' grave[23] 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[24]. Parkes would sometime write under the pseudonym 'Faulconbridge'[25] (his mothers maiden name)[26] for the Sydney Morning Herald and other papers and Faulconbridge (the township) was named after his mother when Parkes purchased 600 acres[27] in 1877. More info
(11.06 km)
No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde
to
Faulconbridge Station Track: Moderate - road
Length = 414 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -10 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads towards the power pole (if you come to a rail line, you have taken the wrong road). The walk continues along the road, keeping the rail line above on the right for some time to where the road turns left. The walk then continues along the management trail, with Faulconbridge Station in sight. Soon, the walk arrives at the entry to train station.
Faulconbridge
Alt = 449 m
Faulconbridge, in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, was named after the maiden name of Sir Henry Parkes' mother[28]. 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'[29]. 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 [30].
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
Re the comment that the track section "Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks to Perch Ponds camping area" is overgrown:
- I walked that section on Friday night (and back out on Saturday morning) and it has been cleared recently. I had no issues in following it.
Glenn - Glenn
IP:124.184.241.xxx | 2012-09-30 06:41:51
One of the nicest walks we have done but if you dont like real steepmclimbs reverse the walk
Mike Cuming - Mr
IP:58.173.42.xxx | 2014-02-04 08:45:38
As above, this really is a delightful walk, easily navigated with the help of Matt's precise track notes.
However, as mentioned, the Magdala track has many creek crossings. Today (Feb 4/14) the creek was virtually bone dry, but it struck me that several of the crossings would be difficult to manage after heavy rain when the creek was in flood. Just thought I would mention it.
Question: Why do Nat Parks dispense with convention with their notice board maps by placing NORTH at the bottom!
Ewok
IP:101.161.164.xxx | 2015-03-22 09:53:37
Lovely trail. Overgrown in some parts and some fallen trees/branches, but there are also some open paths that were great to run on.
There are enough directional posts and signs that it would be hard to get lost.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 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 :)