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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Springwood to Martins Falls are found in each of the tabs below
Springwood to Martin Falls
Time: 4 hrs Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
1.3 km E of Springwood
Length: 9 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 9 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 413 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 413 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk There is a train station near the start and end of this walk
Style: Return
Track: Hard

This walk to Martins Falls follows the Magdala Gully down from Springwood. The valley is cool and dark, and the track is never far from water. Martins Falls are a great place to hang out for lunch, or sit and enjoy the cool of the falls from the rocks. A great walk with a lush waterfall to explore. (open in app)


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 Martins Falls

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Springwood to Martins Falls bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Springwood to Martins Falls
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Springwood Station
Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve
Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area
Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks
Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks
Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk
Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk
Int. Magdala Ck and Batman Cres Trk
Int. Magdala Ck and Magdala Falls trks
Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks
Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks
Starting point for this hiking track: Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Springwood 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-90304S 
 Penrith 1:100 000 Map Series 9030 

Photo Gallery

 
Fairy Dell Reserve sign
 
Fairy Dell Reserve sign +
 
Fairy Dell Reserve car park
 
Fairy Dell Reserve car park +
 
Fairy Dell Reserve
 
Fairy Dell Reserve +

 
Graffiti on old hall
 
Graffiti on old hall +
 
Overview Map of Magdala and surrounding gullies
 
Overview Map of Magdala and surrounding gullies +
 
Track down Magdala Gully
 
Track down Magdala Gully +

 
Bridge and sign to Picnic Point
 
Bridge and sign to Picnic Point +
 
Rocky steps down Magdala Gully
 
Rocky steps down Magdala Gully +
 
Magdala Gully sign
 
Magdala Gully sign +

 
Magdala Gully Track
 
Magdala Gully Track +
 
Rock pools
 
Rock pools +
 
Mickey Mouse style rock holes
 
Mickey Mouse style rock holes +

 
Track down through the bush
 
Track down through the bush +
 
Track above creek
 
Track above creek +
 
Track in Magdala Gully
 
Track in Magdala Gully +

 
Track near the top of Martins Falls
 
Track near the top of Martins Falls +
 
Track above Martins Falls
 
Track above Martins Falls +
 
Martins Falls
 
Martins Falls +

 
View from behind Martins Falls
 
View from behind Martins Falls +
 
Side view of Martins Falls
 
Side view of Martins Falls +
 
Sign for Martins Falls
 
Sign for Martins Falls +

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the Springwood to Martins Falls bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Springwood to Martins Falls bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Springwood to Martins Falls bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Springwood to Martins Falls 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 9km
Time 4 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
3.7km of this walk is very steep and another 430m 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
3km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 1.1km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (410m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
2.7km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 1.4km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (410m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 4.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 4.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
3km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 800m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (690m) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Catch the train to Springwood Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Springwood Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Catch the bus to Springwood Station
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Springwood Station
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Springwood Alt = 369 m
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 Perch Ponds camping area
Optional sidetrip: 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].
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)

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.

(4.47 km) Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks to Behind Martins Falls
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.

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.

Catch the train from Springwood Station
Public transport (train) available from this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Springwood Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip from the end of the walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Catch the bus from Springwood Station
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Springwood Station
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by


Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Summit Gear 11 Ross St , Glenbrook (02) 4739 4373 9.3 km
Boots Great Outdoors Shop 25 Home Centre Wolseley St , Penrith (02) 4733 5744 12.7 km
Kangaroo Tent City Cnr Mulgoa & Blaikie Rds, Penrith (02) 4733 4111 13 km
Getaway Disposals 549 High St , Penrith (02) 4732 2285 13.5 km
Mitchell Adventure 24 Henry St , Penrith (02) 4731 8482 14.5 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Springwood to Martins Falls.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Springwood to Martins Falls
Click to re-center search
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 7 km (to the ESE)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 18 km (to the NNE)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 33 km (to the ESE)
6 LGW06 Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS 44 km (to the WNW)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
50 km (to the E)

Weather and Park info

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 9 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.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      31°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu18°|28°Possible shower.
Fri18°|32°Mostly sunny.
Sat15°|26°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Blue Mountains National Park Link 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 fees Camping Facilities
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


Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Milan - Nice dense forest, but leeches IP:49.180.162.xxx | 2015-11-15 06:45:12
We did this walk today and were really impressed by the density of the forest. You follow the creek for most of the walk. The creek is full of yabbies. Walking through some of the fern section we noticed many leeches stuck to out pants and shoes. Apart from the leeches it is a beautiful walk.
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Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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