This walk starts out as mainly service trail to then drop into the Glenbrook Ck Valley for an overnight stay at Martins camping area. The next day the walk follows the winding bush track up the valley to Faulconbridge. In doing so the walk passes Clarinda Falls and some large pools which compliment the wonderful Glenbrook Creek.
(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 Woodford to Faulconbridge bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Woodford 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
23km
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
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
16km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.8km is very steep. Whilst another 2.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.1km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
11km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 10km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.1km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 960m follows a rough unclear track.
Signs
10km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 10km has minimal directional signs. Whilst another 2.5km is clearly signposted and the remaining 960m Has no directional signs.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 23km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 23km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
12km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 9km 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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Woodford is situated along the Great Western Highway in the Blue Mountains. Woodford boasts one of the Blue Mountains oldest buildings, with the Woodford Academy dating back to 1833 [1]. Access to the academy is made easy by Woodford train station and other public transport connections. Woodford is also the start of the popular Woodford to Glenbrook mountain bike which follows the Oaks Fire trail. Woodford station offers a public telephone and toilets. There are no commercial facilities in the area.
(0 km)
Woodford Station
to
Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd Walk: Easy - road
Length = 729 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -39 m
From the station, this walk heads down the stairs, off the station and turns left under the station. It then continues up to Railway Parade, opposite a shelter with a bench seat. The walk heads up Railway Pde, keeping the railway tracks to the left. The road tends right then the walk turns right onto The Appian Way. The walk follows The Appian Way, which turns into Parker St. (If you cross over a bridge, you have gone the wrong way.) The walk leads along Parker St to Taylor St, where it turns left and continues down the hill to the intersection with The Oaks Fire Trail. This is signposted at the clearing on the right.
(0.73 km)
Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd
to
Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 3.48 km
Time = 1 hr 10 mins
Climb = 87 m
Descent = -175 m
Turn right: From the road, the walk heads to the gate and crosses over it. (On the lower side of the gate is a tap which provides drinking water.) From the gate and tap, the walk heads down the hill, passing a broken interpretative sign on the left, and continues to wind and undulate for quite some time. The trail passes a mound in a junction. From the mound, the trail continues to wind and undulate, turning right and steeply downhill twice, before passing a small dam (just to the left). The walk winds, with the hillside higher on the right than left, before leading up a steep slope to a small clearing with a large step.
(4.21 km)
Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk
to
Cliff lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 97 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -18 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads away from the management trail, with the small depression (or waterhole) on the left, surrounded by reeds. The track winds up the hill, following the gap in the vegetation, leading to a rock shelf with a view. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Cliff Lookout
Alt = 507 m
Cliff lookout, an unofficially-named, informal view point, is a dramatic cliff edge perched just above the trees. The cliff is unfenced. The view across the valley provides a pleasant panorama.
(4.21 km)
Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk
to
Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyah Lookout Trk Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 6.89 km
Time = 2 hrs 21 mins
Climb = 187 m
Descent = -363 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill in a southerly direction and tends right. At the bottom of the hill, the trail winds left and then up a hill to the right, onto a plateau with clearer, lower vegetation. The management trail here is also lined by large rocks, which look as though they could have been placed there. The trail comes off the hill and heads across a saddle to a large management trail intersection (on the left). Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads east, down the rocky management trail. The trail winds down the hill, passing over sandy and rocky areas. The trail then flattens out, undulating and winding for quite some time, with the track widening and narrowing greatly in many areas. After some time, the walk enters a large clearing, with a rocky outcrop to the right.
(11.1 km)
Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyan Lookout Trk
to
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.71 km
Time = 47 mins
Climb = 42 m
Descent = -56 m
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads north-east out of the small clearing. The track winds through the heath for a short time before coming to a clearing with a fireplace, on the left. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north-east along the sandy track. The walk meanders through low, green heath for quite some time, winding through a section of pines before returning to heath as the track arrives at the cairn, on the right, which marks the intersection. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north, winding through the scrub. The walk meanders for a short time, passing through a few sandy sections before coming to a red painted stump in a clearer section of track.
(13.81 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 left : 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 left 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.
(13.81 km)
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk
to
Bunyan Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 568 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -18 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north-east, following the wider, more defined track. The track meanders little as it tends right but continues relatively straight along the spur, opening onto the clearing before the cliffs, overlooking Glenbrook Creek.
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.
(14.38 km)
Bunyan Lookout
to
Int. Martins Lookout and Bunyan Lookout Trk Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 959 m
Time = 38 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -222 m
Turn sharp left: From Bunyan Lookout, the walk heads away from the unfenced cliffs and through the clearing behind. At the end of the clearing, the walk turns right at a cairn (rock stack) and winds down the hill, steeply in sections, passing through a few rocky outcrops to a rock landing with a cairn, just in front of boulders. The walk follows the cairns between the boulders, then ducks through a hole in the rock and passes the small cliff line. The walk winds down the hill from the rocky outcrop, then follows the cairns across a flat area and crosses the creek. The track immediately turns left, following the creek for a short distance before turning right, up the stairs, and arriving at the intersection marked with a 'Bunyan Lkt' sign (pointing back the way you came).
(15.33 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
Turn right: 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 veer right 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.
(15.33 km)
Int. Martins Lookout and Bunyan Lookout Trk
to
Martins camping area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 230 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -13 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk keeps the creek on the left as it heads across the hillside. The walk winds above the creek for a short time before opening out onto a clearing and fireplace next to the creek.
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.
(15.56 km)
Martins camping area
to
Perch Ponds camping area Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.17 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 67 m
Descent = -51 m
Turn right: From the clearing, the walk keeps the creek on the left as it meanders along the bank. The walk soon passes through another clearing (with a small beach access) and turns right, up the hill. The walk continues to wind and undulate above the creek to the signposted intersection. Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Springwood Stn Via...' sign across the hillside. The walk keeps the valley to the left as it winds down near the creek, on the left. The walk continues down across the creek to immediately lead up the hill into the clearing of Perch Ponds. The walk crosses the clearing to the signs at the other side.
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.
(16.73 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
Continue straight: 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[2] (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[3] . The track winds for some time, crossing a creek and passing a blue track marker[4] on the other side. The track follows the creek, now on the left, up to a 'To Wiggins Track' sign[5] (pointing back the way you came). Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Faulconbridge Station' sign[6] 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.
(20.11 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.
(20.99 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[7].
(21.62 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[8] 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'[9].
(21.62 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[10] 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'[11] and is called the 'Victoria Track' in many guide books. The track starts near Sir Henry Parkes' grave[12] 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[13]. Parkes would sometime write under the pseudonym 'Faulconbridge'[14] (his mothers maiden name)[15] for the Sydney Morning Herald and other papers and Faulconbridge (the township) was named after his mother when Parkes purchased 600 acres[16] in 1877. More info
(22.94 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[17]. 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'[18]. 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 [19].
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
My husband and I recently attempted this walk. While it is fairly easy going on the service trail, there is not much to look at.
The worst part was when we got to the campfire (where you're meant to leave the service trail) and the path split into two directions, neither of which went due north as the track notes state. The left path looked like a continuation of the service trail so we went down this, and soon found ourselves bush bashing through really unkempt track. There were no markers or landmarks so we turned around.
The other option was a narrow track that went straight ahead past the campfire. It was a hot day and after the hour we spent bush bashing we decided instead to turn around and go back the way we came in.
An exhausting day for not much return. I really wish the department of conservation would really tidy up these walks and post decent signs.
Thanks for the track notes - I'm not sure if you have done this hike recently but some more detail when it comes to the campfire intersection would be helpful. I think the main issue is that the track isn't looked after past the service trail.
admin - re: Not a great walk
Super Administrator | 2011-03-23 04:01:08
Kat wrote:
The worst part was when we got to the campfire (where you're meant to leave the service trail) and the path split into two directions
Hi Kat
Sorry you did not enjoy your walk, you did spent a lot of time on the wide trails. The track you where after was the one that was straight ahead, it was a little east of north so I have udated the tracknotes to say head northeast. It does sound like the track is now more overgrown, I have got this area taged to re-walk and updated the notes.
Thanks for giving the feedback, I hope your next walk is better.
Matt :)
Eugene
IP:160.83.160.xxx | 2012-05-20 22:01:46
Did this walk on the weekend, quite pleasant, the views down into Glenbrook creek were spectacular. The path gets a little overgrown but not enough to slow you down, just foliage that brushes at your side. One thing I would say is that it was wetter down in the valley than we expected. It hadn't rained for four weeks, but all the wood down at the bottom was still quite wet (from condensation is suppose?). Took us a while to get a fire started, something to look out for when doing this walk in colder seasons.
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 :)