This is a leisurely three day walk which heads along the ridges from Woodford down to Glenbrook. Features of this walk include the many great views, lush bushland, and Glenbrook Creek with Jellybean Pools. A great walk with much to offer those looking for a relaxing few days of 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 Woodford to Glenbrook bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Woodford to Glenbrook 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
30km
Time
3 Days
.
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
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*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
14km of this walk has short steep hills and another 6km is very steep. Whilst another 6km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 3km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
16km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 11km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 2.5km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 320m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
21km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 4.5km is clearly signposted. The remaining (4.3km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
27km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.9km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (320m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 29km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 330m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 25km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 4.1km 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
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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. Wheel Gully Trail and Oaks Firetrail Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 7.88 km
Time = 2 hrs 45 mins
Climb = 318 m
Descent = -316 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). Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads south up the hill, passing a blue marker sign soon after leaving the intersection. The track then continues up onto the ridge top, then follows the high ground for some time. The track along the ridgeline is surrounded by rocky surfaces and lower vegetation which lends views of the surrounding valleys. The track begins to descend after winding over and around the ridgeline for some time. As the track descends, it passes a rock shelf to the right of the track, which has good views over the valley. The track continues down the hill into a saddle with an intersection with a gate, to the left. Continue straight: From the intersection in the saddle the track heads up the hill for a short time. The track climbs up onto a plateau where the track is bordered by rocky surfaces and low scrub across the ridge line. This plateau is then left as the track descends slightly as the track winds along the hillside for some time to wind right, coming quickly to the intersection.
(12.09 km)
Int. Wheel Gully Trail and Oaks Firetrail
to
Int. in Wheel Gully loop Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 103 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -16 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill, almost immediately coming to a split in the track, with both tracks heading down the hill.
Wheel Gully
Alt = 506 m
Wheel Gully has a management trail which loops down to a large dam. It is a nice shady place to stop for a bite to eat along the Oaks Fire Trail. This site is also used as an informal campsite with no facilities. The water in the dam is not suitable for drinking, nor is it reliable. Carry enough water.
(12.19 km)
Int. in Wheel Gully loop
to
Int. Wheel Gully Trail and Oaks Firetrail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 103 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn around: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill to the intersection with the Oaks Fire Trail.
(12.29 km)
Int. Wheel Gully Trail and Oaks Firetrail
to
The Oaks Picnic Area Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 6.03 km
Time = 1 hr 59 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -270 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads in a southerly direction away from the turn in the trail. The walk soon passes a large clearing on the right and begins the slow descent that winds down the hill. The trail begins to tend left as it swings south-east, passing a few smaller clearings with demolished trees in them. This continues along the Oaks Fire Trail to a blue sign, which is marked 'Woodford 15km' on the other side. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down a slight slope. The trail drops down some steeper sections as the trail generally descends at a gentle gradient, winding slightly as it leads down to a gate and interpretative sign before an intersection. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads east, directly away from the gate and sign to the bend in the management trail. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads away from both the '40' sign and the gate, heading east down the management trail. The walk soon comes to the intersection, signposted 'Red Hands Cave'. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads in an easterly direction along the management trail, tending left around to the Oaks Picnic Area on the left and the car park on the right.
The Oaks Picnic Area
Alt = 280 m
The Oaks Picnic Area, is an established picnic area with shelter, bench seats and a pit toilet. The picnic area also boasts a water tank and adequate parking. It is a quiet area, just off the road, making it a fantastic spot for a rendezvous with family and friends after a long walk or ride.
(18.32 km)
The Oaks Picnic Area
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Int. Oaks Picnic Area Trk and Oaks single Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 71 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the picnic area, the walk heads past the water tank, then towards the green-roofed toilet in the bush. The track passes the toilet (on the right) before coming to the fire trail.
(18.39 km)
Int. Oaks Picnic Area Trk and Oaks single Trk
to
5km to Glenbrook Sign Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 2.26 km
Time = 38 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -72 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Glenbrook' sign down the trail. The trail narrows quickly and winds east for some time, through the thick green heath and burnt trees. The track splits at one point and connects again a few metres on, before continuing to the signposted intersection where the track opens up in a clearing.
(20.65 km)
5km to Glenbrook Sign
to
The Ironbark Picnic Area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.74 km
Time = 46 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -52 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the clear track to the east, passing the blue 'Shared use' sign. The track meanders through the bush for some time before passing a few short tracks on the right. This walk stays on the main cycleway until passing between two white gum trees and coming to an intersection with the Ironbark access track on the right, marked with another blue 'shared use' sign. Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the narrower track east towards the road. The track opens up at the car park, and the walk crosses the road to the Ironbark picnic area.
Ironbark Picnic Area
Alt = 171 m
Ironbark Picnic Area is a basic picnic area on the Oaks Fire Trail, about 450m south of Euroka Rd. The picnic area has a low bench that acts as both a table and seat, and there is also a wood-fired barbecue provided. The picnic area is at the top of a gated management trail, which leads down to campsites at Euroka. There are plenty of car parking spaces provided and it is a fairly popular starting point for people cycling the Oaks Cycleway.
(23.38 km)
The Ironbark Picnic Area
to
Top of Darug campsite car park Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.55 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -98 m
Continue straight: From the Ironbark Picnic Area, this walk follows the management trail south east by first stepping over the locked gate (pole). The wide trail then gently leads downhill. As the hill steepens a bit, the track becomes narrower. As the track approaches Euroka, there are a few sharp bends and the walk leads to the top of Nioka. The campsite comes into view, and the walk continues down the clear track, now with the camp ground on the right. The track then passes a toilet and continues down around the locked gate to the dirt road intersection just below Nioka campsite. Veer left: From the dirt road just below the signposted 'Nioka' campsite, this walk follows the main road, initially keeping the campsite to the left. The walk heads across a small, bridged creek crossing and up to the intersection. At the intersection, there are some information signs about the area (on the right). Continue straight: From the signposts, the walk follows the 'Daruk'[2] arrow along the flat dirt road, keeping the hill up to the left. After passing the garbage bins, the trail crosses a small creek and comes to an intersection with a bush track on the left, just before the signposted 'Darug' campsite.
Euroka Campground - Darug
Alt = m
The Darug (sometimes labeled Daruk) campsite is found the Euroka Clearing, in the Glenbrook region of the Blue Mountains National Park. There are about 20 camping spaces to choose from in this area. Tap water is available at the park entrance. The campsite has a wheelchair-accessible toilet (access over grassy terrain) and a few metal fireplaces. The campsite is surrounded by large gum trees and is right at the base of a steep hill to the north.
(24.93 km)
Top of Darug campsite car park
to
Int. Euroka Trk and The Oaks Fire Trail Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.31 km
Time = 51 mins
Climb = 111 m
Descent = -103 m
Turn left: From between the small creek crossing and the 'Darug' campsite, the walk follows the bush track up the hill, initially keeping Darug to the right. There are two tracks at time of writing, nearly parallel and heading to the same place. The track becomes steep and works its way up the steep rocky hill. At the top of this climb, the walk follows the track to the right and then the clear track meanders through the scrub. The track soon comes to an intersection with the signposted 'Portal waterhole' track (which heads off to the right). Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north, following neither of the arrows on the sign. The track soon comes to Mount Portal Trail, just next to the intersection with Euroka Road. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'The Causeway' sign, along the bush track. The track tends right into the low grassy bush. As the track continues down the hill, the grass gives way to wattle bush covering the gully. The track leads down many stairs then crosses a creek or two before winding along the hillside. The track then continues down into the gully to pass a fading track, on the left, then winds through to a hairpin corner on the road, marked by a 'Euroka Track' sign (pointing back the way you came).
(27.24 km)
Int. Euroka Trk and The Oaks Fire Trail
to
Eastern side of Causeway Track: Moderate - road
Length = 232 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -28 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the steep road to the causeway. Veer right: From the southern side of the causeway, the walk heads across the causeway to the road, next to the fenced, paved area. The causeway may be impassable after rain.
Glenbrook causeway
Alt = 61 m
Glenbrook causeway is the only way for vehicles to cross Glenbrook Creek. It is a concrete road, with a raised gutter for pedestrians to cross the creek. The causeway is subject to flooding. Glenbrook causeway is a crossing point for many of the popular walks throughout the Glenbrook Valley area.
(27.48 km)
Eastern side of Causeway
to
Jelly Bean Pool Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 316 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn right: From the causeway, the walk heads through the blocked-off paved area, keeping the water on the right. The walk heads alongside the creek (the track is not very clear at this point) but winds around and over the large rocks beside the main creek (This creek does become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain). The soon the creek widens and turns into a large pool, where the track leads around the rocky outcrop to a metal staircase, above Jellybean Pool.
Jellybean Pool
Alt = 62 m
Jellybean Pool is a large pool in Glenbrook Creek, just south of the weir. The pool has a few sandy beaches, rock platforms and is surrounded by cliffs. Jumping and diving is not a good idea, and is not permitted. This is a popular spot for locals to swim. Swimming can be dangerous - the creek is especially dangerous after rain. Check with rangers before heading in.
(27.79 km)
Jelly Bean Pool
to
Glenbrook Information Centre car park Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 503 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 88 m
Descent = -3 m
Turn left: From the bottom of the metal stairs, the walk heads up the stairs away from Jellybean Pool. The track heads under the rocks then turns left up to a set of bins, at the bottom of the car park. Continue straight: From the bins, the walk heads up to the top of the car park to the sealed road. The walk soon turns right, up the stairs and into the bush. The walk heads up many stairs, crossing the road twice along the way. The track winds around a rocky outcrop and enters a small grassed area with bench seats. The walk continues past these seats to the bottom of the car park, at the front of the Glenbrook Information Centre.
NPWS Glenbrook Information Centre
Alt = 144 m
The NPWS information centre and car park are found just before the 'toll both' on Bruce Road. You will find tap water, toilets, garbage bins and information signs about the region. A great spot to chat to staff and get updates on the conditions in the park.
(28.29 km)
Glenbrook Information Centre car park
to
Glenbrook Station Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 1.28 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 35 m
Descent = -13 m
Continue straight: From the car park, the walk joins the road and heads up the hill. The walk continues along the road, Bruce Rd, over a bridge and winds for some time. The walk follows the footpath on the left of the road, continuing as Bruce Rd becomes Burfitt Pde. The walk passes Euroka Rd on the right and soon comes to Glenbrook Station on the left.
Glenbrook
Alt = 167 m
Glenbrook is situated on the Great Western Highway and is a tourist hub for the lower Blue Mountains, with the Blue Mountains Visitor Information Centre located here. Glenbrook has quite a bustling little town centre with a number of cafes, bakeries and shops to explore. Prior to 1879, Glenbrook had changed its name numerous times, known at various times as Watertank, Wascoe Siding and Brookdale before being given its current name by Sir John Jamieson. Glenbrook is a gateway into the Blue Mountains National Park and is also the end point of the Woodford-Glenbrook mountain bike trail, along the Oaks Fire Trail. More 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 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
The service track followed for much of the way has quite a few mountain bikes on it, mainly on weekends, so use a bit of common sense and care.
admin - re: Look out for mountain bike
Super Administrator | 2010-02-07 22:24:18
Jakkles wrote:
mountain bikes on it, mainly on weekends, so use a bit of common sense and care.
Great Point Jakkles, Good rule of thumb is to stay left. Most of the track is wide and clear, but take extra care where the track bends.
Matt :)
paul - night walk
IP:152.76.1.xxx | 2010-02-15 23:30:46
with a full moon suitable to do in 1 night.
Mitchell
IP:58.167.81.xxx | 2011-12-19 03:08:06
I did this walk with my scout group backwards and the water at Euroka Clearing still has to be boiled and i would suggest taking Water Purification Tablets
Great walk and we even saw some kangaroos:)
matt - water supies
IP:58.111.149.xxx | 2015-01-16 10:24:04
are the water tanks at oaks suitable for drinking and is there any way to get water close to the end of day 1
Alana - Track review
IP:202.159.161.xxx | 2015-03-08 06:24:20
Just did this walk. Was a pleasant enough, if slow paced walk. The track notes seem a bit outdated as there are many more (perhaps new) signs than are not mentioned.
The tanks at the Oaks picnic area ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR DRINKING, they didn't even have taps and one was full of rubbish. Another important note: THERE IS NO TAP AT THE EUREKA CAMPSITE or we couldn't find it in any case, we asked some knowledgable looking mountain bikers who said there wasn't one until the information point at the entrance to the park and kindly gave us 3L of water.
Next time i'd do it in 2 nights going from Glenbrook to Woodford and camping at the clearing. The best part of the walk is going front the Eureka campsite to the park entrance, thats through a nice trail in the bush. To be honest the rest of the walk is perhaps a little dull as it mainly follows the road and you don't feel like you really leave civilisation. Still, a good beginners trek and a thank you to the original writer of the track notes :)
matt - water availability
IP:58.111.149.xxx | 2015-04-30 12:18:37
hi guys
just wondering if you are able to drive along the oaks fire trail and is there any way to get water drop delivered to the trail
Naj - Which way more uphill??
IP:27.99.6.xxx | 2015-09-13 03:23:37
Hi Any can tell me which is more uphill as I do not like to walk uphill :).
And where should do camp.
Naj
Naj - one night two days
IP:27.99.6.xxx | 2015-09-13 06:48:24
Hi,
Can I do this walk in one night two days? and if where should I camp, is thee I can get water on the way or need to carry water for full walk?
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
10 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 :)