This walk visits some great lookouts and explores the lower section of Erskine Creek. Most of the walk along Erskine Creek is off track and the bush is quite thick in places. A great walk for people wanting to explore a remote area of the lower Blue Mountains National Park. You could make this an overnight walk and stay at Lower Lincoln Creek campsite.
(open in app)
This walk passes through a remote area and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.
There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Erskine Creek via Pisgah Rock and Jack Evans
Cross sectional view of the Erskine Creek via Pisgah Rock and Jack Evans bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Erskine Creek via Pisgah Rock and Jack Evans 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
7km
Time
4 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 6/6
Route: Unmanaged
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep and difficult scrambles (5/6)
Quality of track
Off track (no visible track at times) (6/6)
Signs
No directional signs (5/6)
Experience Required
Very high level of bushwalking experience recommended (6/6)
Weather
Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Infrastructure
No facilities provided (5/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
3.1km of this walk is very steep and another 2.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 790m has short steep hills and the remaining 610m is very steep with difficult rock scrambles.
Quality of track
2.4km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 2.3km follows a known route where there is no visible track. Whilst another 1.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and a 760m section follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining 260m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.
Signs
3.3km of this walk Has no directional signs and another 1.8km is clearly signposted. Whilst another 1.1km has directional signs at most intersection and the remaining 850m has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
2.6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 2.3km requires a leader with a high level of bushwalking experience. Whilst another 1.1km requires some bushwalking experience and a 610m section requires at least one leader with a very high level of bushwalking experience. The remaining 570m requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
3.8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 2.3km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety. The remaining (1.1km) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
3.1km of this walk has no facilities provided and another 1.8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). Whilst another 1.7km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and the remaining 420m has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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Drive to Pisgah Rock track head
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park. 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 --> Sorry there are no driving directions, but you can see the start of this walk on this map
(0 km)
Pisgah Rock track head
to
Pisgah Rock Intersection Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 755 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = -17 m
From the Pisgah Rock car park (2.2km further along Nepean Lookout Fire Trail from the Oaks Picnic Area), this walk follows the 'Pisgah Rock 700mt' sign along the old management trail. The track meanders through the Eucalypt and Casuarina forest as it climbs a gentle hill and then heads down the other side. The track soon comes to an intersection with a small bush track off to the left, from the intersection there are glimpses of the valley views.
(0.76 km)
Pisgah Rock Intersection
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Attic Cave Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 248 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -23 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the old management trail that very soon narrows into a bush track as it heads away from the view (keeping the valley to the left). The tracks then emerges from the bush to cut across a rock shelf and into the scrub again. Once in the gully the track turns left to climb down the 'V' in the rock. At the bottom of the climb the walk heads right under the now obvious sandstone cave. The walk continues following the base of this cliff line along a fairly clear track passing several interesting sandstone overhangs. Soon the track comes to a large overhang and fire circle at Attic camping cave. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Attic Cave
Alt = 249 m
Attic Cave, near Pisgah Rock in the lower blue mountains is a large sandstone overhang. The cave has been used by walkers as an overnight camp for many decades. The cave could comfortably sleep about 5 people. There is a log book in a tin cake box on the rock shelf, making for some interesting reading, and awaiting your story. There is a fire circle, and the cave is reasonably well protected from the weather. The name Attic Cave is said to have come from the hole, a shelf, in the top of the cave, forming an attic.
(0.76 km)
Pisgah Rock Intersection
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Pisgah Rock Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 22 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -5 m
Veer left: From the intersection this walk takes the short bush track toward the view of the valley. The track comes to the unfenced cliff and great view from the top of Pisgah Rock and a sign posted 'take care when walking near cliffs'.
Pisgah Rock
Alt = 253 m
Pisgah Rock, is a short walk from Nepean Lookout Fire Trail in the lower Blue Mountains, and provides excellent views up Erskine Creek Gorge. The informal lookout is not fenced, and the surface is uneven with large crevasse like cracks. The view is simply amazing, with great views right up the middle of Erskine Creek Gorge. There are also great views to the left, down Erskine Creek Gorge and across the flats of the southern parts for greater Sydney. The rock presumably derives its name from the height point on Mount Nebo, where the Bible reports Moses seeing the promised land for the first time. In Hebrew pisgah refers to a high place. This Pisgah Rock is very much a high place, with great views.
(0.78 km)
Pisgah Rock
to
Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Crks Route: Unmanaged - bushtrack
Length = 605 m
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -200 m
Turn right: From the 'take care when walking near cliffs' signpost on Pisgah Rock this walk now follows the rock at the top of the cliff keeping the valley below to the left. After passing a couple of very steep looking cracks in the rock, the faint track comes to a much more gentle looking pass with a large Banksia growing out of it. The walk heads down through this pass. The track turns right and heads down a much steeper climb through the V in the rock. At the bottom of this climb the bush track leads to a small unfenced rock platform. The walk then turns right heading down the couple more climbs then turns left back under the rock platform. The track continues to wind down several more steep rocky climbs following a faint track and cairns. after most climbs the track generally tends left and down hill. After the last climb, the track heads away from the cliff making, tending left heading fairly steeply to an intersection near the junction of Erskine Creek and Lincoln Creek.
(1.38 km)
Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks
to
Lower Lincoln Campsite Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 74 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -4 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk cross Lincoln Creek at the rock pools staying upstream of the small cascade (this may be impassable after rain). On the other side of the creek the walk picks up a faint track heading gently up the ridge. Soon the track opens up into a large campsite with some wonderful grass trees. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks
Alt = 71 m
The junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks, in the Blue Mountains National park, occurs at a large rock platform. The rock platform contains many water holes, a few large square boulders and a few short cascades. There are breath taking views up looking Erskine Creek Gorge. Looking up to the escarpment, to the north east, there is a view of Pisgah Rock. This area floods after rain, but when water levels are normal, this can be a lovely place to rest and enjoy the creeks and gorge.
(1.38 km)
Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks
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Rock platform Route: Hard - undefined
Length = 261 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -13 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk head downstream along Erskine Creek, keeping the creek to the right. After following the indistinct bush track for a short while it leads to an large open rock platform. The walk continues along the rock until coming to the edge of a large pool at the bottom of the cascades.
Rock Platform
Alt = 82 m
This is a rock platform on Erskine creek about 200m downstream from the junction with Lincoln Creek. The area does flood so depending on water levels this is usually a large rock platform with some interesting water holes, and a lovely cascade flowing into a shallow pool. Although this lacks the majestic view up Erskine Creek (found a short distance upstream), this spot does provide an open spot, great for a snack, lunch and to rest.
(1.64 km)
Rock platform
to
Lower Erskine Campsite Route: Unmanaged - undefined
Length = 2.27 km
Time = 51 mins
Climb = 98 m
Descent = -141 m
Veer left: From the end of the rock platform, the walk heads downstream initially by following the rock fall on the northern bank. There is a faint foot pad that lasts a short while. Find a good place to cross to the other bank (may be impassable after rain), where a rock shelf on the southern bank make walking easier. After passing the large gully the foot pad has all but disappeared, the walk continues down stream keeping the creek on the left. About half way along the large cliff high on the other side of the creek, the bank on the western side becomes difficult to pass due to another cliff. From here find a good place to cross (may be impassable after rain) and pick up the faint foot pad on the other side. The foot pad continues downstream (now with the creek on the right) and passes a few rock platforms at times. The track becomes more distinct as it gets closer to Jack Evans track. Not far before Jack Evans track the footpad comes to a small campsite with a fire circle on the left.
Lower Erskine Campsite
Alt = 39 m
A small campsite, just up from the eastern bank of Erskine Creek, a short distance north of where Jack Evans track crosses the creek. The campsite has a small fire circle, and enough space for one maybe two tents. Erskine creek is a handy water supply (treat before drinking).
(3.91 km)
Lower Erskine Campsite
to
Int of Jack Evans Track and Erskine Creek Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 106 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From the campsite this walk heads down stream keeping the creek to the right. Following a faint bush track the walk soon comes to an intersection with the Jack Evans Track just above a small sandy beach.
(4.02 km)
Int of Jack Evans Track and Erskine Creek
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Int of Jack Evans and the lower Erskine tracks Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 101 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn left: From the intersection just above sandy beach on the creek, this walk follows the clear bush track away from the creek and up the gentle hill. The track soon turns right and follows the creek on the right, downstream for a little while. The track then tends left up hill passing through a tunnel of vegetation to emerge onto an intersection with the more distinct Jack Evans and lower Erskine tracks
(4.12 km)
Int of Jack Evans and the lower Erskine tracks
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Eastern side of natural dam wall Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - bushtrack,undefined
Length = 182 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = -17 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the wider bush track down hill keeping the sound of Erskine Creek to the right, soon the creek is in view. The track soon fades to a become a less distinct bush track leading up the bank away from the creek. The track climbs to a large boulder providing great views of the pool in Erskine Creek. The track then leads down to the natural charcoal deposits and continues along the creek edge to the water depth indicators. (A remote monitoring box is visible up the hill). Veer left: From the water depth indicators this walk follows the creek down stream keeping Erskine Creek on the right. The faint bush track soon leads to the visible series of large boulders forming a natural dam wall. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Natural dam pool
Alt = 55 m
A series of very large boulders have formed a natural dam on Erskine Creek, about 170m north of Big Crater Creek. The dam forms a large lovely pool upstream. The pool is used by Sydney Water for measurements, and a water depth indicator is bolted to the rock. The pools is not safe to dive or jump into, there are many submerged objects.
(4.12 km)
Int of Jack Evans and the lower Erskine tracks
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Erskine Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 851 m
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 172 m
Descent = -28 m
Veer left: From the intersection this walk follows the wider bush track up the hill past the large gum tree. The track then comes to, and climbs a series of timber steps up to a distinct saddle. The track continues gently up the hill for a short distance to come to an intersection with the faint short cut track off to the right. Continue straight: From the intersection this walk follows the wider bush track up the gentle hill. The track is narrow in places with a drop off to the right. The track then starts to climb the hill using a series of steps and switch backs to wind up through the wonderful sandstone outcrops. The track passes a few nice caves and through gaps in the rock. After the last steep section the track comes to a large rock platform on the left (with some great views). The track continues to follow the main path up the hill, and passes a long sandstone wall on the left of the track. Soon after this sandstone wall, the track comes to a wide sandy patch, with and unfenced rock platform and view on the left. This is the Erskine Lookout, an informal unfenced lookout.
Erskine Lookout
Alt = 184 m
This informal and unfenced lookout on Jack Evans Track is in the lower Blue Mountains south west from the end of Nepean Lookout Fire Trail. The lookout is perched high above Erskine Creek and provides wonderful view upstream, and good views downstream. The view down in to the gorge gives a unique perspective of the lower section of Erskine Creek.
(4.97 km)
Erskine Lookout
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End of Nepean Lookout Fire Trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 324 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 29 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From Erskine Lookout, this walk heads up the gentle hill, following the sandy track, keeping the view to the left. The track passes some informal tracks to the left, passes a burnt 'take care when walking near cliffs' sign, and continues up the hill getting a little steeper. The track then comes to a silver information sign about 'Jack Evans Track'. The track then bends left and comes to the car park at the end of the publicly accessible section of the Nepean Lookout Fire Trail.
(5.3 km)
Car park at end of Nepean Lookout fire trail
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Pisgah Rock track head Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.81 km
Time = 33 mins
Climb = 51 m
Descent = -9 m
Turn left: From the end of end of Nepean Lookout fire trail, this walk follows the road northward away from the locked gate initially keeping the car park to the left. The road soon comes to an intersection with Pisgah Ridge fire trail (a gated management trail on the right). Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows Nepean Lookout fire trail north west around the left hand bend. The road soon comes to the Machins Crater car park. Continue straight: From the Machins Crater car park, this walk follows Nepean Lookout fire trail north west, up the hill, initially with Machins Crater track on the left. The road heads up the hill and soon comes the Pisgah Rock track head and car park.
Drive from Pisgah Rock track head
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park. 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 --> Sorry there are no driving directions, but you can see the end of this walk on this map
Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk
Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Driving Directions
To the start of the walk
Since this walk starts on a low grade road
Google can't give you a route plan to the start.
View the location on a road map here --> See the start of the walk on a map
From the end of the walk
Since this walk ends on a low grade road
Google can't give you a route plan from the end.
View the location on a road map here --> See the end of the walk on a map
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
Just completed most of this walk this morning! It was tough, in the end we crossed the river 4 times so between the junction of Erskine & Lincoln Creek and the camping ground take note of the map and directions carefully. Bush was definitely very thick in parts. Walking beside the river is beautiful though and the view of the river from the top of the Jack Evans trail is stunning.
Due to crossing the river so many times and parking in the wrong spot as per below it took us 5 1/2 hours.
Note: even though a lot of our maps said you couldn't park at Pisgah rock you can. We parked at the Oaks Picnic area and the 4.5km walk back was very tough.
admin - re: Mrs
Super Administrator | 2011-04-03 23:49:00
Sarah wrote:
Bush was definitely very thick in parts. Walking beside the river is beautiful though and the view of the river from the top of the Jack Evans trail is stunning......We parked at the Oaks Picnic area and the 4.5km walk back was very tough.
Hi Sarah
Sounds like a good tough time. I remember having a long day down there, but loved it. Shame about the extra road walking. On future 'wildwalks' click on the orange box in the track notes and you will get a google street map for the start (and end) of the walk. We always start a walk from a place a car or train can get to.
Thanks
Matt :)
Rob - Great weekend hike
IP:124.171.26.xxx | 2015-07-21 06:45:54
Did this on the weekend of 18-19/07/2015.
An excellent though in parts, challenging hike. There has been a recent flood down the creek and as a result there is a lot of debris to negotiate on the way along Erskine Crk to the junction with Jack Evans trail. As a result this should really be considered an overnight treck only. It took our party around 3 hours to go from the campsite to the JE junction. Some timings for the various sections are also out so shouldn't be relied on.
The treck notes were reasonably easy to follow although the climb down is not all that difficult to work out without them if you have a good sense of direction.
The campsite is in a lovely setting and well worth the effort.
Hiking near Sydney 
Route: Unmanaged
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)