This two day walk covers large sections of the Glenbrook Gorge between the two train stations. As well as winding through the gorge, the walk travels up onto the ridges to pass Red Hands Cave and camp the night at Darug camping area. The gorge section from the causeway to the Nepean River presents many opportunities to get your feet wet, too. This is a wonderfully picturesque and challenging walk.
(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 Glenbrook to Lapstone via Euroka
Cross sectional view of the Glenbrook to Lapstone via Euroka bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Glenbrook to Lapstone via Euroka 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
19km
Time
2 Days
.
Grade 6/6
Route: Unmanaged
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Off track (no visible track at times) (6/6)
Signs
No directional signs (5/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
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
9km of this walk has short steep hills and another 8km is very steep. Whilst another 2.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 25m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.4km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and a 2km section follows a known route where there is no visible track. The remaining 1.6km follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 4.5km is clearly signposted. Whilst another 3.4km has minimal directional signs and the remaining 2.7km Has no directional signs.
Experience Required
13km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 4.3km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (1km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 16km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 3.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 4.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). Whilst another 3.2km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and the remaining 2.7km has no facilities provided.
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
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
(0 km)
Glenbrook Station
to
End of Station St Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 580 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -9 m
From the top of Glenbrook Station, this walk turns left along Burfitt Pde (keeping the train line to the left of the footpath). The walk turns left over the bridge on Cowdery St and then the first right after the bridge, Station St. The walk continues to the bottom of Station St where there is a gate.
(0.58 km)
End of Station St
to
Station St mngt trail Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 647 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -16 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the trail along the back of the houses, keeping them on the left. The walk follows the straightest management trail, passing numerous side trails (that head off the ridge). The trail then leads over a number of water bars as the relatively straight trail meets the bush, where a defined single track continues down the hill.
(1.23 km)
Station St mngt trail
to
Glenbrook Creek Beach Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 428 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -102 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads follows the bush track, downhill. The track steeply winds down over rock platforms and under overhangs, using a number of slots and cracks to descend the hill. The track continues winding steeply down the hill, coming to be near a sandy beach where the track climbs down a slot in the rock to reach the sand. The track then continues out across the sand to the turning point in the creek.
Glenbrook Creek Sandbar
Alt = 68 m
The sandbar is an unofficially-named beach on the banks of Glenbrook Creek. The beach has a fantastic white colour and some height above the water - a great spot for to camp or enjoy lunch.
(1.66 km)
Glenbrook Creek Beach
to
Int. Blue Pool and Glenbrook Gorge trks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.04 km
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 68 m
Descent = -72 m
Turn left : From the beach, the walk keeps the water on the right as it heads to the end of the beach. The walk then crosses the creek over the rock platform and winds along the bank for quite some time. The track passes a rock overhang as it continues to undulate and wind above the creek (which is on the left). Tending right at a wider area of the creek (forming a pool), the track then turns left, crossing the again-narrow creek at a rocky section and leading up to an intersection, below a cliff line.
(2.69 km)
Int. Blue Pool and Glenbrook Gorge trks
to
Blue Pool Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 65 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -2 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk keeps the water to the left as the track meanders below the cliffs for a very short time, to the bank of Blue Pool. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
Blue Pool
Alt = 65 m
Blue Pool, Blue Mountains National Park, is named after the blue colour of the water. This appearance is caused by clay particles suspended in the water, which refract the light [1]. This part of Glenbrook Creek is a popular swimming hole, but it is not patrolled.
(2.69 km)
Int. Blue Pool and Glenbrook Gorge trks
to
Int. Bruce Rd and Bruce Rd access trk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 212 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -18 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads alongside the creek (keeping the creek to the right). The track soon turns left up many steps, and comes to an un-signposted intersection below the road. Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads across the hillside tending left to a 'Blue Pool' sign at a corner in a road.
(2.9 km)
Int. Bruce Rd and Bruce Rd access trk
to
Eastern side of Causeway Track: Moderate - road
Length = 230 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -13 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the road to the start of the causeway, with the fenced clearing to the left of the road.
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.
(3.13 km)
Eastern side of Causeway
to
Campfire Creek sign side of Causeway Track: Moderate - road
Length = 13 m
Time =
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the paved area side of the causeway, the walk crosses the creek via the causeway, then heads to the area beneath the 'Camp Fire Creek Track' sign. The causeway may be impassable after rain.
(3.15 km)
Campfire Creek sign side of Causeway
to
Red Hands Cave Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.06 km
Time = 1 hr 12 mins
Climb = 208 m
Descent = -92 m
Turn right: From the causeway, the walk follows the 'Camp Fire Creek Track' sign along the water's edge to the signposts for 'Red Hands Cave' and 'Car park'. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Red Hands Cave' sign, keeping the creek to the right. The track winds and undulates, soon coming to a rock platform which crosses a creek (with the gully on the left). Here, the walk continues along the lower track, not heading up the rock steps. The track continues along the hillside and comes to a sign titled 'Neighbours'. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads across the small bridge and up the track. The walk soon passes over another small wooden bridge and then continues through the bush, with the creek on the right. Winding for a short time, the track comes to an un-signposted intersection. Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill, winding above the creek (on the right). The track follows the hillside for quite some time, passing near the creek in places, before coming to a 'Glenbrook Causeway' sign. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Red Hands Cave' sign down across the creek. The track leads over a small rise across another smaller creek, then follows the hillside for a short while, passing a bench seat and then a small log bridge. The track then starts tending left, heading up to a rocky outcrop where the walk arrives at the metal verandah of Red Hands Cave.
Red Hands Cave
Alt = 178 m
Red Hands Cave, in the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains National Park, is found near the end of Red Hands Cave fire trail. The cave has quite a few hand stencils and prints of various colours (including red). The cave is well protected, with a perspex and steel cage. There are some information signs and some artifacts to help visitors learn more about the people who made these prints over 1600 years ago. In 1913, when searching for a lost child, this cave was found by Europeans and is now protected.
(6.21 km)
Red Hands Cave
to
Red Hands Cave car park Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 503 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 41 m
Descent = -10 m
Continue straight: From Red Hands Cave, the walk heads up the stairs, winding to be above Red Hands Cave. The track then continues across the rocky surface, slowly climbing through the bush and leading away from the rock outcrop. The track winds through a few rocky outcrops, tending right, before coming to a car park and 'Red Hands Cave' sign (pointing back to the cave).
Red Hands Cave Picnic Area
Alt = 208 m
Red Hands Cave Picnic Area is found at the end of the Red Hands Cave Fire Trail in the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains National Park. The small picnic area is next to the car park and has a couple of platforms (to act as both a table and seat) as well as a fire place and toilet. The toilet itself is wheelchair accessible, but access to the toilet is over moderately rough terrain. A good spot to rest when exploring Red Hands Cave.
(6.71 km)
Red Hands Cave car park
to
Axe Grinding Grooves Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.08 km
Time = 44 mins
Climb = 42 m
Descent = -161 m
Turn left : From Red Hands Cave car park, the walk follows the sign for the 'Link Track' past the bench and fireplace and into the bush. The track winds down the hill via many steps, winding for quite some time, then comes near a creek, which it loosely follows. The walk then crosses this creek to the signposts on the other side. Turn left: From the creek intersection, the walk follows the 'Glenbrook Causeway' sign, keeping the water on the left. The track continues up to a rock overhang from where it heads down the hill, coming near the creek again. The track follows the creek to a junction with another creek. To the left is a large sandstone area and approximately 10m along the track is a sign explaining the grooves in the sandstone.
Axe Grinding Grooves
Alt = 87 m
These well-defined axe grinding groves are found on the sandstone bed of Camp Fire Creek. The grooves were formed by Aboriginal people when sharpening axes (or forming axe blanks). Rubbing the axe blanks would sharpen the stone into a more useful tool, and the process would also wear the sandstone, leaving these markings. These sites are typically found near water, as the water was added to make the stone more abrasive. Sites like this will fade in time due to erosion of the sandstone - please help them last as long as possible by not walking on, or close to the grooves. More info
(8.8 km)
Axe Grinding Grooves
to
The Ironbark Picnic Area Route: Hard - undefined,bushtrack,bushtrack
Length = 966 m
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 90 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn sharp right: From where the main track crosses the small side creek (just above the axe grinding site), this walk follows the rocky side creek south-east, upstream. After about 20m, the gully splits in two. This walk follows a narrow track on the spur between these two creeks. The track heads up the spur line and crosses a number of rocky outcrops. Near the top of the hill, the bush becomes quiet dense. The track then opens out on the wide Oaks cycleway. Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide track south, gently down the hill as it bends to the left. The track then heads down the hill a bit more steeply, and crosses a gully before gently climbing the other side. Not far after the gully, the track comes to an un-signposted intersection with the Ironbark access track, on the left. Turn left : 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.
(9.76 km)
The Ironbark Picnic Area
to
Nioka Campsite Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 1.31 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -94 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.
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Alt = m
The Nioka campground offers 20 sites to choose from. There is tap water at the park entrance.
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Alt = m
The Red Gum campground offers 20 sites to choose from. There is tap water at the park entrance.
(11.07 km)
Nioka Campsite
to
Top of Darug campsite car park Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 239 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -4 m
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.
(11.31 km)
Top of Darug campsite car park
to
Campfire Creek sign side of Causeway Track: Hard - bushtrack,road
Length = 2.53 km
Time = 56 mins
Climb = 111 m
Descent = -130 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). Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the steep road to the causeway.
(13.84 km)
Campfire Creek sign side of Causeway
to
Eastern side of Causeway Track: Moderate - road
Length = 13 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
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.
(13.85 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.
(14.17 km)
Jelly Bean Pool
to
Int. Gorge Walking and Jelly Bean Pool Trk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 604 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = -38 m
Continue straight: From the metal staircase at Jelly Bean Pools, the walk keeps the water on the right as it winds along the shore, downstream. The track meanders and undulates above the creek as it heads downstream to come to an intersection just before a small foot bridge.
Glenbrook Gorge
Alt = 57 m
Glenbrook Gorge is a deep cut in the sandstone formed by Glenbrook Creek, just before it flows into the Nepean River. The spectacular gorge, the tall cliffs and the creek make for a great place to cool down in summer. The gorge can be very dangerous after rain, check with the rangers before entering.
(14.77 km)
Int. Gorge Walking and Jelly Bean Pool Trk
to
Glenbrook Gorge Beach Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 273 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -20 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the footbridge and continues along the hillside, keeping the main creek to the right. The walk winds down past a pond (on the right) and continue downstream to a sandy beach.
Glenbrook Gorge Beach
Alt = 45 m
Glenbrook Gorge Beach is a small, sandy spot on a rock platform in Glenbrook Gorge. The beach is beside a fairly large pool, making a great spot to rest, especially on warmer days.
(15.05 km)
Glenbrook Gorge Beach
to
Int. at junction of Nepean River and Glenbrook Creek Route: Unmanaged - bushtrack
Length = 2.09 km
Time = 1 hr 23 mins
Climb = 332 m
Descent = -357 m
Continue straight: From the beach, the walk heads downstream, keeping the creek on the right for some time. The track winds, weaves and climbs its way down the gorge, crossing the creek numerous times. The track fades out completely, but the walk continues down the gorge generally following the creek. A large number of rock shelves and surfaces are used to speed the pace down the gorge as the walk continues, coming near to the junction with the Nepean River. The track crosses the creek to a rock shelf above a large boulder sitting in the creek, and a campground clearing nearby, on the far bank. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk leads downstream, keeping the creek below on the right as it heads along the rock shelf. The track continues to an intersection behind a large rock shelf, next to the river.
(17.14 km)
Int. at junction of Nepean River and Glenbrook Creek
to
Nepean Point Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 150 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the track winds down the rocky outcrop, keeping the mouth of the Glenbrook Creek behind on the right. The track winds down through the rocks onto the island-like stretch of land in the Nepean River. The track crosses many large round river stones which are slippery. The walk keeps the water close on the left as it heads out to the point. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Nepean view point
Alt = 20 m
Nepean view point is an informal lookout which peers back down the Nepean River towards Penrith. The point is made from rocks deposited in the river and is now covered by trees and surrounded by reeds.
(17.14 km)
Int. at junction of Nepean River and Glenbrook Creek
to
Int. Tunnel Gully trk and Nepean Pt trk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.01 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 51 m
Descent = -41 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk keeps both the creek and river below on the right as it skirts around the rocks on the hillside. The track then leaves the rock platforms and winds for some time, undulating above the Nepean River which is below on the right. The track then tends left, up and away from the river to open onto a management trail.
(18.15 km)
Int. Tunnel Gully trk and Nepean Pt trk
to
Int. Tunnel Gully trk and car wreck trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 434 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 68 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the management trail. After about 115 metres, the trail passes an electricity tower, where it tends left further up the hill. The trail continues up the hill to the ridge where a car wreck sits in the bush to the right, at an intersection with a track on the left.
(18.59 km)
Int. Tunnel Gully trk and car wreck trk
to
Lapstone lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 206 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -29 m
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk follows the single track away from the clear management trail. The track crosses the hillside and leads across the depression of a creek to rise onto a small ridge, and in intersection with a track on the left. Turn left: From the intersection, the track leads down the ridgeline, keeping the houses and railway behind and the creek below on the left. The track winds down the rocky ridge to a rock surface with a view over the Nepean River. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Lapstone Nepean View
Alt = 72 m
This informal and unfenced view point is just below Lapstone Station. There are stunning views up and down the Nepean River and across some farmland on the Cumberland Plain. A great spot to enjoy the views.
(18.59 km)
Int. Tunnel Gully trk and car wreck trk
to
Int. Station trk and Tunnel Gully trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 122 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the track leads up the hill, keeping the car wreck behind on the right. The track undulates a little to an intersection below the train station.
(18.71 km)
Int. Station trk and Tunnel Gully trk
to
Platform 2 Lapstone Station Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 50 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left : From the intersection, the track heads up the hill to the train station.
Lapstone
Alt = 111 m
The historic town of Lapstone is the eastern-most town in the Blue Mountains. The small township has a railway station, which is shares with the bordering town of Leonay. The station offers a public telephone and toilet. There are no commercial facilities in the area. The name 'Lapstone' is said to have come from the 'many water-worn stones in the area', which resemble the lapstone used by cobblers when making shoes[3].
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
Comment left by Matthew B on Tuesday 30th Nov 2010 was removed because it could be considered culturally insensitive. Please feel free to re-post comment, being careful not to make cultural generalisations.
Thanks for taking the time to leave comments for others.
Matt :)
Colin - Jellybean Pool -> Nepean - no
IP:121.44.67.xxx | 2011-08-28 05:18:00
We walked this today, and to my certain knowledge there is no track along the creek. Some residual track markers and occasional blazed trees on some sections, but even there we found three or four big trees down over the occasional fragmentary pads.
The tracks marked in pink trail tape (which only started about 300m in, as the creek itself flattened out) lead nowhere ... unless we missed a marker, which is quite possible.
We were reduced to reading trail signs to get evidence of pads, many of those were faint and old, and we lost them after a while.
Saw no real evidence of any creek crossings in the section we did, nor anywhere on the southern bank which would give access.
We got about 600m downstream of the metal steps (hint: don't ascend them) in 1 hour when the topography forced us to climb instead of staying on the creek side. Saw some young blokes down on the creek, called down 90m to ask them if they were on a track, their reply "We're making our own." That's right.
We then headed north out of the gorge to intersect and follow the well-defined trail out to the park entrance and visitor's centre, thence back to Glenbrook.
Summary: Fun learning experience - great for people wanting to traverse unmarked bush - I mean, you can't get lost, just confronted with a boulder the size of a large house blocking your access.
Would be fine for a few fit 20-somethings with day packs, or even a couple of oldies with attitude, or lilos, but not our party of 9 (6 scouts.) It'd have taken us at least 3 hours to traverse the 2+km from the metal steps, through the gorge.
admin - re: Jellybean Pool -> Nepean -
Super Administrator | 2011-08-28 23:25:59
Colin wrote:
Fun learning experience - great for people wanting to traverse unmarked bush - I mean, you can't get lost, just confronted with a boulder the size of a large house blocking your access.
Thanks Colin
Sounds like quiet an experience. I tweaked the notes to make it clearer that there is no track through the gorge. Just as a reminder the 'black diamond' walks have at least a section that is offtrack.
Thanks for the feedback
Matt :)
Mitchell - Blue Pool water
IP:121.212.118.xxx | 2011-10-25 07:20:41
Hi are you allowed to swim in these pools??
admin - re: Blue Pool water
Super Administrator | 2011-10-25 08:30:44
Mitchell wrote:
Hi are you allowed to swim in these pools??
Jellybean pools is a popular swimming spot on this walk.
Blue Pools: I remember a sign saying no diving, but I don't remember a no swimming sign, so I think it is OK.
I would not swim in either after heavy rain, due to run off and other dangers. Remember these are natural waterways so there are many unseen hazards that need to be considered.
Enjoy the walk
Matt :)
Vince - Mt Portal
IP:60.240.67.xxx | 2011-12-11 12:08:40
Two mates and I set out to conquer this today.
We followed the route as marked from Glenbrook station to the Oaks fire trail via Red Hands Cave, where we decided to skip the descent into Euroka clearing and head up to Mt Portal, all while the heavy rain set in.
On an old topographical map I had it showed a walking path down from the northern side of Mt Portal ie more or less under the lookout. I wasn't familiar with any path, we had a look but in the end we transversed the cliff face and eventually made it down onto the ground. We found little evidence of a path (I doubt it's that popular anyway) and just headed in the direction of Fern Glen, from there on we continued along the waterways to Lapstone Station. We did 15km in about 7hours and it was a throughly satisfying walk. Though I can't recommend climbing down Mt Portal's cliff recklessly sans ropes!
scribbly - Wonderful Landscape
IP:121.44.29.xxx | 2014-01-22 09:24:59
We did this walk as described here last weekend as part of our Great North Walk Training (photos and description: http://bit.ly/1hIQLfU).
It was 36C at 3pm when we set off and we battled with hyperthermia for the two days: the pools were an often used cooling off!
Glenbrook Gorge was the highlight: just beautiful! No continuous track, but if you're content to boulder hop and make your own it's great fun.
Thanks for the notes Matt (though we completely misread your note about water at Euroka, thinking 'park entrance' meant at the entrance to the camping area as it makes little sense to someone walking in from Glenbrook. Would prefer to see something like: "Euroka has no water facilities. Tap water is available at the park entrance."
Hiking near Sydney 
Route: Unmanaged
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 :)