A long day walk, with a few solid hills to start, and some great views. The walk follows the St Helena Ridge, after crossing the Glenbrook Creek, then continues along The Oaks Fire Trail to Woodford Station. The the last part of the walk follows a management trail with plenty of wild flowers at the right time of year.
(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 Martin's Lookout to Woodford Station
Cross sectional view of the Martin's Lookout to Woodford Station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Martin's Lookout to Woodford Station 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
16km
Time
7 hrs
.
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
10km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.5km is very steep and the remaining 1.1km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
8km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 960m follows a rough unclear track and a 730m section follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining 60m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
8km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 7km has directional signs at most intersection. Whilst another 960m Has no directional signs and the remaining 790m is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 16km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 16km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
9km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (790m) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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(0.09 km)
Martins Lookout
to
Bunyan Lookout Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.48 km
Time = 1 hr 4 mins
Climb = 224 m
Descent = -205 m
Turn right: From Martins Lookout, the track heads south-east around the rocky knoll, with the views to the right of the track. The track quickly comes off the sandstone surface and descends stairs which zigzag under the cliffs. The walk passes under many overhangs, some of which overhang the track as it makes its way down the hillside. Tightly winding its way down the hill, the track descends a final flight of stairs to the signposted intersection. Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Bunyan Lkt' post down the stairs. The walk soon meets the creek and turns left, following the creek for a short distance before crossing at an opening in the shrubs around the creek. From here, the walk follows the cairns (rock stacks) across creek flats before climbing the hill to the base of a small cliff line. At one point beneath the cliff line, the walk ducks through a hole in the rock, then winds up through boulders, following more cairns. The walk continues up the hill, passing through a few more rocky outcrops to reach the informal, unfenced Bunyan Lookout, in a clearing near the cliff line.
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.
(1.57 km)
Bunyan Lookout
to
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 568 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -7 m
Turn sharp right: From Bunyan Lookout, the walk heads back into the clearing behind the unfenced cliff line and turns left at the cairn (if you head down into the valley, you have gone the wrong way). The walk meanders through the heath for a short time before coming to a red painted stump, on the right of the track.
(2.14 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 right: 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 right 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.
(2.14 km)
Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk
to
Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyan Lookout Trk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.71 km
Time = 47 mins
Climb = 56 m
Descent = -42 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads in a southerly direction away from the red stump, keeping it behind on the right of the track. The walk winds through the bush, crossing a few sandy areas that lead to a small cairn marking the intersection, on the left of the track. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads in a southerly direction along the track. The walk meanders through the low green heath for quite some time, through a section of pines, before entering the clearing with a fire place. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads south-east through the bush. The track winds through the heath for a short time before opening onto a clearing with a rocky outcrop at the far side.
(4.85 km)
Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyah Lookout Trk
to
Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 6.89 km
Time = 2 hrs 21 mins
Climb = 363 m
Descent = -187 m
Turn right: From the clearing, the walk heads west out of the clearing along the single track. The walk then undulates and winds for quite some time with the track widening and narrowing greatly in many areas. The walk then zigzags up hill, climbing to the intersection with the Oaks Fire Trail. Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads down across the saddle and tends right below the cliff (above on the left). The trail winds up and onto a plateau lined with rocks, which look as though they could have been placed there. The vegetation along this higher area is lower and clearer, which gives views across the distant ridge lines. The walk continues to head in a northerly direction and descends right, off the plateau, to head up another hill to a stepped intersection on the left.
(11.74 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 left: 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 left 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.
(11.74 km)
Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk
to
Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 3.48 km
Time = 1 hr 10 mins
Climb = 175 m
Descent = -87 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads in a northerly direction down the hill, turning steeply up and to the left a few times. The trail passes a small dam (just to the right) and continues to wind and undulate for some time to a mound of dirt in the middle of a junction. The trail passes this mound of dirt and continues north, winding and undulating slightly for some time before passing an interpretative board (on the right). Soon after this, the trail comes up to a gate (with a tap for drinking water, on the right). The track crosses over this gate to the intersection with the road.
(15.22 km)
Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd
to
Woodford Station Walk: Easy - road
Length = 729 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 39 m
Descent = -22 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads uphill along Taylor Rd, and soon turns right onto Parker St. The walk follows Parker St, tending right, then turns onto The Appian Way. The walk turns left at Railway Pde, just before a bridge. Continuing down Railway Pde, keeping the railway line on the right, the walk comes to a shelter on the left and railway sign on the right. The walk follows the footpath under the Woodford Station sign, leading under the tracks and up stairs onto the platform.
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
Hiking near Sydney 
Route: Hard
5 km
There is free parking available.
Check out the facilities at 
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
not too much longer now :)