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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek are found in each of the tabs below
Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek
Time: 3 hrs 45 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
1.5 km S of Glenbrook
Length: 8.3 km Walk Length
As this is a Circuit style walk, the 8.3 km includes the walking distance from the start around the loop and back to the start again
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 397 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 397 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk
Style: Circuit
Track: Hard

This walk takes the lovely track up through Red Hands Gully to the amazing hand painting of Red Hands Caves. This historic and cultural feature is complemented by the Grinding Grooves along Campfire Creek. An excellent walk through some beautiful bush. There is a picnic area halfway - a great spot to stop for lunch. (open in app)


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 Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Campfire Creek car park
Campfire Creek sign side of Causeway
Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk
Neighbourhood sign intersection
Int. Red Hands Cave Trk and rock platform trk
To Link Track sign intersection
Red Hands Cave
Red Hands Cave car park
To Link Track sign intersection
Axe Grinding Grooves
To Link Track sign intersection
Int. Red Hands Cave Trk and rock platform trk
Neighbourhood sign intersection
Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk
Starting point for this hiking track: Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Penrith 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-90303N 
 Penrith 1:100 000 Map Series 9030 

Photo Gallery

 
Campfire Creek car park sign
 
Campfire Creek car park sign +
 
Track down to Campfire Creek
 
Track down to Campfire Creek +
 
Signpost below car park
 
Signpost below car park +

 
Tree in Campfire Ck
 
Tree in Campfire Ck +
 
Track above Campfire Creek
 
Track above Campfire Creek +
 
Bridge along the Red Hands Cave Track
 
Bridge along the Red Hands Cave Track +

 
To Link intersection
 
To Link intersection +
 
Burnt out tree
 
Burnt out tree +
 
Red Hands Cave Track
 
Red Hands Cave Track +

 
Stairs up to Red Hands Cave
 
Stairs up to Red Hands Cave +
 
Red Hands Cave protective cage
 
Red Hands Cave protective cage +
 
Red Hands
 
Red Hands +

 
Track to Red Hands Cave car park
 
Track to Red Hands Cave car park +
 
Track crossing Campfire Creek
 
Track crossing Campfire Creek +
 
Track meeting Grinding Grooves
 
Track meeting Grinding Grooves +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek 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 8km
Time 3 hrs 45 mins
.


Grade 4/6

Track: Hard
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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
6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.7km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (380m) is very steep.

Quality of track
This whole walk, 8km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs
Around 4.6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 3.8km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 7km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Drive to Campfire Creek car park
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk 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 --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

(0 km) Campfire Creek car park to Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 191 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -42 m
From the car park, the track follows the 'Campfire Creek' sign down the hill. The track steeply descends the hill, winding to a 'Car Park' sign (pointing back the way you came).

(0.19 km) Campfire Creek sign side of Causeway to Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk
Alternate Entry: Track: Moderate - bushtrack ( Show detail)
Length = 43 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: 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 to join the main walk, following the notes from 0.19km 'Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk'.

(0.19 km) Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk to Red Hands Cave
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.02 km Time = 1 hr 11 mins
Climb = 206 m Descent = -91 m
Turn left: 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.

(3.21 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.

(3.71 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

(5.8 km) Axe Grinding Grooves to Campfire Creek car park
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.54 km Time = 55 mins
Climb = 108 m Descent = -93 m
Continue straight: From the grinding grooves at the creek junction, the walk heads across the side creek, keeping the larger creek on the left. The track immediately passes a sign with information about the grinding grooves, then continues above the creek. The track undulates above the creek and over a log bridge to tend right, down to a signposted intersection above a creek.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Glenbrook Causeway' sign, across the hillside. The track keeps the creek on the left, and soon leads downhill. The track tends right as it winds down to an intersection with a track, which leads to a rock platform.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill and away from the rocky outcrop. The track follows the creek (on the left) and soon crosses two small wooden bridges before coming to an intersection marked by a 'Neighbours' sign.
Continue straight: From the 'Neighbours' sign, the walk heads down the hill, keeping the sign and the creek on the left. The track meanders along the hillside for a short time before coming to a rock crossing at the creek. The track soon comes to a signposted intersection for the 'Car park' or 'Red Hands Cave'.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Car park' sign up the stairs. The track winds up the many stairs, then passes a sign and opens out at a hairpin turn in the road (The small flat area extended from the road is the car park).

Drive from Campfire Creek car park
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk 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 --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

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

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by


Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Summit Gear 11 Ross St , Glenbrook (02) 4739 4373 1.5 km
Boots Great Outdoors Shop 25 Home Centre Wolseley St , Penrith (02) 4733 5744 5.1 km
Kangaroo Tent City Cnr Mulgoa & Blaikie Rds, Penrith (02) 4733 4111 5.6 km
Getaway Disposals 549 High St , Penrith (02) 4732 2285 7.8 km
Mitchell Adventure 24 Henry St , Penrith (02) 4731 8482 8.6 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek
Click to re-center search
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 5 km (to the NNE)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 26 km (to the N)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 27 km (to the E)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
45 km (to the E)
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 49 km (to the ESE)

Weather and Park 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 8 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.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      34°Showers. Storms developing.
Thu20°|30°Possible shower.
Fri19°|35°Partly cloudy.
Sat17°|28°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Blue Mountains National Park Link 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 fees Camping Facilities
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


Walker Feedback

Comments
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Sydnat - Cool walk IP:121.91.110.xxx | 2010-08-22 10:00:37
Walking alongside creeks for most of the day makes it interesting. Being in the valley its mostly shaded and damp making all the vegetation quite lush. Might be good in hot weather.

The cave has a slightly magical feel to it and you can't help but feel somewhat in awe being close to history like that. The grinding grooves have the same effect.

Crossing the second creek the water has the most amazing red colour. We were also walking in a field of bright yellow along the circuit path, dotted with grey spider flower and mountain devil.

We did it in just over two hours, including a 20 minute lunch stop, but we were really moving pretty fast as we were in a bit of a hurry!
MSch - circuit easier IP:27.32.63.xxx | 2010-10-10 06:04:04
the circuit is a lot easier to walk; the other part is rocky (probably slippery when wet) and the bush seems to take over. Lots of wildflowers today, too (Boronia and one of the yellow legumes, for example). I liked the red creek, too. Found the way the red hands are proctected not that great; for red hands Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is better. Took us 3:15 hours.
Rob - Kids IP:121.211.7.xxx | 2015-11-16 07:43:14
Just a question, I was wondering how difficult this would be to do with kids? I will be bringing my 4 and a half year old and my one and a half year old. For the difficult parts I would be carrying my youngest, can the whole lot be walked? Or are there parts where you need your arms to get up? Thanks.
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