Woodford to Blaxland Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

7 hrs 15 mins

18.3 km One way

519 m

Experienced only

This walk takes a scenic route across the ridges and down to Glenbrook Creek before climbing to Blaxland. The walk is dotted with many views and usually much wildlife along the way. If there has been substantial rain, the side trip to St Helena waterfall is worth checking out.

* This walk passes through very remote areas 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.

Arrow showing the way down to Glenbrook Ck

Woodford

Woodford is situated along the Great Western Highway in the Blue Mountains. Woodford boasts one of the Blue Mountains oldest buildings, with the Woodford Academy dating back to 1833 . Access to the academy is made easy by Woodford train station and other public transport connections. Woodford is also the start of the popular Woodford to Glenbrook mountain bike which follows the Oaks Fire trail. Woodford station offers a public telephone and toilets. There are no commercial facilities in the area.

(0km) Woodford Station → Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd

730 m

15 mins

22m

-39m Easy track

From the station, this walk heads down the stairs, off the station and turns left under the station. It then continues up to Railway Parade, opposite a shelter with a bench seat. The walk heads up Railway Pde, keeping the railway tracks to the left. The road tends right then the walk turns right onto The Appian Way. The walk follows The Appian Way, which turns into Parker St. (If you cross over a bridge, you have gone the wrong way.) The walk leads along Parker St to Taylor St, where it turns left and continues down the hill to the intersection with The Oaks Fire Trail. This is signposted at the clearing on the right.

(1km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd → Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk

3.5 km

1 hr 10 mins climb

87m

-175m Moderate track

Turn right: From the road, the walk heads to the gate and crosses over it. (On the lower side of the gate is a tap which provides drinking water.) From the gate and tap, the walk heads down the hill, passing a broken interpretative sign on the left, and continues to wind and undulate for quite some time. The trail passes a mound in a junction. From the mound, the trail continues to wind and undulate, turning right and steeply downhill twice, before passing a small dam (just to the left). The walk winds, with the hillside higher on the right than left, before leading up a steep slope to a small clearing with a large step.

(4km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk → Cliff lookout

100 m

3 mins

-18m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads away from the management trail, with the small depression (or waterhole) on the left, surrounded by reeds. The track winds up the hill, following the gap in the vegetation, leading to a rock shelf with a view. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Cliff Lookout

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.

(4km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk → Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyah Lookout Trk

6.9 km

2 hrs 21 mins climb

187m

-363m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill in a southerly direction and tends right. At the bottom of the hill, the trail winds left and then up a hill to the right, onto a plateau with clearer, lower vegetation. The management trail here is also lined by large rocks, which look as though they could have been placed there. The trail comes off the hill and heads across a saddle to a large management trail intersection (on the left).
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads east, down the rocky management trail. The trail winds down the hill, passing over sandy and rocky areas. The trail then flattens out, undulating and winding for quite some time, with the track widening and narrowing greatly in many areas. After some time, the walk enters a large clearing, with a rocky outcrop to the right.

(11km) Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyan Lookout Trk → St Helena Ridge Lookout

4.9 km

1 hr 26 mins climb

41m

-174m Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads north-east out of the small clearing. The track winds through the heath for a short time before coming to a clearing with a fireplace, on the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north-east along the sandy track. The walk meanders through low, green heath for quite some time, winding through a section of pines before returning to heath as the track arrives at the cairn, on the right, which marks the intersection.
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk heads south east along track soon leading downhill. The walk meanders through the heath for quite some time. The walk nears a cliff line on the left, which it continues near for a short time before opening out onto a rocky outcrop with a view across to houses on the opposite hill (just before the steep downhill section).

St Helena Ridge Lookout

St Helena Ridge Lookout, does not have the clearest view or the most spectacular scenery. However, it is a great place to rest before continuing on your way.

(16km) St Helena Ridge Lookout → Int. Waterfall and ridge trk

360 m

18 mins

-122m Experienced only

Continue straight: From St Helena Ridge lookout, the walk follows a very faint track initially very steeply down off the rock platform, The track initially tends a little to the left to then follow the main ridge line down. The track soon becomes much less steep (and a little clearer) when after about 100m the faint track bends right at another rocky outcrop. Here the walk leads off the side of the ridge to then wind down through the rocky outcrops and continue down through the scrub for about 180m until just before Glenbrook Creek where this walk comes to an un-signposted intersection.

(16km) Int. Waterfall and ridge trk → St Helena waterfall

160 m

3 mins

-6m Experienced only

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads upstream, keeping the creek on the right. The track undulates along the bank, passing a few large boulders in the creek before coming to a sandy beach at a bend in the creek.
Continue straight: From the beach, the walk heads across the sand bar (covered in reeds) to come within ear-shot of the waterfall, located behind the inlet on the creek. The walk passes through the sandy, shallow section of the creek then walks up the bank and around to the waterfall. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

St Helenas waterfall

St Helenas waterfall is a small fall, flowing from a side creek into Glenbrook Creek. It is rather unimpressive unless there has been recent rainfall. The water cascades down a nice rock face, among the sassafras trees and mossy rocks.

(16km) Int. Waterfall and ridge trk → Blaxland Library Carpark

1.4 km

34 mins

150m

-28m Experienced only

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads downstream, keeping the creek on the left. After approximately 10m, the walk comes to a bushy creek crossing and winds over the rocks and through the bushes. Following this, the walk keeps the creek on the right whilst winding downstream. The track soon arrives at an intersection, which is a sandy area with rocks and stairs leading up the hill.
Turn left : From the large boulder, this walk heads up the hill and climbs the stone steps steeply, with a number of pink ribbons marking the initial track. The track continues steeply (eroded in places) up the hill and winds its way up to the un-signposted T-intersection.
Turn sharp right: From the intersection[2], this walk heads along the mostly flat track along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your right. Soon the track leads to another intersection at the base of more stone steps, and a rock wall (on the left) that has 'Florabella Pass' engraved in it[3].
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads around the boulder (which is on the left) and soon meets a set of stairs, to the left of a 'Pippas Pass' sign[4] in a tree.
Turn right: From the intersection[5], this walk follows the 'Pippas Pass' sign[6] (that is about 2m up a tree) gently downhill along the track, directly away from the rockface, keeping the main valley to your right. The track winds along the side of the hill for about 100m to then climb up a set of sandstone steps just past a shallow sandstone overhang[7]. From here the track gently undulates along the side of the hill (with a steep valley to your right[8]) for about 300m to lead gently down and cross the usually small creek in the shaded valley[9]. Just after crossing this creek[10], the track bends left to head gently up through the valley along the base of a few natural sandstone walls[11] for about 200m, where the the track becomes rocky and starts to climb a bit more steeply. The track then leads up through a cleft in the rock[12] then about 60m later comes to a unsignposted three-way intersection (with the track on the left crossing the creek), marked with a smooth bark Angophera[13].
Turn left: From the intersection[14], this walk crosses the sandstone platform and creek[15]. Here the track winds gently uphill for about 40m to cross a smaller often dry creek [16] where the track continues uphill for another 30m to pass a grafittied sandstone overhang (on your left)[17]. The track continues gently uphill and bends right to cross a sandstone rock platform and small creek[18] to almost immediately come to a faint intersection with a track in the tall heath[19]. Here the walk turns left and heads uphill for for about 50m where the track then leads up some steps to come to the base of a sandstone cliff and smaller overhang[20]. Here the track bends left and and continues along the side of the hill for another 15m to pass a larger and more grafittied sandstone overhang[21]. From here the track continues to wind more steeply uphill for about 80m before turning left and following a wider track (away from the houses) and into the lower car park of Blaxland library just past the 'Bushcare site' information sign[22]. Here this walk turns right to head up to the library and main car park[23].

(18km) Blaxland Library Carpark → Blaxland shops

460 m

9 mins

28m

-9m Very easy

Turn left: From the Blaxland Library car park[24], this walk heads up the ramp on the side of the building[25] then follows the back deck behind the library and community centre[26]. On the far side of the building, this walk follows the bitumen footpath[27] footpath uphill to turn left at the 'Blaxland Civic Centre'[28] sign onto the footpath beside Hope St. This walk follows the footpath uphill for about 150m before turning right to cross Hope St at the traffic calming device[29]. Here the walk bends left and crosses a car park entrance[30], then soon turns right into 'Station St'[31]. Here the walk heads up the footpath to cross another car park entrance[32] then onto the pedestrian lane way that leads between the buildings, under the foot bridge[33] to the main footpath, just before the Great Western Highway, among the Blaxland shops.

Blaxland

Blaxland, found along the Great Western Highway, is one of the larger towns of the Lower Blue Mountains. The town has a number of shops and petrol station all lining the highway which lies between the town and train station. Wascoe was the original name of Blaxland until 1914 when it was renamed after Gregory Blaxland who was one of the explorers who found the route across the mountains for the colony . The Blaxland community hosts a number of events during the month of September. More info.

(18km) Blaxland Shops → Blaxland Station

70 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Turn left: From the footpath, the walk uses the stairs or ramp to climb onto the pedestrian bridge. The walk then crosses the bridge over the Great Western Highway and then heads down onto Blaxland Station.

Maps for the Woodford to Blaxland Station walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Springwood	1:25 000 Map Series	90304S SPRINGWOOD	NSW-90304S
Penrith	1:25 000 Map Series	90303N PENRITH	NSW-90303N
Jamison	1:25 000 Map Series	89302N JAMISON	NSW-89302N
Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Penrith	1:100 000 Map Series	9030 PENRITH	9030
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Woodford to Blaxland Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Woodford to Blaxland Station

Altitude analysis for Woodford to Blaxland Station

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	18.3 km
		Time	7 hrs 15 mins
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

11km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4.7km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.6km is flat with no steps and the remaining 470m is very steep.

Quality of track

11km 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 1.3km follows a smooth and hardened path and a 450m section follows a rough unclear track. The remaining 55m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

11km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 6km has directional signs at most intersection. Whilst another 1.3km is clearly signposted and the remaining 100m Has no directional signs.

Experience Required

17km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.3km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (110m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 17km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.3km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

11km 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). Whilst another 1.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and the remaining 100m has no facilities provided.

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Woodford to Blaxland Station walk.

Plateau Pde Florabella Pass Loop

2.6 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk covers a short section of the magnificent Florabella Pass Track. The shorter loop takes in scenic views of the Glenbrook Gorge and some of the more impressive rock features along the track. This walk is a great way to sample the Florabella Pass in a short time.

Total climbing: 229m

Hard track

Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass

2.9 km One way, 2 hrs

This lovely walk from Plateau Pde, Blaxland, explores a section of Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass. From the road you enter a different world as you walk high above Glenbrook creek. The walk takes in some great views and explores some rock formations, with an optional side trip to Glenbrook Creek. T

Total climbing: 224m

Hard track

Blaxland Station to Boulder Pool

4 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle, enjoying a quiet retreat beside Glenbrook Creek. This walk takes a direct route from Blaxland Station down to a pool of water with a large boulder. A wonderful place to relax and unwind. Stop off at the bakery or cafe in Blaxland for a treat

Total climbing: 217m

Hard track

Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop

4.3 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This is a great circuit walk, exploring a section of the Glenbrook Gorge from above, with an optional side trip down to the creek below. The walk has some very scenic areas and passes many interesting rock formations. Easily accessible by car or public transport, this is a great walk to start your w

Total climbing: 249m

Hard track

Blaxland to Warrimoo Station Florabella Pass

6 km One way, 3 hrs

This is a wonderful walk through a section of the Glenbrook Gorge. Plenty of views are dotted along the way, looking into the gorge, with many interesting rock formations to enjoy between the views. Walking from station to station makes this a convenient walk for all. A visit to the local bakery or

Total climbing: 406m

Hard track

Woodford Station to cliff lookout

8.6 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Woodford Station allows for easy access to this impressive lookout. The walk to the lookout is mainly on service trail, however the view is found by following a narrow bush track. The cliffs are quite high and unfenced providing a good vista over the trees.

Total climbing: 346m

Hard track

Springwood to Blaxland Station

13.5 km One way, 6 hrs

This walk offers a diverse range of vegetation and sights along its course. Passing Martins Falls and below Martins Lookout, the walk takes in some amazing views as it climbs up and down the ridge lines, above the many creeks and gullies. A walk to test your legs and your camera.

Total climbing: 628m

Experienced only

Faulconbridge to Blaxland

15.2 km One way, 2 Days

This two-day walk, or very solid one-day walk, takes you from station to station, through lush, scenic forest in the lower Blue Mountains. The walk follows the upper section of Glenbrook Creek most of the way to Blaxland, with a venture over the St Helena Ridge to add some views. An enjoyable two-da

Total climbing: 693m

Experienced only

Martin's Lookout to Woodford Station

15.9 km One way, 7 hrs

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

Total climbing: 892m

Experienced only

The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station

18.1 km One way, 7 hrs

The Oaks Picnic Area is the starting point for this long walk across the ridge line linking to Woodford. The Oaks Fire Trail winds its way over the hills, with many views into the surrounding valleys and bush land. This is a great walk to start extending your walking distance and stamina, while enjo

Total climbing: 800m

Hard track

Woodford to Faulconbridge

23.4 km One way, 2 Days

This walk starts out as mainly service trail to then drop into the Glenbrook Ck Valley for an overnight stay at Martins camping area. The next day the walk follows the winding bush track up the valley to Faulconbridge. In doing so the walk passes Clarinda Falls and some large pools which compliment

Total climbing: 955m

Experienced only

Woodford to Glenbrook

29.6 km One way, 3 Days

This is a leisurely three day walk which heads along the ridges from Woodford down to Glenbrook. Features of this walk include the many great views, lush bushland, and Glenbrook Creek with Jellybean Pools. A great walk with much to offer those looking for a relaxing few days of walking.

Total climbing: 731m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Woodford to Blaxland Station walk.

Martin's Lookout

180 m Return, 15 mins

This short and enjoyable walk visits a classic lower Blue Mountains view. Martin's lookout is marked by a memorial plaque looking across to Lost World Lookout, on the other side of Glenbrook Creek. A great short walk if you are in the area or are passing through the Lower Blue Mountains.

Total climbing: 17m

Moderate track

Martin's Lookout to Bunyan Lookout

3.1 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk crosses the Glenbrook Gorge, dropping from Martins Lookout, then climbing to the Bunyah lookout on the other side, and then back again. This walk is strenuous and gives a great perspective of the two lookouts and the gorge. A great walk for the fit.

Total climbing: 446m

Experienced only

Martin's Lookout to Glenbrook Creek

1.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

From Martin's Lookout, this walk drops down to Glenbrook Creek before climbing back up to the stunning Martin's Lookout. This is a great walk if you find you have some extra time when visiting Martin's lookout.

Total climbing: 199m

Hard track

Martin's to Lost Worlds Lookout

5.4 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk allows for a greater appreciation of the hills in the Glenbrook area. Starting with a view of the half-way point, Lost World's Lookout, from Martin's Lookout, you can appreciate the task ahead. The walk involves a steep descent and climb through the Glenbrook Valley. A great way to see bot

Total climbing: 504m

Experienced only

Kings Tableland Walk

1.6 km One way, 45 mins

Used as an Aboriginal Gathering Place for 14,000 years, the Kings Tableland walk goes through one of the most historically important areas in the Blue Mountains. Along the escarpment through dry scrub, this is a living demonstration of the surviving nature of the Australian bushland. A short trip ou

Total climbing: 40m

Easy track

Rocket Point Lookout Track

1.3 km Return, 1 Hr

From Wentworth Falls Lookout, this walk goes down to the top of the falls and then onto Rocket Point Lookout. The walk provides many different perspectives of the spectacular falls from the many viewing points along the way. The alternate route adds a nice loop, before returning along the same track

Total climbing: 125m

Moderate track

Wentworth Falls Lookouts Loop

1.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk captures three of the best lookouts along this line of cliffs - Denfenella, Princes Rock and Wentworth Falls Lookouts. The walk between these lookouts is generally not too hard, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy the superb views.

Total climbing: 191m

Hard track

Wentworth Falls to Denfenella Lookout

2.2 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

The walk from Wentworth Falls Lookout to Denfenella Lookout is a fun walk, with much to see. The walk is dotted with breathtaking views of the Jamison Valley, and with close-up views of many waterfalls. This walk starts and ends in the popular Wentworth falls picnic area.

Total climbing: 282m

Hard track

Wentworth Falls Undercliff Loop

2 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores the undercliff area, near Wentworh Falls, taking in many scenic views of the Jamison Valley and featuring some excellent waterfalls. The Wentworth Falls are best viewed on the Princes Rock Lookout side trip.

Total climbing: 217m

Moderate track

Clarinda Falls from Faulconbridge

3.5 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk takes you down the start of the Victory Track to see Clarinda Falls. The falls are found in a magnificent eroded bowl covered in ferns and moss. After heavy rain, Clarinda Falls would make for an amazing site.

Total climbing: 219m

Hard track

Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully

6.1 km One way, 3 hrs

This is an enjoyable walk through the valleys joining Faulconbridge and Springwood. Using the Victory and Sassafras Gully tracks, the walk stays close to water as it descends into the valley, returning up through the changing vegetation.

Total climbing: 338m

Hard track

The Princes Rock Track

746 m Return, 45 mins

From Wentworth Falls Picnic area, this walk explores some great lookouts and their vistas. The views of Jamison Valley, Mount Solitary and the Kings Tableland are simply spectacular. This walk goes down a moderate slope, along a well-managed track to Princes Rock Lookout. Take your time on the wal

Total climbing: 61m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Woodford to Blaxland Station walk starts at the Woodford Station (gps: -33.735763, 150.48228)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Train. (get details)

The Woodford to Blaxland Station ends at the Blaxland Station (gps: -33.743785, 150.60987)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

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.

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