Euroka to Red Hands Cave

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

4.3 km One way

269 m

Experienced only

The walk to Red Hands Caves is quite a heritage walk, with both Indigenous art and grinding grooves to see. The walk leaves Euroka camping area and heads down through the valleys, passing the heritage areas. The walk finishes at Red Hands Cave picnic area, a perfect spot for lunch. As an alternative, you could retrace your footsteps back to Euroka Camping area to make this a return walk.

* 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.

Steps in track near Red Hands Cave car park

Euroka Campground - Nioka

The Nioka campground offers 20 sites to choose from. There is tap water at the park entrance.

(0km) Nioka Campsite → The Ironbark Picnic Area

1.3 km

25 mins

94m

-4m Moderate track

From the intersection below Nioka, this walk heads up the hill and around the locked gate. The track then passes the toilet and the 'no exit' sign. The walk then continues to follow this clear track as it heads uphill, away from the campsites. The management trail takes a few sharp bends and before long, the hill flattens out a little. As the track meanders up the hill, it widens into a clearer management trail. Just before the Oaks Fire Trail, this walk steps over the locked gate into the Ironbark Picnic Area.

Ironbark Picnic Area

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.

(1km) The Ironbark Picnic Area → Int of Oaks Cycleway and Campfire Creek access track

260 m

4 mins

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the Ironbark picnic area, this walk crosses the road to the car park (opposite the end of the management trail and gate). At the car park, the walk steps over the log and follows the track. The track soon leads to a 'T' intersection with Oaks cycleway.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide track as it heads downhill to the north. After crossing the gully, the track then heads up the hill. On top of the small hill, the track comes to a intersection with a narrow track on the left (through the dense bush).

(2km) Int of Oaks Cycleway and Campfire Creek access track → Axe Grinding Grooves

710 m

15 mins

-84m Experienced only

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the narrow track west into the dense bush. The bush soon thins out and the track leads down the ridge line, passing over a few rocky outcrops. The track continues along the spur as it narrows, ending at the junction of two small creeks. From here, the walk continues a short distance downstream to an intersection with the red hands cave track, at the axe grinding site.

Axe Grinding Grooves

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.

(2km) Axe Grinding Grooves → Red Hands Cave

1.5 km

37 mins

128m

-40m Moderate track

Veer right: 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 left: 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

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.

(4km) Red Hands Cave → Red Hands Cave car park

500 m

12 mins

41m

-10m Moderate track

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

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.

Maps for the Euroka to Red Hands Cave 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.

Penrith	1:25 000 Map Series	90303N PENRITH	NSW-90303N
Penrith	1:100 000 Map Series	9030 PENRITH	9030

Cross sectional view of the Euroka to Red Hands Cave bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Euroka to Red Hands Cave

Altitude analysis for Euroka to Red Hands Cave

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	4.3 km
		Time	1 hr 45 mins
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		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

3.3km of this walk has short steep hills and another 710m is very steep. The remaining (260m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.6km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (710m) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

2km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 1.6km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (710m) Has no directional signs.

Experience Required

2.2km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.3km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (710m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 3.6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 710m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

1.9km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1.7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (710m) has no facilities provided.

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Euroka to Red Hands Cave walk.

Red Hands Cave

1 km Return, 30 mins

Red Hands Cave is a small sandstone overhang cave that showcases a number of very clear hand stencillings. The site is protected with an obtrusive cage to keep would-be vandals out. There are a number of signs explaining the history and some artifacts found in the area. The walk is enjoyable and

Total climbing: 51m

Moderate track

Red Hands Cave and Axe Grinding Tour

4.1 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This is a cultural walk with two significant sites being visited along the way. The walk leaves the quiet Red Hands Cave picnic area and winds down the valley to the Axe Grinding Grooves, once used by Indigenous Australians. The track then follows Campfire Creek up to Red Hands Caves and visits the

Total climbing: 211m

Moderate track

Glenbrook to Red Hands Cave (via Jellybean Pool)

4.4 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk takes you across Glenbrook Gorge and up Campfire Creek to Red Hands Cave. The walk is quite serene and you can enjoy some peace as you wander along the trail to the art in Red Hands Cave. The side trip to the grinding grooves is worthwhile to complement the cave art.

Total climbing: 259m

Hard track

Red Hands Cave Circuit from Campfire Creek

8.3 km Circuit, 3 hrs 45 mins

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 t

Total climbing: 397m

Hard track

Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek

8.4 km Circuit, 3 hrs 45 mins

This is a scenic and rather cultural walk, with two significant Indigenous sites along the way. The walk sets out from Campfire Creek car park following the creek of similar name to the amazing Red Hands Caves. The second site is the grinding grooves, which are passed on the return to the car park a

Total climbing: 396m

Experienced only

Glenbrook and Euroka Circuit

16.6 km Circuit, 2 Days

This two day circuit, returning to Glenbrook Station, is a scenic walk which passes many of the tourist attractions within the park. The walk winds through some wonderful valleys, and various natural and historic features, sleeping the night high on the ridge at Darug camping area. A great way to sp

Total climbing: 790m

Experienced only

Glenbrook to Lapstone via Euroka

18.8 km One way, 2 Days

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 m

Total climbing: 1136m

Very 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 Euroka to Red Hands Cave walk.

Euroka Nepean River Circuit

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This circuit walk starts from the Euroka Clearing and follows a track beside Euroka Creek then fairly steeply to the Nepean River. The river is a great spot to enjoy the sandy bank, large surrounding hills and the passing boats. The walk returns along Bennetts Ridge trail. The wildfowers in spring

Total climbing: 156m

Hard track

Tunnel View Lookout

512 m Return, 30 mins

Tunnel View Lookout walk is a short walk along a well-maintained management trail. At the end of the wide trail is a short narrow track leading to a large mostly flat rock platform with great views. On the far side of the gorge you can just see where train tunnel goes through the hill, you can't see

Total climbing: 9m

Hard track

Jellybean Pool

218 m Return, 20 mins

This short, pleasant walk takes you down to a naturally formed water hole, somewhat in the shape of a jelly bean. The picturesque swimming hole near Glenbrook is popular among locals. The track is well-defined and has staircases in steeper sections. The area can be particularly dangerous after ra

Total climbing: 20m

Moderate track

Blue Pool Track

522 m Return, 20 mins

This short, pleasant walk, starts close to the Glenbrook entrance of the Blue Mountains National Park. The walk follows a staircase and track down to Blue Pool. The blue colouring of the water can vary in intensity, depending on water and weather conditions. A popular swimming hole, this creek is

Total climbing: 39m

Hard track

Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar

2.5 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This enjoyable walk leads to the beautiful feature that is Blue Pool. This natural pool can appear an amazing colour, and can be quite popular with swimmers. If Blue Pool is too crowded for your liking, there is an optional sidetrip which heads further up the creek to Glenbrook sandbar. The sandbar

Total climbing: 175m

Hard track

Jellybean Track

1 km Return, 45 mins

This walk visits the Jellybean Pools, a popular swimming hole and lovely area in Glenbrook Gorge. Starting at the Glenbrook entrance to the Blue Mountains National Park, the walk follows a well maintained track down the hill, crossing a road a couple of times to come to the Jellybean Pool. The riv

Total climbing: 91m

Moderate track

Glenbrook Gorge Track

1.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk starts from the Glenbrook information centre, just inside the national park and follows a well defined track down to the Glenbrook Creek and the gorge. The walk is popular with locals looking for a place to swim. The gorge is particularly dangerous after rain, so appropriate care should

Total climbing: 122m

Hard track

Mount Portal Lookout

74 m Return, 10 mins

This is a short walk to a spectacular view. The walks starts with a pleasant drive along the dirt roads through the lower Blue Mountains. From the car park, the walk follows a short footpath to the fenced raised timber viewing platform. The views from the lookout are stunning and include Glenbrook G

Total climbing: 13m

Very easy

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

Lapstone Lookout

756 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk to Lapstone Lookout is easily accessed from Lapstone train station. So next time you miss your train, take the short walk down to the lookout and view the Nepean River and surrounding lands. Lapstone Lookout is a great place to pass some time while enjoying a view.

Total climbing: 43m

Hard track

Lapstone to end of Glenbrook Gorge

3.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk offers a great way to see the Nepean River and marvel at the mouth of Glenbrook Gorge. Starting from Lapstone Station, the walk travels alongside the Nepean River to the junction with Glenbrook Creek. The area is filled with large boulders, pools and many neat spots to explore before retur

Total climbing: 172m

Hard track

Lapstone train tunnel walk

1.4 km Return, 1 Hr

Although the train tunnel is closed to the public, this short walk does give you a view of the eastern (bricked up) entrance of the tunnel. The first half of the walk follows the sandstone cuttings where the train once went. For the second half of the walk to the tunnel, you walk on the Northern si

Total climbing: 133m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Euroka to Red Hands Cave walk starts at the Nioka Campsite (gps: -33.799561, 150.61632)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

The Euroka to Red Hands Cave ends at the Red Hands Cave car park (gps: -33.783374, 150.59028)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<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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