Martin's Lookout to Woodford Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

7 hrs

15.9 km One way

892 m

Experienced only

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.

* 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.

Cairns leading the way across the creek flats

Rock formations above The Oaks Fire Trail

Gate at the Woodford end of The Oaks Fire Trail

(0km) Int. Martins Lookout and Short Trks → Martins Lookout Carpark

60 m

2 mins

12m

0m Easy track

From the intersection, the walk heads up the stairs around a rocky outcrop and continues through the low scrub, to the cable rimmed car park.

(0km) Martins Lookout → Bunyan Lookout

1.5 km

1 hr 4 mins climb

224m

-205m Experienced only

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

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.

(2km) Bunyan Lookout → Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk

570 m

10 mins

18m

-7m Moderate track

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.

(2km) Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk → Lost Worlds Lookout

570 m

11 mins

20m

-13m Moderate track

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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Lost Worlds Lookout

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.

(2km) Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk → Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyan Lookout Trk

2.7 km

47 mins

56m

-42m Hard track

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.

(5km) Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyah Lookout Trk → Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk

6.9 km

2 hrs 21 mins climb

363m

-187m Hard track

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.

(12km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk → Cliff lookout

100 m

3 mins

-18m Hard track

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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

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.

(12km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk → Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd

3.5 km

1 hr 10 mins climb

175m

-87m Moderate track

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.

(15km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd → Woodford Station

730 m

15 mins

39m

-22m Easy track

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.

Maps for the Martin's Lookout to Woodford 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 Martin's Lookout to Woodford Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Martin's Lookout to Woodford Station

Altitude analysis for Martin's Lookout to Woodford 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	15.9 km
		Time	7 hrs
		.
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	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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining 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).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Martin's Lookout to Woodford 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 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

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 Martin's Lookout to Woodford 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 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 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 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

Raymond Rd to Lawsons Lookout

202 m Return, 15 mins

This is short walk to a view across Magdala Gully. The walk follows a track that leads to a the moderately large clearing behind the lookout. The view from the lookout is not as spectacular as many other lookouts in the area, but can be quite intriguing with a morning mist lifting from the valley.

Total climbing: 20m

Moderate track

Sassafras Gully Loop

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

Train. (get details)

The Martin's Lookout to Woodford Station ends at the Woodford Station (gps: -33.735763, 150.48228)

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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