Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass

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2 hrs

2.9 km One way

224 m

Hard track

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. The walk then heads up Pippas pass to Blaxland station, but not before enjoying the local bakery.

View into the Gorge from Plateau Pde Trk

View into the Gorge from Florabella Pass

(0km) No. 14 Plateau Pde → Int. Florabella Pass Trk and Plateau Pde Trk

730 m

26 mins

21m

-137m Hard track

From the Plateau Parade the track heads to the right of No. 14 Plateau Pde. The track heads down the tarmac road turning right around behind hte houses to opposite a green metal fence. From here the track heads down the hill to turn right down a rocky outcrop to a sign '300m to Plateau Parade'. The track zig zags down the hillside with many rocky steps to come onto a rocky surface where the track sharply turns left down some stairs. The track at the bottom of the stairs turns right and continues under an orange rock overhang to the sign posted intersection.

Florabella Pass overhang

This large and well coloured sandstone overhang is a feature of Florabella Pass. The overbearing nature of this overhang makes it a grand sight along the track. The steps and clearing below it also make for a good place to rest and grab a bite to eat.

(1km) Int. Florabella Pass Trk and Plateau Pde Trk → Int. Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass Trks

450 m

16 mins

57m

-65m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection the track follows the 'Exit via Ross Cres' sign down the hill. The track winds steeply down through rocky outcrops to drop onto a creekbed. From here the track climbs right, out of the creek to wind up the hill for a short time. The track then follows the rocky hillside to an intersection surrounded by rock outcrops and boulders.

(1km) Int. Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass Trks → Boulder pool

280 m

6 mins

-35m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection[1], this walk heads steeply down the stone steps and eroded track, winding steeply, in some sections over steep rocky surfaces. The track continues downhill until coming to an intersection where the track meets a large boulder which stretches towards the creek[2].
Turn left: From the intersection, the track keeps the creek on the right, as it heads down stream. The track winds to a creek junction where the track crosses a log to the right. From here the track meanders along the creek bed to a pool with a large boulder in it. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Boulder Pool

Boulder Pool, unofficially named, is a nice pool along the Glenbrook Creek with a boulder sitting in it. The pool is a great place to cool your feet, and sit on the sandy banks and grab a bite as you take in your surroundings.

(1km) Int. Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass Trks → Blaxland Library Carpark

1.2 km

29 mins

118m

-25m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection[3], 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[4].
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[5] in a tree.
Turn right: From the intersection[6], this walk follows the 'Pippas Pass' sign[7] (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[8]. From here the track gently undulates along the side of the hill (with a steep valley to your right[9]) for about 300m to lead gently down and cross the usually small creek in the shaded valley[10]. Just after crossing this creek[11], the track bends left to head gently up through the valley along the base of a few natural sandstone walls[12] 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[13] 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[14].
Turn left: From the intersection[15], this walk crosses the sandstone platform and creek[16]. Here the track winds gently uphill for about 40m to cross a smaller often dry creek [17] where the track continues uphill for another 30m to pass a grafittied sandstone overhang (on your left)[18]. The track continues gently uphill and bends right to cross a sandstone rock platform and small creek[19] to almost immediately come to a faint intersection with a track in the tall heath[20]. 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[21]. 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[22]. 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[23]. Here this walk turns right to head up to the library and main car park[24].

(2km) Blaxland Library Carpark → Blaxland Station

530 m

10 mins

28m

-9m Very easy

Turn left: From the Blaxland Library car park[25], this walk heads up the ramp on the side of the building[26] then follows the back deck behind the library and community centre[27]. On the far side of the building, this walk follows the bitumen footpath[28] footpath uphill to turn left at the 'Blaxland Civic Centre'[29] 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[30]. Here the walk bends left and crosses a car park entrance[31], then soon turns right into 'Station St'[32]. Here the walk heads up the footpath to cross another car park entrance[33] then onto the pedestrian lane way that leads between the buildings, under the foot bridge[34] to the main footpath, just before the Great Western Highway, among the Blaxland shops.
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 Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass 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	1:100 000 Map Series	9030 PENRITH	9030

Cross sectional view of the Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass

Altitude analysis for Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass

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	2.9 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		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

1.2km of this walk is very steep and another 1.1km has short steep hills. Whilst another 530m is flat with no steps and the remaining 70m 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 530m follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 350m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 55m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

2km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 530m is clearly signposted. The remaining (350m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 1.7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.2km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 1.8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

1.3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 1.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (450m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass 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

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

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

Woodford to Blaxland Station

18.3 km One way, 7 hrs 15 mins

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.

Total climbing: 519m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass walk.

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

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

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

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

Lapstone Bridge ZigZag walk

2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk is more about history than the bush, but it still gives great views. The walk explores a small section of the old Lapstone Zig Zag railway (not to be confused with the more famous Lithgow Zig Zag railway). You will walk where the tracks once stood, through sandstone cuttings, passing an

Total climbing: 104m

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass walk starts at the No. 14 Plateau Pde (gps: -33.741536, 150.60015)

Bus. (get details)

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

Train. (get details)

The Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass 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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