Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs 45 mins

8.4 km Circuit

396 m

Experienced only

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 along the ridge. A great walk with much to see.

* 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.

Branch bridge below Link Track intersection

The Oaks Cycleway down to Campfire Creek car park

(0km) Campfire Creek car park → Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk

190 m

7 mins

-42m Hard track

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).

(0km) Eastern side of Causeway → Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk

60 m

1 mins

-1m Moderate track

Turn left: From the paved area side of the causeway, the walk crosses the creek via the causeway, then heads to the area beneath the 'Camp Fire Creek Track' sign. The causeway may be impassable after rain.
Turn right: 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'. Now Continue straight to join the main walk.

(0km) Int. Red Hands Cave and Carpark Trk → Red Hands Cave

3 km

1 hr 11 mins climb

206m

-91m Moderate track

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

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.

(3km) 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.

(4km) Red Hands Cave car park → Axe Grinding Grooves

2.1 km

44 mins

42m

-161m Moderate track

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

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.

(6km) Axe Grinding Grooves → Campfire Creek car park

2.6 km

54 mins

107m

-89m Experienced only

Turn sharp right: From where the main track crosses the small side creek (just above the axe grinding site), this walk follows the rocky side creek south-east, upstream. After about 20m, the gully splits in two. This walk follows a narrow track on the spur between these two creeks. The track heads up the spur line and crosses a number of rocky outcrops. Near the top of the hill, the bush becomes quiet dense. The track then opens out on the wide Oaks cycleway.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide track north as it bends to the right and heads down the hill into the more open forest. The track soon passes a blue 'Shared use' sign and comes to an intersection with a short but wide road access track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the management trail, away from the road and the blue sign. The trail winds for a short time, follow a 'Cycling Track' sign down a track. The track winds down through the bush to an area where the track splits and then joins back together again. The walk then comes to a clearer area with access to the road on the right and a few log stumps in the clearing.
Veer left: From the log stumps in the intersection, the walk heads down the hill, keeping the road on the right. The track winds down to a very sandy section of track before heading up and across the hill. The track passes over a few rocky surfaces and passes a road-access track (on the right) before heading down the hill. The track is very rocky as it leads down to the hairpin corner in the road, where the car park is located. The track heads across the car park, keeping the road on the right, and arrives at the signpost.

Maps for the Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek 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 Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek

Altitude analysis for Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek

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	8.4 km
		Time	3 hrs 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

6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.8km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (900m) is very steep.

Quality of track

8km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 710m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (190m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

4.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 2.9km is clearly signposted. The remaining (710m) Has no directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 710m requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 8km 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

5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 2.4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (710m) has no facilities provided.

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek 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

Euroka to Red Hands Cave

4.3 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

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

Total climbing: 269m

Experienced only

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

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 Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek walk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Red Hands Cave Circuit via Campfire Creek walk starts and ends at the Campfire Creek car park (gps: -33.780202, 150.61726)

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.

Comments

Download PDF

Open in App

Short URL: http://wild.tl/rhcxx