Woodford to Faulconbridge
Download & Print Map and Notes
2 Days
23.4 km One way
955 m
Experienced only
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.
(0.73km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd → Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk
3.5 km
1 hr 10 mins
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.
(4.21km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk → Cliff lookout
100 m
3 mins
5m
-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.
(4.21km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk → Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyah Lookout Trk
6.9 km
2 hrs 21 mins
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.
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.
(11.1km) Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyan Lookout Trk → Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk
2.7 km
47 mins
42m
-56m
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.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north, winding through the scrub. The walk meanders for a short time, passing through a few sandy sections before coming to a red painted stump in a clearer section of track.
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.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north, winding through the scrub. The walk meanders for a short time, passing through a few sandy sections before coming to a red painted stump in a clearer section of track.
(13.81km) Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk → Lost Worlds Lookout
570 m
11 mins
20m
-13m
Moderate track
Turn left : 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 left.
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.
(13.81km) Int. Bunyan Lookout Trk and Lost Worlds Trk → Bunyan Lookout
570 m
10 mins
7m
-18m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads north-east, following the wider, more defined track. The track meanders little as it tends right but continues relatively straight along the spur, opening onto the clearing before the cliffs, overlooking Glenbrook Creek.
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.
(14.38km) Bunyan Lookout → Int. Martins Lookout and Bunyan Lookout Trk
960 m
38 mins
25m
-222m
Experienced only
Turn sharp left: From Bunyan Lookout, the walk heads away from the unfenced cliffs and through the clearing behind. At the end of the clearing, the walk turns right at a cairn (rock stack) and winds down the hill, steeply in sections, passing through a few rocky outcrops to a rock landing with a cairn, just in front of boulders. The walk follows the cairns between the boulders, then ducks through a hole in the rock and passes the small cliff line. The walk winds down the hill from the rocky outcrop, then follows the cairns across a flat area and crosses the creek. The track immediately turns left, following the creek for a short distance before turning right, up the stairs, and arriving at the intersection marked with a ‘Bunyan Lkt’ sign (pointing back the way you came).
(15.33km) Int. Martins Lookout and Bunyan Lookout Trk → Martins Lookout
530 m
26 mins
180m
-2m
Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads up the stairs and soon begins zigzagging up the hillside for a short time, coming to be under a cliff line. The track heads up stairs which head through the cliffs and winds steeply up to the next set of stairs. The track heads under many wonderful rock overhangs, as it winds its way using stairs to come up to Martins Lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.
Martins Lookout
Martin’s Lookout is an unfenced view on the rim of the plateau, south of Valley Heights. There are views across and up the Glenbrook Creek, and to the Lost Worlds lookout (on the opposite cliffs) which features a small white crucifix. This cross is in memory of Rev. Raymer who was an avid bushwalker in the area. The plaque in the rock at Martin’s Lookout is directly opposite this cross.
(15.33km) Int. Martins Lookout and Bunyan Lookout Trk → Martins camping area
230 m
6 mins
14m
-13m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk keeps the creek on the left as it heads across the hillside. The walk winds above the creek for a short time before opening out onto a clearing and fireplace next to the creek.
Martins campsite
Martins campsite is an unofficial camping area beside Glenbrook Creek. The camping area is a sandy clearing, opposite cliffs on the other bank. The camping area is situated below Martins Lookout, with Bunyan Lookout up the ridge on the opposite hillside. A quiet and shaded location which can give a great night’s sleep.
End of day 1
This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.
(15.56km) Martins camping area → Perch Ponds camping area
1.2 km
27 mins
67m
-51m
Hard track
Turn right: From the clearing, the walk keeps the creek on the left as it meanders along the bank. The walk soon passes through another clearing (with a small beach access) and turns right, up the hill. The walk continues to wind and undulate above the creek to the signposted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the ‘Springwood Stn Via…’ sign across the hillside. The walk keeps the valley to the left as it winds down near the creek, on the left. The walk continues down across the creek to immediately lead up the hill into the clearing of Perch Ponds. The walk crosses the clearing to the signs at the other side.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the ‘Springwood Stn Via…’ sign across the hillside. The walk keeps the valley to the left as it winds down near the creek, on the left. The walk continues down across the creek to immediately lead up the hill into the clearing of Perch Ponds. The walk crosses the clearing to the signs at the other side.
Perch Ponds Campsite
Perch Ponds is a lovely waterhole, with a clearing suitable to pitch a tent, located at the junction of Magdala Creek and Glenbrook Creeks. The meeting of the two creek provides a relaxing sound of rushing water and a cool spot to rest on warmer days. The campsite is a flat area above the pool marked with a fire scar. A great shady and quiet area for a camp. There are no facilities and water from the creek needs to be treated.
(16.73km) Perch Ponds camping area → Victory Trk pool
3.4 km
1 hr 11 mins
165m
-85m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Sassafras Gully Rd’ sign, keeping the creek on the left. The walk leads up the hill, passing a track (on the left, which leads to an overhang). The walk continues up the hill, then down across a junction of two creeks, immediately entering a clearing with a fireplace in the middle.
Continue straight: From the campground clearing, the walk exits the clearing, keeping the creek on the right. The track follows the creek, undulating and meandering for some time, and passing through a steeply banked creek junction. The walk tends left and slightly uphill to a ‘Perch Ponds’ sign[2] (pointing back the way you came).
Veer left: From the intersection, the track heads across the hillside in the opposite direction to the ‘Perch Ponds’ sign[3] . The track winds for some time, crossing a creek and passing a blue track marker[4] on the other side. The track follows the creek, now on the left, up to a ‘To Wiggins Track’ sign[5] (pointing back the way you came).
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Faulconbridge Station’ sign[6] across a gully. The track winds and undulates above the creek (keeping the creek to the left) and soon drops down and crosses the creek. The walk continues, now with the creek on the right, to an intersection with a faint track (which leads to a pool in the creek).
Continue straight: From the campground clearing, the walk exits the clearing, keeping the creek on the right. The track follows the creek, undulating and meandering for some time, and passing through a steeply banked creek junction. The walk tends left and slightly uphill to a ‘Perch Ponds’ sign[2] (pointing back the way you came).
Veer left: From the intersection, the track heads across the hillside in the opposite direction to the ‘Perch Ponds’ sign[3] . The track winds for some time, crossing a creek and passing a blue track marker[4] on the other side. The track follows the creek, now on the left, up to a ‘To Wiggins Track’ sign[5] (pointing back the way you came).
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Faulconbridge Station’ sign[6] across a gully. The track winds and undulates above the creek (keeping the creek to the left) and soon drops down and crosses the creek. The walk continues, now with the creek on the right, to an intersection with a faint track (which leads to a pool in the creek).
Victory Track pool
The Victory Track pool is an unofficially-named pond in Sassafras Creek. The pond is deep in parts but not adequate for a swim. It does, however, offer a chance to rest and gaze over the water. There is a small sandy beach, some moss-covered rocks and a lovely grove of Sassafras trees around the pool. This is a nice spot to stop, catch your breath and soak up your surroundings.
(20.11km) Victory Trk pool → Victory Trk camping area
880 m
24 mins
78m
-61m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill, keeping the creek on the right. The track winds up and away from the creek and back down to the creek a few times before arriving at a campground clearing (directly under power lines).
Victory Track camping area
Victory Track camping area is a fairly large, informal camping place at the junction of Sassafras and Numantia Creeks. The clearing is in a moist section of forest with plenty of shade. Water from the creek should be treated before use.
(20.99km) Victory Trk camping area → Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls
630 m
18 mins
72m
-23m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the clearing, the walk crosses the creek junction. The walk then leads up the hill away from the creek for a short time, before dropping to the creek again and crossing it at a junction. The walk leads up the valley, keeping the creek on the right, arriving at a ‘Clarinda Falls’ sign[7].
(21.62km) Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls → Clarinda Falls
30 m
1 mins
1m
-4m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the ‘Clarinda Falls’ sign[8] towards the log fallen on the rock. The track tends left around the hillside, coming to Clarinda Falls. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
Clarinda Falls
Clarinda Falls is a charming waterfall on Sassafras Creek. The water cascades over a near-vertical wall, into a sandy pool below. The falls are signposted from the main track and provide a nice cool detour, especially on warmer days. The falls are named for the first wife of Sir Henry Parkes, ‘Father of Australian Federation’.
(21.62km) Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls → No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde
1.3 km
38 mins
173m
-15m
Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Faulconbridge Station’ sign[10] up the hill. The walk steeply climbs up the hill and passes a smaller track (on the right, which leads to the top of the falls), and then crosses the creek and leads under a few rock overhangs. The walk comes up the hill beside No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde (marked with a ‘Victory Track’ sign).
Victory Track
The Victory Track is more formally know as the ‘Sir Henry Parkes Victory Track’[11] and is called the ‘Victoria Track’ in many guide books. The track starts near Sir Henry Parkes’ grave in Faulconbridge and leads to Sassafrass Gully Creek. Sir Henry Parks (1815-1896) was a politician and journalist, born in England. He is considered to be the ‘Father of Federation’ for Australia, although he died of natural causes 5 years before Australia’s federation. Parkes was the premier of New South Wales five times. The town Parkes was named in his honour. Parkes would sometime write under the pseudonym ‘Faulconbridge’ (his mothers maiden name) for the Sydney Morning Herald and other papers and Faulconbridge (the township) was named after his mother when Parkes purchased 600 acres in 1877. More info.
(22.94km) No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde → Faulconbridge Station
410 m
8 mins
16m
-10m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads towards the power pole (if you come to a rail line, you have taken the wrong road). The walk continues along the road, keeping the rail line above on the right for some time to where the road turns left. The walk then continues along the management trail, with Faulconbridge Station in sight. Soon, the walk arrives at the entry to train station.
Faulconbridge
Faulconbridge, in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, was named after the maiden name of Sir Henry Parkes’ mother. Faulconbridge sits on the Great Western Highway and is surrounded by valleys of lush bushland. This picturesque town was a home, and final resting place, for Sir Henry Parkes’, heralded as the ‘Father of Federation’. Faulconbridge was originally explored by non-indigenous Australians in 1813, by Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson who were searching for a route over the Blue Mountains .
Maps for the Woodford to Faulconbridge 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 Faulconbridge bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Woodford to Faulconbridge
Daily actual walking time estimates
| Day | Walking Time | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 hrs 7 mins | 16.8 km |
| 2 | 3 hrs 7 mins | 7.8 km |
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 | 23.4 km | ||
| Time | 2 Days | ||
| . | |||
| 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
16km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.8km is very steep. Whilst another 2.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.1km is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
11km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 10km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.1km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 960m follows a rough unclear track.
Signs
10km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 10km has minimal directional signs. Whilst another 2.5km is clearly signposted and the remaining 960m Has no directional signs.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 23km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 23km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
12km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (2.5km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Woodford to Faulconbridge walk starts at the Woodford Station (gps: -33.735763, 150.48228)Your transport options to Woodford Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Train. (get details)The Woodford to Faulconbridge ends at the Faulconbridge Station (gps: -33.69662, 150.53487)
Your transport options to Faulconbridge Station are by;
Bus. (get details) Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/wtf
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
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