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.
Cross sectional view of the Woodford to Blaxland Station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Woodford to Blaxland Station bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
18km
Time
7 hrs 15 mins
.
Grade 5/6
Route: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough unclear track (5/6)
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)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
11km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4.7km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.6km is flat with no steps and the remaining 470m is very steep.
Quality of track
11km 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 1.3km follows a smooth and hardened path and a 450m section follows a rough unclear track. The remaining 55m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
11km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 6km has directional signs at most intersection. Whilst another 1.3km is clearly signposted and the remaining 100m Has no directional signs.
Experience Required
17km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.3km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (110m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 17km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.3km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
11km 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). Whilst another 1.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and the remaining 100m has no facilities provided.
Walk with a club - Enjoy bushwalking and make new friends (community announcement) The NPA is more than just a bushwalking club. We are a conservation group that helps protect natural places As a member you can join any of our 1000 guided walks each year and enjoy our quaterly Magazine 'Nature NSW'. Membership fee is just $65 per year, concession fee also available. Learn More...
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 [1]. 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.
(0 km)
Woodford Station
to
Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd Walk: Easy - road
Length = 729 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -39 m
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.
(0.73 km)
Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd
to
Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 3.48 km
Time = 1 hr 10 mins
Climb = 87 m
Descent = -175 m
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.
(4.21 km)
Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk
to
Cliff lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 97 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -18 m
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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Cliff Lookout
Alt = 507 m
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.
(4.21 km)
Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk
to
Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyah Lookout Trk Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 6.89 km
Time = 2 hrs 21 mins
Climb = 187 m
Descent = -363 m
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.
(11.1 km)
Int. St Helena Ridge Trail and Bunyan Lookout Trk
to
St Helena Ridge Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 4.93 km
Time = 1 hr 26 mins
Climb = 41 m
Descent = -174 m
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. Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk heads south east along track soon leading downhill. The walk meanders through the heath for quite some time. The walk nears a cliff line on the left, which it continues near for a short time before opening out onto a rocky outcrop with a view across to houses on the opposite hill (just before the steep downhill section).
St Helena Ridge Lookout
Alt = 211 m
St Helena Ridge Lookout, does not have the clearest view or the most spectacular scenery. However, it is a great place to rest before continuing on your way.
(16.03 km)
St Helena Ridge Lookout
to
Int. Waterfall and ridge trk Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 356 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -122 m
Continue straight: From St Helena Ridge lookout, the walk follows a very faint track initially very steeply down off the rock platform, The track initially tends a little to the left to then follow the main ridge line down. The track soon becomes much less steep (and a little clearer) when after about 100m the faint track bends right at another rocky outcrop. Here the walk leads off the side of the ridge to then wind down through the rocky outcrops and continue down through the scrub for about 180m until just before Glenbrook Creek where this walk comes to an un-signposted intersection.
(16.38 km)
Int. Waterfall and ridge trk
to
St Helena waterfall Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 164 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -6 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads upstream, keeping the creek on the right. The track undulates along the bank, passing a few large boulders in the creek before coming to a sandy beach at a bend in the creek. Continue straight: From the beach, the walk heads across the sand bar (covered in reeds) to come within ear-shot of the waterfall, located behind the inlet on the creek. The walk passes through the sandy, shallow section of the creek then walks up the bank and around to the waterfall. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
St Helenas waterfall
Alt = 91 m
St Helenas waterfall is a small fall, flowing from a side creek into Glenbrook Creek. It is rather unimpressive unless there has been recent rainfall. The water cascades down a nice rock face, among the sassafras trees and mossy rocks.
(16.38 km)
Int. Waterfall and ridge trk
to
Blaxland Library Carpark Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.4 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 150 m
Descent = -28 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads downstream, keeping the creek on the left. After approximately 10m, the walk comes to a bushy creek crossing and winds over the rocks and through the bushes. Following this, the walk keeps the creek on the right whilst winding downstream. The track soon arrives at an intersection, which is a sandy area with rocks and stairs leading up the hill. Turn left : From the large boulder, this walk heads up the hill and climbs the stone steps steeply, with a number of pink ribbons marking the initial track. The track continues steeply (eroded in places) up the hill and winds its way up to the un-signposted T-intersection. Turn sharp right: From the intersection[2], 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[3]. 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[4] in a tree. Turn right: From the intersection[5], this walk follows the 'Pippas Pass' sign[6] (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[7]. From here the track gently undulates along the side of the hill (with a steep valley to your right[8]) for about 300m to lead gently down and cross the usually small creek in the shaded valley[9]. Just after crossing this creek[10], the track bends left to head gently up through the valley along the base of a few natural sandstone walls[11] 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[12] 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[13]. Turn left: From the intersection[14], this walk crosses the sandstone platform and creek[15]. Here the track winds gently uphill for about 40m to cross a smaller often dry creek [16] where the track continues uphill for another 30m to pass a grafittied sandstone overhang (on your left)[17]. The track continues gently uphill and bends right to cross a sandstone rock platform and small creek[18] to almost immediately come to a faint intersection with a track in the tall heath[19]. 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[20]. 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[21]. 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[22]. Here this walk turns right to head up to the library and main car park[23].
(17.78 km)
Blaxland Library Carpark
to
Blaxland shops Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 455 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 28 m
Descent = -9 m
Turn left: From the Blaxland Library car park[24], this walk heads up the ramp on the side of the building[25] then follows the back deck behind the library and community centre[26]. On the far side of the building, this walk follows the bitumen footpath[27] footpath uphill to turn left at the 'Blaxland Civic Centre'[28] 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[29]. Here the walk bends left and crosses a car park entrance[30], then soon turns right into 'Station St'[31]. Here the walk heads up the footpath to cross another car park entrance[32] then onto the pedestrian lane way that leads between the buildings, under the foot bridge[33] to the main footpath, just before the Great Western Highway, among the Blaxland shops.
Blaxland
Alt = 233 m
Blaxland, found along the Great Western Highway, is one of the larger towns of the Lower Blue Mountains. The town has a number of shops and petrol station all lining the highway which lies between the town and train station. Wascoe was the original name of Blaxland until 1914 when it was renamed after Gregory Blaxland who was one of the explorers who found the route across the mountains for the colony [34]. The Blaxland community hosts a number of events during the month of September. More info
(18.24 km)
Blaxland Shops
to
Blaxland Station Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 72 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
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.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a NONE rating and No Ban in place. (Downloaded 51 minutes ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
Blue Mountains National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page 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. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park Closure information last downloaded Wednesday 22nd of May 2013 08:00 AM CLOSED AREAS Attention: helicopter operation affecting Katoomba walking tracks postponed till Wed 22 May The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed on Wednesday 22 May2013 due to helicopter lifting in the new replacement for Honeymoon Bridge:-
Federal Pass (from Katoomba Falls [Cook’s Crossing] to intersection with Dardanelles Pass below Leura.
Federal Pass from Golden Stairs intersection, below Narrow Neck, to the Scenic Railway bottom station.
Giant Stairs
Dardanelles
There will be no access to the top of the Three Sisters, beyond the Prince Henry Cliff Walk junction. Glenraphael Drive at Narrow Neck will also be closed at the national park boundary – 1.5km from Cliff Drive. There will be no access to Narrow Neck for vehicles or pedestrians. Access to and from Scenic World will be open via Furber Steps. For further information please call 02 4787 8877.
Locations affected:Dardenelles Pass loop walking track, Federal Pass Breakfast Point Lookout closed - Breakfast Point Lookout
Breakfast Point Lookout at Wentworth Falls is closed until further notice. Campsites at Euroka - Euroka campground
Darug campsite now closed until further notice for maintenance and upgrade. Camping is available at other sites at Euroka Campground. For bookings you can book online or call 1300 072 757. For group bookings over 6 and to speak to the local Area office please call 02 4588 2400 Monday to Friday. Claustral Canyon access change
Access to Claustral Canyon via the usual route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. NPWS has sought alternative access through private land without success. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land.
Alternative access and parking from the west side of Mt Bell has been approved. For details please contact the NPWS Heritage Centre, phone 02 4787 8877; open seven days 9.00 am to 4.30 pm. Glenbrook precinct has re-opened
Access to Jellybean Pool via the road and the walking track is now open. Euroka walking track remains closed as does Ironbarks Firetrail and Portal Waterhole precinct. Honeymoon Bridge, Three Sisters, Katoomba - works occurring from Monday 29 April till early June NPWS will be starting work to replace the Honeymoon bridge at the Three Sisters on Monday 29 April. Work should be completed by early June. There will be no access to the bridge during this time. All walking tracks and other lookouts in the area, including the Giant Stairway, will remain open. Short term closures for helicopter operations during the work will be advised. NPWS Heritage Centre is open 7 days a week; for information call 02 4787 8877. Ingar camping areas - Ingar campground
Vehicle access along Ingar Road may be closed at the end of Queen Elizabeth Drive while private property development works are underway. NPWS requests that visitors respect private property closures.
When the gate is closed Ingar Camping Area will remain open to walkers who access around the private property. Walking distance approximately 13kms. Murphys Glen camping area closed - Murphys Glen campground
Murphys Glen is closed due to road damage and facilities maintenance. Wentworth Falls walking tracks
The Undercliff and Overcliff tracks are closed between Princes Rock access and Lyrebird Lookout due to recent landslides. This means visitors doing the National or Wentworth Pass loops will need to return via the Shortcut Track. The Den Fenella walking track will be closed 7 days per week during upgrade work which commenced 31 January 2013. The Den Fenella lookout remains closed due to structural damage on the bridge. All enquiries to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
Locations affected:Overcliff-Undercliff track, Den Fenella walking track HAZARD REDUCTION BURNS Hazard reduction burn Wild Dog Mountains - CLOSED All walking routes in the Wild Dog Mountains will remain closed until further notice while hazard reduction burning operations are current. The W7 or Cedarland Ridge Rd from Green Gully to Medlow Gap will be re-opened on Monday 13 May 2013.
Anyone intending to walk in Wild Dogs during May should check the national parks website prior to setting off for any updates regarding affected areas. View a map of the hazard reduction burn planned for the Wild Dogs area (PDF 259KB). Hazard reduction burn
An aerially ignited prescribed burn will be undertaken along the Gingra Range in Kanangra-Boyd NationalPark between Friday 17 and Monday 20 May 2013. Walkers are advised to avoid this area during these dates.
All enquiries to NPWS Oberon office on 02 6336 1972 or the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
A lot of rubbish at the end of the walk at Blaxland. There were teenagers sitting and drinking alcohol, and I reckon this happens very often, they also have old chairs in caves and alcohol bottles every where. Police should go and check for ID's and get them to clean the whole area.
Hiking near Sydney 
NEW
Route: Hard
10 km
not too much longer now :)