Map of Walk

Location

               
Map of Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop
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Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

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Springwood

1:25 000 Map Series

NSW-90304S

Penrith

1:100 000 Map Series

9030

Photo Gallery

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop 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	4.3km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Track: Hard	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)

*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
1.9km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1.2km is very steep. Whilst another 1.1km has short steep hills 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 1.9km 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 1.9km is clearly signposted. The remaining (350m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required
Around 3.1km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.2km requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 3.1km 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
2.6km 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).

Track Notes

Wildwalks
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Catch the train to Blaxland Station
Check out the facilities at Blaxland Station You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Catch the bus to Blaxland Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk. (Links currently not working sorry) Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Drive to Blaxland Station
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride to the start of this walk Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

(0 km) Blaxland Station to Blaxland Library Carpark Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath	Length = 527 m	Time = 10 mins
	Climb = 9 m	Descent = -28 m
From the station, this walk heads up to the pedestrian bridge and turns right, crossing over the Great Western Highway. The walk then uses the stairs or ramp to descend to the footpath below. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down along the pedestrian lane way, under the foot bridge[1] and away from the highway. Here the walk crosses the car park entrance[2] and follows the footpath downhill to turn left onto 'Hope St'[3]. This walk then crosses another car park entrance[4], then turns right to cross Hope St[5] at the traffic calming device[6]. Here the walk turns left and continues down along the footpath beside Hope St for about 150m to turn right at the 'Blaxland Civic Centre'[7] sign. Now the walk follows this footpath downhill then along the back deck of the library[8] to the car park on the far side of the building.

(0.53 km) Blaxland Library Carpark to Int of Pipas Pass and Bates Ave tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 353 m	Time = 7 mins
	Climb = 1 m	Descent = -38 m
Turn right: From the Blaxland Library car park[9], this walk heads to the lower left corner of the car park to find a 'Bushcare site' information sign[10]. Here the walk follows the track towards the houses[11] for a few meters to then turn right and heading down the narrower track and timber steps[12]. This track winds downhill for about 80m to pass a grafittied sandstone overhang[13]. Here the track continues along the side of the hill for another 15m to a smaller overhang[14] where the track bends right and downhill[15] for about 50m to come to a T-intersection[16] in the heath. Here the walk turns right to almost immediately cross over a sandstone rock platform and small creek[17] then after another 30m the track passes another grafittied sandstone overhang (on your right)[18]. From this overhang this walk continues to wind gently downhill for another 40m to cross a small often dry creek[19] then after another 70m the track leads across a sandstone platform and larger creek[20] to come to a T-intersection[21] with another track on the opposite bank.

(0.88 km) Int of Pipas Pass and Bates Ave tracks to Int. Ross Cres Trk East and Pippas Pass Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 766 m	Time = 18 mins
	Climb = 17 m	Descent = -62 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track gently downhill initially keeping the creek to your right. The heath soon becomes thicker (and the creek is not visible for a while), after about 60m the track leads down through a cleft in the rock[22]. The track leads down through a rocky section then leads along through a pleasant and shaded valley for about 200m where the track passes along the base of a few natural sandstone walls[23] before leading down to cross the usually small and pleasant creek[24]. The track then bends left to begin a gently climb out of the valley by undulating along the side of the hill. Soon the valley on your left[25] becomes quiet steep then track leads down a short set of sandstone steps then past a a shallow sandstone overhang[26]. Here the track winds along the side of the hill for another 100m to head up a small hill and come to a T-intersection just before a rock face. Here there is a 'Pippas Pass' sign[27] pointing back where you came from (about 2m up a tree on your right).

(1.65 km) Int. Ross Cres Trk East and Pippas Pass to Int. Beneath rock Trk and Ross Cres Trk Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 216 m	Time = 13 mins
	Climb = 95 m	Descent = -13 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the stone steps uphill. The steps zig zag[28] a couple of times for about 30m before passing between two boulders[29], where the track flattens out and comes to a Y-intersection (with more steps on the right, and a flatter track on the left). Veer right: From the intersection[30], this walk heads up the stone steps[31]. The track winds fairly steeply uphill at first, then leads a little more gently for just over 100m to come to an intersection at the base of a few rock walls. Here this walk ignores the stone step track (on the left) and veers right following the other stone steps up between the two rock walls[32]. This track winds up the stone steps then bends left to flatten out at the top of the hill at an intersection with a wider track. Here there is a large unfenced rock platform (on your left). (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)

Ross Cres rock outcrop	Alt = 209 m
This rocky outcrop below Ross Crescent, stands like a number of large sandstone foundations in the side of the hill. They are worth an explore, with a numerous views over the bush and little cracks and overhangs to look through.

(1.65 km) Int. Ross Cres Trk East and Pippas Pass to Int. Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass Trks Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 71 m	Time = 4 mins
	Climb = 7 m	Descent = -18 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads right, around a boulder, and soon meets a set of stairs, with arrows and place names scratched into the rock either side. Continue straight: From the intersection[33], this walk follows 'Florabella Pass' arrow engraved in rock face[34] along the mostly flat track around the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left. The track soon comes to another intersection with a set of stone steps (on the right)[35].

(1.72 km) Int. Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass Trks to Boulder pool Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 284 m	Time = 6 mins
	Climb = 2 m	Descent = -35 m
Turn sharp left: From the intersection[36], 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[37]. 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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)

Boulder Pool	Alt = 88 m
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.

(1.72 km) Int. Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass Trks to Int. Florabella Pass Trk and Plateau Pde Trk Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 446 m	Time = 16 mins
	Climb = 65 m	Descent = -57 m
Continue straight: From the intersection the track heads north around the rocky hillside to tend left, into a creek on the left. The track winds steeply up throguh rocky outcrops to a sign posted intersection next to a large orange rock overhang.

Florabella Pass overhang	Alt = 132 m
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.

(2.16 km) Int. Florabella Pass Trk and Plateau Pde Trk to No. 14 Plateau Pde Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 729 m	Time = 26 mins
	Climb = 137 m	Descent = -21 m
Turn right: From the intersection the track heads up the steps to head under the orange rock overhang. The track winds beneath a few rocky outcrops to turn left up some stairs to turn right sharply along the rocky surface. The track continues to wind up a few more rocky steps before zig zagging up the hill to a sign '300m to Plateau Parade'. The track turns right at the sign to contour along the hillside for a short time. The track turns left up steps beneath a rocky outcrop to turn right and continue up the hill to the road behind houses. At the road the track then turns right, with the houses on the left. The road soon turns left to continue up to Plateau Pde.

(2.89 km) No. 14 Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road,footpath,footpath	Length = 1.37 km	Time = 24 mins
	Climb = 13 m	Descent = -25 m
Continue straight: From the intersection the walk heads up Plateau Pde, keeping the powerline above on the right. The walk continues up to the intersection with Bridge Rd where it turns right. Then continues up Bridge Rd to come to the intersection with Glen St. Continue straight: From the intersection the walkk heads up Bridge Rd passing No's 14, 12, 8. Then continues up Bridge Rd to soon pass Bourke St on the right before coming to the intersection with the Great Western Highway. Turn sharp right: From Bridge St the walk heads down the Great Western Highway, keeping the houses on the right of the footpath. The walk continues down the hill passing Taringha St then View St as it then heads past the shops. The walk continues to the stairs, and ramp, leading up to the pedestrian bridge. Turn sharp right: 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.

Catch the train to Blaxland Station
Check out the facilities at Blaxland Station You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Catch the bus from Blaxland Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk. (Links currently not working sorry) Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Drive from Blaxland Station
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride from the end of this walk Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk. Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry

Public Transport Timetables
	To the start of the walk From Castle Hill Chatswood Dural Epping Gosford Hornsby Katoomba Manly Parramatta Penrith Strathfield Sutherland Sydney		From the end of the walk To Castle Hill Chatswood Dural Epping Gosford Hornsby Katoomba Manly Parramatta Penrith Strathfield Sutherland Sydney
Driving Directions
	To the start of the walk                  Castle HillChatswoodDuralEppingGosfordHornsbyKatoombaManlyParramattaPenrithStrathfieldSutherlandSydney Drive from:		From the end of the walk                  Castle HillChatswoodDuralEppingGosfordHornsbyKatoombaManlyParramattaPenrithStrathfieldSutherlandSydney Drive to:

Near by

Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk

Store	Address	Phone	Distance (straight line)
Summit Gear	11 Ross St , Glenbrook	(02) 4739 4373	2.8 km
Boots Great Outdoors	Shop 25 Home Centre Wolseley St , Penrith	(02) 4733 5744	6.4 km
Kangaroo Tent City	Cnr Mulgoa & Blaikie Rds, Penrith	(02) 4733 4111	6.8 km
Getaway Disposals	549 High St , Penrith	(02) 4732 2285	7.9 km
Mitchell Adventure	24 Henry St , Penrith	(02) 4731 8482	8.9 km

A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop.

Channel	Call sign (more info)	Site	Distance and dir from Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop Click to re-center search
4	RIV04	Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW	2 km (to the NE)
2	KUR02	Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS	22 km (to the N)
7	SYD07	7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN	28 km (to the E)
5	SYD05	Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA Emergency use only	45 km (to the E)
6	LGW06	Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS	51 km (to the WNW)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a NONE rating and No Ban in place. (Downloaded 40 minutes ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here

Rain. 10.8°C (feels like 10.9°) 0 km/h from the CALM 95% humidity     (as at 23/09:00am) Thu       13° Rain. Fri 11°|16° Morning rain then showers. Sat 9°|18° Early shower or two. Sun 6°|18° Sunny.

Blue Mountains National Park Link 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 fees Camping Facilities
Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park
Closure information last downloaded Thursday 23rd of May 2013 01:00 PM
CLOSED AREAS
Attention: helicopter operation affecting Katoomba walking tracks - Sunday 26th May 2013
The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed on Sunday 26th May 2013 due to helicopter lifting in the new replacement for Honeymoon Bridge.  This work is necessary on Sunday due to the favourable weather forecast
The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed during 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 section was 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
A hazard reduction burn has been completed along the Gingra Range and spur ridges leading off this range. The area is bounded by Cottage Rock, Arabanoo Creek, Gingra Creek and the Kowmung River. Access to this area is closed until further notice whilst there is a risk of limb or tree fall after the burn.’View a map of the hazard reduction burn in the Gingra Range area (PDF 192KB).
All enquiries to NPWS Oberon office on 02 6336 1972 or the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

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