Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully

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3 hrs

6.1 km One way

338 m

Hard track

This is an enjoyable walk through the valleys joining Faulconbridge and Springwood. Using the Victory and Sassafras Gully tracks, the walk stays close to water as it descends into the valley, returning up through the changing vegetation.

Victory Track leading down to Clarinda Falls

Rocks lining track through Victory Track clearing

Sassafras and Victory Track intersection

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 .

(0km) Faulconbridge Station → No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde

410 m

8 mins

10m

-16m Moderate track

From the top of Faulconbridge Station, the walk heads off the station overpass to the bushland side of the station (if you come to a car park, you have gone to the wrong side of the station). The walk then keeps the rail line on the left as it follows the footpath down to the road. After a while, the walk comes to an intersection with Sir Henrys Pde, opposite house number 10.

Victory Track

The Victory Track is more formally know as the 'Sir Henry Parkes Victory Track'[4] 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.

(0km) No. 10 Sir Henrys Pde → Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls

1.3 km

38 mins

15m

-173m Hard track

Turn right: From 10 Sir Henrys Pde (bushland side), the walk follows the 'Victory Track' sign down into the bush. The walk passes under a few rock overhangs and then crosses a creek. Passing a smaller track (on the left, which leads to the top of the falls), the walk soon comes down to a 'Clarinda Falls' sign[10].

(2km) Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls → Clarinda Falls

30 m

1 mins

-4m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the track follows the 'Clarinda Falls' sign[11] 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 Continue straight.

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'.

(2km) Int. Victory Trk and Clarinda Falls → Victory Trk camping area

630 m

18 mins

23m

-72m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Sassafras Gully' sign[13] down the hill. The track keeps the creek on the left as it continues down the gully then crosses a creek junction. The walk meanders down the hillside and soon crosses a larger creek junction, before entering a campground clearing (beneath 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.

(2km) Victory Trk camping area → Victory Trk pool

880 m

24 mins

61m

-78m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the campground clearing, the walk follows the creek, keeping it to the left. The track winds up the hill and back down to the creek a few times and soon comes to an intersection with a faint track on the left (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.

(3km) Victory Trk pool → No. 18 Sassafras Gully Rd

1.7 km

39 mins

191m

-46m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down the valley, keeping the creek on the left. The walk soon turns left, crosses the creek and continues down the valley, with the creek now on the right. Leading down the valley, the track then crosses a gully to arrive at a blue 'Faulconbridge Station' sign (pointing back the way you came)[14].
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Sassafras Gully Rd' sign[15] up the stairs. The walk crosses a large creek junction and continues up the gully, passing under numerous rock overhangs. Moving away from the creek and its rocky outcrops, the walk steeply climbs the hillside. The walk comes below a rocky outcrop, which it follows around to the right, keeping the outcrop on the right (ignoring the track which leads up the outcrop). The walk comes to an unsignposted intersection with another track.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill, keeping the rock outcrop to the right. The track tends left towards a house fenceline (house No. 18), which it follows to the end of Sassafras Gully Rd.

(5km) No. 18 Sassafras Gully Rd → Springwood Station

1.2 km

23 mins

38m

-35m Very easy

Veer right: From the end of Sassafras Gully Rd, the walk heads to the top of the road and turns right onto Valley Rd. The walk follows the footpath on Valley Rd, passing Bee Farm Rd before turning left onto Homedale St. The walk continues along Homedale St then turns right onto Macquarie Rd. Macquarie Rd is followed to the train station, where the walk crosses the road using the pedestrian crossing.

Springwood

Springwood, along the Great Western Highway, is the second largest town in the Blue Mountains. Springwood also takes the title for the oldest railway station in the Blue Mountains. There are a variety of shops in Springwood, with quite a few cafes, bakeries and two historic hotels. Springwood was named by Governor Macquarie, when his wife and he stopped for water from a deep glen spring, in 1815. It seems aptly named, with many springs and creeks leading away from the ridge at Springwood, including Sassafras Gully, Magdala Creek and Glenbrook Creek. More info.

Maps for the Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully 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 Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully

Altitude analysis for Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully

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	6.1 km
		Time	3 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	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		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

3.6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.3km is very steep. The remaining (1.2km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.6km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (900m) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 3.1km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 2.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (900m) 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 Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully walk.

Clarinda Falls from Faulconbridge

3.5 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk takes you down the start of the Victory Track to see Clarinda Falls. The falls are found in a magnificent eroded bowl covered in ferns and moss. After heavy rain, Clarinda Falls would make for an amazing site.

Total climbing: 219m

Hard track

Sassafras Gully Loop

10.5 km Circuit, 4 hrs 15 mins

The Sassafras Gully loop is an excellent walk setting out from Springwood Station. The walk uses the gullies to navigate past some wonderful rock features, dense bushland and waterfalls. A nice cool walk in the shade and never too far from water.

Total climbing: 501m

Hard track

Springwood to Faulconbridge

11.5 km One way, 5 hrs

This pleasent walk takes in the sights of two fantastic Blue Mountains valleys. The walk down from Springwood Station uses Magdala Gully to pass a number of waterfalls before visiting Perch Ponds. The walk then follows Glenbrook Creek valley up to Faulconbridge Station for the return home. A quiet w

Total climbing: 633m

Hard track

Martins Lookout Loop Walk

13.8 km Circuit, 6 hrs 30 mins

This walk offers a magnificent way to explore the Sassafras Gully, enjoying the lush valleys and deep bushland, as well as the panoramic Martins Lookout. This walk has much to offer, with many views to impress before returning to Springwood Train Station.

Total climbing: 842m

Hard track

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 Faulconbridge

23.4 km One way, 2 Days

This walk starts out as mainly service trail to then drop into the Glenbrook Ck Valley for an overnight stay at Martins camping area. The next day the walk follows the winding bush track up the valley to Faulconbridge. In doing so the walk passes Clarinda Falls and some large pools which compliment

Total climbing: 955m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully walk.

Lawson Lookout from Fairy Dell Reserve

2.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk is a great way to go to Lawson Lookout, especially if you are coming from Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area. With Springwood just out of ear shot, the walk meanders down the Magdala Gully, then leads up to Lawson Lookout for a great view across the valley.

Total climbing: 149m

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

Springwood to Martins Falls

9 km Return, 4 hrs

This walk to Martins Falls follows the Magdala Gully down from Springwood. The valley is cool and dark, and the track is never far from water. Martins Falls are a great place to hang out for lunch, or sit and enjoy the cool of the falls from the rocks. A great walk with a lush waterfall to explore.

Total climbing: 413m

Hard track

Raymond Rd to Lawsons Lookout

202 m Return, 15 mins

This is short walk to a view across Magdala Gully. The walk follows a track that leads to a the moderately large clearing behind the lookout. The view from the lookout is not as spectacular as many other lookouts in the area, but can be quite intriguing with a morning mist lifting from the valley.

Total climbing: 20m

Moderate track

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

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

Woodford Station to cliff lookout

8.6 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Woodford Station allows for easy access to this impressive lookout. The walk to the lookout is mainly on service trail, however the view is found by following a narrow bush track. The cliffs are quite high and unfenced providing a good vista over the trees.

Total climbing: 346m

Hard track

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully walk starts at the Faulconbridge Station (gps: -33.696620, 150.53487)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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

Train. (get details)

The Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully ends at the Springwood Station (gps: -33.699107, 150.56380)

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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