Sassafras Gully Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs 15 mins

10.5 km Circuit

501 m

Hard track

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.

Water running over rocks Sassafras Creek

Overview Map of Magdala and surrounding gullies

(0km) Springwood Station → No. 18 Sassafras Gully Rd

1.2 km

23 mins

35m

-38m Very easy

From Springwood Station, the walk crosses the pedestrian crossing and turns right, passing the shop fronts. The walk continues along Macquarie Rd and turns left onto Homedale St. At the bottom of Homedale St, the walk turns right onto Valley Rd, and then left onto Sassafras Gully Rd. The walk continues to the bottom of Sassafras Gully Rd, in front of house number 18.

(1km) No. 18 Sassafras Gully Rd → Perch Ponds camping area

4.5 km

1 hr 38 mins climb

108m

-333m Hard track

Veer left: From the end of Sassafras Gully Rd, the walk heads down the hill along the fenceline of house No. 18. The walk passes two signs for 'Sassafras Gully' as it winds to the right at a rock outcrop and down to an unsignposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill, keeping the rock outcrop on the left. The walk passes a track on the left (which heads over the rock outcrop) and turns down the hill. As the walk winds down the hill, a few smaller tracks are passed before nearing a creek. The walk crosses the creek a few times as it heads down the gully to a larger creek junction. The walk crosses the junction, then follows the larger gully, soon coming to a 'Sassafras Gully Rd' sign (pointing back the way you came)[1].
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down across the creek in the direction of the 'To Wiggins Track' sign[2]. The walk winds along the hillside, keeping the creek on the right, passing a blue track marker[3] which directs the walk to the other side of the creek. The walk now keeps the creek on the left as it winds up to a 'Perch Ponds, Springwood Stn' sign[4].
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Perch Ponds' sign[5] across the hillside. The walk soon nears the creek on the left, then undulates above it for a short while. The track crosses a steeply banked creek junction, then continues following the main creek (which is on the left). The walk stays near this creek, coming into a campground clearing with large boulders.
Continue straight: From the campground clearing, the walk exits the clearing, keeping the main creek to the right, and immediately crosses a side creek. The walk keeps the main creek on the right as it slowly climbs the hillside. The track then heads downhill, passing under a few rock overhangs and soon entering the campground clearing of 'Perch Ponds'.

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.

(6km) Perch Ponds camping area → Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks

380 m

10 mins

63m

-14m Hard track

Turn left : From Perch Ponds, the walk follows the 'Magdala Gully-Fairy Dell' sign[6], up the hill. The track winds up the hillside for a short time, keeping the creek on the right, then comes to a 'Martins Falls' sign[7].

(6km) Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks → Behind Martins Falls

30 m

1 mins

-2m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads to the left of the 'Martins Falls' sign (towards the falls). The walk skirts around the edge of the valley, coming under the rock overhang of the falls, and then arriving behind the falls. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Martins Falls

Martins Falls are at a rock overhang on Magdala Creek, near Springwood, almost 400m upstream from the Glenbrook Creek junction. The water falls off a rock platform, over the overhang into a large pond. There is a faint track leading behind the falls, giving a different perspective of the pond and falls - extra care is required. This is a lovely area to enjoy the cool temperatures on warmer days, and is more spectacular after recent rain.

(6km) Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks → Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk

3.5 km

1 hr 14 mins climb

206m

-105m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the gully, keeping the creek to the right. The track winds for a short time, passing a few rocky overhangs as it climbs to a 'Magdala Falls' sign.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk keeps the valley on the right as it heads up the hill. The walk winds up the hill, crossing the creek after some time. The walk continues up the hill, now with the creek on the left, to an intersection, with arrows engraved in the rock.
Turn left : From the intersection engraved with arrows[8], the walk heads down across the creek. The track then keeps the Magdala Creek on the left before crossing for the first of many times. The walk continues up along Magdala Creek and crosses a rock shelf below some small falls, coming to a 'Lawson's Lookout' sign[9].

(10km) Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk → Lawsons Lookout

410 m

11 mins

39m

-11m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Lawsons Lookout' signs[10], up the hill. The track heads up to a rocky outcrop, where the track turns back on itself and steps through some bushes to the rocky surface of the lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Lawsons Lookout

Lawsons Lookout, in Springwood, Blue Mountains, is an unfenced rockshelf overlooking the wonderful Magdala Creek valley. The lookout is most easily accessed from Raymond Rd.

(10km) Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk → Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks

140 m

3 mins

13m

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Springwood Station' sign[11] up the hill, keeping the creek on the left of the track. The track stays close to the creek as it climbs the hill, soon coming to a signposted intersection next to the bridge.

(10km) Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks → Picnic Point

160 m

6 mins

33m

-2m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk crosses the bridge, following the 'Picnic Point' signs[12]. The walk immediately climbs many stairs which wind up to a the picnic shelter and grass area of Picnic Point. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left .

Picnic Point

Picnic Point, in Springwood, Blue Mountains, is a quiet, grassy clearing tucked behind the houses above Magdala Creek. The area has a gazebo, picnic table and water tank (water needs to be treated). The clearing has a track leading down to many popular walks, with Lawson's Lookout and Fairy Dell Reserves nearby.

(10km) Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks → Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area

390 m

9 mins

44m

-5m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Fairy Dell' signs[13], keeping the creek on the left. The walk winds up the hill, passing a vandalised building (which has since been reported as demolished by another walker), and continuing up more stairs into a grassy area with picnic tables.

Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area

Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area is a quiet and shady terraced garden at the head of the Magdala Gully. Fairy Dell is situated just south of Springwood in the Lower Blue Mountains. The picnic area has numerous tables, parking and a grassy area for the kids to play. The Fairy Dell Reserve Picnic area is also the starting point for a number of walks down to Magdala Creek, Picnic Point and nearby Lawson Lookout.

(10km) Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area → Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve

150 m

3 mins

21m

0m Easy track

Veer right: From Fern Dell Reserve picnic area, the track heads up the hill in the opposite direction to the 'Sassafras Gully' arrow on the blue sign. The track reaches the end of a small road, and heads up this road to the intersection with Springwood Ave, next to house number 51.

(10km) Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve → Springwood Station

270 m

5 mins

11m

-4m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads across the road and up through the car park. The walk continues up to the main road, Macquarie Rd, and turns left. The walk follows the shop fronts for about 150 metres, then crosses the road at the pedestrian crossing opposite Springwood Station.

Maps for the Sassafras Gully Loop 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 Sassafras Gully Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Sassafras Gully Loop

Altitude analysis for Sassafras Gully Loop

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	10.5 km
		Time	4 hrs 15 mins
		.
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	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		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

5km of this walk is very steep and another 3.8km has short steep hills. Whilst another 1.5km is flat with no steps and the remaining 150m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

6km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 3.3km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (1.6km) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

4.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 4.2km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (1.7km) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 11km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 11km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 3.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (2.1km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Sassafras Gully Loop 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

Faulconbridge to Springwood via Sassafras Gully

6.1 km One way, 3 hrs

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.

Total climbing: 338m

Hard track

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

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

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

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 Sassafras Gully Loop walk.

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

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

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

Plateau Pde Florabella Pass Loop

2.6 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk covers a short section of the magnificent Florabella Pass Track. The shorter loop takes in scenic views of the Glenbrook Gorge and some of the more impressive rock features along the track. This walk is a great way to sample the Florabella Pass in a short time.

Total climbing: 229m

Hard track

Plateau Pde to Blaxland Station via Florabella Pass

2.9 km One way, 2 hrs

This lovely walk from Plateau Pde, Blaxland, explores a section of Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass. From the road you enter a different world as you walk high above Glenbrook creek. The walk takes in some great views and explores some rock formations, with an optional side trip to Glenbrook Creek. T

Total climbing: 224m

Hard track

Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop

4.3 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This is a great circuit walk, exploring a section of the Glenbrook Gorge from above, with an optional side trip down to the creek below. The walk has some very scenic areas and passes many interesting rock formations. Easily accessible by car or public transport, this is a great walk to start your w

Total climbing: 249m

Hard track

Blaxland Station to Boulder Pool

4 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle, enjoying a quiet retreat beside Glenbrook Creek. This walk takes a direct route from Blaxland Station down to a pool of water with a large boulder. A wonderful place to relax and unwind. Stop off at the bakery or cafe in Blaxland for a treat

Total climbing: 217m

Hard track

Blaxland to Warrimoo Station Florabella Pass

6 km One way, 3 hrs

This is a wonderful walk through a section of the Glenbrook Gorge. Plenty of views are dotted along the way, looking into the gorge, with many interesting rock formations to enjoy between the views. Walking from station to station makes this a convenient walk for all. A visit to the local bakery or

Total climbing: 406m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Sassafras Gully Loop walk starts and ends at the Springwood Station (gps: -33.699107, 150.56380)

Train. (get details)

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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