Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop

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2 hrs 30 mins

4.3 km Circuit

249 m

Hard track

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 weekend in the mountains. The local cafe or bakery makes a great fuel stop at the beginning or end of this walk.

Fence line below Blaxland Library car park

(0km) Blaxland Station → Blaxland Library Carpark

530 m

10 mins

-28m Very easy

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.

(1km) Blaxland Library Carpark → Int of Pipas Pass and Bates Ave tracks

350 m

7 mins

-38m Hard track

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.

(1km) Int of Pipas Pass and Bates Ave tracks → Int. Ross Cres Trk East and Pippas Pass

770 m

18 mins

17m

-62m Moderate track

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).

(2km) Int. Ross Cres Trk East and Pippas Pass → Int. Beneath rock Trk and Ross Cres Trk

220 m

13 mins

95m

-13m Hard track

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). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Ross Cres rock outcrop

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.

(2km) Int. Ross Cres Trk East and Pippas Pass → Int. Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass Trks

70 m

4 mins

-18m Moderate track

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].

(2km) Int. Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass Trks → Boulder pool

280 m

6 mins

-35m Hard track

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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Boulder Pool

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.

(2km) Int. Florabella Pass and Pippas Pass Trks → Int. Florabella Pass Trk and Plateau Pde Trk

450 m

16 mins

65m

-57m Hard track

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

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.

(2km) Int. Florabella Pass Trk and Plateau Pde Trk → No. 14 Plateau Pde

730 m

26 mins

137m

-21m Hard track

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.

(3km) No. 14 Plateau Pde → Blaxland Station

1.4 km

24 mins

13m

-25m Very easy

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.

Maps for the Blaxland Station Florabella Pass 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 Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop

Altitude analysis for Blaxland Station Florabella Pass 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	4.3 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 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	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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining 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).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop walk.

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 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

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

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 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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop walk.

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

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

Glenbrook and Euroka Circuit

16.6 km Circuit, 2 Days

This two day circuit, returning to Glenbrook Station, is a scenic walk which passes many of the tourist attractions within the park. The walk winds through some wonderful valleys, and various natural and historic features, sleeping the night high on the ridge at Darug camping area. A great way to sp

Total climbing: 790m

Experienced only

Glenbrook to Lapstone via Euroka

18.8 km One way, 2 Days

This two day walk covers large sections of the Glenbrook Gorge between the two train stations. As well as winding through the gorge, the walk travels up onto the ridges to pass Red Hands Cave and camp the night at Darug camping area. The gorge section from the causeway to the Nepean River presents m

Total climbing: 1136m

Very experienced only

Blue Pool Track

522 m Return, 20 mins

This short, pleasant walk, starts close to the Glenbrook entrance of the Blue Mountains National Park. The walk follows a staircase and track down to Blue Pool. The blue colouring of the water can vary in intensity, depending on water and weather conditions. A popular swimming hole, this creek is

Total climbing: 39m

Hard track

Blue Pool to Glenbrook Sandbar

2.5 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This enjoyable walk leads to the beautiful feature that is Blue Pool. This natural pool can appear an amazing colour, and can be quite popular with swimmers. If Blue Pool is too crowded for your liking, there is an optional sidetrip which heads further up the creek to Glenbrook sandbar. The sandbar

Total climbing: 175m

Hard track

Lapstone Bridge ZigZag walk

2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk is more about history than the bush, but it still gives great views. The walk explores a small section of the old Lapstone Zig Zag railway (not to be confused with the more famous Lithgow Zig Zag railway). You will walk where the tracks once stood, through sandstone cuttings, passing an

Total climbing: 104m

Hard track

Lapstone train tunnel walk

1.4 km Return, 1 Hr

Although the train tunnel is closed to the public, this short walk does give you a view of the eastern (bricked up) entrance of the tunnel. The first half of the walk follows the sandstone cuttings where the train once went. For the second half of the walk to the tunnel, you walk on the Northern si

Total climbing: 133m

Moderate track

Glenbrook Gorge Track

1.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk starts from the Glenbrook information centre, just inside the national park and follows a well defined track down to the Glenbrook Creek and the gorge. The walk is popular with locals looking for a place to swim. The gorge is particularly dangerous after rain, so appropriate care should

Total climbing: 122m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Blaxland Station Florabella Pass Loop walk starts and ends at the Blaxland Station (gps: -33.743785, 150.60987)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

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

Train. (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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