The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station

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7 hrs

18.1 km One way

800 m

Hard track

The Oaks Picnic Area is the starting point for this long walk across the ridge line linking to Woodford. The Oaks Fire Trail winds its way over the hills, with many views into the surrounding valleys and bush land. This is a great walk to start extending your walking distance and stamina, while enjoying a scenic track. It does follow a management trail and is popular with mountain bike riders.

Gate at Glenbrook end of The Oaks Fire Trail

Rocky surface next to The Oaks Fire Trail

One of many lookouts along The Oaks Fire Trail

Rock formations above The Oaks Fire Trail

The Oaks Fire Trail near the Woodford end

Gate at the Woodford end of The Oaks Fire Trail

The Oaks Picnic Area

The Oaks Picnic Area, is an established picnic area with shelter, bench seats and a pit toilet. The picnic area also boasts a water tank and adequate parking. It is a quiet area, just off the road, making it a fantastic spot for a rendezvous with family and friends after a long walk or ride.

(0km) The Oaks Picnic Area → Int. Wheel Gully Trail and Oaks Firetrail

6 km

1 hr 59 mins climb

270m

-26m Moderate track

From the car park, the walk heads along the management trail, with the picnic area on the right and car park to the left. The walk heads down the road for a very short time to the signposted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads past the Red Hand Cave intersection and west along the management trail, with the picnic area on the right and car park to the left. The walk heads down the road for a very short time, to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk does not head in the direction of 'Nepean lookout' but leads to the gate and fence up the other trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the slight hill, passing the gate. The trail winds slowly as it climbs the gentle slope for quite some time. The trail then flattens out and leads to a steeper gradient, and at the top, comes to a '15km to Woodford' sign.
Continue straight: From the sign, the walk continues upwards along the trail, winding slowly for some kilometres. The vegetation either side of the trail stays relatively the same, passing some clearings with demolished trees in them. As the trail begins to head north, it continues to wind uphill, passing a large clearing on the left. Soon after the large clearing, the walk comes to an intersection on the right, before the track turns left sharply.

(6km) Int. Wheel Gully Trail and Oaks Firetrail → Int. in Wheel Gully loop

220 m

4 mins

-21m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill, almost immediately coming to a split in the track, with both tracks heading down the hill.
Continue straight: From the intersection the track heads down the left or right track to wind around and down to a dam. From the dam the track winds back up either track to the intersection. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Wheel Gully

Wheel Gully has a management trail which loops down to a large dam. It is a nice shady place to stop for a bite to eat along the Oaks Fire Trail. This site is also used as an informal campsite with no facilities. The water in the dam is not suitable for drinking, nor is it reliable. Carry enough water.

(6km) Int. Wheel Gully Trail and Oaks Firetrail → Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk

7.9 km

2 hrs 45 mins climb

316m

-318m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection the track heads around the corner turning left. The track then winds, while unudlating onto a plateau that has low vegetation. On this plateau the track is bordered by rocky surfaces on either side for a short time as it winds for a short time before heading down hill. The track heads down hill to continue into a saddle where a gate marks the intersection to the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill to the north, winding steeply up past a rock shelf with a view (on the left). The track continues steeply uphill, then winds across a plateau with rocky surfaces to both sides of the track. The vegetation here is also lower and sparser, giving views of the surrounding valleys. The track winds across this plateau and hillsides for some time before descending steeply, passing a blue marker sign on the right before coming to the intersection with St Helena Ridge Trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down across the saddle and tends right below the cliff (above on the left). The trail winds up and onto a plateau lined with rocks, which look as though they could have been placed there. The vegetation along this higher area is lower and clearer, which gives views across the distant ridge lines. The walk continues to head in a northerly direction and descends right, off the plateau, to head up another hill to a stepped intersection on the left.

(14km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk → Cliff lookout

100 m

3 mins

-18m Hard track

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

Cliff Lookout

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.

(14km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and cliff lookout Trk → Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd

3.5 km

1 hr 10 mins climb

175m

-87m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads in a northerly direction down the hill, turning steeply up and to the left a few times. The trail passes a small dam (just to the right) and continues to wind and undulate for some time to a mound of dirt in the middle of a junction. The trail passes this mound of dirt and continues north, winding and undulating slightly for some time before passing an interpretative board (on the right). Soon after this, the trail comes up to a gate (with a tap for drinking water, on the right). The track crosses over this gate to the intersection with the road.

(17km) Int. Oaks Firetrail and Old Bathurst Rd → Woodford Station

730 m

15 mins

39m

-22m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads uphill along Taylor Rd, and soon turns right onto Parker St. The walk follows Parker St, tending right, then turns onto The Appian Way. The walk turns left at Railway Pde, just before a bridge. Continuing down Railway Pde, keeping the railway line on the right, the walk comes to a shelter on the left and railway sign on the right. The walk follows the footpath under the Woodford Station sign, leading under the tracks and up stairs onto the platform.

Maps for the The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station 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	1:25 000 Map Series	90303N PENRITH	NSW-90303N
Jamison	1:25 000 Map Series	89302N JAMISON	NSW-89302N
Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Penrith	1:100 000 Map Series	9030 PENRITH	9030
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station

Altitude analysis for The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station

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	18.1 km
		Time	7 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		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, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

11km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4km is very steep. Whilst another 3.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 270m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

12km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 6km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (730m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

13km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 4km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (930m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 18km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 18km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 17km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 730m 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 The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station walk.

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

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 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 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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station walk.

Attic Cave

2 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk visits Attic Cave, a camping cave in the lower Blue Mountains. The cave is large enough to sleep a small party, providing a great shelter to rest. The walk first visits Pisgah Rock, by walking along an old management trail, and includes a very short side trip to the great view up Erskine

Total climbing: 74m

Experienced only

Dadder Cave

6 km Return, 4 hrs

A great day or overnight walk along Erskine Creek to the Dadder Camping Cave. This cave has a long history of use for overnight camps. The lovely Erskine Creek provides plenty of opportunities to cool the feet down. The climb down to Erskine Creek is steep, and the walk along the banks of Erskine

Total climbing: 375m

Very experienced only

Dadder Cave and Jack Evans track

10.3 km Circuit, 2 Days

This fairly short overnight walk is a great way to explore Erskine Creek. The walking along Erskine creek is mostly off track, and is through thick scrub in places. Although this walk could be done in a day, an overnight walk gives more time to explore the creek and enjoy the caves in the area.

Total climbing: 535m

Very experienced only

Erskine Creek via Pisgah Rock

2.8 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk takes a steep climb down from Pisgah Rock to the Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks. There are optional side trips to a rock platform further downstream, or to the campsite just up from the junction (you can make a weekend of the walk). This remote Creek junction is a lovely spot to r

Total climbing: 261m

Very experienced only

Erskine Creek via Pisgah Rock and Jack Evans

7.1 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk visits some great lookouts and explores the lower section of Erskine Creek. Most of the walk along Erskine Creek is off track and the bush is quite thick in places. A great walk for people wanting to explore a remote area of the lower Blue Mountains National Park. You could make this an

Total climbing: 421m

Very experienced only

Pisgah Rock

1.6 km Return, 45 mins

Starting at the signposted car park, this walk mostly follows an old management trail through the She Oak forest. The walk then brings you to a rock platform on a high cliff top, with fantastic views right up the middle of Erskine Creek gorge. There are also views up Lincoln Creek and further down

Total climbing: 43m

Moderate track

Machins Crater

466 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk follows a fairly faint track down into the Machins Crater. The crater was created about 200 million years ago by a volcanic explosion. Today the hole is a very lush environment with a steep sided valley, and an old dam wall. An enjoyable short walk.

Total climbing: 29m

Moderate track

Erskine Lookout

648 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk enjoys sculptured sandstone rocks, grass trees, wildflowers and great views of Erskine Gorge. The walk starts from the car park at the end of Nepean Lookout fire trail and heads past some information signs before coming to this unfenced informal lookout on the Jack Evans track. Gre

Total climbing: 30m

Moderate track

Jack Evans track to Erskine Creek

2.6 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk explores the Jack Evans Track, from the end of Nepean Lookout fire trail to Erskine Creek. The walk boasts fantastic rock formations, great views, grass trees and mosses, and gets up close to Erskine Creek. Erskine Creek is a great place to rest, and wet the toes, before the climb back up

Total climbing: 241m

Experienced only

Nepean Lookout

1.3 km Return, 30 mins

This walk is along the old road, which is now a management trail, making navigation easy. The walk brings you to the top of the Nepean Gorge escarpment, with great views up and down the gorge. This is a short walk after a fairly long drive, but if you are in the area, it is well worth getting the c

Total climbing: 41m

Moderate track

Euroka to Red Hands Cave

4.3 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

The walk to Red Hands Caves is quite a heritage walk, with both Indigenous art and grinding grooves to see. The walk leaves Euroka camping area and heads down through the valleys, passing the heritage areas. The walk finishes at Red Hands Cave picnic area, a perfect spot for lunch. As an alternative

Total climbing: 269m

Experienced only

Euroka Nepean River Circuit

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This circuit walk starts from the Euroka Clearing and follows a track beside Euroka Creek then fairly steeply to the Nepean River. The river is a great spot to enjoy the sandy bank, large surrounding hills and the passing boats. The walk returns along Bennetts Ridge trail. The wildfowers in spring

Total climbing: 156m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station walk starts at the The Oaks Picnic Area (gps: -33.811583, 150.56521)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Train. (get details)

The The Oaks Picnic area to Woodford Station ends at the Woodford Station (gps: -33.735763, 150.48228)

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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