Start | (-33.6987484,150.5641909) |
Mode | Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train |
Directions | From Great Western Highway, A32
|
Turn map | Directions & comments |
---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
After another 8 m (at the intersection of Macquarie Road & Greenway Lane) turn right, to head along Macquarie Road (a road).
Then find the "Springwood" (10 m on your right).
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Then come to the "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.
|
|
After another 570 m find the "Martins campsite" (5 m on your right).
Martins campsite is an unofficial camping area beside Glenbrook Creek. The camping area is a sandy clearing, opposite cliffs on the other bank. The camping area is situated below Martins Lookout, with Bunyan Lookout up the ridge on the opposite hillside. A quiet and shaded location which can give a great night's sleep.
|
|
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Bunyan Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Kings Link Track & Martins Lookout Track) turn left, to head along Martins Lookout Track.
After another 760 m find the "Martins Lookout" (on your right).
Martin's Lookout is an unfenced view on the rim of the plateau, south of Valley Heights. There are views across and up the Glenbrook Creek, and to the Lost Worlds lookout (on the opposite cliffs) which features a small white crucifix. This cross is in memory of Rev. Raymer who was an avid bushwalker in the area. The plaque in the rock at Martin's Lookout is directly opposite this cross.
|
|
|
|
|
|
After another 620 m (at the intersection of Magdala Gully Track & Victory Track) turn right, to head along Magdala Gully Track.
After another 345 m find the "Martins Falls" (6 m on your right).
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.
|
|
Then find the "Magdala Falls" (20 m on your right).
Magdala Falls is a disappointing set of falls. The view from the steep hillside doesn't show any of the falls, but instead lets you hear the water cascade into the pool below. A red-stained rock above the pool can be seen through the dense foliage of the trees.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Lawsons Lookout . To start this optional side trip turn sharp right here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
|
|
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Picnic Point. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
|
|
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Christine's Place & Magdala Gully Track) turn right, to head along Christine's Place (a footpath).
Then find the "Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area" (5 m on your left).
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turn map | Directions & comments |
---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turn map | Directions & comments |
---|---|
|
|
|
Class 4/6 Hard track |
|
---|---|
Length | 13.8 km |
Time | 5 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min |
Quality of track | Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6) |
Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
Signage | Minimal directional signs (4/6) |
Infrastructure | Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6) |
Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) |
Weather | Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6) |
Item | From Start | Name & link to notes |
---|---|---|
Camp site
| 4.3 km | [camp site] |
Seat
| 4.4 km | [seat] |
Campsite
| 5.9 km | Perch Ponds Campsite |
Campsite
| 7.1 km | Martins campsite |
Camp site
| 7.2 km | [camp site] |
Camp site
| 9.2 km | Perch Ponds |
Seat
| 13.7 km | [seat] |