Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Sassafras Gully Loop are found in each of the tabs below
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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.
Cross sectional view of the Sassafras Gully Loop bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Sassafras Gully Loop bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
11km
Time
4 hrs 15 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
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)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the 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).
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(0 km)
Springwood Station
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No. 18 Sassafras Gully Rd Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 1.19 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 35 m
Descent = -38 m
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.
(1.19 km)
No. 18 Sassafras Gully Rd
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Perch Ponds camping area Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 4.5 km
Time = 1 hr 38 mins
Climb = 108 m
Descent = -333 m
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
Alt = 138 m
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.
(5.69 km)
Perch Ponds camping area
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Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 382 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 63 m
Descent = -14 m
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].
(6.08 km)
Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks
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Behind Martins Falls Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 29 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -2 m
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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Martins Falls
Alt = 185 m
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.
(6.08 km)
Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks
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Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.54 km
Time = 1 hr 14 mins
Climb = 206 m
Descent = -105 m
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].
(9.61 km)
Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk
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Lawsons Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 407 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 39 m
Descent = -11 m
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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Lawsons Lookout
Alt = 316 m
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.
(9.61 km)
Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk
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Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 135 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -1 m
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.
(9.75 km)
Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks
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Picnic Point Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 163 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -2 m
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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Picnic Point
Alt = 331 m
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.
(9.75 km)
Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks
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Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 390 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 44 m
Descent = -5 m
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
Alt = 339 m
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.
(10.14 km)
Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area
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Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve Walk: Easy - road
Length = 145 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = 0 m
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.
(10.28 km)
Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve
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Springwood Station Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 269 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -4 m
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.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a NONE rating and No Ban in place. (Downloaded 9 minutes ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
Blue Mountains National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page 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. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park Closure information last downloaded Thursday 20th of June 2013 10:00 AM CLOSED AREAS ATTENTION Katoomba Walking Tracks The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed on Thursday 20thJune 2013 due to helicopter lifting in materials for the repair of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk between Cliff View Lookout and Lady Darley’s Lookout:
Federal Pass (from Katoomba Falls [Cook’s Crossing] to intersection with Dardanelles Pass below the Three Sisters.
Federal Pass from Golden Stairs intersection, below Narrow Neck, to the Scenic Railway bottom station.
Prince Henry Cliff Walk between Cliff View Lookout and Lady Darley’s Lookout
Glenraphael Drive at Narrow Neck will also be closed at the national park boundary – 1.5km from Cliff Drive. There will be no access to Narrow Neck for vehicles or pedestrians. Access to and from Scenic World will be open via Furber Steps. ATTENTION Wentworth Falls Tracks
The following tracks will be closed on Friday 21st June due to helicopter lifting materials to the Den Fenella Walking Track for track upgrade work. National Pass Wentworth Pass Vera Falls Undercliff track Den Fenella track Rocket Point
Wentworth Falls Picnic Area, lookouts and the following tracks will remain OPEN:
Valley of the Waters to National Pass junction
Nature Track
Short Cut Track
Princes Rock Lookout
Princes Rock track (Undercliff Track to Wentworth Falls).
Queens Cascade
Fletchers Lookout
Wentworth Falls to Rocket Point Junction Claustral Canyon access change
Access to Claustral Canyon via the usual route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. NPWS has sought alternative access through private land without success. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land.
Alternative access and parking from the west side of Mt Bell has been approved. For details please contact the NPWS Heritage Centre, phone 02 4787 8877; open seven days 9.00 am to 4.30 pm. Ingar camping areas - Ingar campground
Vehicle access along Ingar Road may be closed at the end of Queen Elizabeth Drive while private property development works are underway. NPWS requests that visitors respect private property closures.
When the gate is closed Ingar Camping Area will remain open to walkers who access around the private property. Walking distance approximately 13kms. Murphys Glen camping area closed - Murphys Glen campground
Murphys Glen is closed due to road damage and facilities maintenance. Wentworth Falls walking tracks
The Undercliff and Overcliff tracks are closed between Princes Rock access and Lyrebird Lookout due to recent landslides. This means visitors doing the National or Wentworth Pass loops will need to return via the Shortcut Track. The Den Fenella walking track will be closed 7 days per week during upgrade work which commenced 31 January 2013. The Den Fenella lookout remains closed due to structural damage on the bridge. All enquiries to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
Locations affected:Overcliff-Undercliff track, Den Fenella walking track
I did the walk at the end of September 2010 and camped overnight. It is a nice place to visit, especially Glenbrook Creek near Martin's Lookout. The path however has lots of fallen trees on it and some erosion. This makes it extra hard with a pack on. It's really important too that when going along Magdalla Creek you pay attention to signs take the path East rather than following it straight ahead. Straight ahead will mean a very very steep climb uphill to Batman Cres. and a long walk through Springwood streets.
Did this walk this morning, Easter Monday 2012. Parked at Picnic Point and did the circuit anti-clockwise from there. Also did the side track to Lawson's Lookout right at the end.
Total walking time was 3:55 plus the breaks. We stopped each hour for around 10 minutes with a longer 30 minute stop at the last one for lunch and a rest. There were some lovely spots on the creek.
Track notes were good at it was not hard to follow the trail.
Hiking near Sydney 
NEW
Track: Hard
1 km
not too much longer now :)