Map of Walk

Location

               
Map of Springwood to Martins Falls
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Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here

Springwood

1:25 000 Map Series

NSW-90304S

Penrith

1:100 000 Map Series

9030

Photo Gallery

Terrain

Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the Springwood to Martins Falls bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Springwood to Martins Falls 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	9km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
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
3.7km of this walk is very steep and another 430m has short steep hills. Whilst another 270m is flat with no steps and the remaining 150m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track
3km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 1.1km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (410m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
2.7km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 1.4km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (410m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 4.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 4.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
3km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 800m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (690m) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes

Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.

Wildwalks
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Catch the train to Springwood Station
Check out the facilities at Springwood Station You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Catch the bus to Springwood Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk. (Links currently not working sorry) Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Drive to Springwood Station
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride to the start of this walk Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Springwood	Alt = 369 m
Springwood, along the Great Western Highway, is the second largest town in the Blue Mountains[1]. Springwood also takes the title for the oldest railway station in the Blue Mountains[2]. 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[3]. It seems aptly named, with many springs and creeks leading away from the ridge at Springwood, including Sassafras Gully, Magdala Creek and Glenbrook Creek. More info

(0 km) Springwood Station to Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath	Length = 269 m	Time = 5 mins
	Climb = 4 m	Descent = -11 m
From Springwood Station, the walk crosses the road at the pedestrian crossing and turns left. The walk continues past the shop front for about 150 metres before turning right at a quadrangle, which leads the walk down through a car park. The walk passes through the car park and crosses Macquarie Rd, to the 'Fariy Dell' sign[4].

(0.27 km) Int. Springwood Ave and Fairy Dell Reserve to Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area Walk: Easy - road	Length = 145 m	Time = 3 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -21 m
Continue straight: From the 'Fairy Dell, 49 Springwood Ave' sign[5], the walk heads downhill into the reserve (along the smaller road), past the signs. The walk winds down past the units (on the left) to the bottom of the road. The walk continues on the left side of the cul-de-sac, to 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.

(0.41 km) Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area to Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 390 m	Time = 9 mins
	Climb = 5 m	Descent = -44 m
Veer left: From the picnic area, the walk follows the 'Sassafras Gully' sign down the stairs. The walk quickly passes the vandalised building (which has since been reported as demolished by another walker), then a map sign before meeting a creek. The walk keeps the creek on the right and soon comes to a bridge with direction signs.

(0.8 km) Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks to Picnic Point Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 163 m	Time = 6 mins
	Climb = 33 m	Descent = -2 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the bridge, following the 'Picnic Point' signs[6]. 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 right 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.

(0.8 km) Int. Fairy Dell and Picnic Point Tracks to Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 135 m	Time = 3 mins
	Climb = 1 m	Descent = -13 m
Continue straight: From the intersection at the bridge, the walk heads in the direction of the 'Perch Ponds' arrow[7], keeping the creek on the right of the track. The walk soon comes to a 'Lawson's Lookout' sign[ref img=146352, above a cascade in the creek.

(0.94 km) Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk to Lawsons Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 407 m	Time = 11 mins
	Climb = 39 m	Descent = -11 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Lawsons Lookout' signs[8], 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 left 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.

(0.94 km) Int. Lawsons Lookout Trk and Fairy Dell Trk to Int. Magdala Ck and Magdala Falls trks Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 3.24 km	Time = 1 hr 7 mins
	Climb = 92 m	Descent = -181 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the direction of the 'Perch Ponds' sign, keeping the creek on the right. The track crosses the creek many times, passing a number of caves. The track passes a burnt 'Perch Ponds' sign[9] as it crosses a creek to immediately come to an intersection (with arrows engraved in the rocks[10]). Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the arrows engraved in the rock, keeping the creek to the right. The walk winds down the hillside then crosses the creek, continuing to follow the creek (now on the left) to a 'Magdala Falls' sign.

Magdala Falls	Alt = 196 m
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.

(4.18 km) Int. Magdala Ck and Magdala Falls trks to Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 299 m	Time = 7 mins
	Climb = 13 m	Descent = -25 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk keeps the creek on the left as it heads down the gully. The walk winds down the hill, passing a few rock overhangs as it leads to a 'Martins Lookout' sign.

(4.47 km) Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks to Perch Ponds camping area Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 382 m	Time = 10 mins
	Climb = 14 m	Descent = -63 m
Continue straight: From the 'Martins Falls' intersection[11], the track heads up a small hill, then downhill with the creek on the left. The walk meanders above the creek for a short time then opens out onto the 'Perch Ponds' campground clearing[12]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)

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.

(4.47 km) Int. Martins Falls and Magdala Ck trks to Behind Martins Falls Track: Hard - bushtrack	Length = 29 m	Time = 1 mins
	Climb = 1 m	Descent = -2 m
Turn left : 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.

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.

Catch the train from Springwood Station
Check out the facilities at Springwood Station You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your train trip from the end of the walk. Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Catch the bus from Springwood Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk. (Links currently not working sorry) Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Drive from Springwood Station
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride from the end of this walk Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk. Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry

Public Transport Timetables
	To the start of the walk From Castle Hill Chatswood Dural Epping Gosford Hornsby Katoomba Manly Parramatta Penrith Strathfield Sutherland Sydney		From the end of the walk To Castle Hill Chatswood Dural Epping Gosford Hornsby Katoomba Manly Parramatta Penrith Strathfield Sutherland Sydney
Driving Directions
	To the start of the walk                  Castle HillChatswoodDuralEppingGosfordHornsbyKatoombaManlyParramattaPenrithStrathfieldSutherlandSydney Drive from:		From the end of the walk                  Castle HillChatswoodDuralEppingGosfordHornsbyKatoombaManlyParramattaPenrithStrathfieldSutherlandSydney Drive to:

Near by

Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk

Store	Address	Phone	Distance (straight line)
Summit Gear	11 Ross St , Glenbrook	(02) 4739 4373	9.3 km
Boots Great Outdoors	Shop 25 Home Centre Wolseley St , Penrith	(02) 4733 5744	12.7 km
Kangaroo Tent City	Cnr Mulgoa & Blaikie Rds, Penrith	(02) 4733 4111	13 km
Getaway Disposals	549 High St , Penrith	(02) 4732 2285	13.5 km
Mitchell Adventure	24 Henry St , Penrith	(02) 4731 8482	14.5 km

A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Springwood to Martins Falls.

Channel	Call sign (more info)	Site	Distance and dir from Springwood to Martins Falls Click to re-center search
4	RIV04	Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW	7 km (to the ESE)
2	KUR02	Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS	18 km (to the NNE)
7	SYD07	7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN	33 km (to the ESE)
6	LGW06	Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS	44 km (to the WNW)
5	SYD05	Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA Emergency use only	50 km (to the E)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a NONE rating and No Ban in place. (Downloaded 35 minutes ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here

Sunny. 13.0°C (feels like 13.7°) 0 km/h from the CALM 94% humidity     (as at 24/03:00pm) Sat 9°|18° Sunny. Sun 6°|19° Sunny. Mon 6°|18° Mostly sunny. Tue 9°|17° Partly cloudy.

Blue Mountains National Park Link 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 fees Camping Facilities
Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park
Closure information last downloaded Saturday 25th of May 2013 04:00 AM
CLOSED AREAS
Attention: helicopter operation affecting Katoomba walking tracks - Sunday 26th May 2013
The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed on Sunday 26th May 2013 due to helicopter lifting in the new replacement for Honeymoon Bridge.  This work is necessary on Sunday due to the favourable weather forecast
The following walking tracks in the Katoomba area will be closed during helicopter lifting in the new replacement for Honeymoon Bridge:-

• Federal Pass (from Katoomba Falls [Cook’s Crossing] to intersection with Dardanelles Pass below Leura.
• Federal Pass from Golden Stairs intersection, below Narrow Neck, to the Scenic Railway bottom station.
• Giant Stairs
• Dardanelles

There will be no access to the top of the Three Sisters, beyond the Prince Henry Cliff Walk junction.
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. For further information please call 02 4787 8877.
Locations affected:Dardenelles Pass loop walking track, Federal Pass
Breakfast Point Lookout closed - Breakfast Point Lookout
Breakfast Point Lookout at Wentworth Falls is closed until further notice.
Campsites at Euroka - Euroka campground
Darug campsite now closed until further notice for maintenance and upgrade. Camping is available at other sites at Euroka Campground. For bookings you can book online or call 1300 072 757. For group bookings over 6 and to speak to the local Area office please call 02 4588 2400 Monday to Friday.
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.
Glenbrook precinct has re-opened
Access to Jellybean Pool via the road and the walking track is now open. Euroka walking track remains closed as does Ironbarks Firetrail and Portal Waterhole precinct.
Honeymoon Bridge, Three Sisters, Katoomba - works occurring from Monday 29 April till early June
NPWS will be starting work to replace the Honeymoon bridge at the Three Sisters on Monday 29 April. Work should be completed by early June.
There will be no access to the bridge during this time.
All walking tracks and other lookouts in the area, including the Giant Stairway, will remain open.  Short term closures for helicopter operations during the work will be advised.
NPWS Heritage Centre is open 7 days a week; for information call 02 4787 8877.
   
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
HAZARD REDUCTION BURNS
Hazard reduction burn
Wild Dog Mountains - CLOSED
All walking routes in the Wild Dog Mountains will remain closed until further notice while hazard reduction burning operations are current. The W7 or Cedarland Ridge Rd from Green Gully to Medlow Gap section was re-opened on Monday 13 May 2013.
Anyone intending to walk in Wild Dogs during May should check the national parks website prior to setting off for any updates regarding affected areas. View a map of the hazard reduction burn planned for the Wild Dogs area (PDF 259KB).
Hazard reduction burn
A hazard reduction burn has been completed along the Gingra Range and spur ridges leading off this range. The area is bounded by Cottage Rock, Arabanoo Creek, Gingra Creek and the Kowmung River. Access to this area is closed until further notice whilst there is a risk of limb or tree fall after the burn.’View a map of the hazard reduction burn in the Gingra Range area (PDF 192KB).
All enquiries to NPWS Oberon office on 02 6336 1972 or the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.

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