Martins Lookout Loop Walk

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.6987484,150.5641909)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train
Directions	From Great Western Highway, A32 Turn on to Great Western Highway, A32 then drive for 440 m Keep left onto Macquarie Road and drive for another 105 m Turn slight left onto Macquarie Road and drive for another 750 m At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Macquarie Road and drive for another 330 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Macquarie Road and drive for another 335 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
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.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the Manners Park at the start.
	After another 60 m (from the Greenway Lane) turn right, to head along Greenway Lane (a vehicle track).
	After another 8 m (at the intersection of Macquarie Road & Greenway Lane) turn right, to head along Macquarie Road (a road). After another 50 m pass the "The Golden Bars Milk Bar" (15 m on your left). After another 25 m pass the "BBQ Chicken Shop" (15 m on your left). After another 35 m pass the "DHL Ristretto" (20 m on your left). Then find the "Springwood" (10 m on your right). Springwood 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. After another 155 m pass the "The Baker's Wife - Juicery & Salad Bar" (15 m on your left). After another 35 m pass the "Rest Park" (10 m on your left).
	At the intersection of Ferguson Road & Macquarie Road turn left, to head along Macquarie Road (a residential road).
	After another 190 m (at the intersection of Macquarie Road & Homedale Street) turn left, to head along Homedale Street. After another 115 m (at the intersection of Homedale Street & Springwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Homedale Street.
	After another 155 m (at the intersection of Valley Road & Homedale Street) turn right, to head along Valley Road.
	After another 145 m (at the intersection of Valley Road & Bee Farm Road) continue straight, to head along Valley Road.
	After another 245 m (at the intersection of Valley Road & Sassafras Gully Road) turn left, to head along Sassafras Gully Road. After another 250 m pass the sign (on your right).
	After another 1.3 km (at the intersection of Victory Track & Sassafras Gully Walking Track) veer left, to head along Victory Track.
	After another 790 m (at the intersection of Victory Track & Wiggins Track) veer right, to head along Victory Track. After another 65 m pass the sign (6 m on your right). After another 710 m come to the camp site. After another 35 m find a seat.
	After another 1.6 km (at the intersection of Victory Track & Magdala Gully Track) veer right. Then come to the "Perch Ponds Campsite". 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 610 m (from the Martins Lookout Track) continue straight. After another 570 m find the "Martins campsite" (5 m on your right). Martins campsite 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. After another 70 m come to the camp site (on your right).
	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). Martins Lookout 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.
	From the Martins Lookout Track veer left, to head along Martins Lookout Track.
	After another 590 m (from the Martins Lookout Track) turn right.
	After another 620 m (at the intersection of Magdala Gully Track & Victory Track) turn right, to head along Magdala Gully Track. After another 20 m come to the "Perch Ponds" (6 m on your left). After another 345 m find the "Martins Falls" (6 m on your right). Martins Falls 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.
	After another 205 m (from the Magdala Gully Track) veer left, to head along Magdala Gully Track. After another 15 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your right). Then find the "Magdala Falls" (20 m on your right). Magdala Falls 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.
	After another 530 m (from the Magdala Gully Track) veer left, to head along Magdala Gully Track.
	After another 2.2 km (from the Magdala Gully Track) veer left, to head along Magdala Gully Track. After another 260 m cross the ford.
	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. After another 195 m (from the Magdala Gully Track) continue straight, to head along Magdala Gully Track.
	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 130 m (from the Magdala Gully Track) continue straight, to head along Magdala Gully Track. After another 80 m pass the "Fairy Dell Reserve" (5 m on your left). After another 155 m (from the Magdala Gully Track) continue straight, to head along Magdala Gully Track. Then cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
	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 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.
	After another 55 m (from the Christine's Place) veer right (a service road).
	After another 80 m (from the Springwood Avenue) continue straight (a footpath).
	After another 20 m continue straight. After another 85 m pass the water tap (6 m on your right). After another 10 m pass the "2 Blondes Cafe" (30 m on your right).
	Turn left. After another 20 m pass a seat (on your right). From the Macquarie Road continue straight.
	After another 95 m continue straight. After another 35 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Bunyan Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Martins Lookout Track & Kings Link Track Start heading along Kings Link Track (a walking track).
	After another 165 m (from the Kings Link Track) continue straight, to head along Kings Link Track.
	After another 910 m (at the intersection of Bunyan Lookout Trail & Kings Link Track) veer left. After another 35 m come to "Bunyan Lookout". Bunyan Lookout Bunyan Lookout is an large, unfenced sandstone platform overlooking the Glenbrook Creek valley. Behind the lookout, there is a small sandy clearing, big enough for a few tents. The lookout spans across Glenbrook Creek and sandstone cliffs of the valley.
	Continue another 0 m to find Bunyan Lookout at the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.1 km to the main route.

An optional side trip to Lawsons Lookout .

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Magdala Gully Track Start (a walking track).
	Continue another 430 m to find Lawsons Lookout at the end. "Lawsons Lookout". Lawsons Lookout 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 430 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Picnic Point.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Magdala Gully Track Start heading along Magdala Gully Track (a walking track). Then cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
	After another 145 m come to the end. About 15 m past the end is "Picnic Point". Picnic Point 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 155 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

From the Magdala Gully Track Start heading along Magdala Gully Track (a walking track).

Then cross the bridge (about 5 m long)

After another 145 m come to the end.

About 15 m past the end is "Picnic Point".

Picnic Point

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.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 155 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Martins Lookout Loop Walk

Grading

	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)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There are 5 on route, on average they are 2.3 km apart with the largest gap of 4.6 km.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 4.6 km apart with the largest gap of 9.3 km.

Order of key facilities on route

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]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Springwood
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.

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.

Martins campsite
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.

Bunyan Lookout
Bunyan Lookout is an large, unfenced sandstone platform overlooking the Glenbrook Creek valley. Behind the lookout, there is a small sandy clearing, big enough for a few tents. The lookout spans across Glenbrook Creek and sandstone cliffs of the valley.

Martins Lookout
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.

Martins Falls
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.

Lawsons Lookout
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.

Picnic Point
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.

Fairy Dell Reserve picnic area
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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Springwood Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
  
  Tuesday 22 Jul
  
  Showers.
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of showers. Winds northerly 20 to 25 km/h tending northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late evening.
  
  Wednesday 23 Jul
  
  8°C → 17°C
  Shower or two then sunny.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the early morning. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending westerly 15 to 25 km/h before dawn then becoming light in the evening.
  Fire Danger: Moderate
  UV Alert: Sun protection 11:50am to 12:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Thursday 24 Jul
  
  4°C → 16°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Morning frost. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the late afternoon.
  
  Friday 25 Jul
  
  1°C → 16°C
  Morning frost. Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Morning frost. Medium chance of showers in the evening. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day.
  
  Saturday 26 Jul
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Showers easing.
  90% chance of rain
  2 → 9mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of rain. Winds northeasterly 25 to 30 km/h tending northerly 30 to 35 km/h during the morning then tending northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the day.
  
  Sunday 27 Jul
  
  7°C → 15°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of showers. Winds northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h tending westerly 25 to 30 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 28 Jul
  
  8°C → 15°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds westerly 20 to 30 km/h.
  
  Tuesday 29 Jul
  
  3°C → 15°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds westerly 15 to 20 km/h tending northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Narrow Neck - Glenraphael Drive closed due to landslide
  Narrow Neck trail
  
  Glenraphael Drive at Narrow Neck is closed to all vehicles until further notice. This road has been impacted by a landslide. Walkers and cyclists are permitted. Please follow directions of park signage and NPWS staff.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Fern Bower walking track closed
  Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit
  
  Fern Bower walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to multiple landslides. There's no access to Leura Forest and Leura Cascades via Fern Bower. Alternative access is via Amphitheatre track.
  
  For more information, call the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed
  
  Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed until further notice. This includes Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Empress Canyon National Pass Wentworth Falls to McMahons Point Rodriguez Pass walking track Darwins walk Six Foot track Echo Point to Scenic World via Giant Stairway Govetts Leap descent Grand Cliff Top Walk: 2 days self guided Three Sisters walk Grand Cliff Top Walk Wentworth Pass loop walking track Leura Cascades Fern Bower circuit Narrow Neck trail Pulpit Rock lookout Leura Cascades picnic area
  
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure repairs, upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.
  
  The following tracks are closed:
  
  Katoomba and Leura
  
  Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall hazards. (Visible bridge from Echo Point. Side route off Three Sisters Track and Giant Stairs.)
  
  Leura Cascades track (bottom section) is closed until the end of 2025 for track upgrade works. There is no access to Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Clifftop walk) between the top of Leura Cascades and the Amphitheatre junction. Short detour via Cliff Drive.
  
  Leura Cascades parking area and toilets are closed. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to landslides and associated repairs.
  
  Glenrapheal Drive (Narrow Neck fire trail) is closed to vehicles near Cliff Drive due to a road subsidence. Walkers and cyclists permitted.
  
  Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  
  Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.
  
  Wentworth Falls and Woodford
  
  Charles Darwin walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
  
  Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to elevated boardwalk repairs. There's no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  
  Valley of the Waters is closed below Sylvia Falls. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Hippocrene or Vera Falls.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Bells Line of Road
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and part of the walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  
  Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides.
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes may be closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Link walking track temporary closure
  Red Hands Cave Red Hands Cave walking track - Blue Mountains National Park
  
  Link walking track is closed from Friday 9 May 2025 until further notice.
  
  This is to allow for ongoing track works. For your safety, please follow all signs and instructions of NPWS staff.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Remote walking track conditions
  
  Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area including Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail have been impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage.
  
  In some places, tracks are no longer visible and are not easy to navigate, taking longer to traverse than expected. Limited to zero water sources are currently available along routes.
  
  If you plan to walk in the area, please ensure you have an appropriate level of experience, navigation skills and equipment including Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
  
  Mobile reception is limited so alternative communication methods are strongly recommended.
  
  For more information, contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Friday 2 May 2025 to Friday 1 May 2026 in the following areas:
  
  Abercrombie River National Park
  
  Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
  
  Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  
  Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
  
  Wollemi National Park (Wolga)
  
  Gardens of Stone National Park
  
  Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  
  Turon National Park
  
  Marrangaroo National Park
  
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  
  For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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