Farnell Road to Explorers Tree
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

1 h 45 min to 2 h

4.4 km
return

↑ 229 m
↓ -229 m

Moderate track
This short walk takes you from the western end of Katoomba, initially following the cliff line, then following Pulpit Hill Road to the Explorers Tree. There are optional side trips to lookouts, providing great views across the Megalong Valley. In addition to the great views, the walk provides the opportunity to see a piece of Australian heritage. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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sealed path. | Photo by admin, 2007.
View from Therambulat Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2007.
The Cliff Track. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Nellies Glen lookout. | Photo by admin, 2007.
View from Norths lookout. | Photo by admin, 2007.
following the six foot track. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Sign near the start of the Six foot track. | Photo by admin, 2007.
The Explorer Tree. | Photo by admin, 2007.
Explorers tree. | Photo by admin
Downloads GPX PDF

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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start At the intersection of Farnells Road & Cliff Walk (-33.7137783,150.2925555)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Bathurst Road, BMD
  • Turn on to Valley Road, BMD then drive for 1 km
  • Turn right onto Stuarts Road and drive for another 470 m
  • Turn left onto Farnells Road and drive for another 35 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the intersection of Farnells Rd and the bush track marked by the signpost saying 'Cliff Track' (approximately 30m west of the end of Stuarts Rd), this walk heads north down the bush track until coming to an intersection with another bush track. This corner is marked by a large cairn and an orange banner wrapped around the tree on the corner.....
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Farnells Road & Cliff Walk Start heading along Cliff Walk (a walking track).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Therabulat Lookout. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 315 m continue straight, to head along Cliff Walk.
After another 120 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
After another 65 m turn left, to head along Cliff Walk.
After another 15 m cross the bridge
After another 185 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
After another 180 m continue straight, to head along Cliff Walk.
After another 205 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Norths Lookout. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 155 m turn right, to head along Cliff Walk.
After another 150 m head through/around the gate.
Six Foot Track
At the intersection of Cliff Walk & Six Foot Track by following the "Six Foot Track" sign continue straight, to head along Six Foot Track (a vehicle track).
After another 20 m pass the sign (7 m on your left).
After another 130 m continue straight, to head along Six Foot Track.
After another 420 m head through/around the gate.
At the intersection of Nellies Glen Road & Pulpit Hill Road continue straight, to head along Nellies Glen Road (a residential road).
After another 60 m pass the "Six Foot Track Information Shelter" (8 m on your right).
After another 85 m continue straight, to head along Nellies Glen Road.
After another 85 m to find the car park.
Continue straight, to head along Nellies Glen Road.
After another 35 m find the "Explorers Tree (Katoomba)" (10 m on your right).
Explorers Tree, Katoomba
Explorers Tree, Katoomba

In 1813, the explorers Gregory Blaxland, William Wentworth and William Lawson, on their historic crossing of the Blue Mountains, engraved their names not only into the history books, but also reportedly into this tree on the side of Pulpit Hill. The tree now long dead was caged in 1884 in an attempt to preserve the engravings. The engravings are no longer visible and there is even debate over the last 100+ years as to the authenticity of the engravings.
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In 1813, the explorers Gregory Blaxland, William Wentworth and William Lawson, on their historic crossing of the Blue Mountains, engraved their names not only into the history books, but also reportedly into this tree on the side of Pulpit Hill. The tree now long dead was caged in 1884 in an attempt to preserve the engravings. The engravings are no longer visible and there is even debate over the last 100+ years as to the authenticity of the engravings.

After another 15 m come to "Six Foot Track".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.2 km to get back to the start.

An optional side trip to Therabulat Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 130 m come to the end.
A viewpoint.
About 125 m past the end is "Therabulat Lookout".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 130 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Norths Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 50 m come to the end.
About 15 m past the end is "Norths Lookout".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 50 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Farnell Road to Explorers Tree


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 4.4 km
Time 1 h 45 min to 2 h
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Shelter: There is one 2 km from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Shelter
2 kmSix Foot Track Information Shelter
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Weather & Alerts
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