This adventure was another bush walk in the Blue Mountains National Park from Blaxland to Glenbrook that took in a series of lookouts with sweeping views to the east and the urban sprawl of Greater Sydney. I hadn’t hiked for two weeks as I spent a previous weekend celebrating a significant birthday, so was itching to get on the trail.
We were a group of 14 which included the most inspiring lady who turns 83 later this year, yes you read right 83! What an inspiration!
My Hike from Blaxland to Glenbrook
- When: 7 August 2024
- Where: Blue Mountains National Park. Starting at Blaxland train station and finishing at Glenbrook train station.
- Weather: Sunny and clear Sydney winters day with a low of 37.4 F (3 C) and a high of 64.4 F (18 C)
- Departure: from Blaxland train station at 08:45 am and arrived back at Hazelbrook station at 2:45 pm
- Length: 9 miles, 14.48 km
- Elevation gain: 1493 ft, 455 m
- Duration: 6 hours , including breaks
The Start
Our walk commenced wth a short road walk which is expected when arriving at your start by train, which is what we often attempt to do. Our leader had previously done a reccy, (reconnaissance) of this hike a good 4 months prior and as we walked along a small creek which ran along the side of the road we searched for a spot to safely cross. Deciding that his crossing point of 4 months ago was not safe, things can change in the bush in 4 months as we’ve had a very wet winter. we pushed on and safely crossed the creek with no wet feet. How I love an adventure.
Our Way to Yoogali Lookout
Once we crossed the small creek we had a short bushbash to locate the track which took us along Lapstone Creek which we eventually crossed. Our path took us onto a fire trail which passed along the back of houses. Turning off the fire trail and on to a denser track which in parts disapeared but we managed to locate. As we hiked through sandstone country we took in the beautiful colours and formations of the sandstone escarpment that we hiked along.
Upon reaching Yoogali Lookout we had sweeping views over Emu Plains, Penrith Lakes and the Nepean River.
Australian Flora
Our route had us back track from Yoogali Lookout crossing Old Bathurst Rd and into the Knapsack Park Reserve. Along the way we saw a few Wedding Bush (Ricinocarpos pinifolius) shrubs in flower, signalling that Spring is on its way.
We also encountered the seed pod of the Mountain Devil or Lambertia Formosa, a relation of the Protea. Why Mountain Devil, you ask? The obvious answer is the flower is red but they weren’t in flower instead what remained was the seed pod with its two distinct horns and resemblance to a devil’s head.
Our Musical Lunch
We continued along the track through the Aussie bush and found a shaded spot with large enough boulders to accommodate us all for lunch. We were fortunate enough to have stopped near a family of Kookaburras up above who put on a musical performance for our lunch time entertainment. These birds have the most distinctive “laugh” which I never tire of.
On to More Lookouts
Our next destination was Marges Lookout. The undulating track, where we had our largest descent and then of course an ascent, took back over the Lapstone Creek and another road crossing, this time Mitchell Pass. Upon reaching Marges Lookout we had more sweeping views out over the Penrith Lakes and Nepean River.
Our next destination was Elizabeth Lookout. We were fortunate that is was a sunny clear winter’s day which enabled us to make out the the sky scrapers of Parramatta and way beyond to North Sydney and Sydney.
From here our hike was ending and my trail tracking App stopped recording, which is why relying on technology alone is not recommended. Our hike continued in the Knapsack Reserve, initially on a bush track then a firetrail, until we reached civilisation and made our way to Glenbrook train station for the trip home.
My Thoughts
It was great to be out in the bush again after a short hiatus. The weather was perfect and with the temperature reaching the mid teens, in Celcius of course, I couldn’t help but feel an excitement wash over me as I near my favourite hiking time of the year. Yes, spring when flowers are in bloom and the bush is an array of color. Bring it on! I’m ready for my next hiking adventure.
Happy hiking!
If you enjoyed reading about this hike or would like to ask me a question, I’d love to hear from you.
What a beautiful recount of your hiking adventure! The Blue Mountains National Park sounds like an incredible place to explore, especially with the clear winter weather you described. I love how you highlighted not just the stunning views but also the small details, like the Wedding Bush in bloom and the quirky Mountain Devil seed pod. It’s the little things that make a hike memorable, and you captured that perfectly.
You make quite a lively description of your hiking adventure, filled with interesting details of that happy occasion. As one with a great interest in the outdoors and adventure, I couldn’t help but admire your bush trail, especially in the company of others sharing similar interests. I like your detailed explanation of the route, complete with details of the gradient. One of the pleasures of these hiking adventures is the flora and fauna one can identify en route. Your vivid descriptions and understanding of the natural vegetation bring to life the joys of undertaking this adventurous activity. Thank you for sharing.