This easy-access hiking, swimming and rock scrambling spot is just one hour from Sydney. Discover why Glenbrook Gorge is the perfect quick-fix for your inner adventure junkie.

To celebrate the launch of Teva’s new all-purpose hiker — the Arrowood 2 boot — in Australia, we did what we do best: sent two of our Explorers on a microadventure!

Highlights

  • Beautiful sunsets
  • Secluded swimming holes
  • Amazing coffee
  • An open campground with wildlife

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If you’re anything like me your first stop is always coffee! My favourite local coffee spot is Kickaboom; this may or may not be due to the number of dogs that are always there and Kickaboom’s killer customer service.

 

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But also like me, you’re always on the lookout for your next place to adventure and explore. If you’re located around the Sydney area, Glenbrook is the perfect place — the Blue Mountains National Park is literally a stone throw away!

Tunnel View Lookout

After your body is fuelled up for an adventurous day you can either walk or drive (preferably drive) to Glenbrook and the Blue Mountains National Park. This time around we decided to head to Tunnel View lookout first up — the walk to the lookout takes less than 5 minutes!

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I’ve never been to Tunnel View lookout and bumped into anyone else. This stunning spot looks further up the Blue Mountains and down to the Gorge, where we’d soon be swimming.

Mount Portal Lookout

After roaming around we got back into the car and headed to Mount Portal lookout. If you’re into abseiling this is the perfect spot for beginners. The view from Mount Portal lookout is beautiful, overlooking the Nepean River and you can even see the city from here on a nice day. Mount Portal lookout is an even shorter walk, it only takes a minute.

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Getting Into Glenbrook Gorge

Next stop, Glenbrook Gorge! This beautiful oasis is one of my most loved places in the Blueys, please take care of it and never leave rubbish behind so that others can enjoy this gorge-ous place, pun intended. Walking down the stairs always makes me consider the number of steps I need to climb back up. This walk can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours return, depending on how far you’re willing to walk.

 

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The Glenbrook Gorge track is classified as a medium to hard walk mainly due to the hike back up the stairs and the rock scrambling involved. Once you reach the bottom of the gorge and walk for a further 5-10 minutes you’ll feel as if you’re in the middle of Australia and completely forget how close to Sydney you truly are.

 

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If you’re not feeling up for a medium to hard walk you can also head down to the well known Jellybean Pool which is just as beautiful and only a 15-minute walk one-way.

If you’re after a place to crash for the night I’d highly recommend Euroka Campground. Perfect for big groups and families, keep an eye out for the wildlife roaming around. For the more adventurous, check out the overnight hike from Glenbrook to Springwood — it’s public transport accessible!

 

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This region is sacred to the Oryang people.  Check out Red Hands Cave while you’re in the region.

Essential Gear

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Swimmers
  • Drinking water
  • Snacks — don’t forget to take your rubbish with you!
  • Camera
  • Good vibes
  • First Aid kit

How To Get There

Glenbrook is approximately a 1-hour train trip/car ride from Sydney. Coming from Sydney, head west onto the M4 towards the Great Western Highway until you reach the gateway to the Blue Mountains.

Activities

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate