This cheeky 10km overnight hike from Springwood to Faulconbridge through the lower Blue Mountains passes by no less than three waterfalls, and doesn’t require a car.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Dharug Nation, the traditional Country of the Dharug people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Three beautiful waterfalls (one is hidden!)
  • Multiple wild swimming spots
  • Options to spend the night on the trail

Day 1 – Springwood Station to Perch Ponds

Rolling into Springwood station on the midday Friday train, I was keen for a quick Blue Mountains overnighter before uni exams kicked off.

I took the Fairy Dell track which descends behind Springwood station, and quickly meets a creek that I followed for most of the hike. Lawson’s Lookout made for a speedy side trip with a great view across the valley.

Read more: 5 Must Do Adventures In The Blue Mountains

 

 

The track then followed the creek through lush sassafras scattered bushland and crossed a small waterfall, with descending steps cut into its side, before continuing along the valley floor and crossing the creek a couple of times. As the creek grew so did the sound of the first waterfalls.

Magdala Falls isn’t the prettiest set of falls nor is it the biggest. In fact, I couldn’t even see them from the trail. With a bit of careful backtracking up the creek, the falls are likely visible and the map marks that there’s a pool at the base. But with light fading in the afternoon and camp still a while away I pressed on to Martins Falls.

Just after rain, this stunning set of falls creates a curtain of water with a large hollow carved out behind it, that allows you to walk right behind the falls.

 

 

Perch Ponds presents a rough halfway point on the walk as well as a small clearing covered with sandy dirt and a couple of fire circles, with swimming holes close by.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

 

 

This clearing makes a beautiful spot to have a snack for a short walk, or if you’re keen to stay outdoors for a bit, there’s enough space to camp for the night. I pitched camp and cooked dinner – couscous and chipolatas – before packing it in for the night.

 

Day 2 – Perch Ponds to Faulconbridge

The next morning the trail followed the stream along the floor of the valley before turning to follow an inlet back up the hill. The trees breaking to expose the view made the early morning start worth all the effort.

 

 

The track’s been scarred with landslides following the recent fires and floods but that hasn’t stopped it from being a choice destination for Saturday morning bushwalkers.

I took a break and enjoyed morning tea at the trickling Clarinda Falls. These falls have carved deep into the rocks and become covered in ferns and moss.

 

 

They flow down the valley, back the way I’d come and offer one last chance to appreciate the separation from the highway and bustle of Faulconbridge before the final push up the hill.

Read more: Where to Find Waterfalls in the Blue Mountains

 

Essential Gear

  • Pack
  • Tent
  • Stove 
  • Sleeping bag
  • Meals and snacks 
  • Water (3L at least)
  • Map (Springwood 9030-4S)
  • Compass
  • Phone

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

How To Get There

Springwood and Faulconbridge both have train stations with roughly hourly trains to and from Sydney. The trail starts just behind the train station in Springwood and ends in Faulconbridge, with a walk through town to the station.

It can be hiked in either direction, but if you want a feed at the end it’s best to start at Faulconbridge and end at the relatively more substantial Springwood.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Distance / Duration / Elevation

10km / 4.5 hours / Start 300m elevation, lowest point: 170m