Faulconbridge to Blaxland via Lost World Lookout
There is little in life better than grabbing your partner and disappearing into the bush for 2 days. No phones. No responsibilities. Pure disconnect. For this hike we ventured into the lower Blue Mountains trekking from Faulconbridge to Blaxland. The hike is medium grade with some pretty steep climbs (approx. 500m gain) and scrambles, but nothing overly tough. Day 1 involved a descent into the valley down to Glenbrook Creek, crossing Sassafras Creek on the way and Clarinda Falls (trickle!), a good place for a stop to eat. Walking along the Glenbrook Creek reveals a number of swim spots, which we didn’t get to enjoy because it was the middle of winter! I imagine this track would be great on a hot day for all the canopy cover and water. We passed a beautiful campsite at Perch Ponds, which looks amazing. However we continued on for another 30 mins or so to an equally nice spot further along the river and close to where the climb up on Day 2 starts. There is ample space for at least 5 tents along the spot we were at with some fire pits there too. Day 2 starts with a river crossing and a steep ascent up to Bunyan Lookout. A bit further along a flat trail you reach the Lost World Lookout, which is magnificent. The rest of the hike is relatively flat, besides a steep climb out of the valley. We came across some amazing mountain ambo rescue people on the way to treat an injured walker (helicopter was called out eventually). All in all a great 2 day hike!
Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin Start of the trail in Faulconbridge Full of energy … not for long 😉 Easy track down Sassafras gully Ducking the tree Working through light scrub I see the sign Chilled Perch Pond campsite (not where we stayed) Some good swim spots, but too cold in winter! Creek Stairway to heaven Arrived at campsite, phew! Makeshift wardrobe Warming up Morning! Sight for sore eyes (and legs) Our bathroom for the morning Happy to feel the sun Tights are the new thing for middle aged men! Walking across the river before hiking up to Lost World Lookout Climbing Bunyan Lookout Lost World Lookout Tea time Pretty bags (we didn’t pick the flows btw) Climb to the exit Steep in places (not here) Emergency services searching for injured hiker 😦 Ross lol Done. Aching legs, smiling faces