In the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains National Park, a hike awaits, leading you to Red Hands Cave, celebrated for its Aboriginal stencil art. The journey begins uphill from Redgum Campsite, following a clear management trail with a few bends. Upon reaching Ironbark Picnic Area, take a moment to appreciate the basic amenities like picnic tables, a barbecue, and parking spaces. From there, the trail progresses along the Oaks Fire Trail, descending towards a creek before climbing a small hill.
Look out for a turnoff onto a narrower track that enters the dense bushland. The path soon opens up, revealing rocky outcrops and scenic ridgelines. Follow the track as it narrows and winds down to a creek junction where you'll find Aboriginal grinding grooves, a testament to the area's rich history.
Cross the creek and follow the signs pointing towards Red Hands Cave. The track continues alongside the creek, offering a peaceful walk with a log bridge and a bench along the way. A final climb leads you to the metal verandah, where you can take in the sight of the cave itself.
Protected by a perspex and steel cage, Red Hands Cave boasts numerous hand stencils and prints in various colors, including red. Informative signs and artifacts displayed here provide a deeper understanding of the Darug people's life and culture over 1600 years ago.
After exploring the cave, ascend the stairs and continue along the track through the bush. The trail eventually leads back to the car park and picnic area at the end of the Red Hands Cave Fire Trail. Take a break here before retracing your steps to the starting point, concluding your exploration of this significant cultural landmark.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
- Please remember to respect this precious site and help protect it by not touching the art and avoiding flash photography. The Aboriginal artworks are incredibly significant and irreplaceable.
- Park entry fees apply
- Toilets are located at Red Hands Cave carpark.
Total distance: 8598 m
Max elevation: 219 m
Min elevation: 97 m
Total climbing: 348 m
Total descent: -348 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Blue Mountains National Park.
Nestled within the Glenbrook area of Blue Mountains National Park, Euroka Campground offers a convenient and scenic basecamp for your adventures in the mountains.
Reaching your campsite is straightforward. Start by following the Great Western Highway towards Glenbrook. Once you spot Ross Street opposite Glenbrook Oval, take a turn there and follow it until the very end. You’ll then want to make a left onto Burfitt Parade, which eventually transitions into Bruce Road. Keep your eyes peeled for signs directing you towards Euroka Campground. Follow these signs for roughly 4.2 kilometers, passing the park entry gates along the way.
Euroka Campground caters to tent campers who yearn for a back-to-nature experience. Each of the five designated camping areas boasts its own carpark. After parking your car, your designated campsite is a short walk away, ranging from 5 to 15 meters.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Blackheath, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lawson, Leura, Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Woodford
Glenbrook, the eastern gateway to Blue Mountains National Park, beckons nature lovers. This haven, ideal for families, locals, and daytrippers, boasts stunning scenery, Aboriginal history, and activities – all near the city.
Unwind by Pristine Waters: Picnic on sandy shores of Jellybean Pool or secluded Blue Pool (both car-accessible) and cool off in calm waters.
- Embrace Adventure: Challenge yourself on car-free trails like Bennetts Ridge fire trail or Woodford-Oaks trail, catering to runners, cyclists, and mountain bikers. Explore the shared mountain bike and 4WD trail along Murphys Road.
- Explore Nature's Wonders: Hike the family-friendly Nepean River track, conquer the challenging Glenbrook Gorge track, or discover Aboriginal culture at Red Hands Cave.
- Camp Under the Stars: Make Euroka campground your base to explore. Pitch your tent and sleep beneath the gum trees.
- Witness Panoramic Vistas: Conclude your visit with a scenic drive to wheelchair-accessible Mount Portal lookout for breathtaking views where the Blue Mountains meet Sydney.
Glenbrook offers an unforgettable escape, blending nature and adventure. Explore Sydney's mountain paradise!
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