Train to Trail: Hiking the Historic Birdwood Gully Loop in Springwood [Dog & Family Friendly!]

Looking for a beautiful Blue Mountains walk you can reach by train—and bring the kids and the dog along for? In this episode, we're tackling the Birdwood Gully loop in Springwood. Hopping off the train, we head out the opposite side of the station, away from town. It's a 1.3km walk to the trailhead on Bednal Road, but the walk goes quickly as you get to check out the stunning murals on the multi-story car park along the way! Once on the track, the magic starts well before you reach the main junctions. You are actually stepping onto a historic path originally developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to attract tourists to the mountains. Originally known as "Sassafras Park," it was renamed Birdwood Gully in 1919 as part of the post-WWI victory celebrations. For over a century, walkers have wandered down this same stunning fern-lined track, stepped over picturesque bridge crossings with direct access to Springwood Creek, and passed the popular Insta-worthy rock overhang featuring natural arches. From there, we arrive at the "4 Ways" where Shelley and Springwood Creeks converge and you get to choose your return route options. We turn left and follow Shelley Creek upstream, taking you right past a stunning unnamed waterfall and through more serene creek crossings before popping out at the top end of Bednal Road for the simple walk back to the station. If you want a highly rewarding, peaceful rainforest escape without the driving hassle—and a piece of local history that is incredibly kid-friendly and welcomes your four-legged hiking buddy (on a leash)—this is the perfect adventure. A map showing where we start this trek: https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/-3... If you loved this video, you can buy us a cup of coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shoesonmyfeet – we sure would appreciate it. Did you know you can now support the channel and help us create even more content? By becoming a Channel Supporter for a small monthly fee, you’ll play a key role in keeping the channel running and growing. Simply click the Join button on our channel homepage, or join directly here:    / @shoes-on-my-feet-adventures   Your support means the world to us — thank you! Don’t forget, we’re also on Facebook — we’d love you to like and follow our page:   / shoesonmyfeet   INDEX 00:00 - Hop Off the Train & Car Park Murals 01:37 - Starting the Loop from Bednal Road 02:57 - Alternate Starting Point & Track Entry 03:34 - The Insta-Famous Overhang & Arches 06:21 - Arriving at the "4 Ways" & Route Options 06:49 - Shelley Creek Upstream & Waterfall 09:25 - Emerging at Bednal Road & Summary