WOODFORD
The Great Western Highway at Woodford has seen some major changes in recent years. The Woodford Bends was once a major traffic bottleneck, yet now is reasonably straight four lane highway.
Woodford boasts a beautiful picnic area at Bull’s Camp. In 1829 the area was used as a stock reserve. With the early building of the road, the area then became a camp for the convict labourers. Of interest is 'The Waterhole’ and just west of the picnic area you can see what is believed to be an old ‘Convict Cell’ or a ‘Powder Store’ as well as ‘The Grooved Rock’.
Woodford is also the starting point of the famous Woodford to Glenbrook Track which is ideal for mountain bike riding or for the walking enthusiast. While the track is mostly downhill there are some extremely steep sections and the track can be fairly tough going. To experience the Woodford to Glenbrook ride it is recommended that you park in Glenbrook and catch the train from Glenbrook to Woodford. Cyclists can build up plenty of speed downhill which can be a lot of fun, however there is a very steep climb along a sealed road out of the National Park at Glenbrook.
When driving along the Great Western Highway at Woodford you will see one of the oldest buildings in the Blue Mountains. The ‘Woodford Academy’ is currently owned by the National Trust. This building was originally built as an Inn in 1833. The stone used in the current building dates back to 1843. The Woodford Academy is open one Saturday each month.
On the opposite side of the railway line to the Great Western Highway, a walk into the Reserve will take you to Gypsy Pool. A drive down Bedford Road will take you to Linda Rock and further along you will reach the secluded Murphy’s Glen Picnic Ground.
Along the highway at Woodford you will find a general store and post office as well as other small businesses. Further West, turn off Woobury Street to Waterhouse Park where you can walk to Mabel, Edith and Hazel Falls.
Yellow Rock is a fairly small town adjacent to Winmalee. To get to Yellow Rock, drive along Hawkesbury Road from Springwood and turn right into Singles Ridge Road.
The secluded Yellow Rock Lookout provides commanding views over the Nepean River.
Yellow Rock Lookout is an ideal location for experienced abseilers. Yellow Rock also provides some great places for bush walks or a quiet picnic.
