Red Hands Cave Glenbrook: Ancient Aboriginal Art in the Blue Mountains
Hidden in a sandstone gully near Glenbrook, Red Hands Cave is one of the most significant and best-preserved Aboriginal rock art sites in New South Wales. Long before Europeans arrived, this shelter was an important place for the Darug people, and it may have been used for ceremonies. It's one of the places we cover in Hidden Gems NSW.
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Standing before the wall, a vibrant collage of red, yellow and white hand stencils, is a powerful experience. The stencils are thought to be between 500 and 1,600 years old: a direct, physical connection to the people who made them.
Red Hands Cave: Quick Stats
- Access: Glenbrook area of Blue Mountains National Park. A vehicle entry fee applies at the Bruce Road entrance (check NPWS for the current fee).
- Gates: Open 8:30am to 7pm from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April, and 8:30am to 6pm the rest of the year.
- Distance: 8km loop (from the causeway) or 1km return (from the Red Hands car park).
- Difficulty: Grade 3 (some steep sections and rocky stairs).
How to Get to Red Hands Cave: Two Ways to Visit
1. The Full Experience (8km Loop)
Starting near the Glenbrook Causeway, this track follows Campfire Creek through a variety of landscapes, from dry eucalypt forest to lush, fern-filled gullies. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- The Highlight: Along the creek, look for the Aboriginal axe-grinding grooves in the flat sandstone at the water's edge. They were used to sharpen stone tools. Look, but don't walk on or touch them.
- The Loop: Most walkers head up the gully to the cave and return via the Red Hands Fire Trail for a change of scenery.
2. The Short Route (1km Return)
If you're short on time or have little ones, you can drive around 13km past the park entrance along the unsealed Oaks and Red Hands Fire Trails.
- The Walk: From the Red Hands Cave car park, it's an easy 1km return walk to the cave.
- Vehicle Note: The road is unsealed and can be dusty or bumpy, but it's suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry weather.
The Art and the Technique
The stencils were made by mixing ochre and water in the mouth and blowing it over a hand held against the rock.
- Why the "Cage"? You'll notice a heavy steel mesh in front of the art. It's a shame for photos, but it's there to stop vandalism and help these stencils survive for centuries more.
Visiting Respectfully
This is a significant Aboriginal site. Stay behind the barriers, never touch the art, don't use flash photography, and visit quietly.
Tips for Your Visit
- The Causeway Rule: After rain, the Glenbrook Causeway (the main road into the park) often floods. If it's closed, you can't drive to the trailhead. Check the NPWS Red Hands Cave track page for alerts before leaving home.
- Avoid the Midday Heat: The lower Blue Mountains can get much hotter than Katoomba. If you're doing the 8km loop, start early and bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen.
- Cool Off After: On your way out, stop at Jellybean Pool or Blue Pool for a swim. They're two of the best natural swimming holes in the region and are close to the park entrance. Check conditions first and never dive in.
Red Hands Cave FAQs
How long is the walk to Red Hands Cave?
It's a 1km return walk from the Red Hands Cave car park, or an 8km loop (1.5 to 2.5 hours) from near the Glenbrook Causeway.
Do you need to pay to visit Red Hands Cave?
Yes, there's a per-vehicle daily entry fee at the Bruce Road entrance to the Glenbrook area of Blue Mountains National Park.
Can you drive to Red Hands Cave in a 2WD?
Yes, in dry weather. The 13km Oaks and Red Hands Fire Trails are unsealed but 2WD-accessible.
How old are the hand stencils?
NPWS estimates the stencils were made between about 500 and 1,600 years ago.
