Blackheath to Blue Gum loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 Days

24.1 km Circuit

1335 m

Hard track
This walk is great for fit people getting into overnight walking, with its fantastic scenery and nostalgia as a classic overnighter. The change from being on the plateau, to in the valley is a dramatic one as the track passes through the bush, canyon and rainforest. Staying the night near Blue Gum Forest in Acacia Flats also adds to the experience. With the public transport options, access to this walk is made easier.

Maps for the Blackheath to Blue Gum loop walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
Katoomba 1:25 000 Map Series 89301S KATOOMBA NSW-89301S
Mount Wilson 1:25 000 Map Series 89301N MOUNT WILSON NSW-89301N
Katoomba 1:100 000 Map Series 8930 KATOOMBA 8930

Cross sectional view of the Blackheath to Blue Gum loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Blackheath to Blue Gum loop

Daily actual walking time estimates

Day Walking Time Length
1 5 hrs 31 mins 14.7 km
2 4 hrs 37 mins 10 km

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

Length 24.1 km
Time 2 Days
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

13km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4.5km is very steep. Whilst another 3.8km is flat with no steps and the remaining 2.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

13km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 4km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 1.8km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

14km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 6km is clearly signposted. The remaining (4.8km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 17km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 7km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 24km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

13km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (4.3km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Blackheath to Blue Gum loop walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Blackheath to Blue Gum loop walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Blackheath to Blue Gum loop walk starts and ends at the Blackheath Station (gps: -33.633876, 150.2844)
Your transport options to Blackheath Station are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)




Fire Danger

Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

 


Short URL = http://wild.tl/stelbgfgl


Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂