George Phillips Lookout walk

And Walk

George Phillips Lookout walk

On this short and easy walk, you will explore two lookouts with stunning views down the Grose Valley. Starting from the car park, you really should make the short side trip through the stone arch to Govetts Leap Lookout. The main walk follows the well-formed footpath through the bush up to the less visited George Phillips Lookout. There are a pleasant stone shelter and picnic tables here. Around the car park are plenty of picnic facilities and a toilet block. A great walk giving you a sense of the scale of the breathtaking Grose Valley.

(0km) Govetts Leap Lookout Picnic Area → Govetts Leap Lookout

40 m
1 mins
0m
-7m

Very easy

From the large stone shelter[1] at the edge of the turning circle (and car park)[2] at the end of Govetts Leap Rd, this walk heads 35m towards the valley views[3] to head through the stone arch[4] then down the ramp[5] to the large flat gravel and fenced ‘Govetts Leap’ lookout platform[6].

Govetts Leap Lookout

Govetts Leap Lookout is named after the first European man to have enjoyed this view, William Govett, as an assistant surveyor in June 1831. Govetts Leap Lookout offers wonderful views over the Grose Valley and the spectacular Bridal Falls. The word `leap` is an old Scottish word meaning waterfall. The lookout is easily accessed from the car park[9], there are also toilets[10]

[Toilet Accessible]

and picnic shelters[11]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(0km) Govetts Leap Lookout Picnic Area → George Phillips Lookout

290 m
6 mins
11m
-7m

Very easy

Turn right: From the large stone shelter[12]

[Picnic Shelter]

[Wheelchair Rough]

at the edge of the turning circle (and car park)[13] at the end of Govetts Leap Rd, this walk heads for about 60m across the dirt/gravel[14] car park, away from the main cliff views, keeping the road to the left. The walk then heads between the timber bollards[15]

[Trip Hazard]

, to follow the ‘The Fairfax Heritage Trail’ asphalt path[16] and continues gently uphill for 180m to where path bends sharply left, then right. Here the walk continues along the path for another 25m to the signposted[17] ‘George Phillips Lookout’[18] (on your right).

George Phillips Lookout

George Phillips Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, provides stunning views east into the Grose Valley. The lookout offers views to Pulpit Rock, the horseshoe-shaped gorge and over the deep, green gorges of the Grose Valley to Mount Banks. The lookout is fenced and has a wheelchair accessible ramp. There are a series of picnic tables including a stone shelter

[Picnic Shelter]

just behind the lookout.

Maps for the George Phillips Lookout walk 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
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the George Phillips Lookout walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the George Phillips Lookout walk

Accessibility summary information for the George Phillips Lookout walk

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 1 places to sit on this walk.

Hazards: There are 2 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.
Wheelchair Rough This walk leads through a gravel carpark for about 60m. The surface in unevean and erroded in places. The gravel is mostly compressed but the surface may soften after prolonged rain. Found about 30m into the walk.
Trip Hazard A 5 to 10cm step between carpark and track. Access is between bollards that are 110cm apart. Found about 70m into the walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Toilet Accessible

Signposted accessible and general use male and female toilets. Access via concrete ramp, however, the top of the ramp is accessed via loose gravel carpark with some steep eroded sections.
This is found 0m into this walk at -33.628074,150.31099
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 0m into this walk

2 Picnic Shelter

Picnic shelters at the end of Govetts Leap Road. Seats are ~45cm high and benches 75cm high. Most shelters have an entrance ~1.2m wide with, and similar gap between table and wall. The largest shelter has an entrance wider than 4m, bench seating but no tables.
This is found 10m into this walk at -33.628293,150.310933
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 10m into this walk

3 Wheelchair Rough

This walk leads through a gravel carpark for about 60m. The surface in unevean and erroded in places. The gravel is mostly compressed but the surface may soften after prolonged rain.
This is found 30m into this walk at -33.62833,150.310745
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 30m into this walk

4 Trip Hazard

A 5 to 10cm step between carpark and track. Access is between bollards that are 110cm apart.
This is found 70m into this walk at -33.628232557919,150.31033068895
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 70m into this walk

5 Picnic Shelter

Stone shelter at George Phillips Lookout. Timer slat bench seat (46cm high) around the inside wall. Two picnic tables (75cm high) with wheelchair access (no seats on one side). Access to shelter via 1.37cm gap in concrete wall.
This is found 290m into this walk at -33.626508404352,150.31098246574
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 290m into this walk

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	588 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

This whole walk, 290m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 290m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 290m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 290m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 290m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 290m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The George Phillips Lookout walk walk starts and ends at the Govetts Leap Lookout Picnic Area (gps: -33.628268, 150.31109)
Your main transport option to Govetts Leap Lookout Picnic Area is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-gplw
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-gplw

Walls Ledge (Long) Track

And Walk

Walls Ledge (Long) Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) End of Bundarra St → Centennial Glen Ck

440 m
12 mins
3m
-58m

Moderate track

From the corner of Bundarra St and Eveleigh Ave, this walk heads down the hill keeping the houses on the right and bush on the left. The track soon leads to a telegraph pole and track on the right, below Gordon Ave.
Continue straight: From the intersection below the telegraph pole, this walk heads down the hill, keeping the valley on the left. The walk drops down boardwalked track for some time before entering the heath. Winding down through the heath, the track opens out onto Centennial Glen Creek, which it crosses to the other side near the seats and rock cliff.

(0.44km) Centennial Glen Ck → Int. Fort Rock Trk and Centennial Pass Trk

240 m
6 mins
28m
-8m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the creek, this walk heads towards the broken seats under the cliffs and continues around the hillside. The track soon leaves the cliffs to meander through the heath for a short time, before coming to a rocky surface painted with arrows for ‘Porters Pass’ and ‘Fortress Rock’.

(0.67km) Int. Fort Rock Trk and Centennial Pass Trk → Fort Rock

130 m
4 mins
20m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the painted rock, this walk heads up onto the rocky outcrop. The track winds through the thick heath vegetation and up a few steps for approximately 50m, to open out to the prominent feature of Fort Rock. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Fort Rock

Fort Rock, Blue Mountains National Park, is a formation of rock that sits alone in solitude above Centennial Glen valley. It looks very similar to a rook chess piece. From the top of the rock, there are stunning views over the Megalong Valley and Kanimbla Valley.

(0.67km) Int. Fort Rock Trk and Centennial Pass Trk → Int. Walls Ledge Track and Centennial Pass Trk

540 m
18 mins
23m
-87m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the rocky surface, this walk follows the arrow to ‘Porters Pass’ down the hill. The track heads down through thick heath to come to a set of stairs in a narrow pass. The walk leads down the stairs to a clearer area, lined with cliffs. The track keeps with the cliffs on the left to wind into Centennial Glen with a waterfall over the track. The track continues to follow the cliffs on the left to a boulder marked in white paint ‘Porters Pass’.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the clearing below the cliffs (left of the track) for approximately 50m. The track comes to an intersection marked by two rocks, with ‘Centennial Glen’ and ‘Porters Pass’ painted on them.

(1.21km) Int. Walls Ledge Track and Centennial Pass Trk → Centennial Glen Rd Carpark

1.1 km
26 mins
74m
-4m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk keeps the valley on the right as the track soon leaves the cliffs to meander around the hillside, coming to the steps on the left.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads beneath the cliffline for approximately 40m towards the Kanimbla Valley. The track drops through the heath to a cliffline covered in thick scrub. A man-made basin, filled by drips from the cliff roof above, is passed as the track continues to follow the cliffline on the left. The track undulates along a clear cliffline for quite some time, with views into the Kanimbla Valley to the right. Be
mindful of climbers and falling objects along these cliffs. The track keeps with the cliffs as they tend left to a rock slope, with stairs cut into the rock. The track climbs these stairs to meander through the heath for some time, with the track widening. The track continues through the heath to a gate before a car park, on Centennial Glen Rd.

Maps for the Walls Ledge (Long) Track 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
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Walls Ledge (Long) Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Walls Ledge (Long) Track

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	2.3 km
		Time	1 hr 15 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 2.3km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 30m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 2.3km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 2.3km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2.3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Walls Ledge (Long) Track walk starts at the End of Bundarra St (gps: -33.635024, 150.28051)
Your transport options to End of Bundarra St are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Walls Ledge (Long) Track ends at the Centennial Glen Rd Carpark (gps: -33.6389, 150.27543)
Your transport options to Centennial Glen Rd Carpark are by;
Train. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-wlt
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-wlt

Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock

And Walk

Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Baltzer Lookout car park → Baltzer Lookout cul-de-sac

3.5 km
1 hr 8 mins
75m
-140m

Moderate track

From the car park, the walk passes around a gate and follows the management trail. The management trail winds through the bush for some time before arriving at a large clearing with a fence and warning/danger sign. There is a great view from this point.

(3.54km) Baltzer Lookout cul-de-sac → Baltzer Lookout

240 m
7 mins
12m
-39m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the clearing, the walk heads up past the ‘Warning’ sign to wind around a metal fence. The track passes a rocky knoll and then comes down to a small clearing where it turns left to follow the clifftop down the hill for approximately 80m. The track comes to Baltzer Lookout on the cliff edge.

Baltzer lookout

Baltzer Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, is the best place for viewing and accessing Hanging Rock. It also offers spectacular views over the Grose Valley. The lookout is named after W.J. Baltzer, who was part of a group created by Myles J Dunphy to recommended that the Grose Valley become a wildlife sanctuary, in 1933. The Grose Valley and much of the surrounding area is now protected. More info.

Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock, Blue Mountains NP, sits high on the southern side of Grose Valley. It is a spectacular example of ‘geological time is now’, with this large spire of sandstone precariously hanging out from the cliff. The cliff is popular with rock climbers and other recreationists, while walkers can best view Hanging Rock from Baltzer Lookout.

Maps for the Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock 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.

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 Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock

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	7.6 km
		Time	3 hrs 30 mins
		.
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

Around 3.5km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 240m is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 3.5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 240m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 3.5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 240m has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 3.5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 240m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 240m has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock walk starts and ends at the Baltzer Lookout car park (gps: -33.609919, 150.29746)
Your main transport option to Baltzer Lookout car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-blhr
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-blhr

Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station

And Walk

Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

This is a fantastic overnight walk with a sleep in Acacia Flats camping area. The Grose Valley, with its views of the Grose River and surrounding cliffs, gives a dramatic backdrop during most of this walk. The climbs up and down the valley give an appreciation of the scale of it all. Public transport options are available at the end of the walk, but you will need a lift to the start.* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Free Beacon Hire

A Personal Locating Beacon (PLB) is a hand-held device that, when triggered, sends a message to the emergency services with your location. The emergency services staff can then look at your trip intention forms and decide how best to help you. In the Blue Mountains, you can borrow these for no charge, just complete this Trip intention form, and a borrowing form. The device can be picked up from:
NPWS Office – Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath – 9am to 4pm 7 days Ph: 02 4787 8877
Katoomba Police Station – 217 Katoomba St Katoomba – Anytime Ph: 02 4782 8199
Springwood Police Station – 4 Jerseywold Avenue Springwood – Anytime Ph: 02 4751 0299
More info.

(0km) Victoria Falls Rd car park → Victoria Falls Lookout

100 m
2 mins
0m
-15m

Moderate track

From the car park, this walk follows the sign to ‘Grose Valley Lookout’ down the hill. The walk then winds down some steps for approximately 50m to a lookout.

Victoria Falls Lookout

Victoria Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has an easterly aspect over the Grose Valley. Although the lookout is named after the wonderful Victoria Falls, there are no views of the falls from this lookout.

(0.1km) Victoria Falls Lookout → Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks

1.4 km
41 mins
24m
-379m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads past the ‘Victoria Falls’ sign, down the hill. It leads across the hill for a short while before turning right and following the steps downhill for approximately 100m. The track then tends left, steeply down through a rocky outcrop, then continues winding across the hill under rocky outcrops (on the right). The track winds left, down through the rock again, to steeply zigzag down the hill for some time, moving away from the rocky outcrop, into ferns and more grassy undergrowth. The track heads steeply down towards the sound of the cascades at the signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Burra Korain Flat’, heading down the stairs for a short distance to another signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Burra Korain Flats’ heading up the hill and then down to a railing, overlooking the Victoria Falls. The track then winds down the slippery hillside, descending to an intersection in front of a large, mossy rock.

(1.49km) Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Victoria Falls

50 m
2 mins
13m
0m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, the track follows the hillside towards the sound of a waterfall, keeping the creek some distance below to your left. The track soon opens out onto the cliff of the waterfall. The track then swings around the right-hand side to go up the scree slope to venture behind the waterfall. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Blue Mountains NP, is a large waterfall dropping over a grey rock overhang. The cascade is produced by Victoria Creek dropping over the approximately-15m cliffs. A scree slope leads up behind the falls, and below the falls the rocks are very slippery. These falls are well worth a visit, with the great views from the top of the falls, and the accessibility of the bottom of the falls, making a great trip.

(1.49km) Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Burra Korain Flat Camping Area

1.3 km
29 mins
22m
-126m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track downhill towards the creek, keeping the creek to you right, so soon come to a clearing beside the creek. Here the walk crosses the creek to find a sign pointing to ‘Burra Korain Flat’ (visible before crossing the creek). (This creek may be impassable after rain). The walk turns left to follow the ‘Burra Korain Flat’ sign downhill, keeping the creek to your left for over 1km. The track winds and undulating through ferns and rocky outcrops, to open out into the Burra Korain Flat Camping Area, which is signposted.

Burra Korain Flat Camping Area

Burra Korain Flat Camping Area, Blue Mountains NP, is a small clearing between the Victoria Creek and Grose River. The campsite is well signposted and has nice sitting logs and plenty of space for a few tents. Water can be accessed from either river or creek but should be treated before use.

(2.84km) Burra Korain Flat Camping Area → Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks

3.9 km
1 hr 50 mins
312m
-415m

Experienced only

Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk heads down the hill to the creek and then across it. The track continues up through a grassy area to a clearing with a fireplace and BBQ and a sign to ‘Acacia Flat’.
Continue straight: From the camping area, this walk follows the ‘Acacia Flats’ sign down to the creek. The track crosses the creek and continues along the right-hand bank, heading downstream. The track then undulates and winds on the right side of the creek for approximately 3km in a south-easterly direction. The track crosses a number of creeks, and continues undulating along the south side of the Grose River to an intersection, with a sign pointing back to Burra Korain.

(6.73km) Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks → Blue Gum Forest intersection

4.9 km
1 hr 34 mins
110m
-184m

Experienced only

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Acacia Flats’[1], keeping the creek below on the left. The track continues for approximately 500m, undulating across the steep hillside. The terrain then begins to flatten out as the track leads onto a creek flat area. After a short while, a clearing with a fireplace is passed, on your right. The track continues to undulate along the hillside, with the creek to the left, for approximately 2km, to an area where the creek flats broaden. The track passes some more clearings with fire places, coming to a sign marked ‘Blue Gum Forest’. The track passes this sign and continues for approximately 500m to a well-signed intersection.

Blue Gum Forest

Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains NP, is a large stand of Eucalyptus deanei trees on the junction of the Grose River and Govetts Creek. The magnificent trees stand tall on the flats with low vegetation beneath. The trees of Blue Gum Forest represent the protection efforts of Myles Dunphy, who lead a group to raise the 130 pounds required to buy the Blue Gum Forest – quite a sum in 1931 during the depression – and save it from being cleared. The group were successful and the Blue Gum Forest is now protected within the Blue Mountains National Park. More info.

(11.63km) Blue Gum Forest intersection → Acacia Flats Camping Ground

610 m
10 mins
4m
-4m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign ‘Camping only at Acacia Flats’, heading downstream. The track tends right, away from the Grose River and towards the hills on the right. The walk then heads downhill and across a small creek, after which it meanders for approximately 100m before arriving at Acacia Flats camping area.

Acacia Flats Camping Ground

Acacia Flats Camping Ground, Blue Mountains NP, is situated on the floor of the Grose Valley between Perrys Lookdown and Lockley Pylon. The camp ground is approximately 50m from Govetts Creek and approximately 500m upstream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is appropriately named after the dense population of Acacias found in this area. Acacia Flats is a wonderful area to camp with tall shady Blue Gums and level grass clearings which make for a great place to pitch a tent. There is a pit toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable, and plenty of room for large groups. Water is available from Govetts Creek (treat before drinking).

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(12.23km) Acacia Flats Camping Ground → Junction Rock

3 km
1 hr 2 mins
130m
-80m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Acacia Flats camping area, the walk leaves the camping area with the Grose River far to the left and the majority of the camping areas to the right of the track. The walk passes a pit toilet on the right after approximately 100m. Continuing along the creek flats before climbing up a small hill, the track contours and undulates for approximately 600m to round a hill which gives views of Pulpit Rock above on the cliffs. The track turns right to climb up the hill, and then left to contour for some time. As the slope lessens, the track descends to the creek bank, which is on the the right. The track continues to contour for approximately 1km just above the creek, on a steep bank which has minor undulations, until it comes across a clearing with a ‘No Camping’ sign. The track turns left here and descends to the creek bank at a signposted intersection of Junction Rock. Junction Rock ‘intersection’ sits in the middle of the creek.

Junction Rock

Junction Rock, Blue Mountains NP, is a rock situated in the middle of the Govetts Leap Brook and Govetts Creek junction. The rock is signposted, giving directions to Evans Lookout, Neates Glen, Acacia Flats and the Blue Gum Forest. Junction Rock is a great place for lunch and a swim in summer.

(15.21km) Junction Rock → Bottom of Govetts Leap falls

2.4 km
1 hr 15 mins
390m
-22m

Moderate track

Veer right: From Junction Rock, the walk follows the ‘Govetts Leap’ sign, soon crossing the brook. The track then follows the brook for approximately 150m, to another creek crossing. The track continues, with the creek now on its left, for approximately 60m, before crossing back to the other bank. The track continues for approximately 1km with the creek to the right, and undulates steeply in sections between magnificent waterfalls. A section of track traverses a rock shelf for a short stretch, before continuing to wind up and down (with the creek to the right) to a few sets of steeply-cut stairs. From these, the walk continues to wind over hills to a creek crossing. The track then heads up the spur, winding between views of waterfalls, before tending left further up the hill. The walk leads up the winding steps for some time, until crossing the creek at the bottom of a waterfall cascading off the large cliffs – Govetts Leap falls.

Govetts Leap (falls)

Govetts Leap, is a waterfall in the Blue Mountains National Park. The fall is fed by Govetts Leap Brook which runs over the cliff into the Grose Valley. The falls are best viewed from Govetts Leap and Barrow Lookouts. Leap is a scots dialect word for cataract or waterfall.

(17.56km) Bottom of Govetts Leap falls → Govetts Leap Lookout

610 m
42 mins
305m
-61m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the bottom of Govetts Leap Falls, this walk heads north-west, following the blue signs up the hill. The track zigzags its way steeply up to a wall of rock covered by moss, ferns and grasses. The track passes along the base of this cliff to a metal staircase, passing through the rock. The track continues to wind steeply below the cliffline, passing two lookouts before coming to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Govetts Leap carpark’ up the stairs. The walk zigzags up the hill before tending left to the signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads across the grassed area towards a platform structure. The walk climbs some stairs onto Govetts Leap Lookout, with its great views and sandstone monuments.

Govetts Leap Lookout

[Toilet Accessible]

and picnic shelters[6]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(18.17km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Horseshoe Falls Lookout

340 m
11 mins
23m
-62m

Hard track

Turn around: From Govetts Leap Lookout, this walk heads down the stairs at the edge of the lookout, keeping the valley to the right. The walk then crosses a grassed area to a well-signposted intersection on the edge of the tree line.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down some stairs, keeping the valley to the right. The walk turns right over a bridge, continuing around the hillside to drop down onto a viewing area and intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down steep stairs, keeping the valley to the right. The track then winds along the cliff top until coming to an intersection, near Horseshoe Falls Lookout.

Horseshoe Falls Lookout

Horseshoe Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small fenced lookout. There are views down to Horseshoe Falls and across the Grose Valley.

Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls, Blue Mountains National Park, are sourced by Popes Glen Creek which runs over the cliff into the Grose Valley. The Horseshoe Falls seem to be named after the shape of the valley into which they drop.

(18.51km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk

440 m
11 mins
31m
-41m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the cliff top towards Horseshoe Falls, with the valley below to the right. The track winds for some time around the hillside, to a lookout on the right, before continuing around to a railing some steep stairs. The stairs lead to Popes Glen Creek, where the track continues through the ferns to meet a street sign.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Popes Glen’ keeping the creek below on the right. The track continues for approximately 100m, rising to the left of a prominent rock feature. The walk passes another track on the right (with access to the creek), then continues to rise past the rock feature (on the right – The rock feature has a trail to its top.) This walk continues from the rock feature, heading down the hill to a signposted intersection.

(18.95km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Boyd Beach

40 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the ‘Boyds Beach’ sign (under the bush). The walk winds down the rocky steps for approximately 40m to Boyd Beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Boyd Beach

Boyd Beach, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small sandy bank on Popes Glen Creek. The beach is a quiet spot with nice ferns and shade. The beach is a short distance from the Popes Glen track.

(18.95km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St

2.1 km
49 mins
145m
-48m

Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, following the arrow on the sign pointing to ‘Blackheath’. The track continues above the creek (on the right) for some time, then crosses a bridge so that the creek is now on the left. The walk crosses a second bridge, then continues for some time up a rocky hill to an intersection below power lines, with a bridge below on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the creek below on the right. The walk soon crosses the creek at a bridge, continuing along the other side to a small waterfall (on the left). The track then continues up the hill for for a short time, passing an intersection (with access tracks to Clarence Rd). The track continues to head up the hill for approximately 300m to the intersection with Dell St.

(21.06km) Int. Pope’s Glen Trk and Dell St → Blackheath Station

1.2 km
26 mins
65m
-27m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down Dell St, keeping the bush to the left of the road and houses to the right. The walk soon passes Cleopatra St on the right and continues along Dell St to the intersection with Gipps Lane, on the right (where Dell St changes name to Wills St).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along Gipps Lane, passing a large wooden house to the right of the road. The road tends left onto Robertson Lane which then becomes Wills St. The walk follows Wills Street for sometime to turn left onto Inconstant St and then right onto Gardiner Cres. Gardiner Cres is followed to the Great Western Highway, where there is a petrol station on the left. From here, this walk turns left to follow the Great Western Highway, keeping the petrol station on the left, as the walk heads towards the Gardners Inn pub. This walk continues to the pedestrian crossing, opposite Blackheath Station steps.
Turn right: From the pedestrian crossing, this walk crosses the Great Western Highway to turn right up the covered station steps. The walk follows the railway bridge to the top of the station staircase.

Maps for the Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station 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 Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station

Daily actual walking time estimates

Day	Walking Time	Length
1	4 hrs 48 mins	12.3 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	22.2 km
		Time	2 Days
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		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

11km of this walk is very steep and another 10km has short steep hills. Whilst another 970m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 830m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 9km follows a rough unclear track. Whilst another 2.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and a 1.2km section follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining 75m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

10km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (5km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 13km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 9km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 22km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

11km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.5km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station walk starts at the Victoria Falls Rd car park (gps: -33.573667, 150.29213)
Your main transport option to Victoria Falls Rd car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station 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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-vftbs
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-vftbs

Braeside Walk

And Walk

Braeside Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area → Braeside Picnic Area

60 m
1 mins
0m
-8m

Moderate track

From the signposted intersection, this walk follows the scratched arrow, next to the ‘Braeside Walk’ sign, down the steps to traverse the stepping stones across the creek. The walk winds left through the ferns, to a picnic table and barbeque above the weir’s brick wall, lower down the stream.

Braeside Picnic Area

Braeside Picnic Area, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small picnic area on the southern end of the Braeside walking track. The picnic area has a bench table and stone barbeque. The picnic area is situated next to a small weir and waterfall amongst the ferns.

(0.06km) Braeside Picnic Area → Braeside Walk North

1.1 km
20 mins
5m
-52m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the Braeside Picnic area, this walk heads down the hill, leaving the weir behind on the left. The walk continues parallel to Govetts Leap Brook, below on the left. Approximately 500m down the brook, the track passes a few large boulders (on the left of the track). The walk continues downstream, passing an overgrown track (which heads underneath power lines to join up with a management trail above on the hill). This track is passed by, as the brook is followed for a short time to a set of stairs. The stairs lead the track to a section of stepping stones which lead downstream. The track then rises out of the brook to continue approximately 100m to the intersection.

Govetts Leap (falls)

(1.19km) Braeside Walk North → Barrow Lookout

80 m
2 mins
5m
-2m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the winding stairs towards the cliffs. The soon comes to the railed Barrow Lookout, where there is a bench seat.

Barrow Lookout

Barrow Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks down to Govetts Leap falls and across the Grose Valley. The lookout is fenced and has a bench seat to rest.

Maps for the Braeside Walk 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
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Braeside Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Braeside Walk

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	2.5 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
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	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

1.1km of this walk has short steep hills and another 80m is very steep. The remaining (60m) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

1.1km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 80m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (60m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 1.2km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 80m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 1.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 1.3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Braeside Walk walk starts and ends at the Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area (gps: -33.640691, 150.30618)
Your transport options to Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-bw
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-bw

Perry’s Lookdown to Lockley Pylon

And Walk

Perry’s Lookdown to Lockley Pylon

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Perry’s Lookdown car park and camping area → Perry’s Lookdown

80 m
3 mins
0m
-16m

Moderate track

From the car park, the walk follows the sign ‘Perry’s Lookdown Track’ down the hill to a railed lookout.

Perry’s Lookdown

Perry’s Lookdown, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley, with Blue Gum Forest nearly directly below and Lockleys Pylon to the south. The lookout is presumably named after Captain William Perry, the Deputy Surveyor General who worked under the leadership of Sir Thomas Mitchell.

(0.08km) Perry’s Lookdown → Dockers Lookout

60 m
3 mins
0m
-28m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the Perry’s Lookdown, the walk follows the railed stairs down the hill for a short time until coming to a intersection signposted ‘Perrys Track’ and ‘Dockers Lookout’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk leads for a short distance down the railed path to the visible lookout area, Docker’s Lookout.

Dockers Lookout

Dockers Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley and Blue Gum Forest below. Mt Banks can be seen standing proudly to the north above the valley.

(0.14km) Dockers Lookout → Blue Gum Forest intersection

2 km
1 hr 32 mins
35m
-603m

Hard track

Turn around: From Dockers Lookout, the walk heads up the railed path for a short distance until coming to a signposted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Perry’s Lookdown Track’ sign down the hill. The track cuts across the hill to a bridge, where the track turns left and contours around the hill, before descending onto a lookout with memorial plaque and fire box.
Continue straight: From the lookout, the walk keeps the valley below on the left and heads down the steep stairs, through the gap in the cliffs. The stairs and handrail climb down through the cliffs, descending away from the main cliff before coming onto the top of a spur. The track tends right, over and down the spurline, and winds sharply down the spurline as it steeply descends for some time. The track heads down the spur, flattening out a few times before coming onto the relative flats of the Blue Gum Forest. The track heads down through the forest for a short time to a signposted intersection.

Blue Gum Forest

(2.17km) Blue Gum Forest intersection → Int. Lockleys Pylon and Du Faur Head Tracks

1.8 km
1 hr 15 mins
484m
0m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk passes behind the ‘Camping only at Acacia Flat 10 mins’ sign, in the direction of the far valley side. The track meanders through the grass and ferns for a short time before crossing Govetts Creek. There is a fallen log upstream which many walkers have used to cross the creek. From the far bank, the track follows an arrow marker left, meandering through some more undergrowth. The track then steeply climbs up a hill to a fallen log, after which the track tends right, up the hill towards the top of the spurline. The walk then follows the spurline for some time as it heads up towards the cliffs. Nearer to the cliffs, the track travels through rockier and more dense vegetation. Once at the cliffline, the walk turns left along the base to steeply climb the rocky steps to an intersection between two rock features, in a saddle.

(3.94km) Int. Lockleys Pylon and Du Faur Head Tracks → Du Faur Head

90 m
2 mins
1m
-19m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill for approximately 20m to a rocky outcrop with stunning views down the Grose Valley. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Du Faur Head

Du Faur Head, Blue Mountains NP, is situated north of Lockleys Pylon. The knoll gives spectacular views up and down the Grose Valley and River. Du Faur Head is worth a visit on your way up or down to Blue Gum Forest from Lockleys Pylon.

(3.94km) Int. Lockleys Pylon and Du Faur Head Tracks → Int. Du Faur Track and Lockleys Pylon Trks

520 m
18 mins
95m
-8m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up towards the large grassy-looking knoll, keeping the cliffs and valley to the right. The track winds near the rock for a very short distance before climbing up a large step (just before a small rock overhang to the left). The track then winds over the several rocky knolls and meanders across a saddle before crossing a creek. From the creek, the walk climbs a staircase to arrive at an intersection with another bush track.

(4.46km) Int. Du Faur Track and Lockleys Pylon Trks → Int. Du Faur Head Trk and Lockleys Pylon N Tk

140 m
4 mins
20m
-3m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk goes down the stairs, keeping the valley behind on the left. After descending the stairs, the walk follows a faint bush track back up the hill to to an intersection with another bush track.

(4.6km) Int. Du Faur Head Trk and Lockley Pylon N Tk → Lockley Pylon

90 m
4 mins
24m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Lockley Pylon’ up the wooden stairs to the summit of Lockley Pylon. This is marked by a stone cairn.

Lockley Pylon

Lockley Pylon, Blue Mountains National Park, gives 360 degree views of the Mt Hay area with excellent scope over Fortress Creek Waterfall and into the Grose Valley.

(4.7km) Lockley Pylon → Middle Pinnacle

3 km
1 hr 7 mins
136m
-145m

Hard track

Turn around: From the cairn on top of Lockley Pylon, this walk heads down the wooden stairs away from the valley. The walk heads down the stairs to a signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs away from the knoll, past the ‘Lockley Pylon’ sign, and travels along the ridge. The track continues past two knolls on the right as it climbs from the clearing up to the tree line. The track meanders up through the trees for approximately 400m to an open area. The walk climbs to the top of the ridge, below the summit of Mt Stead, a rock feature to the right of the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the views of the surrounding valleys and keeps the rock feature on the right of the track. The track enters the tree line then undulates down the plateau through the trees. The walk continues along a sandy saddle which is flat for approximately 100. The track then climbs out of the saddle and over a knoll to traverse the following saddle to the intersection below the northern Pinnacle.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the rocky knoll, keeping them above on the left. The track continues beneath the Pinnacles to come to an intersection below the last Pinnacle.

(7.7km) Middle Pinnacle → Lockley car park

360 m
10 mins
3m
-46m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk keeps the pinnacles on the left of the track as it heads down the hill. The track tends right as it descends approximately 400m down to the signposted car park.

Maps for the Perry’s Lookdown to Lockley Pylon 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 Perry’s Lookdown to Lockley Pylon bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Perry’s Lookdown to Lockley Pylon

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	8.1 km
		Time	5 hrs 30 mins
		.
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

Around 4.2km of this walk is very steep, whilst the remaining 3.8km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 5km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely, whilst the remaining 2.6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 660m has minimal directional signs. The remaining (75m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.8km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged), whilst the remaining 3.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Perry’s Lookdown to Lockley Pylon walk starts at the Perry’s Lookdown car park and camping area (gps: -33.599394, 150.34602)
Your main transport option to Perry’s Lookdown car park and camping area is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Perry’s Lookdown to Lockley Pylon ends at the Lockley car park (gps: -33.651076, 150.37163)
Your main transport option to Lockley car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-pltlp
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-pltlp

Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station

And Walk

Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

This walk explores a fantastic section of the Grose Valley. Starting above Victoria Falls, the walk explores the cascades before dropping into the valley for the first nights rest at Burra Korain campsite. The walk then heads down through the valley to the Blue Gum Forest before camping at Acacia Flats for the night. On the last day the walk heads up Govetts Creek, past Bridal Falls and Govetts Leap, then follows Pope’s Glen to the station. The distance each day allows time to stop, explore and enjoy the fantastic scenery.* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Free Beacon Hire

(0km) Victoria Falls Rd car park → Victoria Falls Lookout

100 m
2 mins
0m
-15m

Moderate track

From the car park, this walk follows the sign to ‘Grose Valley Lookout’ down the hill. The walk then winds down some steps for approximately 50m to a lookout.

Victoria Falls Lookout

(0.1km) Victoria Falls Lookout → Victoria Creek Cascades

1.4 km
42 mins
38m
-358m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads past the ‘Victoria Falls’ sign, down the hill. It leads across the hill for a short while before turning right and following the steps downhill for approximately 100m. The track then tends left, steeply down through a rocky outcrop, then continues winding across the hill under rocky outcrops (on the right). The track winds left, down through the rock again, to steeply zigzag down the hill for some time, moving away from the rocky outcrop, into ferns and more grassy undergrowth. The track heads steeply down towards the sound of the cascades at the signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Cascades’, heading towards the noise of the falling water. It follows the hillside through the rainforest vegetation to the creek bank. The track then continues over the slippery rocks to the bottom of the falls.

Victoria Cascades

Victoria Cascades, Blue Mountains NP, is a shorter run of water than the larger Victoria Falls. These cascades rush over a slope of rock to continue down to Victoria Falls. The cascades, made by Victoria Creek, are worth a look on your way down to Victoria Falls. However, on a a trip up from Victoria Falls, these smaller cascades may be somewhat overshadowed by the larger falls.

(1.47km) Victoria Creek Cascades → Top of Falls

130 m
4 mins
1m
-17m

Hard track

Turn around: From the falls, this walk heads over the rocks, downstream (keeping the creek on the right), before turning left into the rainforest vegetation. The track continues across the hillside for a short time to the signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Burra Korain Flat’, heading down the stairs for a short distance to another signposted intersection.
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Top of Falls’ sign, down the hill to Victoria Creek. The track then turns left, descending steeply on some rocks. This walk continues downstream along a rockshelf to the top of Victoria Falls.

(1.6km) Top of Falls → Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks

120 m
3 mins
1m
-20m

Hard track

Turn around: From the the top of Victoria Falls, this walk heads upstream, with the water below on the left. This walk leads up some rock steps and onto a rockshelf, before turning steeply to the right, up some more slippery rock steps. The walk continues uphill for approximately 10m to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Burra Korain Flats’ heading up the hill and then down to a railing, overlooking the Victoria Falls. The track then winds down the slippery hillside, descending to an intersection in front of a large, mossy rock.

(1.72km) Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Victoria Falls

50 m
2 mins
13m
0m

Hard track

Victoria Falls

(1.72km) Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Burra Korain Flat Camping Area

1.3 km
29 mins
22m
-126m

Hard track

Burra Korain Flat Camping Area

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(3.07km) Burra Korain Flat Camping Area → Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks

3.9 km
1 hr 50 mins
312m
-415m

Experienced only

(6.96km) Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks → Blue Gum Forest intersection

4.9 km
1 hr 34 mins
110m
-184m

Experienced only

Blue Gum Forest

(11.86km) Blue Gum Forest intersection → Acacia Flats Camping Ground

610 m
10 mins
4m
-4m

Moderate track

Acacia Flats Camping Ground

End of day 2

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 2, happy camping.

(12.46km) Acacia Flats Camping Ground → Junction Rock

3 km
1 hr 2 mins
130m
-80m

Moderate track

Junction Rock

(15.44km) Junction Rock → Bottom of Govetts Leap falls

2.4 km
1 hr 15 mins
390m
-22m

Moderate track

Govetts Leap (falls)

(17.8km) Bottom of Govetts Leap falls → Govetts Leap Lookout

610 m
42 mins
305m
-61m

Hard track

Govetts Leap Lookout

[Toilet Accessible]

and picnic shelters[6]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(18.4km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Horseshoe Falls Lookout

340 m
11 mins
23m
-62m

Hard track

Horseshoe Falls Lookout

Horseshoe Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small fenced lookout. There are views down to Horseshoe Falls and across the Grose Valley.

Horseshoe Falls

(18.74km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout → Boyd Beach

480 m
12 mins
31m
-44m

Moderate track

Boyd Beach

Boyd Beach, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small sandy bank on Popes Glen Creek. The beach is a quiet spot with nice ferns and shade. The beach is a short distance from the Popes Glen track.

(19.22km) Boyd Beach → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St

2.2 km
50 mins
148m
-48m

Moderate track

Turn around: From Boyd Beach, this walk heads up the hill away from the creek, winding up the rocky steps for approximately 40m to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, following the arrow on the sign pointing to ‘Blackheath’. The track continues above the creek (on the right) for some time, then crosses a bridge so that the creek is now on the left. The walk crosses a second bridge, then continues for some time up a rocky hill to an intersection below power lines, with a bridge below on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the creek below on the right. The walk soon crosses the creek at a bridge, continuing along the other side to a small waterfall (on the left). The track then continues up the hill for for a short time, passing an intersection (with access tracks to Clarence Rd). The track continues to head up the hill for approximately 300m to the intersection with Dell St.

(21.37km) Int. Pope’s Glen Trk and Dell St → Blackheath Station

1.2 km
26 mins
65m
-27m

Moderate track

Maps for the Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station 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 Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station

Daily actual walking time estimates

Day	Walking Time	Length
1	1 hr 22 mins	3.1 km
2	3 hrs 34 mins	9.4 km
3	4 hrs 38 mins	10.1 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	22.5 km
		Time	3 Days
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		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

11km of this walk is very steep and another 10km has short steep hills. Whilst another 970m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 830m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 9km follows a rough unclear track. Whilst another 3km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and a 1.2km section follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining 75m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

11km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (5km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 13km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 10km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 23km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

12km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.5km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station walk starts at the Victoria Falls Rd car park (gps: -33.573667, 150.29213)
Your main transport option to Victoria Falls Rd car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station 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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-vfagvtbs
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-vfagvtbs

Victoria Falls

And Walk

Victoria Falls

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Victoria Falls Rd car park → Victoria Falls Lookout

100 m
2 mins
0m
-15m

Moderate track

From the car park, this walk follows the sign to ‘Grose Valley Lookout’ down the hill. The walk then winds down some steps for approximately 50m to a lookout.

Victoria Falls Lookout

(0.1km) Victoria Falls Lookout → Int. Victoria Creek Cascades and Victoria Falls Tracks

1.3 km
39 mins
24m
-358m

Hard track

(1.38km) Int. Victoria Creek Cascades and Victoria Falls Tracks → Victoria Creek Cascades

90 m
3 mins
14m
0m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Cascades’, heading towards the noise of the falling water. It follows the hillside through the rainforest vegetation to the creek bank. The track then continues over the slippery rocks to the bottom of the falls. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Victoria Cascades

(1.38km) Int. Victoria Creek Cascades and Victoria Falls Tracks → Int. Top of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks

20 m
0m
-2m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Burra Korain Flat’, heading down the stairs for a short distance to another signposted intersection.

(1.39km) Int. Top of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Top of Falls

20 m
1 mins
1m
-1m

Hard track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Top of Falls’ sign, down the hill to Victoria Creek. The track then turns left, descending steeply on some rocks. This walk continues downstream along a rockshelf to the top of Victoria Falls. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

(1.39km) Int. Top of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks

100 m
2 mins
0m
-19m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Burra Korain Flats’ heading up the hill and then down to a railing, overlooking the Victoria Falls. The track then winds down the slippery hillside, descending to an intersection in front of a large, mossy rock.

(1.49km) Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Victoria Falls

50 m
2 mins
13m
0m

Hard track

Victoria Falls

Maps for the Victoria Falls 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.

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 Victoria Falls bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Victoria Falls

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	3.1 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
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

Around 1.4km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 140m is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 1.4km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely, whilst the remaining 120m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

1.4km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 100m is clearly signposted. The remaining (60m) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 1.4km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 160m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

1.4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 100m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (15m) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Victoria Falls walk starts and ends at the Victoria Falls Rd car park (gps: -33.573667, 150.29213)
Your main transport option to Victoria Falls Rd car park is by;
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-vf
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-vf

Govetts Leap Loop

And Walk

Govetts Leap Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Blackheath Station → Int. Pope’s Glen Trk and Dell St

1.2 km
26 mins
27m
-65m

Moderate track

From the top of the station steps, this walk heads towards the Great Western Highway and Gardners Inn. The walk turns right down a flight of stairs, then turns left across the Great Western Highway at the pedestrian crossing.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the Great Western Highway, keeping the Gardners Inn to the right. This walk turns right after the petrol station, turning onto Gardiners Cres. The walk continues down Gardiners Cres to take the first left onto Inconstant St. The walk then takes the first right onto Wills St, which later becomes Robertson Lane. Robertson Lane tends right into Gipps Lane, which is followed to the intersection with Dell St/Wills St (unsignposted, road changes name near this intersection).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the road, leaving Gipps St behind on the left and passing a wooden house (also on the left). The walk passes Cleopatra St on the left before coming to the signposted intersection with the Pope’s Glen track on the right, near 49 Dell St.

(1.18km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk

2.1 km
49 mins
48m
-145m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection near 49 Dell St, this walk heads down the hill following the old ‘Popes Glen’ sign. After approximately 350m, this walk passes an intersection (with access tracks to Clarence Rd). A further 200m down the hill, the walk passes a waterfall on the right, then continues down parallel to the creek (on the right). The walk crosses two bridges, then continues to follow the creek (now on the left) to an intersection below power lines.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down a slight hill, keeping the creek on the left of the track. After some time, the walk crosses a bridge, then continues beside the creek until crossing a second bridge. The track continues for some time downhill, to a signposted intersection.

(3.3km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Boyd Beach

40 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the ‘Boyds Beach’ sign (under the bush). The walk winds down the rocky steps for approximately 40m to Boyd Beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Boyd Beach

Boyd Beach, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small sandy bank on Popes Glen Creek. The beach is a quiet spot with nice ferns and shade. The beach is a short distance from the Popes Glen track.

(3.3km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Horseshoe Falls Lookout

440 m
11 mins
41m
-31m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Govetts Leap’ sign, climbing for approximately 50m past a rock feature (below on the left – there is a track to the top of this feature). The walk continues along the creek line, keeping the creek on the left, and passes a track (accessing the creek). This walk continues for approximately 100m, heading through a ferny area to an intersection near the creek, marked by ‘Popes Glen’ and ‘Govetts Leap’ signs.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Govetts Leap’ sign through the ferns, with the creek to the left of the track, and comes to a set of stairs. The walk climbs the steep stairs to follow the railing around a rocky outcrop. The track then winds along the hillside for some time heading to pass a lookout on the left, as the track continues to the intersection near the Horseshoe Falls Lookout.

Horseshoe Falls Lookout

Horseshoe Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small fenced lookout. There are views down to Horseshoe Falls and across the Grose Valley.

Horseshoe Falls

(3.74km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout → Govetts Leap Lookout

340 m
11 mins
62m
-23m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk winds along the cliff top with the valley below to the left. The walk then leads steeply up the stairs to the intersection at the viewing area.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs, keeping the valley to the left. The walk heads up and around the hillside to cross over a bridge, then up more stairs to the intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads across the grassed area towards a platform structure. The walk climbs some stairs onto Govetts Leap Lookout, with its great views and sandstone monuments.

Govetts Leap Lookout

[Toilet Accessible]

and picnic shelters[5]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(4.07km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Braeside Walk North

620 m
15 mins
17m
-82m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill, following the sign to ‘Evans Lookout’ and keeping the Grose Valley below on the left. The track rises for approximately 400m and then heads down the hillside. The walk zigzags down the hill, with stairs, and then crosses a creek with cement steppingstones, coming to a signposted intersection on the other side.

(4.69km) Braeside Walk North → Barrow Lookout

80 m
2 mins
5m
-2m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the winding stairs towards the cliffs. The soon comes to the railed Barrow Lookout, where there is a bench seat. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Barrow Lookout

Barrow Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks down to Govetts Leap falls and across the Grose Valley. The lookout is fenced and has a bench seat to rest.

Govetts Leap (falls)

(4.69km) Braeside Walk North → Braeside Picnic Area

1.1 km
20 mins
52m
-5m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Braeside Walk’ sign, up the stream, along the rocky track. The walk leads approximately 100m, to then go down to the creek. The stepping stones are followed up stream to a set of stairs. This walk climbs the stairs and continues south-west for approximately 100m to find some overhead power lines.
The walk continues upstream, passing an overgrown track on the left (which heads underneath power lines on the left to join up with a management trail above on the hill). This track is passed, as the brook is followed for approximately 100m, passing some large boulders on the right as the track continues approximately 500m to the Braeside Picnic Area.

Braeside Picnic Area

(5.83km) Braeside Picnic Area → Blackheath Station

2.9 km
53 mins
133m
-24m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the weir and the barbeque, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the weir on the right of the track, soon reaching the stepping stones. The track tends right across the creek via the stepping stones. From the creek, this walk heads up the steps to the signposted intersection on the management trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill past a car park area on the right, and up to the intersection of the management trails.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill passing a driveway on the left. The walk heads up the hill towards the white house at the top of the hill, to turn left (west) onto Braeside St, keeping the white house behind to the right. This walk continues up the street to the intersection with Boreas St.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north up Boreas St to turn left onto Govetts Leap Road. This walk continues along Govetts Leap Rd to the intersection with Prince Edward St.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill on Govetts Leap Rd, passing under the eaves of an old store on the right. The walk turns right onto the Great Western Highway, opposite the Ivanhoe Hotel. From here, this walk follows the footpath past the Gardners Inn to the pedestrian crossing, opposite Blackheath Station steps.
Turn left: From the pedestrian crossing, this walk crosses the Great Western Highway to turn right up the covered station steps. The walk follows the railway bridge to the top of the station staircase.

Maps for the Govetts Leap 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 Govetts Leap Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Govetts Leap Loop

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	8.7 km
		Time	4 hrs 30 mins
		.
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	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.6km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 730m is very steep and the remaining 390m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

3.5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 1.1km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 4.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 4.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Govetts Leap 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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-gll
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-gll

Blackheath to Blue Gum loop

And Walk

Blackheath to Blue Gum loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

Free Beacon Hire

(0km) Blackheath Station → Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area

2.9 km
52 mins
24m
-125m

Moderate track

From the top of the station steps, this walk heads towards the Great Western Highway and Gardners Inn. The walk turns right down a flight of stairs, then turns left across the Great Western Highway at the pedestrian crossing.
Turn right: From the pedestrian crossing, this walk heads towards Gardners Inn, keeping the road to the right. The walk continues along the footpath, turning left opposite the Ivanhoe Hotel, onto Govetts Leap Rd. The walk continues down Govetts Leap Rd to the intersection with Prince Edward St.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads west along Govetts Leap Rd for a block, to the intersection with Boreas St. This walk turns right, down Boreas St to the intersection with Braeside St.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the green signpost to ‘Braeside Walk’ along the houses on the right-hand of Braeside Street. This walk turns right at the ‘Braeside Walk’ sign. The walk continues for approximately 70m to the intersection with another service trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the management track, to the signposted intersection after a parking area on the left.

(2.86km) Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area → Neates Glen car park

1.9 km
36 mins
58m
-14m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the ‘Braeside Walk’ signposted intersection, this walk leaves the ‘Braeside Walk’ sign behind on the left as it continues along the service trail towards a waterfall. The track quickly swings left, passing the waterfall (on the left of the track) and continuing up the hill for approximately 400m. The track then tends right for approximately 100m, where is passes a service trail (which heads north). This walk continues south for approximately 600m to a large intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the road, passing a house on the left. The walk continues along James Rd to then turn left onto Evans Lookout Rd. The road tends right, to then pass Victoria Rd on the right. Shortly after Victoria Rd, this walk comes to the Bush Rock Cafe (now closed) on the left.
Continue straight: From the Bush Rock Cafe(now closed), this walk heads along the road leaving the cafe behind on the left. The track continues down the road for a short time, passing Somerset Ave on the left, to then come to Neates Glen car park on the right.

(4.77km) Neates Glen car park → Evans Lookout

1.5 km
29 mins
11m
-67m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Neates Glen car park, this walk follows the gravel path with the power lines, keeping the road on the left. Soon the path comes to the signposted Kinie-Ger Bush Cabins driveway.
Continue straight: From the Kinie-Ger Bush Cabins driveway, this walk follows the gravel path, keeping the road to the left. After approximately 100m, the path leads to an intersection with a management trail.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk continues to follow the track running parallel to the road, keeping the road on the left. Soon the track opens up to a large clearing with high tension power lines passing over the top.
Continue straight: From the clearing, the walk passes under the power lines and follows the bush track, keeping Evans Lookout Rd to the left. Soon this track comes to the exit of the Grand Canyon car park.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the road into the car park, to an ‘Evans Lookout’ sign.
Veer right: From the eastern corner of the Grand Canyon car park, this walk follows the the ‘Evans Lookout’ sign past the wooden bollards and along the clear bush track. Soon the track emerges and turns right onto Evans Lookout Rd. About 100m along the road the walk comes to the toilet at the start of the car park.
Continue straight: From the car park, the walk heads to the other end of the car park (towards the lookouts), to the intersection on the left of the information sign.
Continue straight: From the information sign at Evans Lookout car park, this walk follows the ‘Evans Lookout’ sign down the steps. The track passes a stone shelter on the right as it reaches the railed lookout.

Evans Lookout

Evans Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks over the spectacular Grose Valley, with its deep gorges, green forest and prominent cliff lines. The fenced lookout is at the end of Evans Lookout Road. There is a rock shelter hut and toilets.

(6.3km) Evans Lookout → Beauchamp Falls

1.5 km
54 mins
32m
-298m

Hard track

Turn sharp right: From Evans Lookout, the walk heads down the steps, passing the ‘Grand Canyon’ sign. From the bottom of the cliff stairs, the walk tends left onto the spur where it continues downhill and weaves past some boulders to a signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the stairs into the gully following the Neates Glen and Grose Valley signs. The walk winds down the hill for approximately 100m to a railing. From here, the walk continues down the other side of the gully, winding down the hill for a short while. The walk then continues down the right-hand side of the gully to drop onto the creek with a signposted rock in the middle.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the signs to ‘Rodriguez Pass’ around the canyon side, with the creek on the left. After about 200m, the track crosses the creek. The walk follows the white arrows painted on the rocks winding down between, around and under large boulders for approximately 100m. The track then heads out of the pass, keeping close to the cliff line before winding down the hill to Beauchamp Falls.

Beauchamp Falls

Beauchamp Falls, Blue Mountains NP, is a beautiful set of falls, split by the rock in the centre of the creek. The falls are created by Greaves Creek, which comes out of the Grand Canyon, above. The falls are approximately 10m tall, with rocks at the base.

(7.78km) Beauchamp Falls → Govetts and Greaves Flats

1.8 km
58 mins
10m
-309m

Hard track

Continue straight: From Beauchamp Falls, this walk heads down the hill keeping the valley on the right. The track winds through and around boulders to then meander with the hillside. The track winds for some time before descending more steeply, passing a section of rock overhangs which litter the ground with blocks of sandstone. The track passes this area and continues more steeply to a railed section of stairs which drop to a creek, which it crosses to the other side.
Continue straight: From the creek bank, this walk crosses to the other side of the creek. The track then turns left, heading downstream, following blue signposts and white arrows down the valley. The track soon passes a boulder with a large plank underneath it, set up as a seat, before passing a large mossy boulder. Approximately 300m on, the track passes another large mossy boulder with a white arrow at the bottom of the stairs. The track then continues down the hill, crossing the creek to a small clearing next to the creek, in which the track turns right and undulates across the hillside. The track drops into a few creek beds before climbing down a few stairs to an intersection at a campsite on the right.

(9.56km) Govetts and Greaves Flats → Junction Rock

1.5 km
30 mins
31m
-60m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection to the camp area, this walk heads downstream along the creek flats, below on the right of the track. The track then leaves the creek flats to wind and undulate higher on the hillside for approximately 600m, passing a few clearings with fireplace on the left. The track passes a brown arrow with ‘Horse Track’ scratched into it, and soon after comes to an intersection with a sign, with an arrow pointing back to ‘Grand Canyon’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downstream following the sign to ‘Junction Rock’. The track soon passes a small clearing before climbing higher on the creek bank. After some time undulating, the track comes back onto the creek flats and continues to a section of cliffs on the left. The cliffs are passed by the track across the rockshelf next to a pool in the creek. The track soon turns left to Junction Rock, in the middle of the creek after the rock shelf.

Junction Rock

(11.08km) Junction Rock → Acacia Flats Camping Ground

3 km
1 hr 2 mins
80m
-130m

Moderate track

Veer right: From Junction Rock, the walk follows the ‘Acacia Flat’ signs to climb in and out of the creek bank to a clearing with a ‘No Camping’ sign. The track then turns right to follow the creek bank for approximately 1km, leading up onto a steep creek bank, where it continues for some time. The track then turns right, down the hill, to tend left around a small hill. The walk continues from here along the creek flats, to then pass a pit toilet on your left. The walk continues through the clearing for approximately 60m to Acacia Flats camping area.

Acacia Flats Camping Ground

(14.06km) Acacia Flats Camping Ground → Blue Gum Forest intersection

610 m
10 mins
4m
-4m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Acacia Flats camping area, this walk keeps the Grose River far on its right, and the majority of the camping areas to the left of the track. The track soon passes a burnt ‘Welcome to Acacia Flats Camping Area’ sign before continuing approximately 100m to a creek bed. The walk passes through the creek bed and then skirts around the base of the hill on the left and then continues to meander across the flats to the numerously signposted intersection with the Blue Gum Forest. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Blue Gum Forest

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(14.06km) Acacia Flats Camping Ground → Junction Rock

3 km
1 hr 2 mins
130m
-80m

Moderate track

Turn around: From Acacia Flats camping area, the walk leaves the camping area with the Grose River far to the left and the majority of the camping areas to the right of the track. The walk passes a pit toilet on the right after approximately 100m. Continuing along the creek flats before climbing up a small hill, the track contours and undulates for approximately 600m to round a hill which gives views of Pulpit Rock above on the cliffs. The track turns right to climb up the hill, and then left to contour for some time. As the slope lessens, the track descends to the creek bank, which is on the the right. The track continues to contour for approximately 1km just above the creek, on a steep bank which has minor undulations, until it comes across a clearing with a ‘No Camping’ sign. The track turns left here and descends to the creek bank at a signposted intersection of Junction Rock. Junction Rock ‘intersection’ sits in the middle of the creek.

(17.04km) Junction Rock → Bottom of Govetts Leap falls

2.4 km
1 hr 15 mins
390m
-22m

Moderate track

(19.39km) Bottom of Govetts Leap falls → Govetts Leap Lookout

610 m
42 mins
305m
-61m

Hard track

Govetts Leap Lookout

[Toilet Accessible]

and picnic shelters[5]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(20km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Horseshoe Falls Lookout

340 m
11 mins
23m
-62m

Hard track

Horseshoe Falls Lookout

Horseshoe Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small fenced lookout. There are views down to Horseshoe Falls and across the Grose Valley.

Horseshoe Falls

(20.34km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk

440 m
11 mins
31m
-41m

Moderate track

(20.78km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Boyd Beach

40 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Moderate track

Boyd Beach

Boyd Beach, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small sandy bank on Popes Glen Creek. The beach is a quiet spot with nice ferns and shade. The beach is a short distance from the Popes Glen track.

(20.78km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St

2.1 km
49 mins
145m
-48m

Moderate track

(22.89km) Int. Pope’s Glen Trk and Dell St → Blackheath Station

1.2 km
26 mins
65m
-27m

Moderate track

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).

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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-stelbgfgl
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

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-bmnp-stelbgfgl

And Walk

George Phillips Lookout walk

(0km) Govetts Leap Lookout Picnic Area → Govetts Leap Lookout

Very easy

Govetts Leap Lookout

(0km) Govetts Leap Lookout Picnic Area → George Phillips Lookout

Very easy

George Phillips Lookout

Maps for the George Phillips Lookout walk walk

Cross sectional view of the George Phillips Lookout walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the George Phillips Lookout walk

Accessibility summary information for the George Phillips Lookout walk

Accessibility Details

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

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Walls Ledge (Long) Track

(0km) End of Bundarra St → Centennial Glen Ck

Moderate track

(0.44km) Centennial Glen Ck → Int. Fort Rock Trk and Centennial Pass Trk

Moderate track

(0.67km) Int. Fort Rock Trk and Centennial Pass Trk → Fort Rock

Moderate track

Fort Rock

(0.67km) Int. Fort Rock Trk and Centennial Pass Trk → Int. Walls Ledge Track and Centennial Pass Trk

Moderate track

(1.21km) Int. Walls Ledge Track and Centennial Pass Trk → Centennial Glen Rd Carpark

Moderate track

Maps for the Walls Ledge (Long) Track walk

Cross sectional view of the Walls Ledge (Long) Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Walls Ledge (Long) Track

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

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock

(0km) Baltzer Lookout car park → Baltzer Lookout cul-de-sac

Moderate track

(3.54km) Baltzer Lookout cul-de-sac → Baltzer Lookout

Hard track

Baltzer lookout

Hanging Rock

Maps for the Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock walk

Cross sectional view of the Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock

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

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks