Blue Mountains (Blackheath)

This short, return walk takes you to the lookout above Victoria Falls. Despite the name, the lookout does not view Victoria Falls, but instead gives a magnificent view over the Grose Valley and the surrounding cliffs. There are better lookouts closer to Blackheath, but if you’re in the area this very short walk is worthwhile for the view.

Total climbing: 15m

The interesting cave is formed by a tall and long section of wind carved stone. The cave is much taller than it is deep, and there are some nice rock formations. It is a fairly long drive in for a short walk, so you might be better combining this with a walk to Anvil Rock.

Total climbing: 14m

A nice walk if you are in the area, and worth doing before Pulpit Rock lookout. This walk is not as busy as many of the other lookout walks in the area. The view across the valley is fantastic. The lookout makes a great place for a picnic lunch, and the lack of crowds makes it that much more attractive.

Total climbing: 14m

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.

Total climbing: 18m

This walk follows a distinct track to the top lookout, the easiest of the three lookouts at Pulpit Rocks to visit. The track passes a picnic shelter on the way down from the car park. The lookout has stunning views across the Grose valley, and down onto Pulpit Rock.

Total climbing: 50m

This track meanders down from the car park to take in the stunning views of the Grose Valley. The track passes a picnic shelter on its way to the upper and middle lookouts of Pulpit Rock (there is a lower lookout, with many more steps). The lookouts provide great views across the valley.

Total climbing: 96m

This walk takes in the fabulous views across the Grose Valley. It covers the combination of the upper lookout, providing the easiest access, the middle lookout, and the lower lookout, which involves many more stairs. The upper lookout gives the best views across the valley, while the middle lookout gives similar scenic views. The lower lookout, however, has great views of the cliffs around the Grose Valley from a unique perspective.

Total climbing: 145m

Starting with spectacular views of Govetts Leap from Govetts Leap Lookout, this walk sweeps down to the base of the falls. The walk down is showered by drips from the moist moss hanging off the cliffs above. A spectacular track with equally awesome views across the Grose Valley, the walk is steep and gives a great sense of the height of surrounding cliffs. (‘leap’ is a Scots dialect word for cataract or waterfall)

Total climbing: 366m

This is a short but sweet circuit walk above, then below, the cliff line. The track passes under the cliff line for some time, with views over the Kanimbla Valley. Climbers will love the great access to the walls, while walkers will enjoy the scenery and flowers in the heath.

Total climbing: 72m

This walks starts from the spectacular Govetts Leap Lookout and wanders along the cliff tops, before dropping through a creek, to reach the much smaller Barrow lookout, with equally spectacular views. Barrow lookout provides the bonus of clear views of Bridal Veil falls (Govetts Leap brook). You can also see the face of the cliffs below the Leap from this lookout.

Total climbing: 106m

The track to Fort Rock is a short walk and gives a taste of what lies beneath the cliff line. The walk is a return journey from the end of Bundarra St, directly to Fort Rock. From the top of the rock you can see into the Kanimbla Valley, and, by taking the side trip out to the cliff line west of Fort Rock, you get even better views over the valley and the cliffs around Porters Pass.

Total climbing: 117m

The Fairfax Heritage Track is an easy stroll, and wheelchair accessible walk, through the a lovely open forest. The walk leads from the NPWS visitor information centre downhill to the stunning views from George Phillips and Govetts Leap lookouts. There are bench seats to rest on and wonderful sheltered picnic areas at the lookouts. Parking and toilets at the start and end.

Total climbing: 17m

This extended version of the Walls Ledge Track begins at Bundarra St and continues down past a side trip to Fort Rock. The track sports a small waterfall and some cliff-base walking. It also rises above to follow the same cliffs back to Centennial Rd car park. The track takes in awesome scenes of the sheer cliffs to the west of Blackheath.

Total climbing: 128m

The Fairfax Track is an easy circuit walk that wanders through the forests behind the cliffs of the Grose Valley. The track passes George Phillips lookout, with its magnificent views over the Grose Valley. There are also similar views from the more popular Govetts Leap Lookout. The track has many bench seats for walkers to stop and enjoy the surrounding bush.

Total climbing: 65m

The Braeside Walk is an excellent connecting trail to the Cliff Top walk, between Evans and Govetts Lookouts. The track has its own quiet picnic area, which could make a nice spot for lunch along this creekside walk. The track builds up to its climax at Barrows Lookout, overlooking the Grose Valley and Bridal Veil Falls, before returning along the same track.

Total climbing: 72m

The Victoria Falls walk is a great way to get up close to an amazing cascade. The walk explores the top and bottom of the falls, with the chance to climb behind Victoria Falls. This walk heads down into a section of the Grose Valley from the end of Victoria Falls Rd. Although there is no where to swim, the shady track and spray from the waterfall is refreshing on a warm day.

Total climbing: 431m

Collier’s Causeway is a fantastic walk with many views of the Kanimbla Valley and varied scenery. The track mostly travels under the imposing cliffs between Centennial Glen and Porters Pass, with waterfalls, ferny glens and heath flowers along the way. The track is a great one-way trip from Bundarra St to Burton Ave with access to many climbing areas along the way.

Total climbing: 380m

The walk from Evans Lookout to Beauchamp Falls is magical journey, passing through the bottom part of the Grand Canyon. The views from Evans lookout are stunning, with the lush canyon environment providing a very different environment to enjoy. The walk then continues down the creek to Beauchamp Falls. If you don’t have the time to do the whole of the Grand Canyon walk this is a great compromise.

Total climbing: 350m

The Cliff Top Track is a breath-taking walk around the edge of the Grose Valley, between Govetts Leap and Evans lookouts. The many lookouts along this track show off the stunning Grose Valley. The track also showcases Govetts Leap from close up, at Barrows Lookout, and further away, from Govetts Leap Lookout.

Total climbing: 224m

This walk takes you from Govetts Leap lookout, around the cliff tops, to Pulpit Rock lookout. The walk passes many lookouts, each giving their own unique perspective of the Grose Valley’s dramatic cliff line and waterfalls. The walk down to the lower platform of Pulpit Rock is via a set of steep stairs, the view varies at each of the three levels.

Total climbing: 506m

Pyramid Shaped Rock, is a rock shaped (somewhat) like a pyramid. It is a great place to camp the night, with a flat clear area for your tent, or a nice place to stop for lunch on a day trip. The rock is adjacent to a swamp with water (normally), and the rock’s proximity to Thor and Asgard Head walks makes it a great base camp. For another adventure, the side trip to Asgard Kiln and Mine are well worth the trip if you’re staying overnight.

Total climbing: 154m

This section of the Cliff Top Track takes in the beautiful scenery east of Blackheath. The track leaves Pulpit Rock car park and drops into many lookouts with views over waterfalls and the Grose Valley. The track heads out to the secluded creek bank of Boyd Beach, and then continues, back along the track, and climbs to the magnificent views from Govetts Leap Lookout.

Total climbing: 445m

The wonderful walk from Perrys Lookdown into the Blue Gum Forest follows a clear an steep track into one of the region’s bushwalking and conservation icons. Allow plenty of time to explore the majestic Blue Gum Forest, looking up the tall trees and enjoying the birds flying through the area. The track is steep and the valley tempts visitors to stay and enjoy for a long time. If you want to stay overnight, Acacia Flats campsite is only 500m from the forest. To return to the car park, retrace your steps up the hill.

Total climbing: 656m

This circuit walk covers many of the tracks just to the west of Blackheath. The walk follows the cliff lines, both above and below, with amazing views of the Kanimbla Valley, rock features and waterfalls. The walk takes in a cross section of plants, with defined changes through the cliff passes.

Total climbing: 473m

This classic walk was first established in 1907, taking walkers along the path of a canyon. In places, the track follows a path cut halfway up the cliff, keeping you out of the most dangerous section of the canyon. The creek does flood after heavy rain, so check with the National Parks office before heading into this walk. The cool temperatures in the canyon make this walk particularly special on warmer days.

Total climbing: 425m

The walk to the Asgard Kiln and Mine is a great, quick trip which passes through some interesting swamp environments. The track does not get bogged in the swamp but passes along a dry service trail and bush track. The Asgard Kiln and Mine is well worth the visit, but don’t forget to take a torch!

Total climbing: 221m

This walk could also be known as the long way round to Beauchamp Falls. The Horse Track is poorly defined towards the bottom the walk and may challenge your navigation. This walk explores Govetts and Greaves Creeks and the Beauchamp Falls. The western section of track is part of the Grand Canyon walk.

Total climbing: 695m

The walk to Thor Head has some breathtaking views. The last part of the walk follows a large unfenced cliff line and there is no track for the last 1km. The views along the way are fantastic. If the climb up Thor Head is not for you, the views from the rocky knoll along the cliff line are just as spectacular. If you have some extra time, the optional side trip to Asgard Kiln and Mine are a great way to add some heritage to your walk of breathtaking views.

Total climbing: 305m

The Cliff Top Track is one of the longer walks near Blackheath, and has constant views. The track follows the rim of the Grose Valley, with a side trip to Boyds Beach, and passes numerous lookouts with views of the Grose Valley and it’s waterfalls. This walk is an excellent one way trip from Pulpit Rock to Evan’s Lookout car park.

Total climbing: 619m

This walk to Baltzer Lookout rewards you with excellent scenery and a view over the stunning Hanging Rock (aka the Finger). The track is mainly management trail, and would be great on a mountain bike (to the end of the management trail). The large cliff edges are unfenced and quite exposed, so do take care. Although short and relatively unchanging in scenery, the walk to Baltzer Lookout is well worth it.

Total climbing: 266m

This walk drops steeply from Perry’s Lookdown, with views of Lockley Pylon on the opposite side of the valley, then climbs up to Lockley Pylon, with views back over Perry’s Lookdown. The track has some fantastic views up and down the Grose Valley, and an excellent half way point, in the majestic Blue Gum Forest.

Total climbing: 797m

This walk, from Blackheath Train Station, is a fantastic way to see some of the iconic areas of the Blue Mountains in the Blackheath area. The walk heads through Pope’s Glen to Govetts Leap via a wonderful stroll along the creek, before breaking out to the views of the Grose Valley. The stunning views over the valley, waterfalls and bush make this a great walk with public transport access.

Total climbing: 380m

This walk is an excellent way to see some of Blackheath’s best views, without the big climbs in and out of the Grose Valley. The round trip from the station shows off Bridal Falls, and other cascades along the cliffs. A large part of this walk is near the cliff edge, with stunning views spanning out across the Grose Valley.

Total climbing: 375m

This is a magnificent overnight walk, allowing time to really explore the area. Enjoying views of Victoria Falls and other cascades makes a great way to start this walk. The campsite of Burra Korain Flats is not as popular as Acacia Flats, enhancing the serenity of the Grose Valley. The walk out via Pierces Pass is steep, with the great views encouraging regular photo stops (especially when you need an excuse to catch your breath).

Total climbing: 854m

The Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Braeside tracks are an excellent way to see the great diversity of the Blue Mountains National Park in the Blackheath area, from the Neates Glen rain forest, through the void of the Grand Canyon, to the separation of plateau and valley by the Cliff Top walk. The walk then finishes with a creek-side stroll along the Braeside Track. It truly is a wonderful walk.

Total climbing: 603m

If you can organise the car shuttle or taxi, this is a great day walk. The track descends from the walls of Pierces Pass into another world along the Grose River, with its tall Blue Gum Forest. The optional side trip to Acacia Flats provides a great place to stop for lunch, and a toilet stop, before climbing up to the brilliant views from Perrys Lookdown.

Total climbing: 774m

The walk from Evans Lookout takes a very scenic route down into the valley before returning along the scenic Cliff Top walk. The track takes in a wide variety of vegetation as it changes altitude. Be sure to keep your eyes open for the colourful fungi along the track, and the ferns attached to the cliff wall. If it is a hot day there is opportunity to cool off with water near junctions rock.

Total climbing: 955m

The walk descends from Perry’s Lookdown into the famous Blue Gum Forest. The overnight stay in the nearby Acacia Flats allows time for some exploring in the Grose River and the surrounding areas. After some steady climbing, the walk passes the base of the magnificent Bridal Falls and climbs steeply to Govetts Leap Lookout. This walk tests out the knees and fitness and is great way to access the valley.

Total climbing: 1128m

This large circuit walk, from Popes Glen to Pulpit Rock, Govetts leap and along the Braeside Track, passes some of the most magnificent scenery in this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. From little, hidden places, like Boyds Beach, to the stunning Bridle Veil Falls and Govetts Leap Lookout, this track covers many of the areas highlights.

Total climbing: 1068m

This long day-walk follows a remote track down from Victoria Falls lookout, passing the waterfall, and into the Grose Valley, to the famous Blue Gum Forest, a scenic and historic highlight of this area. From the Blue Gum Forest, the walk climbs steeply to finish at Perry’s Lookdown. You will need to organise a car shuttle, or a taxi for this walk.

Total climbing: 1102m

This walk explores a beautiful section of the Grose Valley from Bells Line of Road. The walk heads down Pierces Pass and follows the magnificent Grose River to the Blue Gum Forest. The Blue Gum Forest is an icon of Blue Mountains bushwalking and this track gives you a great way to reach it. You then return the same way, or alternatively, finish by climbing to Perrys Lookdown, to make this a one-way walk.

Total climbing: 812m

This walk is a fantastic way to see many of the highlights of this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. The only major descent and climb on the walk is on the section through the Grand Canyon, which is an experience in itself, especially if you’ve never been in a canyon before. The track then continues along the cliff tops with excellent views over the Grose Valley and surrounding cliffs. The vegetation change along these sections is interesting, with areas of drier and wetter foliage dispersed along the track.

Total climbing: 913m

This walk starts in the low heath and cliff views of Lockley Pylon. The pylon, and other notable features, can be seen along the track, while the descent down to the Blue Gum Forest provides plenty of photographic opportunities. After camping overnight at Acacia Flats, the walk heads out via Govetts Leap and Pope’s Glen, visiting many little cascades and the awesome Bridal Falls. A great overnight walk.

Total climbing: 1295m

This walk explores a section of the Grose River and the flats around the superb Blue Gum Forest. The track then climbs up to Govetts Leap Lookout and along Pope’s Glen to Blackheath. The hard yakka will be rewarded by some superb views of blue gums, the gorge, waterfalls and cliffs. This walk is one where you’ll want to have a friend with a car (they can enjoy some shorter walks or the great cafes in the area) or hail a taxi.

Total climbing: 1225m

This circuit starts in Blackheath and heads down into the Grand Canyon and Rodriguez Pass. The track goes through a wide variety of ecosystems and changing views along the way. An interesting part of this walk is the change in mood of the cliffs that surround the Grose Valley as the light conditions change throughout the day.

Total climbing: 1254m

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.

Total climbing: 1561m

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.

Total climbing: 1580m

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

Total climbing: 1335m