Fairfax Heritage Track

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Time 45 mins
One way 1.9 km One way
Climb 17 m
Grade 1 Very easy
Bus Car
wheelchair no_pets
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.
National Parks and Wildlife Service Heritage Centre Start of Fairfax Track Zig-zag in Fairfax Track Fairfax Track Scribbly Gum Fairfax Track Fairfax Track Red flower on Fairfax Track Grose Valley from George Phillips Lookout Fairfax Track Govetts Leap car park Govetts Leap Lookout Bridal Veil Falls from Govetts Leap Lookout

NPWS Heritage Centre

NPWS Heritage Centre
National Parks and Wildlife Service Heritage Centre[1], Blackhealth, is a hub for the Blue Mountains National Park. It is signposted on Govetts Leap Road (past McLean Cr). Drop into the Heritage Centre to get advice and learn about the history of the park. You will also find information displays[2] about the traditional owners, thing to do and the local flora and fauna. The heritage centre also has 2 signposted accessible car parks
[Parking Accessible]Parking Accessible

The carpark is outside the National Parks Visitor Centre, just off Govetts Leap Rd. There are two signposted accessible carparks. These two carparks are 3m wide and 6m long.
, a shop with souvenirs[3], toilets[4]
[Toilet Accessible]Toilet Accessible

Signposted accessible and general use male and female toilets inside the National Parks Visitor Center. Access (whilst the center is open) via concerete ramp.
and snack food. There is a picnic area[5]
[Picnic Table]Picnic Table

A series of picnic tables on flat grassy area behind the Visitor centre. No shade. Ramp access via back door of visitor centre. Seats are about 45cm high and tables are 75cm high.
out the back and plenty of general parking.

(0km) NPWS Heritage Centre car park → Woodland Retreat

distance 810 m time 14 mins climb 4m descent -23m Very easy
From the front of the NPWS Heritage Centre[6], Blackheath, this walk heads along the concrete footpath[7] gently downhill keeping the car park (and Govetts Leap Rd) to your right. The path leads to a 'Fairfax Heritage Track'™ sign[8] at the lower end of the car park. The track leads left (following the sign), then immediately turns right at the 'The Fairfax Heritage Track' map sign[9]to follow the asphalt path[10]. After 40m the path leads past a faint intersection with a dirt track[11] and continues straight ahead winding through the wooded forest[12] for another 100m to find a bench seat[13]
[Seat]Seat

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.
. The path bends sharply right[14] and leads gently downhill for 140m where the track bends sharply left[15]. The walk continues to gently meander for about 125m to another bench seat[16]
[Seat]Seat

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.
(on your left). Then the track bends sharply right and gently undulates up and down for another 330m to find another bench seat[17]
[Seat]Seat

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.
(on the left), just before a three-way intersection with a small dirt track (on the left) and a 'Woodland Retreat' sign[18]. (The 'Woodland Retreat' side track leads about 15m to a small seat[19], this is a rough dirt track).

(1km) Woodland Retreat → George Phillips Lookout

distance 740 m time 13 mins climb 6m descent -27m Very easy
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk leads down along the footpath, leaving the seat, sign and sidetrack behind (on the left). The path soon bends left and after 70m passes through (ignoring) a four-way intersection with a dirt trail[20]. The path leads on for another 75m, bending a few times, to find another bench seat[21]
[Seat]Seat

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.
(on the left). From here the path continues to lead (gently undulating) through the forest for another 140m to find yet another bench seat[22]
[Seat]Seat

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.
(on your left). Here the track bends sharply to the right and leads gently downhill for 230m to passes through (ignoring) another four-way intersection with a dirt trail marked with a 'Rehabilitation Area - Please Keep Off' sign[23]. The walk then continues downhill along the path for another 220m to find a few picnic tables[24], a stone picnic shelter[25]
[Picnic Shelter]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.
at an intersection with a short ramp[26] leading down to the signposted[27] 'George Phillips Lookout'[28] (on your left).

George Phillips Lookout

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]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.
just behind the lookout.

(2km) George Phillips Lookout → Govetts Leap Lookout

distance 340 m time 7 mins climb 7m descent -18m Very easy
Veer right: From George Phillips Lookout, this walk leads gently downhill along the path keeping the filtered views of the valley to the left. After about 25m the path bends sharply left, then right. The path continues gently downhill for 180m coming to the edge of the Govetts Leap Picnic Area[29], a series of stone shelters[30], dirt car park[31] and the signposted[32] end of 'The Fairfax Heritage Trail' asphalt path[33]. Here the walk heads through the timber bollards[34]
[Trip Hazard]Trip Hazard

A 5 to 10cm step between carpark and track. Access is between bollards that are 110cm apart.
, then bends left and leads for 60m across the dirt/gravel[35] car park
[Parking Accessible]Parking Accessible

There are two signposted parking places at the lower end of the sealed Fairfax track. Specific parking bays are not marked with lines. The carpark has a loose gravel surfaces with some eroded sections.
to the large stone shelter[36]
[Picnic Shelter]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.
[Wheelchair Rough]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.
at the edge of the turning circle (and car park)[37] at the end of Govetts Leap Rd.
Continue straight: From the large stone shelter[38] at the edge of the turning circle (and car park)[39] at the end of Govetts Leap Rd, this walk heads 35m towards the valley views[40] to head through the stone arch[41] then down the ramp[42] to the large flat gravel and fenced 'Govetts Leap' lookout platform[43].

Govetts Leap Lookout

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[46], there are also toilets[47]
[Toilet Accessible]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.
and picnic shelters[48]
[Picnic Shelter]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.
nearby.

Maps for the Fairfax Heritage 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.

Katoomba1:25 000 Map Series89301S KATOOMBANSW-89301S
Katoomba1:100 000 Map Series8930 KATOOMBA8930

Cross sectional view of the Fairfax Heritage Track bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Fairfax Heritage Track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Fairfax Heritage Track

Altitude analysis for Fairfax Heritage Track

Accessibility Profile

This page is designed to give you a sense of the facilities that help improve access for people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. See tracknotes and map for navigation, point of interest and other information. See the Accessibility Details below for specific information about each facility.

Slope: Mostly flat or gentle slopes. No section steeper then 1:12.
Surface: Smooth & Hard the majority of the way. There is a 60m section of compacted gravel in the lower carpark.
Parking: There are 2 designated accessible parking areas on this walk. They are 1770m apart.
Toilets: There are 2 toilets on this walk. They are 1840m apart.
Seats: There are 8 seats (including picnic tables) on this walk. They are on average 260m apart, with a maximum gap of 440m.
Access hazards: There are 2 access hazards on this walk (such as pinch points, trip hazards or steep sections). See the Accessibility Details and track notes for specifics.

Accessibility Details

1 Toilet Accessible (0m)

Signposted accessible and general use male and female toilets inside the National Parks Visitor Center. Access (whilst the center is open) via concerete ramp.

Toilet Accessible
2 Parking Accessible (0m)

The carpark is outside the National Parks Visitor Centre, just off Govetts Leap Rd. There are two signposted accessible carparks. These two carparks are 3m wide and 6m long.

Parking Accessible
3 Picnic Table (19m)

A series of picnic tables on flat grassy area behind the Visitor centre. No shade. Ramp access via back door of visitor centre. Seats are about 45cm high and tables are 75cm high.

Picnic Table
4 Seat (208m)

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.

Seat
5 Seat (461m)

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.

Seat
6 Seat (787m)

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.

Seat
7 Seat (960m)

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.

Seat
8 Seat (1078m)

Timber slat bench seat on outside bend of path. The seat is 41cm high (2.1m wide, 30cm deep) with a 39cm high backrest.

Seat
9 Picnic Shelter (1522m)

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.

Picnic Shelter
10 Trip Hazard (1760m)

A 5 to 10cm step between carpark and track. Access is between bollards that are 110cm apart.

Trip Hazard
11 Parking Accessible (1774m)

There are two signposted parking places at the lower end of the sealed Fairfax track. Specific parking bays are not marked with lines. The carpark has a loose gravel surfaces with some eroded sections.

Parking Accessible
12 Wheelchair Rough (1794m)

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.

Wheelchair Rough
13 Picnic Shelter (1814m)

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.

Picnic Shelter
14 Toilet Accessible (1836m)

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.

Toilet Accessible

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.

Length1.9 km
Time45 mins
.




Grade 1/6



Very easy		AS 2156.1GradientFlat, no steps (1/6)
Quality of trackSmooth and hardened path (1/6)
SignsClearly signposted (1/6)
Experience RequiredNo experience required (1/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureGenerally 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, 1.9km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 1.9km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 1.9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 1.9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 1.9km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Fairfax Heritage Track walk.

George Phillips Lookout walk

588 m Return, 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 18m

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car

Very easy

Fairfax Heritage Circuit Track

2.4 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Fairfax Heritage Circuit Track

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 b

Total climbing: 65m

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car
  • Bus

Very easy

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Fairfax Heritage Track walk.

Govetts Leap Descent

1.2 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

Govetts Leap Descent

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 an

Total climbing: 366m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Pulpit Rock Track

3.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

Pulpit Rock Track

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 st

Total climbing: 506m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Cliff Top Track

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Cliff Top Track

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 Lea

Total climbing: 224m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls)

1.4 km Return, 1 Hr

Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls)

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 ca

Total climbing: 106m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

13.6 km Circuit, 8 hrs

Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

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,

Total climbing: 1068m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Braeside Walk

2.5 km Return, 1 Hr

Braeside Walk

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

Total climbing: 72m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus

Hard track

Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

8.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

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

Total climbing: 375m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen)

18.2 km Circuit, 8 hrs 30 mins

Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen)

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

Total climbing: 1254m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope's Glen Track

15.6 km Circuit, 7 hrs 30 mins

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope's Glen Track

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 c

Total climbing: 913m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Govetts Leap Loop

8.7 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

Govetts Leap Loop

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 vie

Total climbing: 380m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Blackheath to Blue Gum loop

24.1 km Circuit, 2 Days

Blackheath to Blue Gum loop

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 F

Total climbing: 1335m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Collier's Causeway

3.1 km One way, 2 hrs

Collier's Causeway

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

Total climbing: 380m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Train

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Fairfax Heritage Track walk starts at the NPWS Heritage Centre car park (gps: -33.630772, 150.30684)

bus Bus. (get details) car Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

The Fairfax Heritage Track ends at the Govetts Leap Lookout (gps: -33.627973, 150.31134)

bus Bus. (get details) car Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.

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