Fairfax Heritage Circuit Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

2.4 km Circuit

65 m

Very easy

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.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Heritage Centre

Pulpit Rock from George Phillips Lookout

Horseshoe shaped valley from George Phillips lookout

Fairfax Track from Govetts Leap picnic area

Bridal Veil Falls from Govetts Leap Lookout

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]

, a shop with souvenirs[3], toilets[4]

[Toilet Accessible]

and snack food. There is a picnic area[5]

[Picnic Table]

out the back and plenty of general parking.

(0km) NPWS Heritage Centre car park → George Phillips Lookout

1.6 km

27 mins

10m

-50m 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]

. 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]

(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]

(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).
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]

(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]

(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]

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, 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.

(2km) George Phillips Lookout → Govetts Leap Lookout

340 m

7 mins

-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]

, then bends left and leads for 60m across the dirt/gravel[35] car park

[Parking Accessible]

to the large stone shelter[36]

[Picnic Shelter]

[Wheelchair Rough]

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 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]

and picnic shelters[48]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(2km) Govetts Leap Lookout → NPWS Heritage Centre car park

490 m

10 mins

48m

0m Very easy

Turn around: From Govetts Leap Lookout, this walk heads away from the valley, leading up through the car park. The path passes a toilet block on the right of the car park, and heads to the right end of the white concrete bollards which are near numerous track signs.
Continue straight: From Govetts Leap Picnic Area, this walk heads up the hill of the road, away from the lookouts and valley. The walk continues for a short time along the road, passing a few speed bumps, and turns to the right into the NPWS Heritage Centre car park.

Maps for the Fairfax Heritage Circuit 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 Fairfax Heritage Circuit Track bushwalking track

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

Altitude analysis for Fairfax Heritage Circuit 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	2.4 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
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, 2.4km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 2.4km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 2.4km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2.4km 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 Circuit Track walk.

George Phillips Lookout walk

588 m Return, 30 mins

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

Very easy

Fairfax Heritage Track

1.9 km One way, 45 mins

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 shelte

Total climbing: 17m

Very easy

Other Nearby walks

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

Govetts Leap Descent

1.2 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

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

Hard track

Pulpit Rock Track

3.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Cliff Top Track

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

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

Hard track

Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls)

1.4 km Return, 1 Hr

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

Hard track

Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

13.6 km Circuit, 8 hrs

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

Hard track

Braeside Walk

2.5 km Return, 1 Hr

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

Hard track

Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

8.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

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

18.2 km Circuit, 8 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope's Glen Track

15.6 km Circuit, 7 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Govetts Leap Loop

8.7 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

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

Hard track

Blackheath to Blue Gum loop

24.1 km Circuit, 2 Days

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

Hard track

Collier's Causeway

3.1 km One way, 2 hrs

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

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

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

Bus. (get details)

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.

Comments

Download PDF

Open in App

Short URL: http://wild.tl/ftc