Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station

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Time 2 Days
One way 22.2 km One way
Climb 1561 m
Grade 5 Experienced only
Train Bus Car
no_pets
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

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

distance 100 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -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
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.

(0km) Victoria Falls Lookout → Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks

distance 1.4 km time 41 mins climb 24m descent -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.

(1km) Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Victoria Falls

distance 50 m time 2 mins climb 13m descent 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
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.

(1km) Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Burra Korain Flat Camping Area

distance 1.3 km time 29 mins climb 22m descent -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
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.

(3km) Burra Korain Flat Camping Area → Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks

distance 3.9 km time 1 hr 50 mins climb 312m descent -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.

(7km) Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks → Blue Gum Forest intersection

distance 4.9 km time 1 hr 34 mins climb 110m descent -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 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.

(12km) Blue Gum Forest intersection → Acacia Flats Camping Ground

distance 610 m time 10 mins climb 4m descent -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
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.

(12km) Acacia Flats Camping Ground → Junction Rock

distance 3 km time 1 hr 2 mins climb 130m descent -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
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.

(15km) Junction Rock → Bottom of Govetts Leap falls

distance 2.4 km time 1 hr 15 mins climb 390m descent -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 (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.

(18km) Bottom of Govetts Leap falls → Govetts Leap Lookout

distance 610 m time 42 mins climb 305m descent -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

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[4], there are also toilets[5]and picnic shelters[6]nearby.

(18km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Horseshoe Falls Lookout

distance 340 m time 11 mins climb 23m descent -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
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
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.

(19km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk

distance 440 m time 11 mins climb 31m descent -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.

(19km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Boyd Beach

distance 40 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -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
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.

(19km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St

distance 2.1 km time 49 mins climb 145m descent -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.

(21km) Int. Pope's Glen Trk and Dell St → Blackheath Station

distance 1.2 km time 26 mins climb 65m descent -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.

Katoomba1:25 000 Map Series89301S KATOOMBANSW-89301S
Mount Wilson1:25 000 Map Series89301N MOUNT WILSONNSW-89301N
Katoomba1:100 000 Map Series8930 KATOOMBA8930

Cross sectional view of the Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station

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

Altitude analysis for Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station

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.

Length22.2 km
Time2 Days
.




Grade 5/6



Experienced only
AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackRough unclear track (5/6)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureLimited 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).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station walk.

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)

The Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station ends at the Blackheath Station (gps: -33.633876, 150.28440)

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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