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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/gplw

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂

Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls)

And Walk

Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls)

Download & Print Map and Notes

Govetts Leap Lookout

[Toilet Accessible]

and picnic shelters[5]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(0km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Braeside Walk North

620 m
15 mins
17m
-82m

Hard track

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.

(0.62km) 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.

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 Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil 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.

Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil 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	1.4 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		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

This whole walk, 700m is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 620m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 80m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 620m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 80m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 700m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 700m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 700m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls) walk starts and ends at the Govetts Leap Lookout (gps: -33.627964, 150.31135)
Your transport options to Govetts Leap Lookout 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-glf
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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/glf

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Asgard Kiln and Mine

And Walk

Asgard Kiln and Mine

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Int. Victoria Falls Rd and Asgard Swamp Trail East → Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Pyramid Rock camping Trk

2 km
39 mins
22m
-129m

Moderate track

From the car park with the ‘Asgard Swamp 3km’ sign, this walk passes the closed gate and heads down the hill. After a short distance, the track tends left, more steeply down the hill, to then follow the spur for approximately 500m. The walk then comes to a creek crossing in a swampy area, after which the trail heads up the hill and tends right, continuing for a few hundred metres to an area between two rock outcrops, the larger one on the right.

(2.02km) Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Pyramid Rock camping Trk → Pyramid Rock camping area

80 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the larger rock outcrop, down the hill for approximately 50m to the small pyramid-shaped rock outcrop. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left .

Pyramid Shaped Rock

The pyramid-shaped rock, Blue Mountains NP, is, as the name suggests, a rock shaped like a pyramid. This rock is situated just south of Asgard Swamp, next to the service trail. The campsite has a well-established fireplace and nicely cleared area for tents. The pyramid shaped rock adds some character to the campsite, providing views over the swamp.

(2.02km) Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Pyramid Rock camping Trk → Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Asgard Mine Trk

500 m
8 mins
3m
-14m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk keeps the large rocky outcrop on the right, as the trail follows near to its base. The track leads up a slight hill and onto a small rise, at the top of which is . (If the track starts to slowly drop past this ridge on the left, you have gone too far.)
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk continues down an increasingly thin and more overgrown service trail, keeping the large rocky outcrop on the right, away from the track. The track continues to a signposted intersection.

(2.52km) Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Asgard Mine Trk → Asgard Mine

250 m
6 mins
4m
-44m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign ‘Asgard Swamp Coal Mine’ downhill towards the cliffs (which are across the valley). The track winds down the hill for approximately 100m to a small creek, then turns left to meet a more defined creek with a bridge. This walk crosses the small bridge and turns right, heading down the hill to where the track meets a small waterfall. This intersection is just up the gully from an overhang, on the left of the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses the creek and follows the cliffline for approximately 10m. The track then zigzags down the hill to come back on itself while leading down the hill. From the last step, the track ducks under a log to the mine entrance in the cliff, on the left.

Asgard Mine

Asgard mine is the entrance to an old coal mine. The mine and kiln are the only heritage links to such industrial efforts of the 1860’s to 1920’s, in New South Wales. The mine’s entrance is approximately 1.6m tall and wide and expands some 30m into the hill, so pack a torch if peering in. (The integrity of the mine is unknown.) More info.

(2.77km) Asgard Mine → Asgard Kiln

30 m
1 mins
0m
-5m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the mine, this walk continues along the cliffline, keeping the cliffs to the left of the track. The walk crosses the creek to the north and contours around the base of the cliffs for approximately 20m to the overgrown kiln.

Asgard Kiln

Asgard kiln is an old coke oven which was used in the processing of the coal. The oven looks as though it has never been used, with a clean set of bricks inside and sandstone blocks on the outside. The oven is overgrown, although the entrance is still clear. More info.

Maps for the Asgard Kiln and Mine 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 Asgard Kiln and Mine bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Asgard Kiln and Mine

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	5.6 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		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 2.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 280m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 2.7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 130m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 2.5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 250m has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 2.5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 280m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 130m has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Asgard Kiln and Mine walk starts and ends at the Int. Victoria Falls Rd and Asgard Swamp Trail East (gps: -33.567982, 150.28456)
Your main transport option to Int. Victoria Falls Rd and Asgard Swamp Trail East 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-akam
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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/akam

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope’s Glen Track

And Walk

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope’s Glen Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

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.

(0km) Blackheath Station → Int. Boreas St and Braeside St

1.5 km
26 mins
19m
-37m

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.

(1.48km) Int. Boreas St and Braeside St → Neates Glen car park

3.3 km
1 hr 2 mins
63m
-102m

Moderate track

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.
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 → Neates Glen car park sign

640 m
18 mins
13m
-151m

Moderate track

Veer right: From Neates Glen car park, this walk heads down the stairs following the ‘Grand Canyon Track’ signs. The track zigzags many times down the hillside, with the surrounding vegetation becoming more like a rainforest, before the track comes to a railing. From this railing, the track winds down more stairs to a second railing that crosses over a creek. The track continues to wind down the right side (with creek on the left) of the canyon. The track follows the creek down past a few mossy overhangs of rock to cross a boardwalk bridge before the canyon opens up. The canyon opens onto a densely vegetated area which leads the track to a creek crossing and a sign pointing back up to ‘Neates Glen carpark ‘.

Neates Glen

Neates Glen, Blue Mountains NP, is a deep little valley with a creek running through it. Neates Glen is part of the Grand Canyon Track and offers a nice sample of rainforest before entering the Grand Canyon itself.

(5.41km) Neates Glen car park sign → Rotunda

540 m
14 mins
31m
-53m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the sign, this walk heads away from the creek and car park, following a short section of a rock shelf to round the corner of the hill. The track contours around the hill for a little while passing under a few rock overhangs, before winding steeply down the hill into the canyon. The track heads down the cliffs by stairs to a signposted intersection in front of a sandy rock overhang, the Rotunda.

Rotunda

The Rotunda, Blue Mountains NP, is an area on Greaves Creek where the cliff has been carved out to form an overhang, over a sand beach within the Grand Canyon. The Rotunda is a great area for a rest and a snack, especially on a hot day.

(5.96km) Rotunda → Int. Grand Canyon and Rodriguez Pass Tracks

1.6 km
45 mins
116m
-192m

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Evans Lookout’, winding around the side of the canyon under the rock overhangs. The track soon passes through a small rockfall tunnel, and then passes behind a waterfall to continue around the railed canyon track for approximately 500m, coming to a railing bridge in front of another waterfall.
Continue straight: From the waterfall, this walk continues to contour around the canyon wall, keeping it on the right of the track. The track does so for quite some time before winding down deeper into the canyon after rounding a hill. The track winds down to a signposted intersection. From here, the track crosses the creek a few times before turning left at a rock overhang then crossing the creek again. The track quickly winds through the creek before passing over a bridge and continuing down the canyon. After approximately 200m, the track winds past a pool in the creek to then come to a signposted rock in a creek.

(7.54km) Int. Grand Canyon and Rodriguez Pass Tracks → Evans Lookout

1.1 km
38 mins
198m
-20m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk crosses the creek to another sign, pointing up the stairs to Evans Lookout. The walk climbs these stairs, up through the gap in the cliffs. The walk heads up the gully on stone cut steps which are soon met by a railing for a short while, and then up a set of wooden steps to the intersection with several signs.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Evans Lookout’ arrow[1] up the hill, weaving around boulders. The track then tends left before climbing up the stairs, through a pass in the rock, to Evans 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.

(8.64km) Evans Lookout → Cliff Top Service Trk

1.7 km
41 mins
122m
-86m

Moderate track

Turn sharp left: From the lookout, this walk heads up the hill towards a stone shelter. The track continues past the stone shelter and away from the cliff line, to soon arrive at the car park.
Continue straight: From the information sign, the walk heads around Evans Lookout car park to the toilets at the opposite end (away from the cliffs).
Turn right: From the car park, this walk heads past the toilets, away from the road and car park. The track descends the hill for approximately 100m to a flat area of approximately 60m. The track then becomes boardwalk for 30m, across a bridge in ‘Haywards Gully’. The track continues to undulate around the hillside for approximately 500m, then drops into a gully and climbs out again. The track tends left, out of the gully, to a bench seat on the left, the intersection. If the track begins to descend after the bench seat, you have gone too far.

Hayward Gully

Hayward Gully, Blue Mountains National Park, is named after the first white man, William Hayward, to reach the floor of Govetts Gorge, in 1847. The area is a small gully along the Cliff Top Walk between Evans Lookout and Barrows Lookout. The gully is a quiet place, with a bench seat to enjoy the flora and fauna, and views through the trees into the Grose Valley.

(10.36km) Cliff Top Service Trk → Barrow Lookout

510 m
16 mins
3m
-79m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the bench seat, this walk heads down along the cliff top with the valley below on the right. The track descends some stairs for approximately 200m to flatten out for 100m or so before descending some more stairs, to ‘Barrow Lookout’.

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)

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.

(10.87km) Barrow Lookout → Govetts Leap Lookout

700 m
17 mins
84m
-22m

Hard track

Continue straight: From Barrow Lookout, this walk heads down the stairs towards Bridal Veil Falls and the creek in the valley. The walk soon comes to a signposted intersection, above cement stepping stones in the creek.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to ‘Govetts Leap Lookout’ down to the creek and across the cement steppingstones. The track then zigzags up to the top of the hill via stairs. From here, the walk continues down the hill for approximately 400m, keeping the valley to the right, coming to ‘Govetts Leap’ lookout.

Govetts Leap Lookout

[Toilet Accessible]

and picnic shelters[6]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(11.57km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Horseshoe Falls Lookout

340 m
11 mins
23m
-62m

Hard track

Continue straight: 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.

(11.91km) 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.

(12.35km) 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.

(12.35km) 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.

(14.47km) 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 Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope’s Glen 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
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 Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope’s Glen Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope’s Glen 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	15.6 km
		Time	7 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	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		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

7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4km is very steep. Whilst another 2.8km is flat with no steps and the remaining 2.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3.2km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 2.4km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1.3km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 4.3km is clearly signposted. The remaining (3.2km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 12km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.4km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 15km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 850m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

8km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 4.9km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (2.8km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope’s Glen Track walk starts and ends at the Blackheath Station (gps: -33.633876, 150.2844)
Your transport options to Blackheath Station are by;

Train. (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-gcctapgt
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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/gcctapgt

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Fort Rock

And Walk

Fort Rock

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.

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.

(0.8km) Fort Rock → Cliff West of Fort Rock

210 m
5 mins
0m
-46m

Experienced only

Veer left: From the clearing below Fort Rock, this walk heads towards the views of the valley. The track continues through the heath for approximately 100m along the most worn of the tracks to the rocky outcrop on the edge of the cliff. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp left.

Maps for the Fort 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.

Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Fort Rock bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Fort 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	1.6 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
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

This whole walk, 800m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 800m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 800m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 800m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 800m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 800m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Fort Rock walk starts and ends 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)

Fire Danger

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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Evans Lookout, Horse Track to Beauchamp Falls

And Walk

Evans Lookout, Horse Track to Beauchamp Falls

Download & Print Map and Notes

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.* 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.

(0km) Evans Lookout car park → Evans Lookout

80 m
3 mins
0m
-20m

Moderate track

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

(0.08km) Evans Lookout → Horse Saddle Int.

590 m
21 mins
22m
-103m

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 left: From the intersection, the walk heads past the ‘No Through Track’ sign, following the track as it works its way down the hill. The track winds down the left of the spur to come to the bottom of a small saddle.

(0.68km) Horse Saddle Int. → Horse Saddle Lookout

20 m
0m
-3m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk leads east over a rocky surface and up the short rise for a short distance. This faint track then comes to the unfenced cliff edge with amazing views over the Grose Valley. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(0.68km) Horse Saddle Int. → Int. Horse and Grose River Tracks

1.8 km
55 mins
20m
-513m

Very experienced only

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk goes down and across the hillside to a gate[1]. The track quickly and steeply winds down the hill through many switchbacks, becoming less overgrown while following orange tape on tree branches. As the track descends, it winds onto less-steep hillside, passing a flat clearing with a fireplace. The track contours for a short while before winding down a terraced spur, then continues into grassy areas, broken by small creeks. The orange tape guiding the track disappears in a section of many small creeks and spurs. The track follows any of these spurs down for approximately 300m onto the the creek intersection with the Grose River track, just before Govetts Creek.

(2.48km) Int. Horse and Grose River Tracks → Govetts and Greaves Flats

590 m
12 mins
26m
-11m

Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk leads upstream, keeping the creek below on the left. The track winds and undulates above the creek, on the left, for approximately 600m to pass a few camp areas on the right. The walk continues along the creek flat for approximately 100m to a camp area on the left, before the stairs on the right.

(3.07km) Govetts and Greaves Flats → Waterfalls

1.3 km
36 mins
160m
-10m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, to the right of the camping area. The track contours with the hill, before dropping into a few creek beds and passing a small clearing next to the creek. The creek is crossed on the far side of the clearing to where it turns right, up the hill. From the creek, the track continues up the hill, passing a large mossy boulder with an arrow pointing up the stairs. The walk continues winding up the gully of the creek for approximately 300m to a set of waterfalls. The track winds around the left of the falls to work its way up to another large mossy boulder. From here the track continues on to a boulder with a large plank underneath it, set up as a seat. The track heads up the valley from here, following the white arrows and blue track markers to a larger set of falls, with metal pins bent over in the rock bed. The track crosses to the other side to be underneath a set of stairs.

(4.36km) Waterfalls → Beauchamp Falls

500 m
22 mins
149m
0m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the creek crossing, this walk turns left to steeply climb the stairs up the hillside, keeping the creek below on the left. The track meets a railing and winds up the gully wall, to a small overhang of exposed sandstone roofs which litters the ground with small sandstone blocks. Winding up the hillside, the track continues steeply in parts to an area where the track winds through some boulders. The track then winds around and through the boulders 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.

(4.86km) Beauchamp Falls → Evans Lookout car park

1.6 km
57 mins
318m
-32m

Hard track

Continue straight: From Beauchamp Falls, the walk heads up the hillside with the falls below on the left, then passes around some boulders. The track winds back on itself a number of times to come closer to the cliff line. The walk continues into a pass, with white arrows painted on boulders indicating the tracks direction between, under and around larger boulders. This continues for approximately 200m, then the walk crosses a creek. From the other side of the creek, the track winds up the canyon with the creek on the right-hand side of the track, to a signposted rock in the middle of a creek.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the creek to another sign, pointing up the stairs to Evans Lookout. The walk climbs these stairs, up through the gap in the cliffs. The walk heads up the gully on stone cut steps which are soon met by a railing for a short while, and then up a set of wooden steps to the intersection with several signs.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the ‘Evans Lookout’ arrow[2] up the hill, weaving around boulders. The track then tends left before climbing up the stairs, through a pass in the rock, to Evans Lookout.
Turn sharp left: From the lookout, this walk heads up the hill towards a stone shelter. The track continues past the stone shelter and away from the cliff line, to soon arrive at the car park.

Maps for the Evans Lookout, Horse Track to Beauchamp 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.

Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Evans Lookout, Horse Track to Beauchamp Falls bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Evans Lookout, Horse Track to Beauchamp 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	6.4 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
Grade 6/6 Very experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep and difficult scrambles (5/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		Signs	No directional signs (5/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	No facilities provided (5/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

4.4km of this walk is very steep and another 1.8km is very steep with difficult rock scrambles. The remaining (160m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

4.4km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 1.8km follows a rough unclear track. The remaining (160m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

4.4km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 1.8km Has no directional signs. The remaining (160m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

3.6km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 1.8km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (1km) requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 4.6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.8km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

3.6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 1.8km has no facilities provided. Whilst another 880m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and the remaining 160m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Evans Lookout, Horse Track to Beauchamp Falls walk starts and ends at the Evans Lookout car park (gps: -33.646554, 150.3254)
Your main transport option to Evans 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-elhttbf
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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/elhttbf

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Lockeys Pylon to Blackheath Station

And Walk

Lockey Pylon to Blackheath Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

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) Lockley car park → Mt Stead Trk

1.8 km
42 mins
113m
-67m

Hard track

From the car park, this walk heads past the sign for ‘Lockley Pylon Track’ and another sign with a map on it. The track leads up a slight hill to tend right, along the edge of a spur. The track slowly climbs to the southern pinnacle (rocky outcrop) and then continues approximately 100m to the intersection below the middle pinnacle.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk keeps the Pinnacles above to the right of the track, passing the most northern Pinnacle before coming to an intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill away from the Pinnacles. The track then descends a further 100m into a sandy and flat saddle, until the track rises out up the next hill. The track ascends the hill to gently undulate across the plateau, through the trees. The track then opens out onto a clearing where it continues up the hill for approximately 200m to the intersection on the next rise. The intersection is marked by a rocky outcrop to the left of the track.

(1.83km) Mt Stead Trk → Lockley Pylon

1.5 km
35 mins
78m
-72m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Mt Stead, this walk heads towards the surrounding valleys, leaving the rock feature behind on the left of the track. The track enters the tree line on the other side of the knoll and meanders through the trees for approximately 400m to open out onto a clearing. The track heads down through the clearing to pass to the right of two knolls. The track crosses the saddle and heads up the stairs on Lockley Pylon to a sign marked intersection.
Veer left: 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.

(3.36km) Lockley Pylon → Int. Du Faur Head Trk and Lockley Pylon N Tk

90 m
4 mins
0m
-24m

Moderate 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.

(3.45km) Int. Du Faur Head Trk and Lockleys Pylon N Tk → Int. Du Faur Track and Lockleys Pylon Trks

140 m
4 mins
3m
-20m

Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, the walk goes up the stairs, towards the large grassy knoll, keeping the valley to the right, and soon arrives at an intersection signposted ‘Lockleys Pylon’.

(3.6km) Int. Du Faur Track and Lockleys Pylon Trks → Int. Lockleys Pylon and Du Faur Head Tracks

520 m
18 mins
8m
-95m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk goes down the stairs to a creek, leaving Lockleys Pylon behind on the left. The track crosses a creek and meanders across a saddle and past a void in the rock before traversing several rocky knolls. The track then drops down a rock step and very soon comes to an intersection in a rocky saddle (marked with white paint).

(4.11km) Int. Lockleys Pylon and Du Faur Head Tracks → Du Faur Head

90 m
2 mins
1m
-19m

Hard track

Turn right: 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 right.

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.

(4.11km) Int. Lockleys Pylon and Du Faur Head Tracks → Blue Gum Forest intersection

1.8 km
1 hr 15 mins
0m
-484m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk drops between a break in the rock, descending steeply left down the cliff line, keeping the cliffs on the left of the track. From the bottom of the cliffs, the track tends right, down the hill for a short time, then steeply descends a spurline down into the valley. After some time, the track comes to a fallen log and turns right to climb down off the spur. The track meanders from the hill across the grassy and ferny vegetation of the creek flat, then crosses Govetts Creek. There is a fallen log upstream which many walkers have used to cross the creek. The track then winds through more grass on the creek flat before coming to a signposted 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.

(5.88km) Blue Gum Forest intersection → Acacia Flats Camping Ground

610 m
10 mins
4m
-4m

Moderate track

Turn left: 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.

(6.49km) 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.

(9.46km) 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)

(11.82km) 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[5]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(12.42km) 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

(12.76km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk

440 m
11 mins
31m
-41m

Moderate track

(13.2km) 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.

(13.2km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St

2.1 km
49 mins
145m
-48m

Moderate track

(15.32km) Int. Pope’s Glen Trk and Dell St → Blackheath Station

1.2 km
26 mins
65m
-27m

Moderate track

Maps for the Lockey Pylon 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 Lockey Pylon to Blackheath Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Lockey Pylon to Blackheath Station

Daily actual walking time estimates

Day	Walking Time	Length
1	3 hrs 10 mins	6.6 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	16.5 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

12km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.1km is very steep. Whilst another 970m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 830m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

11km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 1.2km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 75m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

14km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (660m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 12km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.6km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 16km 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 2.4km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (1.4km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Lockey Pylon to Blackheath Station walk starts 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)

The Lockey Pylon 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-lptbs
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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/lptbs

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Fairfax Track

And Walk

Fairfax Heritage Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

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 → Woodland Retreat

810 m
14 mins
4m
-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]

. 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).

(0.81km) Woodland Retreat → George Phillips Lookout

740 m
13 mins
6m
-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]

(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

[Picnic Shelter]

just behind the lookout.

(1.55km) George Phillips Lookout → Govetts Leap Lookout

340 m
7 mins
7m
-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

[Toilet Accessible]

and picnic shelters[48]

[Picnic Shelter]

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.

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 Track bushwalking track

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

Accessibility summary information for the Fairfax Heritage Track

Parking: There are 2 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.
They are 1770m apart.

Toilets: There are 2 designated accessible toilets on this walk.
They are 1840m apart.

Seats: There are 8 places to sit on this walk.
They are on average 260m apart, with a maximum gap of 440m.

Hazards: There are 2 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.
Trip Hazard A 5 to 10cm step between carpark and track. Access is between bollards that are 110cm apart. Found about 1760m into the 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 1790m into the walk.

Accessibility Details

1 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.
This is found 0m into this walk at -33.630604,150.306692
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 0m into this walk

2 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.
This is found 0m into this walk at -33.630895,150.306882
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 0m into this walk

3 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.
This is found 20m into this walk at -33.630456,150.306837
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 20m into this walk

4 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.
This is found 210m into this walk at -33.62922303727,150.30688941479
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 210m into this walk

5 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.
This is found 460m into this walk at -33.629076755241,150.30780807138
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 460m into this walk

6 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.
This is found 790m into this walk at -33.627628,150.309008
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 790m into this walk

7 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.
This is found 960m into this walk at -33.626377,150.308468
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 960m into this walk

8 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.
This is found 1080m into this walk at -33.626569,150.307282
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 1080m into this walk

9 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 1520m into this walk at -33.626508404352,150.31098246574
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 1520m into this walk

10 Trip Hazard

A 5 to 10cm step between carpark and track. Access is between bollards that are 110cm apart.
This is found 1760m into this walk at -33.628232557919,150.31033068895
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 1760m into this walk

11 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.
This is found 1770m into this walk at -33.628252657951,150.310523808
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 1770m into this walk

12 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 1790m into this walk at -33.62833,150.310745
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 1790m into this walk

13 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 1810m into this walk at -33.628293,150.310933
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 1810m into this walk

14 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 1840m into this walk at -33.628074,150.31099
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 1840m 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	1.9 km
		Time	45 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, 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).

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)
Your transport options to NPWS Heritage Centre car park are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Fairfax Heritage Track ends at the Govetts Leap Lookout (gps: -33.627973, 150.31134)
Your transport options to Govetts Leap Lookout 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-nwn
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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/nwn

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Thor Head

And Walk

Thor Head

Download & Print Map and Notes

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.* 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.

(0km) Int. Victoria Falls Rd and Asgard Swamp Trail East → Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Pyramid Rock camping Trk

2 km
39 mins
22m
-129m

Moderate track

Pyramid Shaped Rock

(2.02km) Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Pyramid Rock camping Trk → Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Thor Head Trk

250 m
4 mins
1m
-4m

Hard track

(2.28km) Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Thor Head Trk → Asgard Kiln

520 m
11 mins
6m
-59m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk continues down an increasingly thin and more overgrown service trail, keeping the large rocky outcrop on the right, away from the track. The track continues to a signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign ‘Asgard Swamp Coal Mine’ downhill towards the cliffs (which are across the valley). The track winds down the hill for approximately 100m to a small creek, then turns left to meet a more defined creek with a bridge. This walk crosses the small bridge and turns right, heading down the hill to where the track meets a small waterfall. This intersection is just up the gully from an overhang, on the left of the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses the creek and follows the cliffline for approximately 10m. The track then zigzags down the hill to come back on itself while leading down the hill. From the last step, the track ducks under a log to the mine entrance in the cliff, on the left.
Continue straight: From the mine, this walk continues along the cliffline, keeping the cliffs to the left of the track. The walk crosses the creek to the north and contours around the base of the cliffs for approximately 20m to the overgrown kiln. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Asgard Mine

(2.28km) Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Thor Head Track → Thor Head

940 m
25 mins
77m
-72m

Very experienced only

Veer left: From the management trail, this walk heads north-east, following the high point of the ridge. The track continues along the ridgeline for approximately 500m before coming to a rockshelf on the cliffline. The track then meanders close to the cliffline for some time, traversing a few rocky knolls before going down the hill to Thor Head. Some people choose to walk down to Thor Head and climb it.

Thor Head

Thor Head, Blue Mountains NP, is a small monolith of rock separated from the hill side. The climb onto it takes some nerve and skill, however the rocky outcrop to the south gives views over the Grose Valley that are just as good, without the climb.

Maps for the Thor Head 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 Thor Head bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Thor Head

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	6.4 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 6/6 Very experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep and difficult scrambles (5/6)
		Quality of track	Off track (no visible track at times) (6/6)
		Signs	No directional signs (5/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	No facilities provided (5/6)

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 gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 940m is very steep with difficult rock scrambles.

Quality of track

Around 2.3km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 940m follows a known route where there is no visible track.

Signs

2km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 940m Has no directional signs. The remaining (250m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 2.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 940m requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2.3km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 940m has no facilities provided.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Thor Head walk starts and ends at the Int. Victoria Falls Rd and Asgard Swamp Trail East (gps: -33.567982, 150.28456)
Your main transport option to Int. Victoria Falls Rd and Asgard Swamp Trail East 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-th
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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Pierces Pass to Blackheath Station

And Walk

Pierces Pass to Blackheath Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

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.* 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.

Pierces Pass

Pierces Pass, Blue Mountains NP, is a passage through the cliffs from the Bells Line of Road. The pass is popular with rock climbers, who use it as an access track to the cliffs.

(0km) Pierces Pass car park → Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks

2.1 km
1 hr 23 mins
22m
-496m

Hard track

From the car park, this walk heads down the hill tending right, to follow the creek. The track then follows the line of the creek, which drops away quickly before the track winds under a rocky outcrop. The track then winds to pass a tree which ends with a large step at the roots of the upturned tree, marking the intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, with the creek below on the right. The track becomes lighter as the rainforest vegetation gives way, and the track leads away from the cliff lines of Pierces Pass. The track then descends across the hillside for approximately 400m to tend right onto a narrowing spur line. The track is quite steep in places as it makes its way down to the creek flats. From where the track meets the creek flats, the walk then leads through the low vegetation to the creek. The track crosses the creek to head downstream for approximately 20m, then climbs off the creek flats and coming to an intersection with signposts pointing to ‘Burra Korain, Victoria Falls’ and ‘Acacia Flats’.

(2.12km) Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks → Blue Gum Forest intersection

4.9 km
1 hr 34 mins
110m
-184m

Experienced only

Turn left: 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

(7.02km) 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

(7.62km) Acacia Flats Camping Ground → Junction Rock

3 km
1 hr 2 mins
130m
-80m

Moderate track

Junction Rock

(10.6km) Junction Rock → Bottom of Govetts Leap falls

2.4 km
1 hr 15 mins
390m
-22m

Moderate track

Govetts Leap (falls)

(12.95km) 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.

(13.56km) 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

(13.9km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk

440 m
11 mins
31m
-41m

Moderate track

(14.34km) 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.

(14.34km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St

2.1 km
49 mins
145m
-48m

Moderate track

(16.45km) Int. Pope’s Glen Trk and Dell St → Blackheath Station

1.2 km
26 mins
65m
-27m

Moderate track

Maps for the Pierces Pass 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 Pierces Pass to Blackheath Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Pierces Pass 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.

		Length	17.6 km
		Time	9 hrs
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		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

9km of this walk has short steep hills and another 7km is very steep. Whilst another 970m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 830m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

10km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.9km follows a rough unclear track. Whilst another 1.8km 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

Around 11km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 7km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 13km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.5km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 18km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

9km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 7km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (1.8km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Pierces Pass to Blackheath Station walk starts at the Pierces Pass car park (gps: -33.570115, 150.33863)
Your main transport option to Pierces Pass car park is by;

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Pierces Pass 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-pptbs
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

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/pptbs

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

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

Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls)

Govetts Leap Lookout

(0km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Braeside Walk North

Hard track

(0.62km) Braeside Walk North → Barrow Lookout

Hard track

Barrow Lookout

Maps for the Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls) walk

Cross sectional view of the Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls)

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

Asgard Kiln and Mine

(0km) Int. Victoria Falls Rd and Asgard Swamp Trail East → Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Pyramid Rock camping Trk

Moderate track

(2.02km) Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Pyramid Rock camping Trk → Pyramid Rock camping area

Moderate track

Pyramid Shaped Rock

(2.02km) Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Pyramid Rock camping Trk → Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Asgard Mine Trk

Hard track

(2.52km) Int. Asgard Swamp Trail and Asgard Mine Trk → Asgard Mine

Hard track

Asgard Mine

(2.77km) Asgard Mine → Asgard Kiln

Moderate track

Asgard Kiln

Maps for the Asgard Kiln and Mine walk

Cross sectional view of the Asgard Kiln and Mine bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Asgard Kiln and Mine

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