Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen)
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

8 h 3 min to 8 h 30 min

19.1 km
circuit

↑ 1492 m
↓ -1492 m

Hard track
This circuit starts in Blackheath and heads down into the Grand Canyon and Rodriguez Pass. The track goes through a wide variety of ecosystems and changing views along the way. An interesting part of this walk is the change in mood of the cliffs that surround the Grose Valley as the light conditions change throughout the day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
Show all
Waterfall long McNicol St service trail. | Photo by admin
McNicol Service Trail. | Photo by admin
Grand Canyon Loop from Neates Glen car park. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Grand Canyon cave section. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Tree fern in Grand Canyon. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Railed Bridge infront of waterfall. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Grand Canyon floor. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Railed boulder on Rodriguez Pass. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Cliffs from the dark valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Waterfalls on Rodriguez Pass Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track south of Junction Rock. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Pool just south of Junction Rock. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track up Govetts Ck. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Cliff from the Grose Valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track down to Govetts Leap falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from Govetts Leap Lookout. | Photo by admin
Cliff Top Track stairs. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track marker. | Photo by admin
Sign marking an end of Pope's Glen Trk. | Photo by admin
Downloads GPX PDF

+
-
Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
+
-
Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.6339524,150.284572)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train
DirectionsFrom Great Western Highway, A32
  • Turn on to Camp Street then drive for 70 m
  • Turn slight right onto Camp Street and drive for another 440 m
  • Turn slight left onto Camp Street and drive for another 440 m
  • Turn left onto Albion Street and drive for another 270 m
  • Turn right onto Great Western Highway, A32 and drive for another 10.1 km
+
-
Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
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.
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.
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.
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.
From the intersection, this walk heads down the management track, to the signposted intersection after a parking area on the left.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 30 m turn right, to head along Great Western Highway.
After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Great Western Highway.
After another 225 m pass the "Blackheath General Store" (20 m on your left).

Fr-Tu 07:30-16:00
At the intersection of Great Western Highway & Bundarra Street turn left, to head along Govetts Leap Road (a highway|tertiary).
After another 65 m pass the "Wattle Cafe" (15 m on your left).
After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Road.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Govetts Leap Road & Wentworth Street) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Road.
After another 95 m pass the "Hownslow" (25 m on your right).
After another 20 m pass a seat (20 m on your left).
After another 20 m pass the water tap (10 m on your left).
After another 4 m (at the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Govetts Leap Road) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Road.
After another 115 m (at the intersection of Govetts Leap Road & Gardiner Crescent) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Road.
After another 195 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Govetts Leap Road) turn right, to head along Prince Edward Street (a residential road).
After another 125 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Leichhardt Street) turn left, to head along Leichhardt Street.
After another 190 m (at the intersection of Leichhardt Street & Pope Lane) continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street.
After another 115 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Leichhardt Street) turn right, to head along Boreas Street.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Brentwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street.
After another 185 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Prince George Street) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street.
After another 170 m (at the intersection of Braeside Street & Arcadia Road) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street.
After another 100 m (at the intersection of Braeside Street & Bell Street) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Street) turn right, to head along Braeside Road (a vehicle track).
After another 600 m continue straight, to head along Braeside Road.
After another 480 m (at the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Walk) veer right, to head along Braeside Road.
After another 530 m veer right, to head along Braeside Road.
After another 820 m (at the intersection of Evans Lookout Road & Braeside Road) turn left, to head along Evans Lookout Road (a highway|tertiary).
After another 280 m (at the intersection of Victoria Road & Evans Lookout Road) continue straight, to head along Evans Lookout Road.
After another 135 m (at the intersection of Evans Lookout Road & Somerset Avenue) continue straight, to head along Evans Lookout Road.
After another 235 m find the "Bush Rock Cafe" (6 m on your left).
Bush Rock Cafe
Bush Rock Cafe

The Bush Rock Cafe(now closed) is approximately 150m towards the highway from the Neates Glen car park. The cafe is open 9am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday, with home-made cakes, ice cream and other delicacies to complement the coffee and tea. The cafe boasts a couch and log fire, to help warm up after a walk. The Bush Rock Cafe is located at 198 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath, or you can call them on (02) 4787 7111.
+
-
The Bush Rock Cafe(now closed) is approximately 150m towards the highway from the Neates Glen car park. The cafe is open 9am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday, with home-made cakes, ice cream and other delicacies to complement the coffee and tea. The cafe boasts a couch and log fire, to help warm up after a walk. The Bush Rock Cafe is located at 198 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath, or you can call them on (02) 4787 7111.

At the intersection of Grand Canyon Track & Evans Lookout Road turn right, to head along Grand Canyon Track (a walking track).
After another 580 m find the "Neates Glen" (5 m on your right).
Neates Glen
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.
+
-
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.

After another 800 m find the "Rotunda" (15 m on your left).
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.
+
-
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.

After another 105 m come to the waterfall.
After another 1.2 km come to the viewpoint.
After another 180 m (at the intersection of Grand Canyon Track & Old Point Pilcher Track) continue straight, to head along Grand Canyon Track.
After another 360 m (at the intersection of Rodriguez Pass Walking Track & Grand Canyon Track) turn right, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
After another 165 m cross the ford.
After another 345 m find the "Beauchamp Falls" (15 m on your left).
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.
+
-
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.

After another 620 m cross the ford.
After another 840 m cross the ford.
After another 345 m continue straight, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
After another 170 m come to the camp site (15 m on your right).
After another 300 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Rodriguez Pass Walking Track & Horse Track continue straight, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Rodriguez Pass Walking Track & Blue Gum Forest Track) turn left, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Rodriguez Pass Walking Track) veer left, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
After another 50 m find the "Junction Rock" (on your left).
Junction Rock
Junction Rock

Junction Rock, Blue Mountains NP, is a rock situated in the middle of the Govetts Leap Brook and Govetts Creek junction. The rock is signposted, giving directions to Evans Lookout, Neates Glen, Acacia Flats and the Blue Gum Forest. Junction Rock is a great place for lunch and a swim in summer.
+
-
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.

After another 560 m come to the camp site (5 m on your left).
After another 1.2 km cross the ford.
After another 165 m cross the ford.
After another 380 m cross the ford.
After another 95 m (at the intersection of Jungle Circuit & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track).
After another 530 m come to the "Williams Lookout".
After another 30 m come to the "Breakfast Rock Lookout".
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Loop Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) turn sharp left, to head along Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional Side trip to Govets Leap Lookout (picnic area with road access, toilets shelter) To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 100 m (at the intersection of Pulpit Rock Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) veer right, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 40 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
After another 120 m (Laws Lookout) turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 8 m come to the "Laws Lookout".
After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 155 m continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 8 m find the "Horseshoe Falls Lookout" (25 m on your right).
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 Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small fenced lookout. There are views down to Horseshoe Falls and across the Grose Valley.

After another 60 m come to the "Rodriguez Lookout".
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Popes Glen Track & Pulpit Rock Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
After another 305 m continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Boyd Beach. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 15 m turn sharp left, to head along Popes Glen Track.
After another 170 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
After another 380 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
After another 660 m continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
After another 75 m continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
After another 170 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
After another 265 m continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
After another 410 m (at the intersection of Dell Street & Popes Glen Track) veer left, to head along Dell Street (a residential road).
After another 280 m (at the intersection of Gipps Lane & Wills Street) turn right, to head along Gipps Lane.
After another 450 m (at the intersection of Wills Street & Inconstant Street) continue straight, to head along Wills Street.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Wills Street) turn right, to head along Gardiner Crescent.
After another 55 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Wentworth Street) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent.
After another 30 m continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Hydora Lane) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Great Western Highway & Gardiner Crescent) turn left, to head along Great Western Highway (a highway|trunk).
After another 20 m continue straight, to head along Great Western Highway.
After another 45 m turn right.
After another 30 m continue straight.
After another 10 m come to the end.
About 35 m past the end is a car park.

An optional side trip to Boyd Beach.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 55 m find the "Boyd Beach" (on your left).
Boyd Beach
Boyd Beach

Boyd Beach, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small sandy bank on Popes Glen Creek. The beach is a quiet spot with nice ferns and shade. The beach is a short distance from the Popes Glen track.
+
-
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.

The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 55 m to the main route.

An optional Side trip to Govets Leap Lookout (picnic area with road access, toilets shelter)
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Loop Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track) Start heading along Loop Track (a walking track).
After another 8 m veer right, to head along Loop Track.
Find the viewpoint at the start.
Veer left.
After another 6 m pass the sign (on your right).
After another 9 m come to the end.
A water tap.
About 65 m past the end is "Picnic Shelter".
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Shelter

Picnic shelters at the end of Govetts Leap Road. Seats are ~45cm high and benches 75cm high. Most shelters have an entrance ~1.2m wide with, and similar gap between table and wall. The largest shelter has an entrance wider than 4m, bench seating but no tables.
+
-
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.

About 15 m past the end is a sign.
About 20 m past the end is "Govetts Leap Lookout".
Govetts Leap Lookout
Govetts Leap Lookout

Govetts Leap Lookout is named after the first European man to have enjoyed this view, William Govett, as an assistant surveyor in June 1831. Govetts Leap Lookout offers wonderful views over the Grose Valley and the spectacular Bridal Falls. The word `leap` is an old Scottish word meaning waterfall. The lookout is easily accessed from the car park, there are also toilets and picnic shelters nearby.
+
-
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, there are also toilets and picnic shelters nearby.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

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


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 19.1 km
Time 8 h 3 min to 8 h 30 min
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There are 2 on route, on average they are 6.4 km apart with the largest gap of 10.4 km.

Seat: There is one 450 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
450 m[seat]
Camp site
10.4 km[camp site]
Camp site
12.4 km[camp site]
+
-
Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Get more information
Wildwalks
+
-
Reviews & Feedback
Share your experience
+
-
Weather & Alerts
Check forecasts & closures
Show Full Weather
Alerts and Closures
Show all alerts
Show all alerts
Show all alerts
+
-
Other Journeys
Discover nearby and similar journeys
Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.