Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

8.9 km
circuit

↑ 364 m
↓ -364 m

Hard track
This walk is an excellent way to see some of Blackheath's best views, without the big climbs in and out of the Grose Valley. The round trip from the station shows off Bridal Falls, and other cascades along the cliffs. A large part of this walk is near the cliff edge, with stunning views spanning out across the Grose Valley. 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. 
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McNicol Service Trail. | Photo by admin
Braeside picnic area dam. | Photo by admin
Braeside Walk stepping stones. | Photo by admin
Govetts Leap falls. | Photo by admin
Top of Govetts Leap falls. | Photo by admin
Between Govetts leap and Govetts Leap Brook. | Photo by admin
View from Govetts Leap Lookout. | Photo by admin
Sign posts in Pope's Glen. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Creek. | Photo by admin
Sign at intersection. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track. | Photo by admin
Intersection of Pope's Glen Track and Dell St. | Photo by admin
Downloads GPX PDF

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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.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.6338594,150.2843986)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train
DirectionsFrom Great Western Highway, A32
  • Turn on to then drive for 15 m
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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.
Then cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
Then head down the steps (about 10 m long)
Turn left.
After another 30 m turn right, to head along Great Western Highway.
After another 25 m turn left.
After another 30 m turn right.
After another 30 m pass the picnic table (on your left).
After another 5 m turn right.
After another 15 m pass the picnic table (on your left).
After another 15 m to find the car park.
After another 4 m turn right, to head along Hydora Lane.
After another 140 m (at the intersection of Wentworth Street & Hydora Lane) turn right, to head along Wentworth Street (a residential road).
After another 80 m pass the "Thai Silk" (10 m on your left).
After another 15 m (at the intersection of Govetts Leap Road & Wentworth Street) turn left, to head along Govetts Leap Road (a highway|tertiary).
After another 8 m pass the "Slurps Cafe" (20 m on your right).
After another 40 m pass a seat (8 m on your right).
After another 30 m pass the water tap (9 m on your right).
After another 60 m (at the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Govetts Leap Road) turn right, to head along Clanwilliam Street (a residential road).
After another 90 m pass the "Fumo Blackheath" (20 m on your right).
At the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Nixon Lane continue straight, to head along Clanwilliam Street.
After another 55 m (at the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Leichhardt Street) turn left, to head along Leichhardt Street.
After another 110 m continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street.
After another 150 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Leichhardt Street) continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street.
Jubilee Park (about 15 m back from the start).
After another 160 m pass the playground (65 m on your right).
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 20 m continue straight, to head along Braeside Road.
After another 460 m (at the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Walk) continue straight, to head along Braeside Walk (a walking track).
After another 125 m find the "Braeside Picnic Area" (10 m on your right).
Braeside Picnic Area
Braeside Picnic Area

Braeside Picnic Area, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small picnic area on the southern end of the Braeside walking track. The picnic area has a bench table and stone barbeque. The picnic area is situated next to a small weir and waterfall amongst the ferns.
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Braeside Picnic Area, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small picnic area on the southern end of the Braeside walking track. The picnic area has a bench table and stone barbeque. The picnic area is situated next to a small weir and waterfall amongst the ferns.

After another 530 m continue straight, to head along Braeside Walk.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Barrow Lookout. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 570 m (at the intersection of Cliff Top Track & Braeside Walk) turn left, to head along Cliff Top Track.
After another 20 m cross the stepping stones.
Then head up the earthen steps (about 370 m long)
Then pass a seat (5 m on your left)., has no backrest.
After another 380 m pass the car park (9 m on your left).
After another 10 m find the "Picnic Shelter" (60 m on your left).
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.
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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.

Continue straight.
After another 20 m find the "Govetts Leap Lookout" (6 m on your left).
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.
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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.

Then pass the sign.
After another 4 m continue straight.
After another 10 m pass the water tap (7 m on your left).
After another 15 m find the "Toilet Accessible" (45 m on your left).
Toilet Accessible
Toilet Accessible

Signposted accessible and general use male and female toilets. Access via concrete ramp, however, the top of the ramp is accessed via loose gravel carpark with some steep eroded sections.
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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.

Veer right, to head along Loop Track.
After another 15 m veer left, to head along Loop Track.
After another 30 m pass the sign (on your left).
After another 6 m come to the viewpoint (6 m on your right).
At the intersection of Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track) & Loop Track turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 40 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
After another 45 m pass the toilet (40 m on your left).
Then pass the water tap (45 m on your left).
After another 75 m (Laws Lookout) turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 8 m come to the "Laws Lookout".
After another 8 m come to the "Two Falls Lookout" (15 m on your left).
After another 6 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.
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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".
Then find the "Horseshoe Falls" (55 m on your right).
Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls, Blue Mountains National Park, are sourced by Popes Glen Creek which runs over the cliff into the Grose Valley. The Horseshoe Falls seem to be named after the shape of the valley into which they drop.
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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.

After another 95 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 65 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Hydora Lane) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent.
After another 150 m pass the shelter (85 m on your right).
At the intersection of Great Western Highway & Gardiner Crescent turn left, to head along Great Western Highway (a highway|trunk).
After another 15 m pass the toilet (60 m on your right).

Mo-Fr 05:00-16:00
After another 50 m turn right.
After another 50 m come to a car park.
The end.

An optional side trip to Barrow Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Braeside Walk & Cliff Top Track Start heading along Cliff Top Track (a steps).
Then head down the earthen steps (about 75 m long)
Then pass the "Bridal Veil Falls" (35 m on your left).
Then find the "Govetts Leap (falls)" (45 m on your left).
Govetts Leap (falls)
Govetts Leap (falls)

Govetts Leap, is a waterfall in the Blue Mountains National Park. The fall is fed by Govetts Leap Brook which runs over the cliff into the Grose Valley. The falls are best viewed from Govetts Leap and Barrow Lookouts. Leap is a scots dialect word for cataract or waterfall.
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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.

After another 50 m come to "Barrow Lookout".
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.
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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.

A seat., has a backrest.
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 90 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Boyd Beach.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 50 m come to the end.
"Boyd Beach".
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.
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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.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 50 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 8.9 km
Time 3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Shelter: There is one 8.9 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 3 km apart with the largest gap of 4.9 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 2.3 km apart with the largest gap of 4.5 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
460 m[seat]
Seat
4.1 km + 95 m[seat]
Seat
4.4 km[seat]
Toilet
4.9 km[toilet]
Toilet
8.8 km[toilet]
Shelter
8.9 km[shelter]
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