Blackheath to Blue Gum Loop
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

9 h 57 min to 2 days

26.3 km
circuit

↑ 1449 m
↓ -1449 m

Hard track
This walk is great for fit people getting into overnight walking, with its fantastic scenery and nostalgia as a classic overnighter. The change from being on the plateau, to in the valley is a dramatic one as the track passes through the bush, canyon and rainforest. Staying the night near Blue Gum Forest in Acacia Flats also adds to the experience. With the public transport options, access to this walk is made easier. 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
Service trail McNicol St. | Photo by admin
Grand Canyon Loop from Neates Glen car park. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Canyon Opens up for a while. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Golden Wattle in Grand Canyon. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Grand Canyon floor. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track down Rodriguez Pass. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Waterfalls on Rodriguez Pass Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from Govetts and Greaves Flats. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Looking down the Grose Valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Fungus near Junction Rock. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from the Grose Valley floor. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Grose River track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Acacia Flats Camping Area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Blue Gum in the Forest. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Pulpit Rock from the Grose Valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Arrow signage. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Track past Govetts Leap falls. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Metal staircase. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Sign post on Pope's Glen Creek. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Creek. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track. | Photo by admin
Leaves along Pope's Glen. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track. | 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 (-33.6339524,150.284572)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train
DirectionsFrom Great Western Highway, A32
  • Turn on to then drive for 175 m
  • Turn sharp left onto Station Street and drive for another 10 m
  • Turn right onto Great Western Highway, A32 and drive for another 5.9 km
  • Keep right onto Camp Street and drive for another 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
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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.
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 185 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 370 m (at the intersection of Govetts Leap Road & Lakeview Avenue) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Road.
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Govetts Leap Road) turn right, to head along Boreas Street (a residential road).
After another 120 m (at the intersection of Leichhardt Street & Boreas Street) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street.
After another 215 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 170 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.
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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 continue straight, to head along Evans Lookout Road.
After another 390 m continue straight, to head along Evans Lookout Road.
After another 70 m veer left.
After another 95 m turn left.
After another 40 m continue straight.
After another 90 m turn right.
After another 25 m turn left, to head along Evans Lookout Road.
After another 60 m veer right.
After another 25 m continue straight.
After another 155 m continue straight.
After another 450 m continue straight.
After another 50 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
After another 85 m pass the BBQ (20 m on your right).
Turn right, to head along Grand Canyon Track.
After another 20 m pass the sign (10 m on your right).
After another 55 m continue straight, to head along Grand Canyon Track.
After another 30 m find the "Evans Lookout" (on your left).
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.
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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.

Then pass the shelter (5 m on your right).
Turn right.
After another 15 m turn right, to head along Grand Canyon Track.
After another 35 m come to the "Evans Lookout (Lower)" (15 m on your left).
Then head through/around the gate.
After another 360 m (at the intersection of Grand Canyon Track & Horse Track) turn right, to head along Grand Canyon Track.
After another 590 m head through/around the gate.
After another 40 m cross the stepping stones.
At the intersection of Grand Canyon Track & Rodriguez Pass Walking Track continue straight, 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.
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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 1.2 km cross the ford.
After another 600 m continue straight, to head along Blue Gum Forest Track.
After another 2.9 km pass the toilet (10 m on your left).
After another 180 m pass the toilet (9 m on your right).
After another 65 m come to the "Acacia Flat Campground" (15 m on your left).
This is a free campsite.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Blue Gum Forest intersection. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 440 m (at the intersection of Shortridge Pass & Blue Gum Forest Track) turn around, to head along Blue Gum Forest Track.
After another 165 m pass the sign (9 m on your left).
After another 3.4 km continue straight, to head along Blue Gum Forest Track.
After another 75 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Rodriguez Pass Walking Track continue straight, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
After another 45 m find the "Junction Rock" (15 m 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.
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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 10 m pass the "Trinity Falls" (35 m on your right).
After another 155 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 380 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your right).
After another 150 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).
After another 70 m come to the "Govetts Leap Lookout" (20 m on your left).
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Pulpit Rock Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) veer right, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 20 m pass the sign (10 m on your left).
After another 20 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.
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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.
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 320 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 100 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 35 m come to the end.
About 35 m past the end is a car park.

An optional side trip to Blue Gum Forest intersection.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 95 m find the "Blue Gum Forest" (on your left).
Blue Gum Forest
Blue Gum Forest

Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains NP, is a large stand of Eucalyptus deanei trees on the junction of the Grose River and Govetts Creek. The magnificent trees stand tall on the flats with low vegetation beneath. The trees of Blue Gum Forest represent the protection efforts of Myles Dunphy, who lead a group to raise the 130 pounds required to buy the Blue Gum Forest - quite a sum in 1931 during the depression - and save it from being cleared. The group were successful and the Blue Gum Forest is now protected within the Blue Mountains National Park.
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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.

After another 75 m turn around.
After another 330 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 500 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

Blackheath to Blue Gum Loop


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 26.3 km
Time 9 h 57 min to 2 days
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 Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There are 3 on route, on average they are 6.6 km apart with the largest gap of 9.8 km.

Shelter: There is one 6.3 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 6.6 km apart with the largest gap of 11.4 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]
Toilet
6.2 km[toilet]
Shelter
6.3 km[shelter]
Camp site
9.8 km[camp site]
Toilet
14.7 km[toilet]
Toilet
14.9 km[toilet]
Camp site
15 kmAcacia Flat Campground
Camp site
19.7 km[camp site]
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Articles
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Free Beacon Hire
A Personal Locating Beacon 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 hire 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
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