Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs 30 mins

8.7 km Circuit

375 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.

Between Govetts leap and Govetts Leap Brook

Intersection of Pope's Glen Track and Dell St

(0km) Blackheath Station → Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area

2.9 km

52 mins

24m

-125m 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.
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.

(3km) Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area → Braeside Picnic Area

60 m

1 mins

-8m Moderate track

Veer left: From the signposted intersection, this walk follows the scratched arrow, next to the 'Braeside Walk' sign, down the steps to traverse the stepping stones across the creek. The walk winds left through the ferns, to a picnic table and barbeque above the weir's brick wall, lower down the stream.

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.

(3km) Braeside Picnic Area → Braeside Walk North

1.1 km

20 mins

-52m Hard track

Continue straight: From the Braeside Picnic area, this walk heads down the hill, leaving the weir behind on the left. The walk continues parallel to Govetts Leap Brook, below on the left. Approximately 500m down the brook, the track passes a few large boulders (on the left of the track). The walk continues downstream, passing an overgrown track (which heads underneath power lines to join up with a management trail above on the hill). This track is passed by, as the brook is followed for a short time to a set of stairs. The stairs lead the track to a section of stepping stones which lead downstream. The track then rises out of the brook to continue approximately 100m to the intersection.

(4km) Braeside Walk North → Barrow Lookout

80 m

2 mins

-2m Hard track

Veer right: 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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

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.

(4km) Braeside Walk North → Govetts Leap Lookout

620 m

15 mins

82m

-17m Hard track

Veer left: 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

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[3], there are also toilets[4]

[Toilet Accessible]

and picnic shelters[5]

[Picnic Shelter]

nearby.

(5km) 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.

(5km) 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.

(5km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Boyd Beach

40 m

1 mins

-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.

(5km) 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.

(8km) 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 Braeside, Govetts 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 Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

Altitude analysis for Braeside, Govetts 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	8.7 km
		Time	3 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	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

5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.6km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 730m is very steep and the remaining 390m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

3.5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 1.1km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 4.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 4.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track walk.

Govetts Leap Descent

1.2 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting with spectacular views of Govetts Leap from Govetts Leap Lookout, this walk sweeps down to the base of the falls. The walk down is showered by drips from the moist moss hanging off the cliffs above. A spectacular track with equally awesome views across the Grose Valley, the walk is steep an

Total climbing: 366m

Hard track

Govetts Leap Falls (Bridal Veil Falls)

1.4 km Return, 1 Hr

This walks starts from the spectacular Govetts Leap Lookout and wanders along the cliff tops, before dropping through a creek, to reach the much smaller Barrow lookout, with equally spectacular views. Barrow lookout provides the bonus of clear views of Bridal Veil falls (Govetts Leap brook). You ca

Total climbing: 106m

Hard track

Braeside Walk

2.5 km Return, 1 Hr

The Braeside Walk is an excellent connecting trail to the Cliff Top walk, between Evans and Govetts Lookouts. The track has its own quiet picnic area, which could make a nice spot for lunch along this creekside walk. The track builds up to its climax at Barrows Lookout, overlooking the Grose Valley

Total climbing: 72m

Hard track

Cliff Top Track

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

The Cliff Top Track is a breath-taking walk around the edge of the Grose Valley, between Govetts Leap and Evans lookouts. The many lookouts along this track show off the stunning Grose Valley. The track also showcases Govetts Leap from close up, at Barrows Lookout, and further away, from Govetts Lea

Total climbing: 224m

Hard track

Pulpit Rock Track

3.8 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk takes you from Govetts Leap lookout, around the cliff tops, to Pulpit Rock lookout. The walk passes many lookouts, each giving their own unique perspective of the Grose Valley's dramatic cliff line and waterfalls. The walk down to the lower platform of Pulpit Rock is via a set of steep st

Total climbing: 506m

Hard track

Pulpit Rock, Boyd Beach to Govetts Leap Lookout

4.2 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Cliff Top Track takes in the beautiful scenery east of Blackheath. The track leaves Pulpit Rock car park and drops into many lookouts with views over waterfalls and the Grose Valley. The track heads out to the secluded creek bank of Boyd Beach, and then continues, back along the

Total climbing: 445m

Hard track

Pulpit Rock to Evans Lookout Cliff Top Track

6.6 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

The Cliff Top Track is one of the longer walks near Blackheath, and has constant views. The track follows the rim of the Grose Valley, with a side trip to Boyds Beach, and passes numerous lookouts with views of the Grose Valley and it's waterfalls. This walk is an excellent one way trip from Pulpit

Total climbing: 619m

Hard track

Govetts Leap Loop

8.7 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk, from Blackheath Train Station, is a fantastic way to see some of the iconic areas of the Blue Mountains in the Blackheath area. The walk heads through Pope's Glen to Govetts Leap via a wonderful stroll along the creek, before breaking out to the views of the Grose Valley. The stunning vie

Total climbing: 380m

Hard track

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Braeside Walks

9.3 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

The Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Braeside tracks are an excellent way to see the great diversity of the Blue Mountains National Park in the Blackheath area, from the Neates Glen rain forest, through the void of the Grand Canyon, to the separation of plateau and valley by the Cliff Top walk. The walk

Total climbing: 603m

Hard track

Evans Lookout to Junction Rock

10.7 km Circuit, 6 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Evans Lookout takes a very scenic route down into the valley before returning along the scenic Cliff Top walk. The track takes in a wide variety of vegetation as it changes altitude. Be sure to keep your eyes open for the colourful fungi along the track, and the ferns attached to the c

Total climbing: 955m

Hard track

Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station

12.8 km One way, 2 Days

The walk descends from Perry's Lookdown into the famous Blue Gum Forest. The overnight stay in the nearby Acacia Flats allows time for some exploring in the Grose River and the surrounding areas. After some steady climbing, the walk passes the base of the magnificent Bridal Falls and climbs steeply

Total climbing: 1128m

Hard track

Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

13.6 km Circuit, 8 hrs

This large circuit walk, from Popes Glen to Pulpit Rock, Govetts leap and along the Braeside Track, passes some of the most magnificent scenery in this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. From little, hidden places, like Boyds Beach, to the stunning Bridle Veil Falls and Govetts Leap Lookout,

Total climbing: 1068m

Hard track

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope's Glen Track

15.6 km Circuit, 7 hrs 30 mins

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 c

Total climbing: 913m

Hard track

Lockey Pylon to Blackheath Station

16.5 km One way, 2 Days

This walk starts in the low heath and cliff views of Lockley Pylon. The pylon, and other notable features, can be seen along the track, while the descent down to the Blue Gum Forest provides plenty of photographic opportunities. After camping overnight at Acacia Flats, the walk heads out via Govetts

Total climbing: 1295m

Hard track

Pierces Pass to Blackheath Station

17.6 km One way, 9 hrs

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

Total climbing: 1225m

Experienced only

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

18.2 km Circuit, 8 hrs 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 1254m

Hard track

Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station

22.2 km One way, 2 Days

This is a fantastic overnight walk with a sleep in Acacia Flats camping area. The Grose Valley, with its views of the Grose River and surrounding cliffs, gives a dramatic backdrop during most of this walk. The climbs up and down the valley give an appreciation of the scale of it all. Public transpor

Total climbing: 1561m

Experienced only

Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station

22.5 km One way, 3 Days

This walk explores a fantastic section of the Grose Valley. Starting above Victoria Falls, the walk explores the cascades before dropping into the valley for the first nights rest at Burra Korain campsite. The walk then heads down through the valley to the Blue Gum Forest before camping at Acacia Fl

Total climbing: 1580m

Experienced only

Blackheath to Blue Gum loop

24.1 km Circuit, 2 Days

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 F

Total climbing: 1335m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track walk.

Collier's Causeway

3.1 km One way, 2 hrs

Collier's Causeway is a fantastic walk with many views of the Kanimbla Valley and varied scenery. The track mostly travels under the imposing cliffs between Centennial Glen and Porters Pass, with waterfalls, ferny glens and heath flowers along the way. The track is a great one-way trip from Bundarra

Total climbing: 380m

Hard track

Fort Rock

1.6 km Return, 1 Hr

The track to Fort Rock is a short walk and gives a taste of what lies beneath the cliff line. The walk is a return journey from the end of Bundarra St, directly to Fort Rock. From the top of the rock you can see into the Kanimbla Valley, and, by taking the side trip out to the cliff line west of For

Total climbing: 117m

Moderate track

Walls Ledge (Long) Track

2.3 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This extended version of the Walls Ledge Track begins at Bundarra St and continues down past a side trip to Fort Rock. The track sports a small waterfall and some cliff-base walking. It also rises above to follow the same cliffs back to Centennial Rd car park. The track takes in awesome scenes of th

Total climbing: 128m

Moderate track

Walls Ledge (Short)

1.4 km Circuit, 45 mins

This is a short but sweet circuit walk above, then below, the cliff line. The track passes under the cliff line for some time, with views over the Kanimbla Valley. Climbers will love the great access to the walls, while walkers will enjoy the scenery and flowers in the heath.

Total climbing: 72m

Moderate track

Walls Ledge, Porters Pass, Centennial Glen Circuit

5.4 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

This circuit walk covers many of the tracks just to the west of Blackheath. The walk follows the cliff lines, both above and below, with amazing views of the Kanimbla Valley, rock features and waterfalls. The walk takes in a cross section of plants, with defined changes through the cliff passes.

Total climbing: 473m

Hard track

Fairfax Heritage Circuit Track

2.4 km Circuit, 1 Hr

The Fairfax Track is an easy circuit walk that wanders through the forests behind the cliffs of the Grose Valley. The track passes George Phillips lookout, with its magnificent views over the Grose Valley. There are also similar views from the more popular Govetts Leap Lookout. The track has many b

Total climbing: 65m

Very easy

Fairfax Heritage Track

1.9 km One way, 45 mins

The Fairfax Heritage Track is an easy stroll, and wheelchair accessible walk, through the a lovely open forest. The walk leads from the NPWS visitor information centre downhill to the stunning views from George Phillips and Govetts Leap lookouts. There are bench seats to rest on and wonderful shelte

Total climbing: 17m

Very easy

George Phillips Lookout walk

588 m Return, 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 18m

Very easy

Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock

7.6 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk to Baltzer Lookout rewards you with excellent scenery and a view over the stunning Hanging Rock (aka the Finger). The track is mainly management trail, and would be great on a mountain bike (to the end of the management trail). The large cliff edges are unfenced and quite exposed, so do ta

Total climbing: 266m

Hard track

Grand Canyon Track

5.4 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

This classic walk was first established in 1907, taking walkers along the path of a canyon. In places, the track follows a path cut halfway up the cliff, keeping you out of the most dangerous section of the canyon. The creek does flood after heavy rain, so check with the National Parks office befo

Total climbing: 425m

Hard track

Beauchamp Falls

3.1 km Return, 2 hrs

The walk from Evans Lookout to Beauchamp Falls is magical journey, passing through the bottom part of the Grand Canyon. The views from Evans lookout are stunning, with the lush canyon environment providing a very different environment to enjoy. The walk then continues down the creek to Beauchamp Fa

Total climbing: 350m

Hard track

Evans Lookout, Horse Track to Beauchamp Falls

6.4 km Circuit, 4 hrs

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 wa

Total climbing: 695m

Very experienced only

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track walk starts and ends at the Blackheath Station (gps: -33.633876, 150.28440)

Train. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Train. (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Blue Mountains National Park

Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.

Comments

Download PDF

Open in App

Short URL: http://wild.tl/bgapgt