Govetts Leap Descent

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Time 1 hr 45 mins
Return 1.2 km Return
Climb 366 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Bus Car
no_pets
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 and gives a great sense of the height of surrounding cliffs. ('leap' is a Scots dialect word for cataract or waterfall)

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]and picnic shelters[5]nearby.

(0km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Bottom of Govetts Leap falls

distance 610 m time 42 mins climb 61m descent -305m Hard track
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 right: From the intersection, this walk winds down the hill, tending right at first. The walk then zigzags down to a sign-marked intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs towards Govetts Leap Falls. The track soon passes two lookouts as it winds steeply down the cliff line, passing through the rock on a metal staircase. The walk zigzags its way steeply down the walls of rock covered in moss, ferns and grasses as it follows the railed paths and steps down to the base of Govetts Leap Falls.

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.

Maps for the Govetts Leap Descent 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.

Katoomba1:25 000 Map Series89301S KATOOMBANSW-89301S
Katoomba1:100 000 Map Series8930 KATOOMBA8930

Cross sectional view of the Govetts Leap Descent bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Govetts Leap Descent

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Govetts Leap Descent

Altitude analysis for Govetts Leap Descent

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.

Length1.2 km
Time1 hr 45 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track
AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackRough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureLimited 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

Around 570m of this walk is very steep, whilst the remaining 35m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

430m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 140m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (35m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 570m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 35m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 430m of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 180m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 610m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 430m of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 180m 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 Govetts Leap Descent walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Govetts Leap Descent walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Govetts Leap Descent walk starts and ends at the Govetts Leap Lookout (gps: -33.627976, 150.31134)

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.

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