Govetts Leap Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs 30 mins

8.7 km Circuit

380 m

Hard track

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 views over the valley, waterfalls and bush make this a great walk with public transport access.

Bridal Veil Falls from Govetts Leap Lookout

(0km) Blackheath Station → Int. Pope's Glen Trk and Dell St

1.2 km

26 mins

27m

-65m 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 left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the Great Western Highway, keeping the Gardners Inn to the right. This walk turns right after the petrol station, turning onto Gardiners Cres. The walk continues down Gardiners Cres to take the first left onto Inconstant St. The walk then takes the first right onto Wills St, which later becomes Robertson Lane. Robertson Lane tends right into Gipps Lane, which is followed to the intersection with Dell St/Wills St (unsignposted, road changes name near this intersection).
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the road, leaving Gipps St behind on the left and passing a wooden house (also on the left). The walk passes Cleopatra St on the left before coming to the signposted intersection with the Pope's Glen track on the right, near 49 Dell St.

(1km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St → Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk

2.1 km

49 mins

48m

-145m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection near 49 Dell St, this walk heads down the hill following the old 'Popes Glen' sign. After approximately 350m, this walk passes an intersection (with access tracks to Clarence Rd). A further 200m down the hill, the walk passes a waterfall on the right, then continues down parallel to the creek (on the right). The walk crosses two bridges, then continues to follow the creek (now on the left) to an intersection below power lines.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down a slight hill, keeping the creek on the left of the track. After some time, the walk crosses a bridge, then continues beside the creek until crossing a second bridge. The track continues for some time downhill, to a signposted intersection.

(3km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Boyd Beach

40 m

1 mins

-3m Moderate track

Continue straight: 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 Turn left.

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.

(3km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk → Horseshoe Falls Lookout

440 m

11 mins

41m

-31m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Govetts Leap' sign, climbing for approximately 50m past a rock feature (below on the left - there is a track to the top of this feature). The walk continues along the creek line, keeping the creek on the left, and passes a track (accessing the creek). This walk continues for approximately 100m, heading through a ferny area to an intersection near the creek, marked by 'Popes Glen' and 'Govetts Leap' signs.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Govetts Leap' sign through the ferns, with the creek to the left of the track, and comes to a set of stairs. The walk climbs the steep stairs to follow the railing around a rocky outcrop. The track then winds along the hillside for some time heading to pass a lookout on the left, as the track continues to the intersection near the 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.

(4km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout → Govetts Leap Lookout

340 m

11 mins

62m

-23m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk winds along the cliff top with the valley below to the left. The walk then leads steeply up the stairs to the intersection at the viewing area.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stairs, keeping the valley to the left. The walk heads up and around the hillside to cross over a bridge, then up more stairs to the intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads across the grassed area towards a platform structure. The walk climbs some stairs onto Govetts Leap Lookout, with its great views and sandstone monuments.

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.

(4km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Braeside Walk North

620 m

15 mins

17m

-82m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill, following the sign to 'Evans Lookout' and keeping the Grose Valley below on the left. The track rises for approximately 400m and then heads down the hillside. The walk zigzags down the hill, with stairs, and then crosses a creek with cement steppingstones, coming to a signposted intersection on the other side.

(5km) Braeside Walk North → Barrow Lookout

80 m

2 mins

-2m Hard track

Turn left: 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 Veer left.

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.

(5km) Braeside Walk North → Braeside Picnic Area

1.1 km

20 mins

52m

-5m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Braeside Walk' sign, up the stream, along the rocky track. The walk leads approximately 100m, to then go down to the creek. The stepping stones are followed up stream to a set of stairs. This walk climbs the stairs and continues south-west for approximately 100m to find some overhead power lines. The walk continues upstream, passing an overgrown track on the left (which heads underneath power lines on the left to join up with a management trail above on the hill). This track is passed, as the brook is followed for approximately 100m, passing some large boulders on the right as the track continues approximately 500m to the 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.

(6km) Braeside Picnic Area → Blackheath Station

2.9 km

53 mins

133m

-24m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the weir and the barbeque, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the weir on the right of the track, soon reaching the stepping stones. The track tends right across the creek via the stepping stones. From the creek, this walk heads up the steps to the signposted intersection on the management trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill past a car park area on the right, and up to the intersection of the management trails.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill passing a driveway on the left. The walk heads up the hill towards the white house at the top of the hill, to turn left (west) onto Braeside St, keeping the white house behind to the right. This walk continues up the street to the intersection with Boreas St.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north up Boreas St to turn left onto Govetts Leap Road. This walk continues along Govetts Leap Rd to the intersection with Prince Edward St.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill on Govetts Leap Rd, passing under the eaves of an old store on the right. The walk turns right onto the Great Western Highway, opposite the Ivanhoe Hotel. From here, this walk follows the footpath past the Gardners Inn to the pedestrian crossing, opposite Blackheath Station steps.
Turn left: 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 Govetts Leap Loop 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 Govetts Leap Loop bushwalking track

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

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	4 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 Govetts Leap Loop 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

Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

8.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

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

Total climbing: 375m

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 Govetts Leap Loop 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 Govetts Leap Loop 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)

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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