Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 Days

12.8 km One way

1128 m

Hard track

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 to Govetts Leap Lookout. This walk tests out the knees and fitness and is great way to access the valley.

Free Beacon Hire

A Personal Locating Beacon (PLB) 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 borrow 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 More info.

(0km) Perry's Lookdown car park and camping area → Perry's Lookdown

80 m

3 mins

-16m Moderate track

From the car park, the walk follows the sign 'Perry's Lookdown Track' down the hill to a railed lookout.

Perry's Lookdown

Perry's Lookdown, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley, with Blue Gum Forest nearly directly below and Lockleys Pylon to the south. The lookout is presumably named after Captain William Perry, the Deputy Surveyor General who worked under the leadership of Sir Thomas Mitchell.

(0km) Perry's Lookdown → Dockers Lookout

60 m

3 mins

-28m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the Perry's Lookdown, the walk follows the railed stairs down the hill for a short time until coming to a intersection signposted 'Perrys Track' and 'Dockers Lookout'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk leads for a short distance down the railed path to the visible lookout area, Docker's Lookout.

Dockers Lookout

Dockers Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley and Blue Gum Forest below. Mt Banks can be seen standing proudly to the north above the valley.

(0km) Dockers Lookout → Blue Gum Forest intersection

2 km

1 hr 32 mins climb

35m

-603m Hard track

Turn around: From Dockers Lookout, the walk heads up the railed path for a short distance until coming to a signposted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Perry's Lookdown Track' sign down the hill. The track cuts across the hill to a bridge, where the track turns left and contours around the hill, before descending onto a lookout with memorial plaque and fire box.
Continue straight: From the lookout, the walk keeps the valley below on the left and heads down the steep stairs, through the gap in the cliffs. The stairs and handrail climb down through the cliffs, descending away from the main cliff before coming onto the top of a spur. The track tends right, over and down the spurline, and winds sharply down the spurline as it steeply descends for some time. The track heads down the spur, flattening out a few times before coming onto the relative flats of the Blue Gum Forest. The track heads down through the forest for a short time to a signposted intersection.

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. More info.

(2km) Blue Gum Forest intersection → Acacia Flats Camping Ground

610 m

10 mins

-4m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign 'Camping only at Acacia Flats', heading downstream. The track tends right, away from the Grose River and towards the hills on the right. The walk then heads downhill and across a small creek, after which it meanders for approximately 100m before arriving at Acacia Flats camping area.

Acacia Flats Camping Ground

Acacia Flats Camping Ground, Blue Mountains NP, is situated on the floor of the Grose Valley between Perrys Lookdown and Lockley Pylon. The camp ground is approximately 50m from Govetts Creek and approximately 500m upstream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is appropriately named after the dense population of Acacias found in this area. Acacia Flats is a wonderful area to camp with tall shady Blue Gums and level grass clearings which make for a great place to pitch a tent. There is a pit toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable, and plenty of room for large groups. Water is available from Govetts Creek (treat before drinking).

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(3km) Acacia Flats Camping Ground → Junction Rock

3 km

1 hr 2 mins climb

130m

-80m Moderate track

Continue straight: From Acacia Flats camping area, the walk leaves the camping area with the Grose River far to the left and the majority of the camping areas to the right of the track. The walk passes a pit toilet on the right after approximately 100m. Continuing along the creek flats before climbing up a small hill, the track contours and undulates for approximately 600m to round a hill which gives views of Pulpit Rock above on the cliffs. The track turns right to climb up the hill, and then left to contour for some time. As the slope lessens, the track descends to the creek bank, which is on the the right. The track continues to contour for approximately 1km just above the creek, on a steep bank which has minor undulations, until it comes across a clearing with a 'No Camping' sign. The track turns left here and descends to the creek bank at a signposted intersection of Junction Rock. Junction Rock 'intersection' sits in the middle of the creek.

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.

(6km) Junction Rock → Bottom of Govetts Leap falls

2.4 km

1 hr 15 mins climb

390m

-22m Moderate track

Veer right: From Junction Rock, the walk follows the 'Govetts Leap' sign, soon crossing the brook. The track then follows the brook for approximately 150m, to another creek crossing. The track continues, with the creek now on its left, for approximately 60m, before crossing back to the other bank. The track continues for approximately 1km with the creek to the right, and undulates steeply in sections between magnificent waterfalls. A section of track traverses a rock shelf for a short stretch, before continuing to wind up and down (with the creek to the right) to a few sets of steeply-cut stairs. From these, the walk continues to wind over hills to a creek crossing. The track then heads up the spur, winding between views of waterfalls, before tending left further up the hill. The walk leads up the winding steps for some time, until crossing the creek at the bottom of a waterfall cascading off the large cliffs - 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.

(8km) Bottom of Govetts Leap falls → Govetts Leap Lookout

610 m

42 mins

305m

-61m Hard track

Continue straight: From the bottom of Govetts Leap Falls, this walk heads north-west, following the blue signs up the hill. The track zigzags its way steeply up to a wall of rock covered by moss, ferns and grasses. The track passes along the base of this cliff to a metal staircase, passing through the rock. The track continues to wind steeply below the cliffline, passing two lookouts before coming to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Govetts Leap carpark' up the stairs. The walk zigzags up the hill before tending left to the signposted intersection.
Turn left: 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.

(9km) Govetts Leap Lookout → Horseshoe Falls Lookout

340 m

11 mins

23m

-62m Hard track

Turn around: 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.

(9km) 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.

(9km) 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.

(9km) 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.

(12km) 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 Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station 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 Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station

Altitude analysis for Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station

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	12.8 km
		Time	2 Days
		.
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	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

9km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.5km is very steep. Whilst another 970m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 830m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

10km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.9km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 1.2km follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 75m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 11km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.8km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.8km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 13km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

10km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1.8km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (1.4km) 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 Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station 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

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

Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest

4.3 km Return, 4 hrs

The wonderful walk from Perrys Lookdown into the Blue Gum Forest follows a clear an steep track into one of the region's bushwalking and conservation icons. Allow plenty of time to explore the majestic Blue Gum Forest, looking up the tall trees and enjoying the birds flying through the area. The tr

Total climbing: 656m

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

Perry's Lookdown to Lockley Pylon

8.1 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk drops steeply from Perry's Lookdown, with views of Lockley Pylon on the opposite side of the valley, then climbs up to Lockley Pylon, with views back over Perry's Lookdown. The track has some fantastic views up and down the Grose Valley, and an excellent half way point, in the majestic Blu

Total climbing: 797m

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

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

Pierces Pass, Blue Gum Forest, Acacia Flats to Perrys Lookdown

10.4 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

If you can organise the car shuttle or taxi, this is a great day walk. The track descends from the walls of Pierces Pass into another world along the Grose River, with its tall Blue Gum Forest. The optional side trip to Acacia Flats provides a great place to stop for lunch, and a toilet stop, before

Total climbing: 774m

Experienced only

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

Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

Wind Cave

400 m Return, 15 mins

The interesting cave is formed by a tall and long section of wind carved stone. The cave is much taller than it is deep, and there are some nice rock formations. It is a fairly long drive in for a short walk, so you might be better combining this with a walk to Anvil Rock.

Total climbing: 14m

Easy track

Anvil Rock

460 m Return, 15 mins

A nice walk if you are in the area, and worth doing before Pulpit Rock lookout. This walk is not as busy as many of the other lookout walks in the area. The view across the valley is fantastic. The lookout makes a great place for a picnic lunch, and the lack of crowds makes it that much more attr

Total climbing: 14m

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

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

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

Victoria Falls

3.1 km Return, 2 hrs

The Victoria Falls walk is a great way to get up close to an amazing cascade. The walk explores the top and bottom of the falls, with the chance to climb behind Victoria Falls. This walk heads down into a section of the Grose Valley from the end of Victoria Falls Rd. Although there is no where to s

Total climbing: 431m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station walk starts at the Perry's Lookdown car park and camping area (gps: -33.599394, 150.34602)

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

The Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station 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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