Perry's Lookdown to Lockley Pylon

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5 hrs 30 mins

8.1 km One way

797 m

Hard track

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 Blue Gum Forest.

(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 → Int. Lockleys Pylon and Du Faur Head Tracks

1.8 km

1 hr 15 mins climb

484m

0m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk passes behind the 'Camping only at Acacia Flat 10 mins' sign, in the direction of the far valley side. The track meanders through the grass and ferns for a short time before crossing Govetts Creek. There is a fallen log upstream which many walkers have used to cross the creek. From the far bank, the track follows an arrow marker left, meandering through some more undergrowth. The track then steeply climbs up a hill to a fallen log, after which the track tends right, up the hill towards the top of the spurline. The walk then follows the spurline for some time as it heads up towards the cliffs. Nearer to the cliffs, the track travels through rockier and more dense vegetation. Once at the cliffline, the walk turns left along the base to steeply climb the rocky steps to an intersection between two rock features, in a saddle.

(4km) Int. Lockleys Pylon and Du Faur Head Tracks → Du Faur Head

90 m

2 mins

-19m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill for approximately 20m to a rocky outcrop with stunning views down the Grose Valley. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Du Faur Head

Du Faur Head, Blue Mountains NP, is situated north of Lockleys Pylon. The knoll gives spectacular views up and down the Grose Valley and River. Du Faur Head is worth a visit on your way up or down to Blue Gum Forest from Lockleys Pylon.

(4km) Int. Lockleys Pylon and Du Faur Head Tracks → Int. Du Faur Track and Lockleys Pylon Trks

520 m

18 mins

95m

-8m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up towards the large grassy-looking knoll, keeping the cliffs and valley to the right. The track winds near the rock for a very short distance before climbing up a large step (just before a small rock overhang to the left). The track then winds over the several rocky knolls and meanders across a saddle before crossing a creek. From the creek, the walk climbs a staircase to arrive at an intersection with another bush track.

(4km) Int. Du Faur Track and Lockleys Pylon Trks → Int. Du Faur Head Trk and Lockleys Pylon N Tk

140 m

4 mins

20m

-3m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk goes down the stairs, keeping the valley behind on the left. After descending the stairs, the walk follows a faint bush track back up the hill to to an intersection with another bush track.

(5km) Int. Du Faur Head Trk and Lockley Pylon N Tk → Lockley Pylon

90 m

4 mins

24m

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Lockley Pylon' up the wooden stairs to the summit of Lockley Pylon. This is marked by a stone cairn.

Lockley Pylon

Lockley Pylon, Blue Mountains National Park, gives 360 degree views of the Mt Hay area with excellent scope over Fortress Creek Waterfall and into the Grose Valley.

(5km) Lockley Pylon → Middle Pinnacle

3 km

1 hr 7 mins climb

136m

-145m Hard track

Turn around: From the cairn on top of Lockley Pylon, this walk heads down the wooden stairs away from the valley. The walk heads down the stairs to a signposted intersection.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the stairs away from the knoll, past the 'Lockley Pylon' sign, and travels along the ridge. The track continues past two knolls on the right as it climbs from the clearing up to the tree line. The track meanders up through the trees for approximately 400m to an open area. The walk climbs to the top of the ridge, below the summit of Mt Stead, a rock feature to the right of the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the views of the surrounding valleys and keeps the rock feature on the right of the track. The track enters the tree line then undulates down the plateau through the trees. The walk continues along a sandy saddle which is flat for approximately 100. The track then climbs out of the saddle and over a knoll to traverse the following saddle to the intersection below the northern Pinnacle.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the rocky knoll, keeping them above on the left. The track continues beneath the Pinnacles to come to an intersection below the last Pinnacle.

(8km) Middle Pinnacle → Lockley car park

360 m

10 mins

-46m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk keeps the pinnacles on the left of the track as it heads down the hill. The track tends right as it descends approximately 400m down to the signposted car park.

Maps for the Perry's Lookdown to Lockley Pylon 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 Lockley Pylon bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Perry's Lookdown to Lockley Pylon

Altitude analysis for Perry's Lookdown to Lockley Pylon

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	8.1 km
		Time	5 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	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		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

Around 4.2km of this walk is very steep, whilst the remaining 3.8km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 5km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely, whilst the remaining 2.6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

7km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 660m has minimal directional signs. The remaining (75m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.8km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged), whilst the remaining 3.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Perry's Lookdown to Lockley Pylon walk.

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

Lockley Pylon

6.8 km Return, 3 hrs 15 mins

Lockley Pylon Track is an outstanding walk, offering some amazing views and interesting side trips. From Mt Hay Rd, the walk passes the prominent features of the Pinnacles (with an optional side trip exploring these) and climbs to Lockley Pylon, which gives 360-degree views of the Mt Hay area and Gr

Total climbing: 338m

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

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

Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest

13.8 km One way, 8 hrs

This long day-walk follows a remote track down from Victoria Falls lookout, passing the waterfall, and into the Grose Valley, to the famous Blue Gum Forest, a scenic and historic highlight of this area. From the Blue Gum Forest, the walk climbs steeply to finish at Perry's Lookdown. You will need to

Total climbing: 1102m

Experienced only

Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest

14 km Return, 6 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores a beautiful section of the Grose Valley from Bells Line of Road. The walk heads down Pierces Pass and follows the magnificent Grose River to the Blue Gum Forest. The Blue Gum Forest is an icon of Blue Mountains bushwalking and this track gives you a great way to reach it. You th

Total climbing: 812m

Experienced only

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Perry's Lookdown to Lockley Pylon 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

Moderate 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 car park to lower Lookout

816 m Return, 45 mins

This walk takes in the fabulous views across the Grose Valley. It covers the combination of the upper lookout, providing the easiest access, the middle lookout, and the lower lookout, which involves many more stairs. The upper lookout gives the best views across the valley, while the middle lookout

Total climbing: 145m

Hard track

Pulpit Rock car park to Middle Lookout

748 m Return, 30 mins

This track meanders down from the car park to take in the stunning views of the Grose Valley. The track passes a picnic shelter on its way to the upper and middle lookouts of Pulpit Rock (there is a lower lookout, with many more steps). The lookouts provide great views across the valley.

Total climbing: 96m

Moderate track

Pulpit Rock car park to Top Lookout

630 m Return, 30 mins

This walk follows a distinct track to the top lookout, the easiest of the three lookouts at Pulpit Rocks to visit. The track passes a picnic shelter on the way down from the car park. The lookout has stunning views across the Grose valley, and down onto Pulpit Rock.

Total climbing: 50m

Moderate 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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Perry's Lookdown to Lockley Pylon 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 Lockley Pylon ends at the Lockley car park (gps: -33.651076, 150.37163)

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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