Pulpit Rock car park to lower Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

45 mins

816 m Return

145 m

Hard track

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 gives similar scenic views. The lower lookout, however, has great views of the cliffs around the Grose Valley from a unique perspective.

(0km) Pulpit Rock car park → Pulpit Rock Upper Lookout

320 m

9 mins

-50m Moderate track

From the car park, the walk follows the sign to 'Pulpit Rock Lookout'[1], down the stairs from the car park. The track continues down to a shelter and toilet, and then steeply heads down another flight of stairs, before flattening out and then descending more stairs to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk goes down the stairs, following the sign to 'Pulpit Rock'. The track heads down the hill to a flat area with awesome views over the Grose Valley.

Pulpit Rock Lookout

Pulpit Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks over the Grose Valley and back towards Blackheath, with Bridal Veil Falls and the Govetts Leap cliff edge in view. The lookout has many levels with the uppermost lookout having the easiest access.

(0km) Pulpit Rock upper Lookout → Pulpit Rock middle Lookout

60 m

4 mins

10m

-36m Moderate track

Veer left: From the upper lookout, this walk heads down the long set of stairs towards Pulpit Rock (a bench seat is visible from here). The walk passes a side path (which leads to a cave) and continues down to the bench seat in the middle of the platform.

(0km) Pulpit Rock Middle Lookout → Pulpit Rock lower Lookout

30 m

3 mins

-49m Hard track

Continue straight: From the middle lookout seat, this walk heads to the end of the viewing area and heads down a set of stairs. The track follows a boardwalked section of track to a second similar viewing area with a seat. The walk then steeply descends a flight of metal stairs to a small viewing platform.

Maps for the Pulpit Rock car park to lower Lookout 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.

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 Pulpit Rock car park to lower Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Pulpit Rock car park to lower Lookout

Altitude analysis for Pulpit Rock car park to lower Lookout

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	816 m
		Time	45 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 370m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 35m is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 370m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 35m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

270m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 110m is clearly signposted. The remaining (35m) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 370m of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 35m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 410m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

270m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 110m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (35m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Pulpit Rock car park to lower Lookout walk.

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 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 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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Pulpit Rock car park to lower Lookout walk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Pulpit Rock car park to lower Lookout walk starts and ends at the Pulpit Rock car park (gps: -33.618010, 150.32846)

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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