Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest

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8 hrs

13.8 km One way

1102 m

Experienced only

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 organise a car shuttle, or a taxi for this walk.

* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Creek crossing near Burra Korain Flat Camping Area

One of many clearings along the Grose River Track

(0km) Victoria Falls Rd car park → Victoria Falls Lookout

100 m

2 mins

-15m Moderate track

From the car park, this walk follows the sign to 'Grose Valley Lookout' down the hill. The walk then winds down some steps for approximately 50m to a lookout.

Victoria Falls Lookout

Victoria Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has an easterly aspect over the Grose Valley. Although the lookout is named after the wonderful Victoria Falls, there are no views of the falls from this lookout.

(0km) Victoria Falls Lookout → Int. Victoria Creek Cascades and Victoria Falls Tracks

1.3 km

39 mins

24m

-358m Hard track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads past the 'Victoria Falls' sign, down the hill. It leads across the hill for a short while before turning right and following the steps downhill for approximately 100m. The track then tends left, steeply down through a rocky outcrop, then continues winding across the hill under rocky outcrops (on the right). The track winds left, down through the rock again, to steeply zigzag down the hill for some time, moving away from the rocky outcrop, into ferns and more grassy undergrowth. The track heads steeply down towards the sound of the cascades at the signposted intersection.

(1km) Int. Victoria Creek Cascades and Victoria Falls Tracks → Victoria Creek Cascades

90 m

3 mins

14m

0m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Cascades', heading towards the noise of the falling water. It follows the hillside through the rainforest vegetation to the creek bank. The track then continues over the slippery rocks to the bottom of the falls. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Victoria Cascades

Victoria Cascades, Blue Mountains NP, is a shorter run of water than the larger Victoria Falls. These cascades rush over a slope of rock to continue down to Victoria Falls. The cascades, made by Victoria Creek, are worth a look on your way down to Victoria Falls. However, on a a trip up from Victoria Falls, these smaller cascades may be somewhat overshadowed by the larger falls.

(1km) Int. Victoria Creek Cascades and Victoria Falls Tracks → Int. Top of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks

20 m

-2m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Burra Korain Flat', heading down the stairs for a short distance to another signposted intersection.

(1km) Int. Top of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Top of Falls

20 m

1 mins

-1m Hard track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Top of Falls' sign, down the hill to Victoria Creek. The track then turns left, descending steeply on some rocks. This walk continues downstream along a rockshelf to the top of Victoria Falls. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

(1km) Int. Top of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks

100 m

2 mins

-19m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Burra Korain Flats' heading up the hill and then down to a railing, overlooking the Victoria Falls. The track then winds down the slippery hillside, descending to an intersection in front of a large, mossy rock.

(1km) Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Victoria Falls

50 m

2 mins

13m

0m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, the track follows the hillside towards the sound of a waterfall, keeping the creek some distance below to your left. The track soon opens out onto the cliff of the waterfall. The track then swings around the right-hand side to go up the scree slope to venture behind the waterfall. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Blue Mountains NP, is a large waterfall dropping over a grey rock overhang. The cascade is produced by Victoria Creek dropping over the approximately-15m cliffs. A scree slope leads up behind the falls, and below the falls the rocks are very slippery. These falls are well worth a visit, with the great views from the top of the falls, and the accessibility of the bottom of the falls, making a great trip.

(1km) Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks → Burra Korain Flat Camping Area

1.3 km

29 mins

22m

-126m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track downhill towards the creek, keeping the creek to you right, so soon come to a clearing beside the creek. Here the walk crosses the creek to find a sign pointing to 'Burra Korain Flat' (visible before crossing the creek). (This creek may be impassable after rain). The walk turns left to follow the 'Burra Korain Flat' sign downhill, keeping the creek to your left for over 1km. The track winds and undulating through ferns and rocky outcrops, to open out into the Burra Korain Flat Camping Area, which is signposted.

Burra Korain Flat Camping Area

Burra Korain Flat Camping Area, Blue Mountains NP, is a small clearing between the Victoria Creek and Grose River. The campsite is well signposted and has nice sitting logs and plenty of space for a few tents. Water can be accessed from either river or creek but should be treated before use.

(3km) Burra Korain Flat Camping Area → Blue Gum Forest intersection

8.8 km

3 hrs 24 mins climb

422m

-599m Experienced only

Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk heads down the hill to the creek and then across it. The track continues up through a grassy area to a clearing with a fireplace and BBQ and a sign to 'Acacia Flat'.
Continue straight: From the camping area, this walk follows the 'Acacia Flats' sign down to the creek. The track crosses the creek and continues along the right-hand bank, heading downstream. The track then undulates and winds on the right side of the creek for approximately 3km in a south-easterly direction. The track crosses a number of creeks, and continues undulating along the south side of the Grose River to an intersection, with a sign pointing back to Burra Korain.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Acacia Flats'[1], keeping the creek below on the left. The track continues for approximately 500m, undulating across the steep hillside. The terrain then begins to flatten out as the track leads onto a creek flat area. After a short while, a clearing with a fireplace is passed, on your right. The track continues to undulate along the hillside, with the creek to the left, for approximately 2km, to an area where the creek flats broaden. The track passes some more clearings with fire places, coming to a sign marked 'Blue Gum Forest'. The track passes this sign and continues for approximately 500m to a well-signed 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.

(12km) Blue Gum Forest intersection → Int. Perry's and Dockers Lookout Tracks

2 km

1 hr 31 mins climb

603m

-22m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Perrys Lookdown Track' sign up the hill. The track heads uphill out of Blue Gum Forest, before tending right to more steeply climb the hill. As the track tends right, it heads up to the spur. When the track joins the spur, it turns left and heads up and continues winding for some time. The track continues up the spur to the cliffline, where it meets a set of steps and handrails. The walk climbs up large, steep steps, winding up through the pass to a memorial lookout at the top of the cliff.
Continue straight: From Memorial Lookout, the walk climbs the stairs, keeping the valley on the right, and then contours left around the hill. The track descends slightly before crossing a bridge, and then turns right before leading up the steps to the signposted intersection.

(14km) Int. Perry's and Dockers Lookout Tracks → Dockers Lookout

20 m

1 mins

-13m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk leads for a short distance down the railed path to the visible lookout area, Docker's Lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

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.

(14km) Int. Perry's and Dockers Lookout Tracks → Perry's Lookdown

40 m

2 mins

15m

0m Moderate track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk follows the railed stairs up the hill for a short time until coming to Perry's Lookdown - the lookout on the right.

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.

(14km) Perry's Lookdown → Perry's Lookdown car park and camping area

80 m

3 mins

16m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lookout, the walk leads up the stairs (leaving the valley behind) to the dirt road and car park.

Perrys Lookdown campground

Perrys Lookdown offers a simple campsite, close to some spectacular lookouts and well located as starting point for longer walks exploring the Grose Valley. There are 5 tent sites and a non-flush toilet, but no water available. This area allows fuel stoves only (no camp fires). The camping area is a short walk from the car park. Limit to one night stay (sites cannot be reserved).

Maps for the Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest 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 Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest

Altitude analysis for Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest

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	13.8 km
		Time	8 hrs
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		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 12km of this walk is very steep, whilst the remaining 1.7km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

9km of this walk follows a rough unclear track and another 4.5km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (490m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

5km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 5km is clearly signposted. The remaining (3.4km) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 7km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 14km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

13km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 390m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (100m) 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 Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest walk.

Victoria Falls Lookout

206 m Return, 15 mins

This short, return walk takes you to the lookout above Victoria Falls. Despite the name, the lookout does not view Victoria Falls, but instead gives a magnificent view over the Grose Valley and the surrounding cliffs. There are better lookouts closer to Blackheath, but if you're in the area this ver

Total climbing: 15m

Moderate track

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

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 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

Victoria Falls to Pierces Pass

8.9 km One way, 2 Days

This is a magnificent overnight walk, allowing time to really explore the area. Enjoying views of Victoria Falls and other cascades makes a great way to start this walk. The campsite of Burra Korain Flats is not as popular as Acacia Flats, enhancing the serenity of the Grose Valley. The walk out via

Total climbing: 854m

Experienced only

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

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

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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest walk.

Asgard Kiln and Mine

5.6 km Return, 2 hrs

The walk to the Asgard Kiln and Mine is a great, quick trip which passes through some interesting swamp environments. The track does not get bogged in the swamp but passes along a dry service trail and bush track. The Asgard Kiln and Mine is well worth the visit, but don't forget to take a torch!

Total climbing: 221m

Hard track

Pyramid Shaped Rock

4.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Pyramid Shaped Rock, is a rock shaped (somewhat) like a pyramid. It is a great place to camp the night, with a flat clear area for your tent, or a nice place to stop for lunch on a day trip. The rock is adjacent to a swamp with water (normally), and the rock's proximity to Thor and Asgard Head walks

Total climbing: 154m

Moderate track

Thor Head

6.4 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

The walk to Thor Head has some breathtaking views. The last part of the walk follows a large unfenced cliff line and there is no track for the last 1km. The views along the way are fantastic. If the climb up Thor Head is not for you, the views from the rocky knoll along the cliff line are just as sp

Total climbing: 305m

Very 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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest walk starts at the Victoria Falls Rd car park (gps: -33.573667, 150.29213)

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

The Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest ends at the Perry's Lookdown car park and camping area (gps: -33.599394, 150.34602)

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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