Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve

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1 hr 15 mins

1.8 km One way

200 m

Moderate track

From Leura Park to Gordon Falls Park, this diverse walk offers fantastic views of the Jamison Valley, as well as two great side trips down to some smaller waterfalls. Don't be fooled by their size - they are quite beautiful. Be sure to allow extra time for the side trips (especially Gordon Falls), in order to sit and reflect as the water cascades around you.

Leura Cascades Picnic Area

Leura Cascades Picnic area is a open picnic area beside Cliff Drive, with Leura Cascades Creek running through the middle. There are a number of small cascades in the park, along with toilets and picnic tables. There are a few information signs and maps of the area. The park is well remembered for the artificial caves and arches that have been built to provide shelter and a sense of place. A small road runs through the park, providing access and parking, and garbage facilities are provided. There is also plenty of shade from some large pine trees.

(0km) Leura Cascades Picnic Area → Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Leura Cascades Round Walk (NE)

140 m

3 mins

-9m Easy track

From cave-like shelters in Leura Cascades Picnic Area, this walk heads along the footpath, passing under the arch. Passing the toilet block, the path comes to the information board, from where the walk follows the 'Leura Cascades Track' sign down the steps. The path soon leads to a small stone wall with a view of some cascades and Chelmsford Bridge. From the view of Chelmsford Bridge, this walk follows track downhill, keeping the handrail and creek to the left, soon coming to an intersection with 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk' just before a footbridge.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Leura Cascades' sign across the footbridge to a 'Y' intersection.

(0km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Leura Cascades Round Walk (NE) → Leura Cascades

170 m

4 mins

-13m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Leura Cascades' sign down the steps, keeping the handrail and creek to the right. After a short while, the walk heads along a timber platform and down some stairs to a rock platform, with great views of some cascades. From these cascades, the walk heads down more stairs, coming to an intersection just before two bridges, with great views of Leura Cascades. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Leura Cascades

Leura Cascades is a lovely set of waterfalls with some bridges just below, allowing walkers to get up close to the creek. The area has a nice feel about it and is quite cool in summer. Much of the track near the cascades has handrails and the bridges are fenced. Allow some time to enjoy life among the cascades and fern trees in this valley. One bridge leads to a sandstone cave next to the pool and falls, a great place to enjoy the small section of canyon.

(0km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Leura Cascades Round Walk (NE) → The Rock

360 m

7 mins

17m

-9m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk To Gordon Falls' sign up the timber steps. The walk continues along the bush track that steadily climbs to the top of the gentle hill, where it comes to an intersection with the Cliff Drive bush track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track heading around the side of the hill, winding through the bush until it comes to the intersection of the short bush track to Cliff Drive.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track winding around the valley down to the right for a short while, before coming to 'The Rock' lookout just off the track on the right.

The Rock

The Rock is a small, partially-fenced lookout, about 10 metres from the Prince Henry Cliff Walk near Bridal Veil Falls. The old timber fence only partially covers the cliff line and the walk to the lookout can be slippery. The view from the lookout includes close-up views of the crowns of several trees. There is no view of Bridal Veil Falls, but the view does extend across to the cliffs at Bridal View Lookout.

(0km) The Rock → Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Bridal Veil Lookout Track

110 m

3 mins

-5m Moderate track

Turn left: From the lookout, this walk follows the bush track winding around the valley, down to the right, heading under a large rock overhang and continuing steadily up the long rocky hill to the signposted intersection of the Bridal View Lookout.

(1km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Bridal Veil Lookout Track → Bridal Veil View lookout

200 m

4 mins

-14m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Bridal View Lookout' sign along the track, heading out towards the cliffs for a short while before winding down a set of metal stairs to the signposted 'Bridal Veil View' lookout. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Bridal Veil View Lookout

The Bridal Veil View is a small, fenced lookout at the base of a flight of stairs in the south-west corner of Leura. The lookout has a natural sandstone floor and provides superb, unobstructed view of the Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are about 150m away, and looking down from the top, the Bridal Veil likeness is apparent. The falls run most of the time, but are most spectacular after rain.

(1km) Int of Prince Henry Cliff Walk and Bridal Veil Lookout Track → Olympian Lookout

630 m

19 mins

60m

-70m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Gordon Falls' sign along the bush track, winding through the dense bush for a short while before gradually climbing up a gentle hill to the signposted intersection of the Tarpeian Rock track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Gordon Falls' sign down the wooden steps and along the track. Notice the environment change to rainforest as the track winds around the valley down to the right. The walk follows the base of some tall rock overhangs, then climbs up a long set of wooden steps that continue on to rock steps, coming to 'Olympian Rock' lookout.

Olympian Lookout

Olympian Lookout is a fenced lookout, just off the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, near Olympian Pde in Leura. The lookout is on a sloped, natural sandstone surface and has some steps cut to help improve access. The lookout is right at the edge of the cliff and provides a great view across the Jamison Valley, out to Mount Solitary. The 'back' of the Three Sisters, and also Narrow Neck, are both visible on the right, and Sublime Point on the left.

(1km) Olympian Lookout → Elysian Lookout

230 m

13 mins

75m

-50m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the bush track past the "Welcome to the Blue Mountains National Park" sign, keeping the valley down the hill to the right as it winds through the bush. The walk comes to a lookout just before the Buttenshaw Bridge, which it then crosses, continuing up the steps to the Elysian Rock Lookout on the other side.

Elysian Rock

Elysian Rock is a fenced, small, narrow lookout on a rock buttress. The floor is mostly uneven, natural sandstone and there is a bench seat with no shade. The lookout is right at the edge of the cliff and gives a great view straight across the Jamison Valley and out to Mount Solitary. Narrow Neck and the 'back' of the Three Sisters are visible on the right-hand side, and Sublime Point on the left. The lookout is along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, just west of a concrete bridge spanning a chasm and near the end of Elysian Place, Leura.

(1km) Elysian Lookout → Gordon Falls Reserve

360 m

10 mins

40m

-23m Moderate track

Veer right: From Elysian Lookout, keeping the valley down to the right, this walk follows the bush track winding through the dense scrub-like forest as it heads up a few wooden steps onto a small platform and continues up the hill to the top, at the intersection of the Gordon Falls Lookout track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat track winding through the thick bush for a short while to the back of the Gordon Falls Reserve picnic area.

Gorden Falls Reserve

Gordon Falls Reserve is just off Lone Pine Ave near the intersection with Olympian Pde, Leura. The park has car parking, electric BBQ's, toilets, garbage disposal, children's play equipment, picnic tables and bench seats. The park has plenty of open area and some shaded spots. There are a number of artificial cave shelters, with picnic tables inside.

(2km) Gordon Falls Reserve → Pool of Siloam

300 m

11 mins

-65m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lower side of Gordon Falls Reserve, this walk follows the 'Pool of Siloam' track sign into the bush, down the gentle hill (passing a track on the left). The walk passes some interesting information signs on local flora and fauna as the track becomes steeper. Continuing down the stairs, the track leads to a rock wall and a handrail. The walk heads along the base of this cliff, under a small waterfall and comes to a three-way intersection (with signposts down to the right and on the other side).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follow the 'Pool of Siloam' sign down the steps. The track passes under a small overhang then crosses Gordon Creek on a footbridge in front of the lovely falls and the Pool of Siloam. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Maps for the Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve 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.

Six Foot Track	1:50 000 Map Series	Six Foot Track	NSW-six-foot-track
Katoomba	1:25 000 Map Series	89301S KATOOMBA	NSW-89301S
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve

Altitude analysis for Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve

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	1.8 km
		Time	1 hr 15 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		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, 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

1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 520m has short steep hills. The remaining (300m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.1km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 350m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (330m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 920m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 910m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 230m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 740m 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 Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve walk.

Pool of Siloam

600 m Return, 30 mins

This lovely walk takes you from the grassy area of Gordon Falls Reserve down through the lush vegetation and cliffs to the Pool of Siloam. The Pool and waterfall is an amazing place and cool place on warmer summer days. This walk is a great way to explore a part of the Blue Mountains after a picnic

Total climbing: 68m

Moderate track

Leura Cascades Circuit

844 m Circuit, 30 mins

Following Leura Creek down to a beautiful small waterfall, this is one of the prettiest short walks in the Leura area. Sit under the overhang and watch as the falls cascade down around you, then climb to great views of the Leura cliffline, before this circuit track leads back to the park.

Total climbing: 62m

Moderate track

Round Walk- (Leura Cascades Loop)

844 m Circuit, 30 mins

This is a short walk out from the beautiful Leura Park. The walk heads past cliffs, the cascades, large ferns and even a historic bridge. The walk is a great one to do between meals at a picnic. Leura Cascades themselves are a great set of waterfalls, and worth taking the camera for.

Total climbing: 62m

Moderate track

Bridal Veil View Lookout Leura

954 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk from Cliff Drive, Leura, heads out to pretty Bridal Veil View Lookout. At the base of a staircase, the lookout provides great views of Bridal Veil Falls. There is also an optional side trip to Tarpeian Rock, which is well worth the extra time, providing great views up the Jamison v

Total climbing: 64m

Moderate track

Lyrebird Dell and Pool of Siloam Circuit

1.4 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This is a magnificent round trip which passes some amazing scenery with Lyrebird Dell featuring. The walk takes in both sides of the valley, with a worthwhile sidetrip option which explores the Pool of Siloam. The walk is a cool shady path with a number of places to stop and take in your surrounding

Total climbing: 97m

Moderate track

Gordon Reserve to Golf Links Lookout

1.4 km Return, 1 Hr

A walk with two spectacular features, the Pool of Siloam and Golf Links Lookout. A fantastic waterfall and an excellent view which really make this walk a stunning way to explore the bushland.

Total climbing: 133m

Moderate track

Leura Park to Copelands Lookout

1.5 km Return, 1 Hr

The walk out to Copelands Lookout and back is a walk with some variety. The track winds down past some cascades, then past some views into the Jamison Valley and then another view of the cascades. This walk is capped off with the view from Copelands Lookout before returning to Leura Park.

Total climbing: 99m

Moderate track

Leura Oval to End of Gladstone Rd

1.6 km One way, 1 Hr

The walk from Leura Oval to Gladstone Rd is a fantastic way of exploring a small section of the Blue Mountains National Park. You will visit number of scenic spots including the Pool of Siloam and Golf Links Lookout. The cave, picnic area and waterfall at Lyrebird Dell make this a nice place to sto

Total climbing: 115m

Moderate track

Bridal Veil View and Olympian Lookout Walk

2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk is relatively short and takes in some magnificent views. The walk visits Olympian, Bridal Veil View and Tarpeian Lookouts, which are all perched high on top of the cliffs. A great walk, exploring some of the quieter, but still very spectacular, lookouts in the Blue Mountains.

Total climbing: 170m

Moderate track

Echo Point to Leura Cascades

3.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting at Australia's most popular lookout and passing one of the most beautiful sets of waterfalls in this part of the park, this is one of the most breathtaking cliff walks around Katoomba. Signposted as part of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, this walk passes stunning lookouts including Copelands,

Total climbing: 204m

Moderate track

Carrington Park to Bridal View Lookout

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores the area around the wonderful Leura Cascades. The track includes many of the great viewing points for the falls. The walk also provides some other great views out across the Jamison Valley. A wonderful walk to enjoy the Bridal View lookout.

Total climbing: 224m

Moderate track

Leura Park to Gordon Falls Lookout

3.6 km Return, 2 hrs

Starting at Leura Park, this walk passes above Leura Cascades before working its way along the route of Prince Henry's Cliff Walk. The walk winds past many lookouts with brilliant views over the Jamison Valley. The views are even more exceptional from the turn-around point at Gordon Falls Lookout.

Total climbing: 380m

Moderate track

Leura to Katoomba via Dardanelles Pass

6.6 km One way, 4 hrs

With approximately equal parts cliff-walk and forest track, this track truly shows what the cliff edges of the Jamison Valley have to offer, especially at Tarpeian and Fossil Rocks. There is a beautiful descent into the valley, as well as the mystique of Leura Forest, and a number of great spots to

Total climbing: 697m

Hard track

The Prince Henry Cliff Walk

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

Going from Katoomba to Leura, this walk covers the top of the cliff line and most of the major lookouts. With brilliant vistas all along the way, the views of the Jamison Valley are truly amazing. Time should be set aside to dawdle along the cliffs and soak up the serenity of the cliffs.

Total climbing: 575m

Moderate track

This short walk starts from Cliff Rd in Leura and heads out to Tarpeian Rock Lookout, crossing over Prince Henry Cliff Walk. The lookout provides breathtaking views down the Jamison Valley and along the Kings Tableland to Mount Solitary. The floor of the lookout is interesting in it's own right, w

Total climbing: 31m

Easy track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve walk starts at the Leura Cascades Picnic Area (gps: -33.719623, 150.32240)

Bus. (get details)

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

The Leura Cascades to Gordon Falls Reserve ends at the Gordon Falls Reserve (gps: -33.724736, 150.33273)

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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