Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

Getting started
From the top of the station steps, this walk heads towards the Great Western Highway and Gardners Inn. The walk turns right down a flight of stairs, then turns left across the Great Western Highway at the pedestrian crossing.
From the pedestrian crossing, this walk heads towards Gardners Inn, keeping the road to the right. The walk continues along the footpath, turning left opposite the Ivanhoe Hotel, onto Govetts Leap Rd. The walk continues down Govetts Leap Rd to the intersection with Prince Edward St.
From the intersection, this walk heads west along Govetts Leap Rd for a block, to the intersection with Boreas St. This walk turns right, down Boreas St to the intersection with Braeside St.
From the intersection, this walk follows the green signpost to 'Braeside Walk' along the houses on the right-hand of Braeside Street. This walk turns right at the 'Braeside Walk' sign. The walk continues for approximately 70m to the intersection with another service trail.
From the intersection, this walk heads down the management track, to the signposted intersection after a parking area on the left.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Then cross the bridge (about 15 m long) Then head down the steps (about 10 m long)
	Turn left.
	After another 30 m (from the Great Western Highway) turn right, to head along Great Western Highway (a highway\|trunk).
	After another 25 m (from the Great Western Highway) turn left (a service road).
	After another 30 m turn right. After another 30 m pass the picnic table (on your left).
	After another 5 m turn right. After another 15 m pass the picnic table (on your left). After another 15 m to find the car park. After another 15 m pass the "Blackheath Kebab House" (60 m on your right).
	From the Hydora Lane turn right, to head along Hydora Lane.
	After another 140 m (at the intersection of Wentworth Street & Hydora Lane) turn right, to head along Wentworth Street (a residential road). After another 80 m pass the "Thai Silk" (10 m on your left). W:thaisilkblackheath.com.au T:61247876968
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Govetts Leap Road & Wentworth Street) turn left, to head along Govetts Leap Road (a highway\|tertiary). After another 8 m pass the "Slurps Cafe" (20 m on your right). After another 40 m pass a seat (8 m on your right). After another 30 m pass the water tap (9 m on your right). After another 40 m pass the "Blackheath Fish & Chips" (135 m on your right).
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Govetts Leap Road) turn right, to head along Clanwilliam Street (a residential road). After another 90 m pass the "Fumo Blackheath" (20 m on your right). W:www.fumorestaurant.com.au At the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Nixon Lane continue straight, to head along Clanwilliam Street.
	After another 55 m (at the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Leichhardt Street) turn left, to head along Leichhardt Street. After another 110 m (from the Leichhardt Street) continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street. After another 150 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Leichhardt Street) continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street. Jubilee Park (about 15 m back from the start). After another 160 m pass the playground (65 m on your right). At the intersection of Leichhardt Street & Pope Lane continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street.
	After another 115 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Leichhardt Street) turn right, to head along Boreas Street. After another 30 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Brentwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street. After another 185 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Prince George Street) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street. After another 170 m (at the intersection of Braeside Street & Arcadia Road) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street. After another 100 m (at the intersection of Braeside Street & Bell Street) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Street) turn right, to head along Braeside Road (a vehicle track). After another 600 m (from the Braeside Road) continue straight, to head along Braeside Road. After another 20 m (from the Braeside Road) continue straight, to head along Braeside Road.
	After another 460 m (at the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Walk) continue straight, to head along Braeside Walk (a walking track). After another 125 m find the "Braeside Picnic Area" (10 m on your right). Braeside Picnic Area Braeside Picnic Area, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small picnic area on the southern end of the Braeside walking track. The picnic area has a bench table and stone barbeque. The picnic area is situated next to a small weir and waterfall amongst the ferns.
	After another 530 m (from the Braeside Walk) continue straight, to head along Braeside Walk.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Barrow Lookout. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 570 m (at the intersection of Cliff Top Track & Braeside Walk) turn left, to head along Cliff Top Track. After another 20 m cross the stepping stones. Then head up the earthen steps (about 370 m long) Then pass a seat (5 m on your left)., has no backrest. After another 380 m pass the car park (9 m on your left). After another 10 m find the "Picnic Shelter" (60 m on your left). Picnic Shelter Picnic shelters at the end of Govetts Leap Road. Seats are ~45cm high and benches 75cm high. Most shelters have an entrance ~1.2m wide with, and similar gap between table and wall. The largest shelter has an entrance wider than 4m, bench seating but no tables.
	From the Cliff Top Track continue straight (a footpath). After another 20 m find the "Govetts Leap Lookout" (6 m on your left). 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, there are also toilets and picnic shelters nearby. Then pass the sign.
	After another 4 m continue straight. After another 10 m pass the water tap (7 m on your left). After another 15 m find the "Toilet Accessible" (45 m on your left). Toilet Accessible Signposted accessible and general use male and female toilets. Access via concrete ramp, however, the top of the ramp is accessed via loose gravel carpark with some steep eroded sections.
	From the Loop Track veer right, to head along Loop Track (a walking track).
	After another 15 m (from the Loop Track) veer left, to head along Loop Track. After another 30 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 6 m come to the viewpoint (6 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track) & Loop Track turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 40 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 45 m pass the toilet (40 m on your left). Then pass the water tap (45 m on your left).
	After another 75 m (Laws Lookout) turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 8 m come to the "Laws Lookout". After another 8 m come to the "Two Falls Lookout" (15 m on your left).
	After another 6 m (from the Pulpit Rock Track) continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
	After another 155 m (from the Pulpit Rock Track) continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 8 m find the "Horseshoe Falls Lookout" (25 m on your right). 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. After another 60 m come to the "Rodriguez Lookout". Then find the "Horseshoe Falls" (55 m on your right). 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.
	After another 95 m (at the intersection of Popes Glen Track & Pulpit Rock Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
	After another 305 m (from the Popes Glen Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Boyd Beach. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 15 m (from the Popes Glen Track) turn sharp left, to head along Popes Glen Track. After another 170 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long) After another 380 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
	After another 660 m (from the Popes Glen Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track. After another 75 m (from the Popes Glen Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track. After another 170 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
	After another 265 m (from the Popes Glen Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
	After another 410 m (at the intersection of Dell Street & Popes Glen Track) veer left, to head along Dell Street (a residential road).
	After another 280 m (at the intersection of Gipps Lane & Wills Street) turn right, to head along Gipps Lane. After another 450 m (at the intersection of Wills Street & Inconstant Street) continue straight, to head along Wills Street.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Wills Street) turn right, to head along Gardiner Crescent. After another 55 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Wentworth Street) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent. After another 65 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Hydora Lane) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent. After another 150 m pass the shelter (85 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Great Western Highway & Gardiner Crescent turn left, to head along Great Western Highway (a highway\|trunk). After another 15 m pass the toilet (60 m on your right). Mo-Fr 05:00-16:00
	After another 50 m (from the Great Western Highway) turn right (a footpath). After another 50 m come to a car park.
	The end.

An optional side trip to Barrow Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Braeside Walk & Cliff Top Track Start heading along Cliff Top Track (a steps). Then head down the earthen steps (about 75 m long) Then pass the "Bridal Veil Falls" (35 m on your left). Then find the "Govetts Leap (falls)" (45 m on your left). 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. After another 50 m come to "Barrow Lookout". Barrow Lookout Barrow Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks down to Govetts Leap falls and across the Grose Valley. The lookout is fenced and has a bench seat to rest. A seat., has a backrest.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 90 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

At the intersection of Braeside Walk & Cliff Top Track Start heading along Cliff Top Track (a steps).

Then head down the earthen steps (about 75 m long)

Then pass the "Bridal Veil Falls" (35 m on your left).

Then find the "Govetts Leap (falls)" (45 m on your left).

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.

After another 50 m come to "Barrow Lookout".

Barrow Lookout

Barrow Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks down to Govetts Leap falls and across the Grose Valley. The lookout is fenced and has a bench seat to rest.

A seat., has a backrest.

The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 90 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Boyd Beach.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Popes Glen Track Start (a walking track).
	After another 50 m come to the end. "Boyd Beach". 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. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 50 m to the main route.

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	8.9 km
Time	3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Class 4/6
Hard track

Length

8.9 km

Time

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Quality of track

Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)

Gradient

Very steep (4/6)

Signage

Directional signs along the way (3/6)

Infrastructure

Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Experience Required

No experience required (1/6)

Weather

Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	460 m	[seat]
Seat	4.1 km + 95 m	[seat]
Seat	4.4 km	[seat]
Toilet	4.9 km	[toilet]
Toilet	8.8 km	[toilet]
Shelter	8.9 km	[shelter]

Item

From Start

Name & link to notes

Seat

460 m

[seat]

Seat

4.1 km + 95 m

[seat]

Seat

4.4 km

[seat]

Toilet

4.9 km

[toilet]

Toilet

8.8 km

[toilet]

Shelter

8.9 km

[shelter]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
  
  Monday 28 April
  
  17°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower on and east of the ranges in the late morning and afternoon. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the early afternoon. Daytime maximum temperatures between 17 and 23.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:30am to 2:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 5 [Moderate]
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  10°C → 18°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  0 → 9mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. High chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, medium chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm on and east of the ranges in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 18 and 23.
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  8°C → 11°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm in the north. Winds southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 12 with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 19.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  5°C → 12°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, slight chance elsewhere. Winds southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 2 and 7 with daytime temperatures reaching between 13 and 19.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  5°C → 14°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  7°C → 15°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  8°C → 16°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Blue Mountains National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Glenbrook Causeway closed due to flooding
  Due to heavy rainfall, Glenbrook causeway is now closed. There is no access to Euroka Campground, Red Hands Cave, Nepean Lookout, or the Oaks firetrail.
  
  Closed areas: Katoomba area track closures
  The following walking tracks are closed for a helicopter operation Monday 28 April 2025:
  
  Giant Stairway beyond Oreades lookout
  
  Dardanelles Pass
  
  Federal Pass between Golden Stairs and Scenic World
  
  Federal Pass between base of Furber Steps and Leura Forest
  
  Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.
  The following tracks are closed:
  Katoomba and Leura
  
  Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
  
  Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Gordon Falls picnic area and Elysian Rock lookout, due to a landslide. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. Detours will also be in place via Olympian Parade.
  
  Gordon Falls picnic area is closed due to upgrades. Detours for walking tracks are in place. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to landslides. Access to Leura Forest and Jamison Valley is via Amphitheatre track.
  
  Golden Stairs walking track is closed due to landslides and rock fall. There is no access from Glenraphael Drive to Ruined Castle, Federal Pass or Scenic World. Ruined Castle and Mt Solitary can be accessed from Federal Pass (via Furber Steps) or Kedumba Pass.
  
  Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  
  Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  
  Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.
  
  Wentworth Falls and Woodford
  
  Charles Darwin walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
  
  Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to multiple landslides. No access to Roberts Pass and Vera Falls. Valley of the Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Bells Line of Road
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  
  Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. The Grose Valley can be accessed from Blackheath via Perrys Lookdown or the Horse track.
  
  Pierces Pass road and picnic area will be closed for road maintenance from May 5th to 9th, 2025. Parking will be available at Walls Lookout carpark and all walking tracks remain open using a short access track from the Walls Lookout carpark.
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes may be closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
  
  Closed areas: Burralow Creek Campground closed
  Burralow Creek campground and picnic area will be closed from 28 April to 15 May 2025 for upgrade works to Bulcamatta Falls walking track.
  The following connecting fire trails will also be closed:
  
  Paterson Range fire trail
  
  Tabaraga Ridge fire trail
  
  Burralow fire trail
  
  There will be no public access during this time including walkers, bike riders, horse riders and vehicles. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office 02 4720 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Red Hands Cave & Walking Tracks temporarily closed
  The following areas and walking tracks are closed from 1 April 2025 until further notice:
  
  Red Hands Cave
  
  Red Hands Cave walking track
  
  Campfire Creek walking track
  
  the Link walking track
  
  This is to allow for works on the elevated platform at Red Hands Cave. For your safety, please follow all signs and instructions of NPWS staff.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 4720 6200.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Thursday 2 May 2024 to Monday 5 May 2025 in the following areas:
  
  Abercrombie River National Park
  
  Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
  
  Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  
  Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
  
  Wollemi National Park (Wolga)
  
  Gardens of Stone National Park
  
  Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  
  Turon National Park
  
  Marrangaroo National Park
  
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Fern Bower walking track closed
  Fern Bower walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to multiple landslides. There's no access to Leura Forest and Leura Cascades via Fern Bower. Alternative access is via Amphitheatre track.
  For more information, call the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Euroka walking track closed for repairs
  Euroka walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed for track repairs from Monday 1 February to Monday 30 June 2025.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Safety alerts: Remote walking track conditions
  Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area including Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail have been impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage.
  In some places, tracks are no longer visible and are not easy to navigate, taking longer to traverse than expected. Limited to zero water sources are currently available along routes.
  If you plan to walk in the area, please ensure you have an appropriate level of experience, navigation skills and equipment including Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
  Mobile reception is limited so alternative communication methods are strongly recommended.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed
  Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed until further notice. This includes Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Start	(-33.6338594,150.2843986)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train
Directions	From Great Western Highway, A32 Turn on to then drive for 15 m

Weather Forecast

Alerts