Pierces Pass to Blackheath Station
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

7 h 30 min to 9 h

18.7 km
oneway

↑ 1376 m
↓ -1173 m

Very challenging
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 one where you'll want to have a friend with a car (they can enjoy some shorter walks or the great cafes in the area) or hail a taxi. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Track head at Pierces Pass. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Pierces Pass Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from Pierces Pass Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Gross River crossing. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Grose River Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Blue Gum Forest sign. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Blue Gum Forest. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Acacia Flats Camping Area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Pulpit Rock from the Grose Valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Arrow signage. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Creek crossing over Govetts Creek. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Cascade on Govetts Creek. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Cliff from the Grose Valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
View from track beneath Govetts Leap lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Govetts Leap Lookout. | Photo by admin
Track between Govetts and Horseshoe Lookouts. | Photo by admin
Sign post on Pope's Glen Creek. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Creek. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track. | Photo by admin
Sign marking an end of Pope's Glen Trk. | Photo by admin
Downloads GPX PDF


Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.5701909,150.3386494)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Great Western Highway, A32
  • Turn on to Harley Avenue then drive for 360 m
  • Turn right onto Station Street and drive for another 9.9 km
  • Turn right onto Bells Line of Road, B59 and drive for another 10 km
  • Turn right onto Pierces Pass Road and drive for another 95 m
  • Turn left onto Pierces Pass Road and drive for another 760 m
Finish (-33.633943,150.2844665)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Bus   Car   (There is free parking available.) Train  
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park, this walk heads down the hill tending right, to follow the creek. The track then follows the line of the creek, which drops away quickly before the track winds under a rocky outcrop. The track then winds to pass a tree which ends with a large step at the roots of the upturned tree, marking the intersection.
From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, with the creek below on the right. The track becomes lighter as the rainforest vegetation gives way, and the track leads away from the cliff lines of Pierces Pass. The track then descends across the hillside for approximately 400m to tend right onto a narrowing spur line. The track is quite steep in places as it makes its way down to the creek flats. From where the track meets the creek flats, the walk then leads through the low vegetation to the creek. The track crosses the creek to head downstream for approximately 20m, then climbs off the creek flats and coming to an intersection with signposts pointing to 'Burra Korain, Victoria Falls' and 'Acacia Flats'.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Pearce's Pass-Grose Valley Trail & Pierces Pass Road) turn right, to head along Pearce's Pass-Grose Valley Trail (a walking track).
Pierces Pass (about 9 m back from the start).
Pierces Pass
Pierces Pass

Pierces Pass in Blue Mountains National Park is a passage through the cliffs from the Bells Line of Road. The pass is popular with rock climbers, who use it as an access track to the cliffs.
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Pierces Pass in Blue Mountains National Park is a passage through the cliffs from the Bells Line of Road. The pass is popular with rock climbers, who use it as an access track to the cliffs.

After another 60 m to find the car park.
After another 50 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).
After another 2.4 km veer left.
After another 1.2 km cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
After another 1.7 km cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
After another 880 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
After another 600 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 580 m continue straight.
After another 110 m (at the intersection of Perrys Track & Shortridge Pass) continue straight, to head along Blue Gum Forest Track.
After another 90 m pass the sign (9 m on your right).
After another 470 m find the "Acacia Flats Camping Ground" (45 m on your left).
Acacia Flats Camping Ground
Acacia Flats Camping Ground

Acacia Flats Camping Ground, Blue Mountains NP, is situated on the floor of the Grose Valley between Perrys Lookdown and Lockley Pylon. The camp ground is approximately 50m from Govetts Creek and approximately 500m upstream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is appropriately named after the dense population of Acacias found in this area. Acacia Flats is a wonderful area to camp with tall shady Blue Gums and level grass clearings which make for a great place to pitch a tent. There is a pit toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable, and plenty of room for large groups. Water is available from Govetts Creek (treat before drinking).
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Acacia Flats Camping Ground, Blue Mountains NP, is situated on the floor of the Grose Valley between Perrys Lookdown and Lockley Pylon. The camp ground is approximately 50m from Govetts Creek and approximately 500m upstream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is appropriately named after the dense population of Acacias found in this area. Acacia Flats is a wonderful area to camp with tall shady Blue Gums and level grass clearings which make for a great place to pitch a tent. There is a pit toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable, and plenty of room for large groups. Water is available from Govetts Creek (treat before drinking).

After another 35 m find the "Acacia Flat" (55 m on your left).
Acacia Flat
Acacia Flat

Acacia Flats Camping Ground, Blue Mountains NP, is situated on the floor of the Grose Valley between Perrys Lookdown and Lockley Pylon. The camp ground is approximately 50m from Govetts Creek and approximately 500m up stream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is named appropriately after the dense population of Acacias found in this area. Acacia Flats is a wonderful area to camp with tall shady Blue Gums and level grass clearings which make for a great place to pitch a tent. There is a drop toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable and plenty of room for large groups. (No camping in the Blue Gum Forest)
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Acacia Flats Camping Ground, Blue Mountains NP, is situated on the floor of the Grose Valley between Perrys Lookdown and Lockley Pylon. The camp ground is approximately 50m from Govetts Creek and approximately 500m up stream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is named appropriately after the dense population of Acacias found in this area. Acacia Flats is a wonderful area to camp with tall shady Blue Gums and level grass clearings which make for a great place to pitch a tent. There is a drop toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable and plenty of room for large groups. (No camping in the Blue Gum Forest)

After another 90 m pass the toilet (9 m on your left).
After another 110 m pass the toilet (10 m on your right).
After another 2.8 km continue straight, to head along Blue Gum Forest Track.
After another 50 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Rodriguez Pass Walking Track & Blue Gum Forest Track turn right, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Rodriguez Pass Walking Track) veer left, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
After another 50 m find the "Junction Rock" (on your left).
Junction Rock
Junction Rock

Junction Rock, Blue Mountains NP, is a rock situated in the middle of the Govetts Leap Brook and Govetts Creek junction. The rock is signposted, giving directions to Evans Lookout, Neates Glen, Acacia Flats and the Blue Gum Forest. Junction Rock is a great place for lunch and a swim in summer.
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Junction Rock, Blue Mountains NP, is a rock situated in the middle of the Govetts Leap Brook and Govetts Creek junction. The rock is signposted, giving directions to Evans Lookout, Neates Glen, Acacia Flats and the Blue Gum Forest. Junction Rock is a great place for lunch and a swim in summer.

After another 560 m come to the camp site (5 m on your left).
After another 1.2 km cross the ford.
After another 10 m pass the "Trinity Falls" (35 m on your right).
After another 155 m cross the ford.
After another 380 m cross the ford.
After another 95 m (at the intersection of Jungle Circuit & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track).
After another 380 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your right).
After another 150 m come to the "Williams Lookout".
After another 30 m come to the "Breakfast Rock Lookout".
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Loop Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) turn sharp left, to head along Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track).
After another 100 m (at the intersection of Pulpit Rock Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) turn left, to head along Loop Track.
After another 8 m veer right, to head along Loop Track.
After another 20 m come to the viewpoint (6 m on your left).
Veer left.
After another 6 m pass the sign (on your right).
After another 9 m turn around.
After another 15 m pass the water tap (7 m on your right).
Then find the "Picnic Shelter" (65 m on your right).
Picnic Shelter
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.
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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.

Then come to the "Govetts Leap Lookout" (9 m on your left).
Then find the "Govetts Leap Lookout" (20 m on your right).
Govetts Leap Lookout
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.
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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 (15 m on your right).
Veer right, to head along Loop Track.
After another 15 m veer left, to head along Loop Track.
After another 8 m (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 120 m (Laws Lookout) turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 8 m come to the "Laws Lookout".
After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 155 m continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 6 m come to the "Horseshoe Falls Lookout" (10 m on your right).
Then find the "Horseshoe Falls Lookout" (25 m on your right).
Horseshoe Falls Lookout
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.
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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

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.
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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 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 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 continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
After another 75 m continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
After another 170 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
After another 265 m 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 30 m continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Hydora Lane) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Great Western Highway & Gardiner Crescent) turn left, to head along Great Western Highway (a highway|trunk).
After another 20 m continue straight, to head along Great Western Highway.
After another 45 m turn right.
After another 30 m continue straight.
About 30 m past the end is a car park.
The end.

An optional side trip to Boyd Beach.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 50 m come to the end.
"Boyd Beach".
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.
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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.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Pierces Pass to Blackheath Station


Grading
Class 5/6
Very challenging
Length 18.7 km
Time 7 h 30 min to 9 h
Quality of track Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4.7 km apart with the largest gap of 8.2 km.

Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4.7 km apart with the largest gap of 10.2 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
140 m[toilet]
Campsite
8.2 kmAcacia Flats Camping Ground
Campsite
8.3 kmAcacia Flat
Toilet
8.4 km[toilet]
Toilet
8.5 km[toilet]
Camp site
12 km[camp site]
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