Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

Downloads GPX PDF

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.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Dell Street & Popes Glen Track (-33.6324766,150.29397)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train
Directions	From Great Western Highway, A32 Turn on to Gardiner Crescent then drive for 180 m Turn left onto Wills Street and drive for another 530 m Turn sharp left onto Wills Street and drive for another 300 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the intersection near 49 Dell St, this walk heads down the hill following the old 'Popes Glen' sign. After approximately 350m, this walk passes an intersection (with access tracks to Clarence Rd). A further 200m down the hill, the walk passes a waterfall on the right, then continues down parallel to the creek (on the right). The walk crosses two bridges, then continues to follow the creek (now on the left) to an intersection below power lines.
From the intersection, this walk heads down a slight hill, keeping the creek on the left of the track. After some time, the walk crosses a bridge, then continues beside the creek until crossing a second bridge. The track continues for some time downhill, to a signposted intersection.
From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the 'Boyds Beach' sign (under the bush). The walk winds down the rocky steps for approximately 40m to Boyd Beach.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Dell Street & Popes Glen Track Start heading along Dell Street (a residential road). After 460 m pass the "Rolnor Park" (290 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Dell Street & Clarence Road turn right (a service road).
	After another 125 m turn left, to head along Popes Glen Track. After another 265 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long) After another 170 m continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
	After another 75 m continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track. After another 660 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long) After another 380 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
	After another 170 m continue straight. After another 55 m find the "Boyd Beach" (on your left). 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. After another 5 m cross the ford.
	After another 55 m turn left, to head along Popes Glen Track.
	After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
	After another 305 m (at the intersection of Popes Glen Track & Pulpit Rock Track) turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 20 m cross the ford. After another 30 m come to the "Bradleys Lookout". After another 6 m find the "Horseshoe Falls" (20 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 310 m come to the "Cripps Lookout" (9 m on your right). After another 1 km find the "Boyd Lookout" (15 m on your right). Boyd Lookout Boyd Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks over the Grose Valley with a spectacular view over Pulpit Rock to the east. It is an unfenced, informal lookout.
	After another 1.6 km turn around, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 65 m come to the "Pulpit Rock Upper Lookout" (95 m on your right). Then find the "Pulpit Rock Lookout" (95 m on your right). 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. Then pass a seat (110 m on your right). Then come to the viewpoint (110 m on your right). Then come to the viewpoint (115 m on your right). Then come to the "Pulpit Rock Lookout" (135 m on your right).
	After another 3 km (at the intersection of Popes Glen Track & Pulpit Rock Track) turn sharp left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 140 m come to the "Rodriguez Lookout". After another 20 m find the "Horseshoe Falls Lookout" (25 m on your left). 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.
	Continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
	After another 155 m continue straight. After another 30 m come to the "Two Falls Lookout".
	After another 25 m turn sharp left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
	After another 20 m (Laws Lookout) veer right, to head along Loop Track. After another 25 m come to the "Laws Lookout".
	After another 100 m (at the intersection of Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track) & Loop Track) veer right, to head along Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track). After another 30 m come to the "Breakfast Rock Lookout" (30 m on your left).
	After another 70 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 20 m pass the toilet (40 m on your right). Then pass the water tap (50 m on your right). Then find the "Trip Hazard" (115 m on your right). Trip Hazard A 5 to 10cm step between carpark and track. Access is between bollards that are 110cm apart.
	Continue straight. After another 15 m pass the water tap (7 m on your right). After another 10 m find the "Govetts Leap Lookout" (6 m on your right). 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.
	After another 1 m continue straight, to head along Cliff Top Track. After another 50 m find the "Parking Accessible" (120 m on your right). Parking Accessible There are two signposted parking places at the lower end of the sealed Fairfax track. Specific parking bays are not marked with lines. The carpark has a loose gravel surfaces with some eroded sections. After another 195 m pass a seat (5 m on your right). After another 15 m head down the earthen steps (about 370 m long) Then pass a seat (5 m on your right)., has no backrest. After another 180 m pass the "Bridal Veil Falls" (30 m on your left). After another 7 m cross the stepping stones.
	After another 7 m (at the intersection of Braeside Walk & Cliff Top Track) turn left, to head along Cliff Top Track (a steps). Then head down the earthen steps (about 150 m long) Then find the "Barrow Lookout" (5 m on your right). 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. Then pass a seat (5 m on your right)., has a backrest. Then come to the "Barrow Lookout" (10 m on your right).
	After another 55 m (at the intersection of Cliff Top Track & Braeside Walk) veer left, to head along Braeside Walk (a walking track).
	After another 570 m continue straight, to head along Braeside Walk. After another 690 m find the "Braeside Picnic Area" (10 m on your left). 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.
	At the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Walk continue straight, to head along Braeside Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 460 m continue straight.
	After another 20 m continue straight, to head along Braeside Road.
	After another 600 m (at the intersection of Cross Street & Braeside Road) turn left, to head along Braeside Street (a residential road).
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Bell Street & Braeside Street) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street.
	After another 100 m (at the intersection of Arcadia Road & Braeside Street) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street.
	After another 170 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Prince George Street) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street.
	After another 185 m (at the intersection of Brentwood Avenue & Boreas Street) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street.
	After another 30 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Leichhardt Street) turn left, to head along Leichhardt Street.
	After another 115 m (at the intersection of Leichhardt Street & Pope Lane) continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street.
	After another 190 m (at the intersection of Leichhardt Street & Prince Edward Street) turn right, to head along Prince Edward Street. After another 20 m pass the "Jubilee Park" (20 m on your left).
	After another 110 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Govetts Leap Road) continue straight, to head along Prince Edward Street.
	After another 115 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Park Avenue) continue straight, to head along Prince Edward Street.
	After another 80 m continue straight, to head along Prince Edward Street. After another 15 m pass the "Memorial Park" (15 m on your left).
	After another 110 m continue straight, to head along Prince Edward Street.
	After another 45 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Aquatic Avenue) continue straight, to head along Prince Edward Street.
	After another 70 m continue straight, to head along Wills Street.
	After another 75 m (at the intersection of Wills Street & Gipps Lane) continue straight, to head along Wills Street.
	After another 285 m come to the end.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Popes Glen, Pulpit Rock, Govetts Leap and Braeside Walk

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	14.3 km
Time	7 h 30 min to 10 h

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)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one 9.4 km from the start.

Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 2.9 km apart with the largest gap of 5.8 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	5.8 km	[seat]
Toilet	9.4 km	[toilet]
Seat	9.6 km	[seat]
Seat	9.8 km	[seat]
Seat	10.1 km	[seat]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu
  
  Friday 25 October
  
  17°C
  Mostly sunny.
  30% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, slight chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm in the east. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the evening.
  
  Saturday 26 October
  
  4°C → 15°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower about the Blue Mountains in the late afternoon and evening. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 15 and 22.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:00am to 4:30pm, UV Index predicted to reach 9 [Very High]
  
  Sunday 27 October
  
  6°C → 20°C
  Cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Patches of frost in the south in the early morning. Winds northeast to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the middle of the day then becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 2 and 7 with daytime temperatures reaching between 17 and 22.
  
  Monday 28 October
  
  11°C → 23°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Light winds becoming northwest to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then tending west to northwesterly during the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between 5 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching 20 to 26.
  
  Tuesday 29 October
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Sunny morning. Slight chance of a shower in the afternoon. Winds northwest to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning then turning south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 7 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching 22 to 29.
  
  Wednesday 30 October
  
  7°C → 18°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Thursday 31 October
  
  8°C → 19°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Blue Mountains National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks within 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 areas 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. Parts of Cliff Drive near Leura Cascades will also be closed. See Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to multiple landslides. Access to Leura Forest and Jamison Valley is via Amphitheatre track.
  
  Ruined Castle, Golden Stairs, Solitary loop and Federal Pass, west of Scenic World are closed due to multiple landslides.
  
  The Kedumba and Cox's River Valleys are closed from 7am, Monday 14 October to 5pm, Friday 1 November 2024 for feral pest control (aerial shooting). This includes: all access points from McMahons Point, Mt Solitary and Ruined Castle, Kedumba River campground and all access points south of Sublime Point Ridge trail, Tarros Ladders and Mt Debert routes.
  
  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 from Katoomba (Explorers Tree) to Alum Creek campground will be closed on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 November 2024 to allow for aerial pest works.
  
  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.
  
  The Kedumba and Cox's River Valleys are closed from 7am, Monday 14 October to 5pm, Friday 1 November 2024 for feral animal control (shooting). This includes: All access points from McMahons Point, Mt Solitary and Ruined Castle, Kedumba River campground and all access points south of Sublime Point Ridge trail, Tarros Ladders and Mt Debert routes.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road
  
  Williams track (Govetts descent) and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. The Grose Valley can be accessed from Perrys Lookdown.
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes are specifically 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 on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Fires - Advice: Kariwoga Ridge
  There is a fire in this park called Kariwoga Ridge. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Closed areas: Red Hands Cave walking track - Partial closure
  Red Hands Cave walking track (also known as Campfire Creek walking track) is partially closed to allow for extensive flood damage repairs.
  Repairs are underway to the Link track section which runs through the gully. The rest of the walking track to Red Hands Cave is open. Pedestrian access is available all the way from the Red Hands Cave carpark through to the causeway.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Woodford - Oaks trail closed weekdays for flood repairs
  Woodford - Oaks trail will be closed on weekdays, from Monday 21 October to Friday 22 November 2024. Work is underway to repair flood damaged sections of the track.
  Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle access is not permitted during the closure period. Woodford - Oaks trail will be open on weekends during this period.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Areas closed for aerial pest shooting program
  The southern section of Blue Mountains National Park is closed from 7am, Monday 14 October to 5pm, Friday 1 November 2024.
  The closed area is bounded by the Kowmung River downstream of the junction with Dennis Ridge trail to the Coxs River junction, east of Kelpie Point trail and Mitchells Creek trail, Narrow Neck Plateau south of the Carlon Head track junction, Kedumba Valley south of Sublime Point trail, McMahons Road south of junction with Erskine Range trail and the Green Wattle and Butchers Creek catchments.
  The closed areas include:
  
  Kedumba campground
  
  Mt Solitary walking track loop including all campsites
  
  Mt Derbert walking track including Tarros Ladders between Medlow Gap and Carlon Head track
  
  McMahons Point
  
  Lions Head Pass to Kedumba Valley
  
  Scotts Main Range
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office.
  
  Fire bans: Park fire ban
  A park fire ban is in place in this park and remains in effect unless otherwise extended or removed.
  However, the following campgrounds in Blue Mountains National Park are exempt:
  
  Galong Cabins
  
  Dunphys Campground
  
  Murphys Glen
  
  Kedumba River Campground
  
  Burralow Creek
  
  Euroka campgrounds
  
  During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. Gas and electric barbecues and cookers are permitted as long as:
  
  They're under direct control of an adult
  
  The ground within 2m of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials
  
  There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)
  
  If a Total Fire Ban is in place, different rules apply. Contact the local park office before bringing a gas or electric barbecue or cooker.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.
  
  Fires - Not Applicable: Blue Pool Hazard Reduction
  There is a fire in this park called Blue Pool Hazard Reduction. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting ongoing ground baiting program from Thursday 2 May 2024 to Friday 1 November 2024 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.
  
  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

Other Journeys Discover nearby and similar journeys

Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.

Weather Forecast

Alerts