Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station

2 Days Experienced only 5 22.2 km One way 1561m 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 transport options are available at the end of the walk, but you will need a lift to the start. 1063m

310m Blue Mountains National Park Maps, text & images are copyright wildwalks.com | Thanks to OSM, NASA and others for data used to generate some map layers. Free Beacon Hire Before You walk Grade A Personal Locating Beacon (PLB) is a hand-held device that, when Bushwalking is fun and a wonderful way to enjoy our natural places. This walk has been graded using the AS 2156.1-2001. The overall triggered, sends a message to the emergency services with your Sometimes things go bad, with a bit of planning you can increase grade of the walk is dertermined by the highest classification along location. The emergency services staff can then look at your trip your chance of having an ejoyable and safer walk. the whole track. intention forms and decide how best to help you. In the Blue Before setting off on your walk check Mountains, you can borrow these for no charge, just complete this Trip intention form, and a borrowing form. The device can be picked 1) Weather Forecast (BOM Central Tablelands District) 5 Grade 5/6 up from: NPWS Office - Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath - 9am to 4pm 2) Fire Dangers (Central Ranges, Greater Sydney Region) Experienced only 7 days Ph: 02 4787 8877 Katoomba Police Station - 217 Katoomba 3) Park Alerts (Blue Mountains National Park) St Katoomba - Anytime Ph: 02 4782 8199 Springwood Police 4) Research the walk to check your party has the skills, fitness and Station - 4 Jerseywold Avenue Springwood - Anytime Ph: 02 4751 equipment required Length 22.2 km One way 0299 More info. 5) Agree to stay as a group and not leave anyone to walk solo Time 2 Days Victoria Falls Lookout Think before you TREK Quality of Rough unclear track (5/6) Victoria Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has an easterly aspect The 'Think before you TREK' program developed by NSW Police & track over the Grose Valley. Although the lookout is named after the NPWS promotes the benefits of planning ahead for your wonderful Victoria Falls, there are no views of the falls from this bushwalking trip by using an easy to remember acronym: Signs Minimal directional signs (4/6) lookout. Take adequate supplies of food, water, navigation and first Experience Some bushwalking experience Victoria Falls T aid equipment. Required recommended (3/6) Register your planned route and tell friends and family when Victoria Falls, Blue Mountains NP, is a large waterfall dropping R you expect to return. Weather Weather generally has little impact on over a grey rock overhang. The cascade is produced by Victoria Emergency beacon (PLB's) should be carried on walks with safety (1/6) Creek dropping over the approximately-15m cliffs. A scree slope E significant gaps in mobile coverage (check terrain profile). leads up behind the falls, and below the falls the rocks are very Keep to your planned route and follow the map and walking Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not slippery. These falls are well worth a visit, with the great views from K trails. fenced, significant creeks not bridged) the top of the falls, and the accessibility of the bottom of the falls, (4/6) making a great trip. Topo Maps * This walk passes through very remote areas and sections Burra Korain Flat Camping Area The maps provided on wildwalks are helpful, but there are times have no visible track. At least one person in your group where you may need maps covering a broader area. Maps that cover should have training and experience in off track walking and this walk include; Burra Korain Flat Camping Area, Blue Mountains NP, is a small navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills clearing between the Victoria Creek and Grose River. The campsite 1:25 000 Map Series:89301S KATOOMBA, 89301N MOUNT is well signposted and has nice sitting logs and plenty of space for a WILSON and equipment are required. few tents. Water can be accessed from either river or creek but 1:100 000 Map Series:8930 KATOOMBA should be treated before use. 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. Are you ready to have fun? 1.49 | Optional sidetrip to Victoria Falls group to raise the 130 pounds required to buy the Blue Gum Forest - quite a Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all (50 m 2 mins) Veer right: From the intersection, the track follows the hillside sum in 1931 during the depression - and save it from being cleared. The group possible hazards and delays. Check park closures, weather information and towards the sound of a waterfall, keeping the creek some distance below to were successful and the Blue Gum Forest is now protected within the Blue Fire Danger Rating before setting out. Optional side trips and alternate routes your left. The track soon opens out onto the cliff of the waterfall. The track Mountains National Park. More info. noted are not included in this walks overall grade, length or time estimate. then swings around the right-hand side to go up the scree slope to venture Please allow extra time for resting and exploring areas of interest. The behind the waterfall. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the 11.63 | Blue Gum Forest intersection authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing this information main walk then Veer right. (610 m 10 mins) Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows but will not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury you the sign 'Camping only at Acacia Flats', heading downstream. The track tends may experience. Please take care, have fun - Happy Walking. Experainced 1.49 | Victoria Falls right, away from the Grose River and towards the hills on the right. The walk walkers only: This walk passes through very remote areas and sections Victoria Falls, Blue Mountains NP, is a large waterfall dropping over a grey then heads downhill and across a small creek, after which it meanders for have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have rock overhang. The cascade is produced by Victoria Creek dropping over the approximately 100m before arriving at Acacia Flats camping area. training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with approximately-15m cliffs. A scree slope leads up behind the falls, and below these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required. the falls the rocks are very slippery. These falls are well worth a visit, with 12.23 | Acacia Flats Camping Ground Getting there Traveling by car is the only practical way to get to Victoria the great views from the top of the falls, and the accessibility of the bottom of Acacia Flats Camping Ground, Blue Mountains NP, is situated on the floor of Falls Rd car park (gps: -33.5737, 150.2921). Car: There is free parking the falls, making a great trip. the Grose Valley between Perrys Lookdown and Lockley Pylon. The camp available. ground is approximately 50m from Govetts Creek and approximately 500m You can get back from Blackheath Station (gps: -33.6339, 150.2844) by car, 1.49 | Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks upstream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is train or bus. Car: There is free parking available. (1.3 km 29 mins) Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track appropriately named after the dense population of Acacias found in this area. downhill towards the creek, keeping the creek to you right, so soon come to a Acacia Flats is a wonderful area to camp with tall shady Blue Gums and level Find up to date and more information inlcuding; travel directions, weather, clearing beside the creek. Here the walk crosses the creek to find a sign grass clearings which make for a great place to pitch a tent. There is a pit park closures and walker feedback at http://wild.tl/vftbs pointing to 'Burra Korain Flat' (visible before crossing the creek). (This creek toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable, and plenty of room may be impassable after rain). The walk turns left to follow the 'Burra Korain for large groups. Water is available from Govetts Creek (treat before 0 | Free Beacon Hire Flat' sign downhill, keeping the creek to your left for over 1km. The track drinking). A Personal Locating Beacon (PLB) is a hand-held device that, when winds and undulating through ferns and rocky outcrops, to open out into the triggered, sends a message to the emergency services with your location. The Burra Korain Flat Camping Area, which is signposted. 12.23 | End of day 1 emergency services staff can then look at your trip intention forms and decide This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping. how best to help you. In the Blue Mountains, you can borrow these for no 2.84 | Burra Korain Flat Camping Area charge, just complete this Trip intention form, and a borrowing form. The Burra Korain Flat Camping Area, Blue Mountains NP, is a small clearing device can be picked up from: NPWS Office - Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath - between the Victoria Creek and Grose River. The campsite is well signposted 9am to 4pm 7 days Ph: 02 4787 8877 Katoomba Police Station - 217 and has nice sitting logs and plenty of space for a few tents. Water can be Katoomba St Katoomba - Anytime Ph: 02 4782 8199 Springwood Police accessed from either river or creek but should be treated before use. Station - 4 Jerseywold Avenue Springwood - Anytime Ph: 02 4751 0299 More info. 2.84 | Burra Korain Flat Camping Area (3.9 km 1 hr 50 mins) Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk heads 0 | Victoria Falls Rd car park down the hill to the creek and then across it. The track continues up through a (100 m 2 mins) From the car park, this walk follows the sign to 'Grose Valley grassy area to a clearing with a fireplace and BBQ and a sign to 'Acacia Flat'. Lookout' down the hill. The walk then winds down some steps for Continue straight: From the camping area, this walk follows the 'Acacia Flats' approximately 50m to a lookout. 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 0.1 | Victoria Falls Lookout the right side of the creek for approximately 3km in a south-easterly Victoria Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has an easterly aspect over the direction. The track crosses a number of creeks, and continues undulating Grose Valley. Although the lookout is named after the wonderful Victoria along the south side of the Grose River to an intersection, with a sign Falls, there are no views of the falls from this lookout. pointing back to Burra Korain.

0.1 | Victoria Falls Lookout 6.73 | Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks (1.4 km 41 mins) Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads past (4.9 km 1 hr 34 mins) Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk the 'Victoria Falls' sign, down the hill. It leads across the hill for a short while follows the sign to 'Acacia Flats', keeping the creek below on the left. The before turning right and following the steps downhill for approximately track continues for approximately 500m, undulating across the steep hillside. 100m. The track then tends left, steeply down through a rocky outcrop, then The terrain then begins to flatten out as the track leads onto a creek flat area. continues winding across the hill under rocky outcrops (on the right). The After a short while, a clearing with a fireplace is passed, on your right. The track winds left, down through the rock again, to steeply zigzag down the hill track continues to undulate along the hillside, with the creek to the left, for for some time, moving away from the rocky outcrop, into ferns and more approximately 2km, to an area where the creek flats broaden. The track grassy undergrowth. The track heads steeply down towards the sound of the passes some more clearings with fire places, coming to a sign marked 'Blue cascades at the signposted intersection. Gum Forest'. The track passes this sign and continues for approximately Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Burra Korain 500m to a well-signed intersection. Flat', heading down the stairs for a short distance to another signposted intersection. 11.63 | Blue Gum Forest Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Burra Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains NP, is a large stand of Eucalyptus deanei Korain Flats' heading up the hill and then down to a railing, overlooking the trees on the junction of the Grose River and Govetts Creek. The magnificent Victoria Falls. The track then winds down the slippery hillside, descending to trees stand tall on the flats with low vegetation beneath. The trees of Blue an intersection in front of a large, mossy rock. Gum Forest represent the protection efforts of Myles Dunphy, who lead a spectacular Bridal Falls. The word `leap` is an old Scottish word meaning continuing along the other side to a small waterfall (on the left). The track then 12.23 | Acacia Flats Camping Ground waterfall. The lookout is easily accessed from the car park, there are also continues up the hill for for a short time, passing an intersection (with access (3 km 1 hr 2 mins) Continue straight: From Acacia Flats camping area, the toilets and picnic shelters nearby. tracks to Clarence Rd). The track continues to head up the hill for walk leaves the camping area with the Grose River far to the left and the approximately 300m to the intersection with Dell St. majority of the camping areas to the right of the track. The walk passes a pit 18.17 | Govetts Leap Lookout toilet on the right after approximately 100m. Continuing along the creek flats (340 m 11 mins) Turn around: From Govetts Leap Lookout, this walk heads 21.06 | Int. Pope's Glen Trk and Dell St before climbing up a small hill, the track contours and undulates for down the stairs at the edge of the lookout, keeping the valley to the right. The (1.2 km 26 mins) Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down Dell approximately 600m to round a hill which gives views of Pulpit Rock above walk then crosses a grassed area to a well-signposted intersection on the edge St, keeping the bush to the left of the road and houses to the right. The walk on the cliffs. The track turns right to climb up the hill, and then left to contour of the tree line. soon passes Cleopatra St on the right and continues along Dell St to the for some time. As the slope lessens, the track descends to the creek bank, Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down some stairs, keeping intersection with Gipps Lane, on the right (where Dell St changes name to which is on the the right. The track continues to contour for approximately the valley to the right. The walk turns right over a bridge, continuing around Wills St). 1km just above the creek, on a steep bank which has minor undulations, until the hillside to drop down onto a viewing area and intersection. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along Gipps Lane, passing it comes across a clearing with a 'No Camping' sign. The track turns left here Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down steep stairs, keeping a large wooden house to the right of the road. The road tends left onto and descends to the creek bank at a signposted intersection of Junction Rock. the valley to the right. The track then winds along the cliff top until coming Robertson Lane which then becomes Wills St. The walk follows Wills Street Junction Rock 'intersection' sits in the middle of the creek. to an intersection, near Horseshoe Falls Lookout. for sometime to turn left onto Inconstant St and then right onto Gardiner Cres. Gardiner Cres is followed to the Great Western Highway, where there 15.21 | Junction Rock 18.51 | Horseshoe Falls Lookout is a petrol station on the left. From here, this walk turns left to follow the Junction Rock, Blue Mountains NP, is a rock situated in the middle of the Horseshoe Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small fenced Great Western Highway, keeping the petrol station on the left, as the walk Govetts Leap Brook and Govetts Creek junction. The rock is signposted, lookout. There are views down to Horseshoe Falls and across the Grose heads towards the Gardners Inn pub. This walk continues to the pedestrian giving directions to Evans Lookout, Neates Glen, Acacia Flats and the Blue Valley. crossing, opposite Blackheath Station steps. Gum Forest. Junction Rock is a great place for lunch and a swim in summer. Turn right: From the pedestrian crossing, this walk crosses the Great Western 18.51 | Horseshoe Falls Highway to turn right up the covered station steps. The walk follows the 15.21 | Junction Rock Horseshoe Falls, Blue Mountains National Park, are sourced by Popes Glen railway bridge to the top of the station staircase. (2.4 km 1 hr 15 mins) Veer right: From Junction Rock, the walk follows the Creek which runs over the cliff into the Grose Valley. The Horseshoe Falls 'Govetts Leap' sign, soon crossing the brook. The track then follows the seem to be named after the shape of the valley into which they drop. brook for approximately 150m, to another creek crossing. The track continues, with the creek now on its left, for approximately 60m, before 18.51 | Horseshoe Falls Lookout crossing back to the other bank. The track continues for approximately 1km (440 m 11 mins) Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads with the creek to the right, and undulates steeply in sections between along the cliff top towards Horseshoe Falls, with the valley below to the magnificent waterfalls. A section of track traverses a rock shelf for a short right. The track winds for some time around the hillside, to a lookout on the stretch, before continuing to wind up and down (with the creek to the right) right, before continuing around to a railing some steep stairs. The stairs lead to a few sets of steeply-cut stairs. From these, the walk continues to wind to Popes Glen Creek, where the track continues through the ferns to meet a over hills to a creek crossing. The track then heads up the spur, winding street sign. between views of waterfalls, before tending left further up the hill. The walk Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Popes leads up the winding steps for some time, until crossing the creek at the Glen' keeping the creek below on the right. The track continues for bottom of a waterfall cascading off the large cliffs - Govetts Leap falls. approximately 100m, rising to the left of a prominent rock feature. The walk passes another track on the right (with access to the creek), then continues to 17.56 | Govetts Leap (falls) rise past the rock feature (on the right - The rock feature has a trail to its top.) Govetts Leap, is a waterfall in the Blue Mountains National Park. The fall is This walk continues from the rock feature, heading down the hill to a fed by Govetts Leap Brook which runs over the cliff into the Grose Valley. signposted intersection. The falls are best viewed from Govetts Leap and Barrow Lookouts. Leap is a scots dialect word for cataract or waterfall. 18.95 | Optional sidetrip to Boyd Beach (40 m 1 mins) Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill 17.56 | Bottom of Govetts Leap falls following the 'Boyds Beach' sign (under the bush). The walk winds down the (610 m 42 mins) Continue straight: From the bottom of Govetts Leap Falls, rocky steps for approximately 40m to Boyd Beach. At the end of this side this walk heads north-west, following the blue signs up the hill. The track trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight. zigzags its way steeply up to a wall of rock covered by moss, ferns and grasses. The track passes along the base of this cliff to a metal staircase, 18.95 | Boyd Beach passing through the rock. The track continues to wind steeply below the Boyd Beach, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small sandy bank on Popes cliffline, passing two lookouts before coming to the signposted intersection. Glen Creek. The beach is a quiet spot with nice ferns and shade. The beach is Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to a short distance from the Popes Glen track. 'Govetts Leap carpark' up the stairs. The walk zigzags up the hill before tending left to the signposted intersection. 18.95 | Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads across the grassed area (2.1 km 49 mins) Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, towards a platform structure. The walk climbs some stairs onto Govetts Leap following the arrow on the sign pointing to 'Blackheath'. The track continues Lookout, with its great views and sandstone monuments. above the creek (on the right) for some time, then crosses a bridge so that the creek is now on the left. The walk crosses a second bridge, then continues for 18.17 | Govetts Leap Lookout some time up a rocky hill to an intersection below power lines, with a bridge Govetts Leap Lookout is named after the first European man to have enjoyed below on the right. this view, William Govett, as an assistant surveyor in June 1831. Govetts Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, keeping Leap Lookout offers wonderful views over the Grose Valley and the the creek below on the right. The walk soon crosses the creek at a bridge,

Summary navigation sheet for the Victoria Falls to Blackheath Station km From Up/Dwn Length Initial directions (Use full tracknotes and maps for more detail) Start Victoria Falls Rd car park 0 100 m From the car park, this walk follows the sign to 'Grose Valley Lookout' down the hill. -33.5737,150.2921 (GR Mount Wilson, 487818) -15 2 mins 0.10 Victoria Falls Lookout 24 1.4 km Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads past the 'Victoria Falls' sign, down the hill. -33.5732,150.2929 (GR Mount Wilson, 487819) -379 41 mins 1.49 Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks 13 50 m Optional sidetrip to Victoria Falls. Veer right: From the intersection, the track follows the hillside towards the -33.5734,150.2986 (GR Mount Wilson, 493819) 0 2 mins sound of a waterfall, keeping the creek some distance below to your left. 1.49 Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks 22 1.3 km Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track downhill towards the creek, keeping the creek to -33.5734,150.2986 (GR Mount Wilson, 493819) -126 29 mins you right, so soon come to a clearing beside the creek. 2.84 Burra Korain Flat Camping Area 312 3.9 km Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk heads down the hill to the creek and then across it. -33.5641,150.3051 (GR Mount Wilson, 498829) -415 1 hr 50 mins 6.73 Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks 110 4.9 km Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Acacia Flats', keeping the creek below -33.5816,150.3352 (GR Mount Wilson, 527811) -184 1 hr 34 mins on the left. 11.63 Blue Gum Forest intersection 4 610 m Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign 'Camping only at Acacia Flats', heading -33.6111,150.3592 (GR Mount Wilson, 550778) -4 10 mins downstream. 12.23 End of day 1 0 0 m This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping. -33.6151,150.3556 (GR Mount Wilson, 547774) 0 12.23 Acacia Flats Camping Ground 130 3 km Continue straight: From Acacia Flats camping area, the walk leaves the camping area with the Grose River far -33.6151,150.3556 (GR Mount Wilson, 547774) -80 1 hr 2 mins to the left and the majority of the camping areas to the right of the track. 15.21 Junction Rock 390 2.4 km Veer right: From Junction Rock, the walk follows the 'Govetts Leap' sign, soon crossing the brook. -33.631,150.3346 (GR Katoomba, 528756) -22 1 hr 15 mins 17.56 Bottom of Govetts Leap falls 305 610 m Continue straight: From the bottom of Govetts Leap Falls, this walk heads north-west, following the blue signs -33.6314,150.3137 (GR Katoomba, 508755) -61 42 mins up the hill. 18.17 Govetts Leap Lookout 23 340 m Turn around: From Govetts Leap Lookout, this walk heads down the stairs at the edge of the lookout, keeping -33.628,150.3113 (GR Katoomba, 506758) -62 11 mins the valley to the right. 18.51 Horseshoe Falls Lookout 31 440 m Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the cliff top towards Horseshoe Falls, with the -33.6254,150.3114 (GR Katoomba, 506761) -41 11 mins valley below to the right. 18.95 Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk 0 40 m Optional sidetrip to Boyd Beach. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the -33.622,150.31 (GR Mount Wilson, 505765) -3 1 mins 'Boyds Beach' sign (under the bush). 18.95 Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk 145 2.1 km Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, following the arrow on the sign pointing to -33.622,150.31 (GR Mount Wilson, 505765) -48 49 mins 'Blackheath'. 21.06 Int. Pope's Glen Trk and Dell St 65 1.2 km Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down Dell St, keeping the bush to the left of the road and -33.6324,150.2941 (GR Katoomba, 490753) -27 26 mins houses to the right.