Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station
Dharug & Gundungurra Country

6 h 30 min, 9 h to 2 days

13.6 km
oneway

↑ 1375 m
↓ -1234 m

Hard track
The walk descends from Perry's Lookdown into the famous Blue Gum Forest. The overnight stay in the nearby Acacia Flats allows time for some exploring in the Grose River and the surrounding areas. After some steady climbing, the walk passes the base of the magnificent Bridal Falls and climbs steeply to Govetts Leap Lookout. This walk tests out the knees and fitness and is great way to access the valley. 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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View from Memorial Plaque Lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Rock steps on Perrys Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Acacia Flats Camping Area. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Grose River. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Fungus near Junction Rock. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Arrow signage. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Williams Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Govetts Leap Lookout. | Photo by admin
Pope's Glen Track. | Photo by admin
Downloads GPX PDF

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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 (-33.5993447,150.3460853)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Great Western Highway, A32
  • Turn on to then drive for 175 m
  • Turn sharp left onto Station Street and drive for another 10 m
  • Turn right onto Great Western Highway, A32 and drive for another 5.9 km
  • Keep right onto Camp Street and drive for another 70 m
  • Turn slight right onto Camp Street and drive for another 440 m
  • Turn slight left onto Camp Street and drive for another 440 m
  • Turn left onto Albion Street and drive for another 270 m
  • Turn right onto Great Western Highway, A32 and drive for another 10.3 km
  • Turn right onto Hat Hill Road and drive for another 7.1 km
  • Keep right onto Perrys Lookdown Road and drive for another 840 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, the walk follows the sign 'Perry's Lookdown Track' down the hill to a railed lookout.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Perrys Lookdown campground (about 20 m back from the start).
Perrys Lookdown campground
Perrys Lookdown campground

Perrys Lookdown offers a simple campsite, close to some spectacular lookouts and well located as starting point for longer walks exploring the Grose Valley. There are 5 tent sites and a non-flush toilet, but no water available. This area allows fuel stoves only (no camp fires). The camping area is a short walk from the car park. Limit to one night stay (sites cannot be reserved).
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Perrys Lookdown offers a simple campsite, close to some spectacular lookouts and well located as starting point for longer walks exploring the Grose Valley. There are 5 tent sites and a non-flush toilet, but no water available. This area allows fuel stoves only (no camp fires). The camping area is a short walk from the car park. Limit to one night stay (sites cannot be reserved).

After 20 m pass the sign (10 m on your left).
After another 50 m turn right, to head along Perrys Track.
After another 15 m come to the "Perry's Lookdown".
Perry's Lookdown
Perry's Lookdown

Perry's Lookdown, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley, with Blue Gum Forest nearly directly below and Lockleys Pylon to the south. The lookout is presumably named after Captain William Perry, the Deputy Surveyor General who worked under the leadership of Sir Thomas Mitchell.
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Perry's Lookdown, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley, with Blue Gum Forest nearly directly below and Lockleys Pylon to the south. The lookout is presumably named after Captain William Perry, the Deputy Surveyor General who worked under the leadership of Sir Thomas Mitchell.
After another 30 m turn right, to head along Perrys Track.
After another 30 m find the "Dockers Lookout" (25 m on your left).
Dockers Lookout
Dockers Lookout

Dockers Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley and Blue Gum Forest below. Mt Banks can be seen standing proudly to the north above the valley.
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Dockers Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley and Blue Gum Forest below. Mt Banks can be seen standing proudly to the north above the valley.

After another 345 m head down the steps (about 1.3 km long)
Then head down the steps (about 790 m long)
After another 830 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Perrys Track) turn right, 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 125 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 75 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Rodriguez Pass Walking Track continue straight, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
After another 45 m find the "Junction Rock" (15 m 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 70 m come to the "Govetts Leap Lookout" (20 m on your left).
Then pass the water tap (35 m on your left).
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Pulpit Rock Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) veer right, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 20 m pass the sign (10 m on your left).
After another 20 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 15 m continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 155 m 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

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".
After another 90 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 470 m pass the "Female" (70 m on your left).
After another 6 m pass the "Male" (60 m on your left).
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 35 m come to the end.
About 35 m past the end is a car park.

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

Perry's Lookdown to Blackheath Station


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 13.6 km
Time 6 h 30 min, 9 h to 2 days
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 (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 3.4 km apart with the largest gap of 6.6 km.

Toilet: There are 5 on route, on average they are 2.3 km apart with the largest gap of 6.1 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Campsite
-5 mPerrys Lookdown campground
Campsite
3.2 kmAcacia Flats Camping Ground
Toilet
3.3 km[toilet]
Toilet
3.4 km[toilet]
Camp site
6.9 km[camp site]
Toilet
9.6 km[toilet]
Toilet
13.2 kmFemale
Toilet
13.3 kmMale
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Free Beacon Hire
A Personal Locating Beacon is a hand-held device that, when triggered, sends a message to the emergency services with your location. The emergency services staff can then look at your trip intention forms and decide how best to help you. In the Blue Mountains, you can hire these for no charge, just complete this Trip intention form, and a borrowing form. The device can be picked up from: NPWS Office - Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath - 9am to 4pm 7 days Ph: 02 4787 8877 Katoomba Police Station - 217 Katoomba St Katoomba - Anytime Ph: 02 4782 8199 Springwood Police Station - 4 Jerseywold Avenue Springwood - Anytime Ph: 02 4751 0299
Perry's Lookdown
Perry's Lookdown, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley, with Blue Gum Forest nearly directly below and Lockleys Pylon to the south. The lookout is presumably named after Captain William Perry, the Deputy Surveyor General who worked under the leadership of Sir Thomas Mitchell.
Dockers Lookout
Dockers Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley and Blue Gum Forest below. Mt Banks can be seen standing proudly to the north above the valley.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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