Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest

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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.

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 Pierces Pass Road & Pearce's Pass-Grose Valley Trail (-33.5702187,150.3382049)
Mode	Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Turn on to Harley Avenue then drive for 350 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 800 m

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
	At the intersection of Pierces Pass Road & Pearce's Pass-Grose Valley Trail Start heading along Pearce's Pass-Grose Valley Trail (a walking track). Pierces Pass (about 55 m back from the start). 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. There is a toilet (about 15 m back from the start). After 15 m to find the car park.
	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.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Acacia Flats Camping Ground. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. The starting point of an alternate route. Alternate exit via Perrys Lookdown To take the alternate route turn right here. Details below. Continue another 110 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 7.6 km to get back to the start. About 70 m past the end is "Blue Gum Forest". 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. About 15 m past the end is a sign.

An optional side trip to Acacia Flats Camping Ground.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Shortridge Pass Start heading along Blue Gum Forest Track (a walking track). After 90 m pass the sign (9 m on your right).
	After another 400 m come to the end. About 45 m past the end is "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). About 85 m past the end is "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) About 105 m past the end is a toilet. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 500 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

At the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Shortridge Pass Start heading along Blue Gum Forest Track (a walking track).

After 90 m pass the sign (9 m on your right).

After another 400 m come to the end.

About 45 m past the end is "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).

About 85 m past the end is "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)

About 105 m past the end is a toilet.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 500 m to the main route.

Alternate exit via Perrys Lookdown

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Shortridge Pass Start heading along Perrys Track (a walking track). After another 830 m head up the steps (about 1.3 km long) Then head up the steps (about 540 m long)
	After another 380 m turn left, to head along Perrys Track. After another 20 m find the "Dockers Lookout" (25 m on your right). 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. After another 35 m come to the "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.
	After another 55 m come to the end. About 10 m past the end is a sign. About 20 m past the end is "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). At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	15.3 km
Time	5 h 30 min, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

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

Campsite: There are 3 on route, on average they are 5.7 km apart with the largest gap of 10.3 km.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 5.4 km apart with the largest gap of 8.2 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	7 m	[toilet]
Campsite	7.6 km + 530 m	Acacia Flats Camping Ground
Campsite	7.6 km + 530 m	Acacia Flat
Toilet	7.6 km + 530 m	[toilet]
Campsite	7.6 km + 2.7 km	Perrys Lookdown campground

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

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).

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Saturday 27 July
  
  13°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. High chance of showers, becoming less likely in the late afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then tending westerly 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon. Daytime maximum temperatures between 12 and 17.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 10:50am to 1:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Sunday 28 July
  
  3°C → 7°C
  Wind easing. Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the south, slight chance elsewhere. Snow possible above 700 metres. Winds westerly 25 to 35 km/h turning southwesterly during the morning and early afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between zero and 5 with daytime temperatures reaching between 5 and 11.
  
  Monday 29 July
  
  0°C → 9°C
  Morning frost. Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Areas of morning frost. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 3 and 2 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 7 and 13.
  
  Tuesday 30 July
  
  0°C → 9°C
  Morning frost. Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h increasing to 25 km/h before tending south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between minus 3 and 2 above zero with daytime temperatures reaching between 8 and 14.
  
  Wednesday 31 July
  
  0°C → 9°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Thursday 1 August
  
  1°C → 10°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Friday 2 August
  
  3°C → 11°C
  Cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  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.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk (Grand Cliff Top walk) and Amphitheatre track is closed due to multiple landslides.
  
  Federal pass between the Cooks Crossing (Kedumba River) and Dardanelles Pass (near the Giant Staircase) is closed due to a landslide. There is no access along Federal Pass from the bottom Giant Stairs to Scenic World. Visitors can access Scenic World bottom stations via Furber Steps only. Fares apply.
  
  Ruined Castle, Golden Stairs, Solitary Loop and Federal Pass west of Scenic World are closed due to multiple landslides.
  
  Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  
  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.
  
  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
  
  Valley of Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls. There is no access to Roberts Pass, Vera Falls, Hippocrene Falls or Wentworth Falls from Valley of the Waters.
  
  Charles Darwin walk (part of the 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.
  
  Bedford Creek and Andersons Fire trail will be closed Monday to Friday until Friday 30th August 2024 due to road repairs. There will be no access from Anderson fire trail or Murphys Road to Ingar campground. There is also no exit to Woodford from Andersons fire trail. Trials and campgrounds will be open on Saturday and Sunday. Ingar campground is open on Saturday night only.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road
  
  Perrys Lookdown Road will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists from Monday 5 August to Friday 16 August 2024 for roadworks. The road will be open weekends. Alternative access to Acacia flat is available via Horse track (via Grand Canyon track) or Lockley Pylon.
  
  Williams track (Govetts descent) and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides.
  
  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 local office.
  
  Closed areas: Woodford-Oaks trail closure
  Woodford-Oaks trail is closed on weekdays to all cyclists and pedestrians due to heavy machinery in operation.
  The Oaks and Single tracks will be open to cyclists on weekends, and will fully reopen as soon as works are complete.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 4720 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: Glenbrook precinct closure
  The Glenbrook precinct will be closed on weekdays for major roadworks, from Monday 29 April to Tuesday 15 October 2024.
  Heavy machinery and vehicles will be in operation from Mondays to Fridays during this period. Access beyond the entry gate will be closed to all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
  The closed areas (Mondays to Fridays) include:
  
  Woodford - The Oaks trail
  
  The Single track
  
  Euroka campground
  
  Red Hands Cave
  
  Red Hands Cave walking track
  
  Jack Evans track
  
  Nepean lookout
  
  Nepean River walking track
  
  Pisgah Rock
  
  Mount Portal lookout
  
  Tunnel View lookout
  
  Jellybean Pool
  
  Blue Pool
  
  Glenbrook Gorge walking track
  
  The precinct will open on weekends, with most areas accessible.
  The following areas will be open on weekends:
  
  Euroka picnic area
  
  Woodford - The Oaks trail
  
  The Single track
  
  Mt Portal and Tunnel View lookouts
  
  Jellybean Pool
  
  Blue Pool
  
  Glenbrook Gorge walking track
  
  Other sections, including Red Hands Cave and Euroka campground, will remain closed over the weekend. The precinct will fully reopen as soon as works are complete.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office 02 4720 6200.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  Closed areas: Six Foot track - Bowtells Bridge closure
  Bowtells swing bridge on Six Foot track is closed to protect public safety. An upgrade is being planned and the bridge is expected to reopen in Mid August 2024. Signs and barriers are in place to prevent access onto the bridge.
  Crown Lands, which manages the bridge, is advising track users not to attempt to cross Coxs River. Any attempts to cross the river are at your own risk and are discouraged due to the potential for slips or falls, rainfall and risk of flash flooding.
  For further information visit the Six Foot track website.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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