Pulpit Rock, Boyd Beach to Govetts Leap Lookout

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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.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Pulpit Rock Track & Pulpit Rock Road (-33.6180083,150.3283835)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Great Western Highway, A32 Turn on to Hat Hill Road then drive for 4.7 km Turn right onto Pulpit Rock Road and drive for another 940 m
Finish	Govetts Leap Lookout (-33.6279732,150.3114915)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the car park, the walk follows the sign to 'Pulpit Rock Lookout', down the stairs from the car park. The track continues down to a shelter and toilet, and then steeply heads down another flight of stairs, before flattening out and then descending more stairs to the signposted intersection.....

An optional side trip to Pulpit Rock Upper Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Pulpit Rock Track & Pulpit Rock Road Start heading along Pulpit Rock Track (a walking track). After 70 m pass the toilet (25 m on your right). Then pass the shelter (7 m on your right).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Pulpit Rock Upper Lookout. 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. After another 210 m turn right, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 1.7 km find the "Boyd Lookout" (15 m on your left). 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 km come to the "Cripps Lookout" (9 m on your left). After another 280 m come to the "Bradleys Lookout". After another 15 m find the "Horseshoe Falls" (20 m on your left). 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 20 m cross the ford.
	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. Then come to the "Horseshoe Falls Lookout" (10 m on your left).
	After another 150 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) turn right, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 25 m come to the "Laws Lookout". After another 95 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long) After another 10 m pass the toilet (40 m on your right). Then pass the water tap (45 m on your right).
	After another 30 m (at the intersection of Loop Track & Pulpit Rock Track) turn right, 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). About 45 m past the end is "Toilet Accessible". Toilet Accessible Signposted accessible and general use male and female toilets. Access via concrete ramp, however, the top of the ramp is accessed via loose gravel carpark with some steep eroded sections.
	Turn left. After another 7 m come to a water tap. About 65 m past the end is "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. About 20 m past the end is "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.
	Continue another 0 m to find Govetts Leap Lookout at the end.
	Start.
	After another 60 m come to the end. About 35 m past the end is "Pulpit Rock Lookout". 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. About 45 m past the end is a seat. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 60 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Pulpit Rock, Boyd Beach to Govetts Leap Lookout

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	3.9 km
Time	2 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
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

Shelter: There is one 70 m from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 3.8 km.

Seat: There is one 280 m (plus an extra 155 m along side route) from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	70 m	[shelter]
Toilet	70 m	[toilet]
Seat	280 m + 155 m	[seat]
Toilet	3.8 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Tuesday 22 October
  
  22°C
  Sunny.
  0% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. The chance of frost on and east of the ranges early this morning. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures 22 to 27.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:00am to 4:30pm, UV Index predicted to reach 9 [Very High]
  
  Wednesday 23 October
  
  11°C → 25°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of fog on and east of the ranges in the early morning. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching 23 to 29.
  
  Thursday 24 October
  
  12°C → 20°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  0 → 10mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, medium chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching between 18 and 25.
  
  Friday 25 October
  
  5°C → 16°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Mostly sunny. Medium chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 22.
  
  Saturday 26 October
  
  5°C → 17°C
  Cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy.
  
  Sunday 27 October
  
  8°C → 21°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Monday 28 October
  
  9°C → 18°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Blue Mountains National Park alerts
  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: 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.
  
  Prince Henry walk (Grand Cliff Top walk) will also be closed between Lady Darley and Wollumai lookouts from Monday 14 to Tuesday 15 October 2024 for a NSW Police exercise.
  
  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.
  
  Access to Glenraphel Drive Narrowneck Road will have intermittent closure in place on Tuesday 22 October 2024 to allow for helicopter operations.
  
  Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.
  
  Wentworth Falls and Woodford
  
  Undercliff track, Princes Rock track and lookout, Rocket Point lookout, Wentworth Falls track and Little Switzerland track are closed from Thursday 24 to Friday 25 October 2024 for a helicopter operation.
  
  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.
  
  Govetts Leap Lookout and Carpark will be closed to vehicles from 6pm Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 October 2024. Pedestrian access remains available from the Heritage Centre.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  Closed areas: Govetts Leap carpark and lookout closure
  Govetts Leap carpark and lookout within Blue Mountains National Park will be closed to all vehicles from 6pm, Tuesday 22 October to Wednesday 23 October 2024 to allow for road marking.
  Pedestrian access and parking s available at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Evans lookout. For further information please contact NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  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

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