Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

Getting started
From the top of the station steps, this walk heads towards the Great Western Highway and Gardners Inn. The walk turns right down a flight of stairs, then turns left across the Great Western Highway at the pedestrian crossing.
From the pedestrian crossing, this walk heads towards Gardners Inn, keeping the road to the right. The walk continues along the footpath, turning left opposite the Ivanhoe Hotel, onto Govetts Leap Rd. The walk continues down Govetts Leap Rd to the intersection with Prince Edward St.
From the intersection, this walk heads west along Govetts Leap Rd for a block, to the intersection with Boreas St. This walk turns right, down Boreas St to the intersection with Braeside St.
From the intersection, this walk follows the green signpost to 'Braeside Walk' along the houses on the right-hand of Braeside Street. This walk turns right at the 'Braeside Walk' sign. The walk continues for approximately 70m to the intersection with another service trail.
From the intersection, this walk heads down the management track, to the signposted intersection after a parking area on the left.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Then cross the bridge (about 15 m long) Then head down the steps (about 10 m long)
	Turn left.
	After another 30 m turn right, to head along Great Western Highway.
	After another 25 m turn left.
	After another 30 m turn right. After another 30 m pass the picnic table (on your left).
	After another 5 m turn right. After another 15 m pass the picnic table (on your left). After another 15 m to find the car park.
	After another 4 m turn right, to head along Hydora Lane.
	After another 140 m (at the intersection of Wentworth Street & Hydora Lane) turn right, to head along Wentworth Street (a residential road). After another 80 m pass the "Thai Silk" (10 m on your left). W:thaisilkblackheath.com.au T:61247876968
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Govetts Leap Road & Wentworth Street) turn left, to head along Govetts Leap Road (a highway\|tertiary). After another 8 m pass the "Slurps Cafe" (20 m on your right). After another 40 m pass a seat (8 m on your right). After another 30 m pass the water tap (9 m on your right).
	After another 60 m (at the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Govetts Leap Road) turn right, to head along Clanwilliam Street (a residential road). After another 90 m pass the "Fumo Blackheath" (20 m on your right). W:www.fumorestaurant.com.au At the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Nixon Lane continue straight, to head along Clanwilliam Street.
	After another 55 m (at the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Leichhardt Street) turn left, to head along Leichhardt Street. After another 110 m continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street. After another 150 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Leichhardt Street) continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street. Jubilee Park (about 15 m back from the start). After another 160 m pass the playground (65 m on your right). At the intersection of Leichhardt Street & Pope Lane continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street.
	After another 115 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Leichhardt Street) turn right, to head along Boreas Street. After another 30 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Brentwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street. After another 185 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Prince George Street) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street. After another 170 m (at the intersection of Braeside Street & Arcadia Road) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street. After another 100 m (at the intersection of Braeside Street & Bell Street) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Street) turn right, to head along Braeside Road (a vehicle track). After another 600 m continue straight, to head along Braeside Road. After another 20 m continue straight, to head along Braeside Road.
	After another 460 m (at the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Walk) continue straight, to head along Braeside Walk (a walking track). After another 125 m find the "Braeside Picnic Area" (10 m on your right). 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.
	After another 530 m continue straight, to head along Braeside Walk.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Barrow Lookout. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 570 m (at the intersection of Cliff Top Track & Braeside Walk) turn left, to head along Cliff Top Track. After another 20 m cross the stepping stones. Then head up the earthen steps (about 370 m long) Then pass a seat (5 m on your left)., has no backrest. After another 380 m pass the car park (9 m on your left). After another 10 m find the "Picnic Shelter" (60 m on your left). 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.
	Continue straight. After another 20 m find the "Govetts Leap Lookout" (6 m on your left). 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. Then pass the sign.
	After another 4 m continue straight. After another 10 m pass the water tap (7 m on your left). After another 15 m find the "Toilet Accessible" (45 m on your left). 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.
	Veer right, to head along Loop Track.
	After another 15 m veer left, to head along Loop Track. After another 30 m pass the sign (on your left). After another 6 m come to the viewpoint (6 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track) & Loop Track turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 40 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 8 m come to the "Two Falls Lookout" (15 m on your left).
	After another 6 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, 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". Then find the "Horseshoe Falls" (55 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 95 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 450 m (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 65 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Hydora Lane) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent. After another 150 m pass the shelter (85 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Great Western Highway & Gardiner Crescent turn left, to head along Great Western Highway (a highway\|trunk). After another 15 m pass the toilet (60 m on your right). Mo-Fr 05:00-16:00
	After another 50 m turn right. After another 50 m come to a car park.
	The end.

An optional side trip to Barrow Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Braeside Walk & Cliff Top Track Start heading along Cliff Top Track (a steps). Then head down the earthen steps (about 75 m long) Then pass the "Bridal Veil Falls" (35 m on your left). Then find the "Govetts Leap (falls)" (45 m on your left). 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. After another 50 m come to "Barrow Lookout". 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. A seat., has a backrest.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 90 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

At the intersection of Braeside Walk & Cliff Top Track Start heading along Cliff Top Track (a steps).

Then head down the earthen steps (about 75 m long)

Then pass the "Bridal Veil Falls" (35 m on your left).

Then find the "Govetts Leap (falls)" (45 m on your left).

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.

After another 50 m come to "Barrow Lookout".

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.

A seat., has a backrest.

The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 90 m to the main route.

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, 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.

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	8.9 km
Time	3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

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)

Class 4/6
Hard track

Length

8.9 km

Time

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

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)

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	460 m	[seat]
Seat	4.1 km + 95 m	[seat]
Seat	4.4 km	[seat]
Toilet	4.9 km	[toilet]
Toilet	8.8 km	[toilet]
Shelter	8.9 km	[shelter]

Item

From Start

Name & link to notes

Seat

460 m

[seat]

Seat

4.1 km + 95 m

[seat]

Seat

4.4 km

[seat]

Toilet

4.9 km

[toilet]

Toilet

8.8 km

[toilet]

Shelter

8.9 km

[shelter]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Wednesday 4 December
  
  Cloudy.
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, becoming less likely later this evening. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe. Winds easterly 15 to 25 km/h.
  
  Thursday 5 December
  
  12°C → 24°C
  Cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and early evening. The chance of a thunderstorm in the morning and afternoon. Winds east to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the middle of the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between 13 and 18 with daytime temperatures reaching 25 to 30.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:30am to 5:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 12 [Extreme]
  
  Friday 6 December
  
  16°C → 27°C
  Shower or two. Possible storm.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of fog in the early morning. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and early evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 15 and 19 with daytime temperatures reaching 27 to 32.
  
  Saturday 7 December
  
  19°C → 26°C
  Shower or two. Possible storm.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 5mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 21 with daytime temperatures reaching 25 to 31.
  
  Sunday 8 December
  
  18°C → 26°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 7mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning. The chance of a thunderstorm in the north. Winds westerly 15 to 25 km/h shifting east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 17 and 21 with daytime temperatures reaching 26 to 32.
  
  Monday 9 December
  
  9°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Tuesday 10 December
  
  11°C → 25°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Wednesday 11 December
  
  14°C → 26°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 10mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  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 in 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
  
  Federal Pass is closed between Cooks Crossing (200m east of Furber Steps) and Giant Stairs due to a major rockfall. There's no access between Giant Stairs (below Three Sisters) and Scenic World Valley Stations or Furber Steps.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  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 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.
  
  Undercliff track is closed between Fletchers lookout and Princes Rock lookout link track junction for track maintenance from Tuesday 19 November 2024. The track is expected to reopen on Friday 20 December 2024, depending on conditions.
  
  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. Valley of the Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls.
  
  McMahons lookout and access road will be closed to vehicles, bikes and pedestrians beyond Erskine Range fire trail for roadworks until further notice.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road
  
  Evans Lookout Road will be closed beyond Grand Canyon carpark on Friday 6 December 2024 for maintenance works in the lookout precinct. There will be no vehicle access to Evans lookout during this time. Pedestrians can use the walking track to the lookout which begins at the Grand Canyon carpark toilets.
  
  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. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. 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.
  
  Safety alerts: Changed conditions due to forecast heavy rain
  Please be aware that creeks and rivers may become impassable, due to forecast heavy rainfall. Canyons will be hazardous.
  Extended rainfall increases the risk of road subsidence, landslides, rockfall and treefall. Incidents can occur without notice, but most commonly occur on steep slopes below cliff lines.
  Please consider weather when planning activities. Tracks and roads can be closed at short notice.
  
  Closed areas: Woodford - Oaks trail closed weekdays for flood repairs
  Woodford - Oaks trail will be closed on weekdays, from Monday 21 October to Friday 13 December 2024. Work is underway to repair flood damaged sections of the track. The track will remain open on weekends.
  Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle access is not permitted during the closure period.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Paterson Range fire trail closure
  Paterson Range fire trail in Blue Mountains National Park will be closed for maintenance to all visitors (pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and vehicles) from Tuesday 19 November to Friday 20 December 2024.
  Visitor access to Burralow Creek campground will remain open. Access will be via Burralow Road and Tabaraga Ridge fire trail at Kurrajong Heights, which is 4WD access only.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  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.
  
  Closed areas: Red Hands Cave walking track - Partial closure
  Red Hands Cave walking track (also known as Campfire Creek walking track) is partially closed until further notice 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.
  
  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 Monday 5 May 2025 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.
  
  Other planned events: Changed traffic conditions due to pine plantation harvest
  Forestry Corporation of NSW will commence harvest thinning of mid age pine plantation bounded by Coscgrove and Mount Werong Roads from late November 2024 to February 2025.
  Traffic control measures will be in place when necessary, and additional logging traffic should be expected.Please take care on the road, and drive to the conditions.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. Further information, please contact the Bathurst Forestry Corporation on 02 6331 2044.
  
  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

Start	(-33.6338594,150.2843986)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train
Directions	From Great Western Highway, A32 Turn on to then drive for 15 m

Weather Forecast

Alerts