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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock are found in each of the tabs below
Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock
Time: 3 hrs 30 mins Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
3.1 km NNE of Blackheath
Length: 7.6 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 7.6 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 266 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 266 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk
Style: Return
Track: Hard

This walk to Baltzer Lookout rewards you with excellent scenery and a view over the stunning Hanging Rock (aka the Finger). The track is mainly management trail, and would be great on a mountain bike (to the end of the management trail). The large cliff edges are unfenced and quite exposed, so do take care. Although short and relatively unchanging in scenery, the walk to Baltzer Lookout is well worth it.
Temporary Walk diversion Walk longer then stated
(open in app)


There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park
Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock
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Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Baltzer Lookout car park
Baltzer Lookout cul-de-sac
Starting point for this hiking track: Baltzer Lookout car park

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Mount Wilson 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-89301N 
 Katoomba 1:100 000 Map Series 8930 

Photo Gallery

 
Baltzer Lookout car park gate
 
Baltzer Lookout car park gate +
 
Baltzer Lookout service trail
 
Baltzer Lookout service trail +
 
Baltzer Lookout service trail
 
Baltzer Lookout service trail +

 
Sunset from Baltzer Lookout service trail
 
Sunset from Baltzer Lookout service trail +
 
Bushtrack after cul-de-sac
 
Bushtrack after cul-de-sac +
 
Cliffs around the Grose Valley
 
Cliffs around the Grose Valley +

 
Bushtrack to Baltzer Lookout
 
Bushtrack to Baltzer Lookout +
 
Hanging Rock from Baltzer Lookout
 
Hanging Rock from Baltzer Lookout +
 
View over the Grose Valley
 
View over the Grose Valley +

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 8km
Time 3 hrs 30 mins
.


Grade 4/6

Track: Hard
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
Around 3.5km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 240m is very steep.

Quality of track
Around 3.5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 240m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs
Around 3.5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 240m has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required
Around 3.5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 240m requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 3.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 3.5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 240m has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Drive to Baltzer Lookout car park
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

(0 km) Baltzer Lookout car park to Baltzer Lookout cul-de-sac
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 3.54 km Time = 1 hr 8 mins
Climb = 75 m Descent = -140 m
From the car park, the walk passes around a gate and follows the management trail. The management trail winds through the bush for some time before arriving at a large clearing with a fence and warning/danger sign. There is a great view from this point.

(3.54 km) Baltzer Lookout cul-de-sac to Baltzer Lookout
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 242 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 12 m Descent = -39 m
Continue straight: From the clearing, the walk heads up past the 'Warning' sign to wind around a metal fence. The track passes a rocky knoll and then comes down to a small clearing where it turns left to follow the clifftop down the hill for approximately 80m. The track comes to Baltzer Lookout on the cliff edge.

Baltzer lookout Alt = 952 m
Baltzer Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, is the best place for viewing and accessing Hanging Rock. It also offers spectacular views over the Grose Valley. The lookout is named after W.J. Baltzer, who was part of a group created by Myles J Dunphy to recommended that the Grose Valley become a wildlife sanctuary, in 1933[1]. The Grose Valley and much of the surrounding area is now protected. More info

Hanging Rock Alt = 920 m
Hanging Rock, Blue Mountains NP, sits high on the southern side of Grose Valley. It is a spectacular example of 'geological time is now', with this large spire of sandstone precariously hanging out from the cliff. The cliff is popular with rock climbers and other recreationists, while walkers can best view Hanging Rock from Baltzer Lookout.

Drive from Baltzer Lookout car park
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by


Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Summit Gear 80- Bathurst Rd , Katoomba (02) 4782 3018 11.5 km
Paddy Pallin 166 Katoomba St , Katoomba (02) 4782 4466 11.9 km
Simdra Pet & Hobby Mart 45 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6352 4422 19.2 km
Lithgow 4WD Centre 281 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6353 1899 19.8 km
Richmond Camping Supplies 340 Windsor St , Richmond (02) 4578 3004 41.8 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Baltzer Lookout, Hanging Rock
Click to re-center search
6 LGW06 Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS 18 km (to the NW)
5 BIN05 Fire Tower MT BINDO
Emergency use only
28 km (to the WSW)
7 VMC7 Fire Tower MT BINDO 28 km (to the WSW)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 30 km (to the ENE)
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 34 km (to the ESE)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Blue Mountains National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page
Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping Facilities
Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park
Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM
Closed areas: Grand Canyon walking track
The Grand Canyon walking track will be closed from Wednesday 14 October 2015 to mid-June 2016. The closure is necessary to allow work to continue on improving the walking track. Access for canyoners will be on weekends only. Access from Evans Lookout via Beauchamp Falls to the Grose Valley will remain open. Evans Lookout carpark, Loop carpark, and Neates Glen carpark will remain open. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 47878877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens
Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed for maintenance. This includes the Gorge Walking track. No access to the area is permitted.Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Hawkesbury area office on (02) 4588 2400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Prince Henry cliff walk, Leura
Blue Mountains City Council wishes to advise that Prince Henry cliff walk between Majestic lookout and the junction with the Leura Cascades walk is currently closed due to a landslip. Detours will be in place and clearly signposted around the affected area. Access from the Leura picnic area to the cascades is unaffected. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Tourism on 1300 653 408 or Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Butterbox Swamp track
The traditional access to Butterbox Canyon via the endangered swamp is now closed and rehabilitated. No access permitted. Canyoners should use the new track provided. Temporary signage is in place.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Claustral canyon access change
Access to Claustral canyon via the previous route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land. Alternative access from the west side of Mount Bell has been identified. For more information, please contact the Blue Moauntains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Cahills lookout - Katoomba
As a result of a recent bushfire, Cahills lookout remains closed until further notice. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Council on (02) 4780 5000.

Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens
Waratah Native Gardens Some areas of this park are closed due to a major landslip event occurring across The Gorge Walking Track. Closed areas include The Gorge Walking Track in the Blue Mountains National Park. A full assessment is underway to determine the extent of damage and to ensure the area is made safe. The Gorge Walking Track is closed at the entry trackhead however the Waratah Native Gardens Day Use and Picnic Area located off Valley Ridges Road Berambing (west of Bilpin) has now been reopened. This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. For more information, please contact NPWS Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines


Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Dave C - A Rewarding Walk IP:121.44.148.xxx | 2011-05-09 01:01:40
A fairly flat and easy walk for a moderately fit senior. I managed the 3.5 km from the car park to the lookout in 50 minutes. Stunning views across and along the Grose Valley. The best view of Hanging Rock requires a bit of a downhill scramble close to the cliff edge, but it's well worth it. In fact, I spent more time photographing than walking!
Nick F - Not the best Road IP:61.8.13.xxx | 2011-07-19 06:28:19
Did this walk on the weekend, didn't quite make it to hanging rock or see it for that matter with the Blue Mountains fog rolling in and not disappearing enough for a glimpse. We made it to the lookout but also had to walk an extra 2km to the car park as the road leading into was home to puddles which would of swallowed the car. I imagine this walk would be best on a dry/clear day. Fairly easy walking thou.
Craig B - Great views - but things have IP:220.239.183.xxx | 2012-12-16 03:58:01
We did this track today 16/12/2012) and thought we should let you know that Ridgewell Road now has a locked gate approximately 1km from the Highway where it becomes Burramoko Fire Trail. This means that the walk is now circa 2.5 kms longer (in both directions - total 5kms) than when these track notes were prepared. Good news is that this means no cars - but more mountain bikes and a longer walk.

The views are spectacular ...

CB
admin Super Administrator | 2012-12-16 22:47:36
Thanks Craig
I will add a comment to the notes about the extra walking.
Thanks
Mat :)
Only registered users can write comments!
 
Loading the images not too much longer now :)


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