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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track are found in each of the tabs below
Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track
Time: 3 hrs 30 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
0.2 km NNW of Blackheath
Length: 8.7 km Walk Length
As this is a Circuit style walk, the 8.7 km includes the walking distance from the start around the loop and back to the start again
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 375 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 375 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 There is a bus stop within 2km of the start of this walk There is a train station near the start and end of this walk
Style: Circuit
Track: Hard

This walk is an excellent way to see some of Blackheath's best views, without the big climbs in and out of the Grose Valley. The round trip from the station shows off Bridal Falls, and other cascades along the cliffs. A large part of this walk is near the cliff edge, with stunning views spanning out across the Grose Valley. (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 Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Braeside, Govetts and Pope
Map of Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track
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Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Blackheath Station
Blackheath Station pedestrian crossing East
Int. Govetts Leap Rd and Prince Edward St
Int. Boreas St and Braeside St
Int. Braeside St and McNicol St
Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area
Braeside Picnic Area
Braeside Walk North
Braeside Walk North
Govetts Leap Lookout
Int. Govetts Leap Lookout and Grose Valley Walks
Lower Int. Grose Valley Walks
Horseshoe Falls Lookout
Int. Popes Glen Trk and Pulpit Rock Trk
Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk
Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk
Int. Popes Glen Trk and Rodriguez Ave Trk
Int. Pope's Glen Trk and Dell St
Int. Wills St and Gipps Ln
Blackheath Station pedestrian crossing East
Starting point for this hiking track: Blackheath Station pedestrian crossing East

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
 Katoomba 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-89301S 
 Mount Wilson 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-89301N 
 Katoomba 1:100 000 Map Series 8930 

Photo Gallery

 
McNicol Service Trail
 
McNicol Service Trail +
 
Braeside picnic area dam
 
Braeside picnic area dam +
 
Braeside Walk stepping stones
 
Braeside Walk stepping stones +

 
Govetts Leap falls
 
Govetts Leap falls +
 
Top of Govetts Leap falls
 
Top of Govetts Leap falls +
 
Between Govetts leap and Govetts Leap Brook
 
Between Govetts leap and Govetts Leap Brook +

 
View from Govetts Leap Lookout
 
View from Govetts Leap Lookout +
 
Sign posts in Pope's Glen
 
Sign posts in Pope's Glen +
 
Pope's Glen Creek
 
Pope's Glen Creek +

 
Sign at intersection
 
Sign at intersection +
 
Pope's Glen Track
 
Pope's Glen Track +
 
Intersection of Pope's Glen Track and Dell St
 
Intersection of Pope's Glen Track and Dell St +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track 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 9km
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 Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*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
5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.6km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 730m is very steep and the remaining 390m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track
3.5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 3km follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 1.1km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs
Around 4.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 4.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 4.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Catch the train to Blackheath Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Blackheath Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Catch the bus to Blackheath Station
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Blackheath Station
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) Blackheath Station to Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area
Track: Moderate - footpath,road,road
Length = 2.86 km Time = 52 mins
Climb = 24 m Descent = -125 m
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.
Turn right: 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.
Continue straight: 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.
Turn left: 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.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the management track, to the signposted intersection after a parking area on the left.

(2.86 km) Int. Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area to Braeside Picnic Area
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 58 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -8 m
Veer left: From the signposted intersection, this walk follows the scratched arrow, next to the 'Braeside Walk' sign, down the steps to traverse the stepping stones across the creek. The walk winds left through the ferns, to a picnic table and barbeque above the weir's brick wall, lower down the stream.

Braeside Picnic Area Alt = 956 m
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.

(2.92 km) Braeside Picnic Area to Braeside Walk North
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.13 km Time = 20 mins
Climb = 5 m Descent = -52 m
Continue straight: From the Braeside Picnic area, this walk heads down the hill, leaving the weir behind on the left. The walk continues parallel to Govetts Leap Brook, below on the left. Approximately 500m down the brook, the track passes a few large boulders (on the left of the track). The walk continues downstream, passing an overgrown track (which heads underneath power lines to join up with a management trail above on the hill). This track is passed by, as the brook is followed for a short time to a set of stairs. The stairs lead the track to a section of stepping stones which lead downstream. The track then rises out of the brook to continue approximately 100m to the intersection.

(4.05 km) Braeside Walk North to Barrow Lookout
Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 79 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 5 m Descent = -2 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the winding stairs towards the cliffs. The soon comes to the railed Barrow Lookout, where there is a bench seat.
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)

Barrow Lookout Alt = 910 m
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.

Govetts Leap (falls) Alt = 894 m
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.

(4.05 km) Braeside Walk North to Govetts Leap Lookout
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 621 m Time = 15 mins
Climb = 82 m Descent = -17 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the sign to 'Govetts Leap Lookout' down to the creek and across the cement steppingstones. The track then zigzags up to the top of the hill via stairs. From here, the walk continues down the hill for approximately 400m, keeping the valley to the right, coming to 'Govetts Leap' lookout.

Govetts Leap Lookout Alt = 975 m
Govetts Leap Lookout is named after the first European man to have enjoyed this view, William Govett, as an assistant surveyor in June 1831[1]. 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[2]. The lookout is easily accessed from the car park[3], there are also toilets[4][fac=8007] and picnic shelters[5][fac=8012] nearby.

(4.67 km) Govetts Leap Lookout to Horseshoe Falls Lookout
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 336 m Time = 11 mins
Climb = 23 m Descent = -62 m
Continue straight: From Govetts Leap Lookout, this walk heads down the stairs at the edge of the lookout, keeping the valley to the right. The walk then crosses a grassed area to a well-signposted intersection on the edge of the tree line.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down some stairs, keeping the valley to the right. The walk turns right over a bridge, continuing around the hillside to drop down onto a viewing area and intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down steep stairs, keeping the valley to the right. The track then winds along the cliff top until coming to an intersection, near Horseshoe Falls Lookout.

Horseshoe Falls Lookout Alt = 901 m
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 Alt = 894 m
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.

(5.01 km) Horseshoe Falls Lookout to Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 441 m Time = 11 mins
Climb = 31 m Descent = -41 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the cliff top towards Horseshoe Falls, with the valley below to the right. The track winds for some time around the hillside, to a lookout on the right, before continuing around to a railing some steep stairs. The stairs lead to Popes Glen Creek, where the track continues through the ferns to meet a street sign.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Popes Glen' keeping the creek below on the right. The track continues for approximately 100m, rising to the left of a prominent rock feature. The walk passes another track on the right (with access to the creek), then continues to rise past the rock feature (on the right - The rock feature has a trail to its top.) This walk continues from the rock feature, heading down the hill to a signposted intersection.

(5.45 km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk to Boyd Beach
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 37 m Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -3 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the 'Boyds Beach' sign (under the bush). The walk winds down the rocky steps for approximately 40m to Boyd Beach.
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)

Boyd Beach Alt = 923 m
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.

(5.45 km) Int. Popes Glen Trk and Boyd Bch Trk to Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.12 km Time = 49 mins
Climb = 145 m Descent = -48 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, following the arrow on the sign pointing to 'Blackheath'. The track continues above the creek (on the right) for some time, then crosses a bridge so that the creek is now on the left. The walk crosses a second bridge, then continues for some time up a rocky hill to an intersection below power lines, with a bridge below on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the creek below on the right. The walk soon crosses the creek at a bridge, continuing along the other side to a small waterfall (on the left). The track then continues up the hill for for a short time, passing an intersection (with access tracks to Clarence Rd). The track continues to head up the hill for approximately 300m to the intersection with Dell St.

(7.56 km) Int. Pope's Glen Trk and Dell St to Blackheath Station
Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 1.18 km Time = 26 mins
Climb = 65 m Descent = -27 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down Dell St, keeping the bush to the left of the road and houses to the right. The walk soon passes Cleopatra St on the right and continues along Dell St to the intersection with Gipps Lane, on the right (where Dell St changes name to Wills St).
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along Gipps Lane, passing a large wooden house to the right of the road. The road tends left onto Robertson Lane which then becomes Wills St. The walk follows Wills Street for sometime to turn left onto Inconstant St and then right onto Gardiner Cres. Gardiner Cres is followed to the Great Western Highway, where there is a petrol station on the left. From here, this walk turns left to follow the Great Western Highway, keeping the petrol station on the left, as the walk heads towards the Gardners Inn pub. This walk continues to the pedestrian crossing, opposite Blackheath Station steps.
Turn right: From the pedestrian crossing, this walk crosses the Great Western Highway to turn right up the covered station steps. The walk follows the railway bridge to the top of the station staircase.

Catch the train to Blackheath Station
Public transport (train) available to this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Blackheath Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip to the end of the walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Catch the train from Blackheath Station
Public transport (train) available from this Bushwalk Check out the facilities at Blackheath Station
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your train trip from the end of the walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Blackheath Station
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
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

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 9.1 km
Paddy Pallin 166 Katoomba St , Katoomba (02) 4782 4466 9.5 km
Simdra Pet & Hobby Mart 45 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6352 4422 20.6 km
Lithgow 4WD Centre 281 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6353 1899 21 km
Summit Gear 11 Ross St , Glenbrook (02) 4739 4373 34.6 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Braeside, Govetts and Pope's Glen Track
Click to re-center search
6 LGW06 Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS 19 km (to the NW)
5 BIN05 Fire Tower MT BINDO
Emergency use only
26 km (to the W)
7 VMC7 Fire Tower MT BINDO 26 km (to the W)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 32 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 9 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
Diana - Ms IP:60.229.10.xxx | 2013-04-05 09:48:45
What does the. "int."as in Blackheath Station to Int. Braeside Service mean.?

Thanks

Diana
admin - re: Ms IP:211.30.210.xxx | 2013-04-08 22:20:26
Diana wrote:
What does the. "int."as in Blackheath Station to Int. Braeside Service mean.?

Thanks

Diana

Hi Diana
Sorry for my slow response.
"int." stands for "Intersection"

ie
Blackheath Station to Int. (intersection of) Braeside Service Trail and Braeside Picnic Area

hope that helps

happy walking

Matt :)
Only registered users can write comments!
 
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