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Home arrow Hiking near Sydney arrow Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest     

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest are found in each of the tabs below
Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest
Time: 6 hrs 30 mins Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
8.4 km E of Mount Victoria
Length: 14 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 14 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 812 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 812 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
Route: Hard

This walk explores a beautiful section of the Grose Valley from Bells Line of Road. The walk heads down Pierces Pass and follows the magnificent Grose River to the Blue Gum Forest. The Blue Gum Forest is an icon of Blue Mountains bushwalking and this track gives you a great way to reach it. You then return the same way, or alternatively, finish by climbing to Perrys Lookdown, to make this a one-way walk. (open in app)

This walk passes through a remote area and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.
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 Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Pierces Pass car park
Int. Pierces Creek and Pierces Pass Tracks
Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks
Blue Gum Forest intersection
Blue Gum Forest intersection
Memorial Lookout
Int. Perry's and Dockers Lookout Tracks
Perry's Lookdown
Starting point for this hiking track: Int. Pierces Creek and Pierces Pass Tracks

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

 
Track head at Pierces Pass
 
Track head at Pierces Pass +
 
Pierces Pass track
 
Pierces Pass track +
 
Signage on Grose River Track
 
Signage on Grose River Track +

 
Track near Grose River
 
Track near Grose River +
 
Track across smoothed river rocks
 
Track across smoothed river rocks +
 
Grose River
 
Grose River +

 
Gross River crossing
 
Gross River crossing +
 
Cliff above the Grose Valley
 
Cliff above the Grose Valley +
 
Track along the Grose River
 
Track along the Grose River +

 
View from Pierces Pass Track
 
View from Pierces Pass Track +
 
Track above the Grose River
 
Track above the Grose River +
 
One of many clearings along the Grose River Track
 
One of many clearings along the Grose River Track +

 
Track past lone rock
 
Track past lone rock +
 
Track north of Blue Gum Forest
 
Track north of Blue Gum Forest +
 
Walker north of Blue Gum Forest
 
Walker north of Blue Gum Forest +

 
Track on hillside above Grose River
 
Track on hillside above Grose River +
 
Blue Gum Forest sign
 
Blue Gum Forest sign +
 
Blue Gum Forest sign
 
Blue Gum Forest sign +

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 Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest 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 14km
Time 6 hrs 30 mins
.


Grade 5/6

Route: Hard
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track Rough unclear track (5/6)
Signs Directional signs along the way (3/6)
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 7km of this walk is very steep, whilst the remaining 450m has short steep hills.

Quality of track
4.9km of this walk follows a rough unclear track and another 1.7km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (450m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs
Around 4.9km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.1km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
Around 5km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.7km requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged), whilst the remaining 450m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

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 Pierces Pass car park
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
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|

Pierces Pass Alt = 860 m
Pierces Pass, Blue Mountains NP, 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.

(0 km) Pierces Pass car park to Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.12 km Time = 1 hr 23 mins
Climb = 22 m Descent = -496 m
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.
Continue straight: 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'.

(2.12 km) Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks to Blue Gum Forest intersection
Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 4.9 km Time = 1 hr 34 mins
Climb = 110 m Descent = -184 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Acacia Flats'[1], keeping the creek below on the left. The track continues for approximately 500m, undulating across the steep hillside. The terrain then begins to flatten out as the track leads onto a creek flat area. After a short while, a clearing with a fireplace is passed, on your right. The track continues to undulate along the hillside, with the creek to the left, for approximately 2km, to an area where the creek flats broaden. The track passes some more clearings with fire places, coming to a sign marked 'Blue Gum Forest'. The track passes this sign and continues for approximately 500m to a well-signed intersection.

Blue Gum Forest Alt = 311 m
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. More info

(7.02 km) Blue Gum Forest intersection to Acacia Flats Camping Ground
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 606 m Time = 10 mins
Climb = 4 m Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign 'Camping only at Acacia Flats', heading downstream. The track tends right, away from the Grose River and towards the hills on the right. The walk then heads downhill and across a small creek, after which it meanders for approximately 100m before arriving at Acacia Flats camping area.

Acacia Flats Camping Ground Alt = 312 m
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).

(7.02 km) Blue Gum Forest intersection to Perry's Lookdown car park and camping area
Alternate Exit: Track: Hard - bushtrack ( Show detail)
Length = 2.14 km Time = 1 hr 36 mins
Climb = 634 m Descent = -22 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Perrys Lookdown Track' sign up the hill. The track heads uphill out of Blue Gum Forest, before tending right to more steeply climb the hill. As the track tends right, it heads up to the spur. When the track joins the spur, it turns left and heads up and continues winding for some time. The track continues up the spur to the cliffline, where it meets a set of steps and handrails. The walk climbs up large, steep steps, winding up through the pass to a memorial lookout at the top of the cliff.
Continue straight: From Memorial Lookout, the walk climbs the stairs, keeping the valley on the right, and then contours left around the hill. The track descends slightly before crossing a bridge, and then turns right before leading up the steps to the signposted intersection.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk follows the railed stairs up the hill for a short time until coming to Perry's Lookdown - the lookout on the right.
Continue straight: From the lookout, the walk leads up the stairs (leaving the valley behind) to the dirt road and car park. (End of the alternative exit track)

Drive from Pierces Pass 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 16.1 km
Paddy Pallin 166 Katoomba St , Katoomba (02) 4782 4466 16.5 km
Simdra Pet & Hobby Mart 45 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6352 4422 19.3 km
Lithgow 4WD Centre 281 Main St , Lithgow (02) 6353 1899 20.3 km
Richmond Camping Supplies 340 Windsor St , Richmond (02) 4578 3004 38.1 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest
Click to re-center search
6 LGW06 Lithgow Council Site HASSANS WALLS 19 km (to the WNW)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 26 km (to the E)
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 32 km (to the SE)
5 BIN05 Fire Tower MT BINDO
Emergency use only
33 km (to the WSW)
7 VMC7 Fire Tower MT BINDO 33 km (to the WSW)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Central Ranges 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)
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
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Pat - For the experienced walker onl IP:58.106.204.xxx | 2015-02-20 09:23:28
I did the walk as far as the Blue Gum forest today. It was an ordeal. The track nearing the forest is overgrown up to shoulder height. I was wearing shorts and I ended the walk with many cuts to my shins. I recommend wearing jeans to avoid that. There are a lot if thorny vines at ankle level, which I found is also a trip hazard.
The track is very narrow in places and you need to keep your eyes on where you're treading. I twisted my ankle twice on stumps hidden under the overgrowth, so be careful (I'm lying down as I type with an ice pack on it).
The creek was flowing well and I had to wade across. The larger rocks are slippery so I recommend stepping on the smaller rocks to avoid falling over and really hurting yourself. The water was very cold and it took about 10 minutes for my feet to warm up.
The return ascent to the car park was grueling. It was the hardest walk I've ever done and will likely not do it again.
The Blue Gum forest is stunning, and the the flowing creek is a great photo opportunity.
Melissa IP:110.20.231.xxx | 2015-03-24 21:15:03
Walked into Blue Gum forest from Neates Glen a week ago, then walked out the next day via Pierces Pass (with a car shuffle). I agree with the previous post about the track being overgrown. We wouldn't be surprised if this track is completely overgrown in a year or so in parts - looks like blackberries or something are taking hold in some sections. Care is needed to watch your footing, and definitely long pants (thanks for the tip!). Take time to stop and look around though, there's some lovely views to the creek and cliffs.
We crossed the creek just below the arrow, where it was calf deep and small rocks. Someone had built a cairn on the carpark side as a marker. The walk up is definitively gruelling, but I think easier than Perry's.
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