This walk explores a fantastic section of the Grose Valley. Starting above Victoria Falls, the walk explores the cascades before dropping into the valley for the first nights rest at Burra Korain campsite. The walk then heads down through the valley to the Blue Gum Forest before camping at Acacia Flats for the night. On the last day the walk heads up Govetts Creek, past Bridal Falls and Govetts Leap, then follows Pope's Glen to the station. The distance each day allows time to stop, explore and enjoy the fantastic scenery.
(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 Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station
Cross sectional view of the Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Victoria Falls and Grose Valley to Blackheath Station 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
23km
Time
3 Days
.
Grade 5/6
Route: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Rough unclear track (5/6)
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
11km of this walk is very steep and another 10km has short steep hills. Whilst another 970m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 830m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 9km follows a rough unclear track. Whilst another 3km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and a 1.2km section follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining 75m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
11km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 7km is clearly signposted. The remaining (5km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
Around 13km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 10km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 23km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
12km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 9km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.5km) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
A Personal Locating Beacon (PLB) is a hand-held device that, when triggered, sends a message to the emergency services with your location. The emergency services staff can then look at your trip intention forms and decide how best to help you. In the Blue Mountains, you can borrow these for no charge, just complete this Trip intention form, and a borrowing form. The device can be picked up from:
NPWS Office - Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath - 9am to 4pm 7 days Ph: 02 4787 8877
Katoomba Police Station - 217 Katoomba St Katoomba - Anytime Ph: 02 4782 8199
Springwood Police Station - 4 Jerseywold Avenue Springwood - Anytime Ph: 02 4751 0299 More info
(0 km)
Victoria Falls Rd car park
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Victoria Falls Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 103 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -15 m
From the car park, this walk follows the sign to 'Grose Valley Lookout' down the hill. The walk then winds down some steps for approximately 50m to a lookout.
Victoria Falls Lookout
Alt = 905 m
Victoria Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has an easterly aspect over the Grose Valley. Although the lookout is named after the wonderful Victoria Falls, there are no views of the falls from this lookout.
(0.1 km)
Victoria Falls Lookout
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Victoria Creek Cascades Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.37 km
Time = 42 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = -358 m
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk heads past the 'Victoria Falls' sign, down the hill. It leads across the hill for a short while before turning right and following the steps downhill for approximately 100m. The track then tends left, steeply down through a rocky outcrop, then continues winding across the hill under rocky outcrops (on the right). The track winds left, down through the rock again, to steeply zigzag down the hill for some time, moving away from the rocky outcrop, into ferns and more grassy undergrowth. The track heads steeply down towards the sound of the cascades at the signposted intersection. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Cascades', heading towards the noise of the falling water. It follows the hillside through the rainforest vegetation to the creek bank. The track then continues over the slippery rocks to the bottom of the falls.
Victoria Cascades
Alt = 626 m
Victoria Cascades, Blue Mountains NP, is a shorter run of water than the larger Victoria Falls. These cascades rush over a slope of rock to continue down to Victoria Falls. The cascades, made by Victoria Creek, are worth a look on your way down to Victoria Falls. However, on a a trip up from Victoria Falls, these smaller cascades may be somewhat overshadowed by the larger falls.
(1.47 km)
Victoria Creek Cascades
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Top of Falls Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 131 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -17 m
Turn around: From the falls, this walk heads over the rocks, downstream (keeping the creek on the right), before turning left into the rainforest vegetation. The track continues across the hillside for a short time to the signposted intersection. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Burra Korain Flat', heading down the stairs for a short distance to another signposted intersection. Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Top of Falls' sign, down the hill to Victoria Creek. The track then turns left, descending steeply on some rocks. This walk continues downstream along a rockshelf to the top of Victoria Falls.
(1.6 km)
Top of Falls
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Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 117 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -20 m
Turn around: From the the top of Victoria Falls, this walk heads upstream, with the water below on the left. This walk leads up some rock steps and onto a rockshelf, before turning steeply to the right, up some more slippery rock steps. The walk continues uphill for approximately 10m to the signposted intersection. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Burra Korain Flats' heading up the hill and then down to a railing, overlooking the Victoria Falls. The track then winds down the slippery hillside, descending to an intersection in front of a large, mossy rock.
(1.72 km)
Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks
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Victoria Falls Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 45 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the track follows the hillside towards the sound of a waterfall, keeping the creek some distance below to your left. The track soon opens out onto the cliff of the waterfall. The track then swings around the right-hand side to go up the scree slope to venture behind the waterfall. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Victoria Falls
Alt = 608 m
Victoria Falls, Blue Mountains NP, is a large waterfall dropping over a grey rock overhang. The cascade is produced by Victoria Creek dropping over the approximately-15m cliffs. A scree slope leads up behind the falls, and below the falls the rocks are very slippery. These falls are well worth a visit, with the great views from the top of the falls, and the accessibility of the bottom of the falls, making a great trip.
(1.72 km)
Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks
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Burra Korain Flat Camping Area Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.35 km
Time = 29 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -126 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track downhill towards the creek, keeping the creek to you right, so soon come to a clearing beside the creek. Here the walk crosses the creek to find a sign pointing to 'Burra Korain Flat' (visible before crossing the creek). (This creek may be impassable after rain). The walk turns left to follow the 'Burra Korain Flat' sign downhill, keeping the creek to your left for over 1km. The track winds and undulating through ferns and rocky outcrops, to open out into the Burra Korain Flat Camping Area, which is signposted.
Burra Korain Flat Camping Area
Alt = 488 m
Burra Korain Flat Camping Area, Blue Mountains NP, is a small clearing between the Victoria Creek and Grose River. The campsite is well signposted and has nice sitting logs and plenty of space for a few tents. Water can be accessed from either river or creek but should be treated before use.
(3.07 km)
Burra Korain Flat Camping Area
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Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.9 km
Time = 1 hr 50 mins
Climb = 312 m
Descent = -415 m
Continue straight: From the campsite, this walk heads down the hill to the creek and then across it. The track continues up through a grassy area to a clearing with a fireplace and BBQ and a sign to 'Acacia Flat'. Continue straight: From the camping area, this walk follows the 'Acacia Flats' sign down to the creek. The track crosses the creek and continues along the right-hand bank, heading downstream. The track then undulates and winds on the right side of the creek for approximately 3km in a south-easterly direction. The track crosses a number of creeks, and continues undulating along the south side of the Grose River to an intersection, with a sign pointing back to Burra Korain.
(6.96 km)
Int. Pierces Pass and Grose River Tracks
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Blue Gum Forest intersection Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 4.9 km
Time = 1 hr 34 mins
Climb = 110 m
Descent = -184 m
Continue straight: 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
(11.86 km)
Blue Gum Forest intersection
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Acacia Flats Camping Ground 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).
(12.46 km)
Acacia Flats Camping Ground
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Junction Rock Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.98 km
Time = 1 hr 2 mins
Climb = 130 m
Descent = -80 m
Continue straight: From Acacia Flats camping area, the walk leaves the camping area with the Grose River far to the left and the majority of the camping areas to the right of the track. The walk passes a pit toilet on the right after approximately 100m. Continuing along the creek flats before climbing up a small hill, the track contours and undulates for approximately 600m to round a hill which gives views of Pulpit Rock above on the cliffs. The track turns right to climb up the hill, and then left to contour for some time. As the slope lessens, the track descends to the creek bank, which is on the the right. The track continues to contour for approximately 1km just above the creek, on a steep bank which has minor undulations, until it comes across a clearing with a 'No Camping' sign. The track turns left here and descends to the creek bank at a signposted intersection of Junction Rock. Junction Rock 'intersection' sits in the middle of the creek.
Junction Rock
Alt = 361 m
Junction Rock, Blue Mountains NP, is a rock situated in the middle of the Govetts Leap Brook and Govetts Creek junction. The rock is signposted, giving directions to Evans Lookout, Neates Glen, Acacia Flats and the Blue Gum Forest. Junction Rock is a great place for lunch and a swim in summer.
(15.44 km)
Junction Rock
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Bottom of Govetts Leap falls Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.35 km
Time = 1 hr 15 mins
Climb = 390 m
Descent = -22 m
Veer right: From Junction Rock, the walk follows the 'Govetts Leap' sign, soon crossing the brook. The track then follows the brook for approximately 150m, to another creek crossing. The track continues, with the creek now on its left, for approximately 60m, before crossing back to the other bank. The track continues for approximately 1km with the creek to the right, and undulates steeply in sections between magnificent waterfalls. A section of track traverses a rock shelf for a short stretch, before continuing to wind up and down (with the creek to the right) to a few sets of steeply-cut stairs. From these, the walk continues to wind over hills to a creek crossing. The track then heads up the spur, winding between views of waterfalls, before tending left further up the hill. The walk leads up the winding steps for some time, until crossing the creek at the bottom of a waterfall cascading off the large cliffs - Govetts Leap falls.
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.
(17.8 km)
Bottom of Govetts Leap falls
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Govetts Leap Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 606 m
Time = 42 mins
Climb = 305 m
Descent = -61 m
Continue straight: From the bottom of Govetts Leap Falls, this walk heads north-west, following the blue signs up the hill. The track zigzags its way steeply up to a wall of rock covered by moss, ferns and grasses. The track passes along the base of this cliff to a metal staircase, passing through the rock. The track continues to wind steeply below the cliffline, passing two lookouts before coming to the signposted intersection. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Govetts Leap carpark' up the stairs. The walk zigzags up the hill before tending left to the signposted intersection. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads across the grassed area towards a platform structure. The walk climbs some stairs onto Govetts Leap Lookout, with its great views and sandstone monuments.
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[2]. 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[3]. The lookout is easily accessed from the car park[4], there are also toilets[5][fac=8007] and picnic shelters[6][fac=8012] nearby.
(18.4 km)
Govetts Leap Lookout
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Horseshoe Falls Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 336 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -62 m
Turn around: 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.
(18.74 km)
Horseshoe Falls Lookout
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Boyd Beach Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 478 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -44 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. 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.
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.
(19.22 km)
Boyd Beach
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Int. Popes Glen Trk and Dell St Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 2.15 km
Time = 50 mins
Climb = 148 m
Descent = -48 m
Turn around: From Boyd Beach, this walk heads up the hill away from the creek, winding up the rocky steps for approximately 40m to the signposted intersection. Continue straight: 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.
(21.37 km)
Int. Pope's Glen Trk and Dell St
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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.
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 7 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 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.
Blue Mountains National ParkLink 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 feesCampingFacilities 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
Having trekked in numerous wonderful locations across Australia and in NZ I have yet to come across a walk which offers the serenity and beauty that comes from walking in the magnificent Grose River Valley. Hence 46 years after the first of many visits to the Valley during the 60's and early 70's I am going back to walk from Mt Victoria (by train so have to do the slog out to lookout first) to Blackheath via Blue Gum over 3 days so I can lap up the aura and feelings I always still get when I think of Blue Gum Forest and the early walks I did including the challenging 5 day epic from Mt Victoria to Richmond. My first walk from Mt Victoria to Blackheath in 1964 with Bruce Bowers and Victor Galea from 2nd Cabra-Vale Scouts was in the wet and I had a pack which weighed far too much (tinned food etc). This time the weight will be a modest 9kg but then again my own weight has trebled in that time!
I cant wait for the trip and hopefully it will not be the last as I would love to go back again with my grandson in a few years time.
Cheers
Dennis
tomspoppy@hotmail.com.au
Vince - Great trek
IP:203.10.224.xxx | 2011-08-29 04:19:05
Just back from a similar trip to this- I continued on all the way out through the Grand Canyon and Neates Glenn rather than coming up Govetts Leaps though. For anyone contemplating this walk, be aware that the track particularly between Victoria Falls and Acacia Flats is in terrible condition. There are a number of completely washed out areas and many dozens of downed trees across the track from the wind and storms earlier this year. One particularly impressive specimen of a recent lightning strike stood out.
Track erosion is a concern, even past the flats. Areas washed out, or undercut and of dubious stability. A handful of places were a jump across a gap or edging along a single shoes width of ledge. There are sections which are probably a decent storm away from being completely impassable, which will be tragic as it is a beautiful walk.
Track complexities aside, it is a stunning walk through a variety of terrain and vegetation types, waterfalls, canyons, river crossings, the stands of gums, the giant tree ferns, stark cliffs, vivid mossy green riverbanks and grassy flats. Highly recommend either the listed walk, or the whole length of the valley. Get in while there is still track to walk on!
Diego - Trial by Stairs...
IP:58.165.51.xxx | 2013-01-05 04:54:23
Having just turned 12, I really enjoyed this trek, even though the track was a bit run-down. My dad and I walked the way from Victoria Falls to the Bridal Veil Falls, closing the trip with a tough climb up the cliff-face and a long trudge to Blackheath Station.
We stopped twice along the way, first at Burra Korain, then at Acacia Flats.
Dissapointed at the Blue Gum Forest though. I was expecting a lot more than the expanding thickets of overgrown grass and twisting, thorny vines.
To sum up, it was an amazing trip, lots of fun and I took delight in every day. The stairs were hard but the views amazing - and probably a good idea to see them while you can!
admin - re: Trial by Stairs...
Super Administrator | 2013-01-06 22:20:14
Diego wrote:
......
To sum up, it was an amazing trip, lots of fun and I took delight in every day. The stairs were hard but the views amazing - and probably a good idea to see them while you can!
Hi Diego - well done a huge effort for a 12 year old - great to hear of your adventure - keep exploring these great places.
Matt :)
Kris - Tough Going!
IP:203.45.77.xxx | 2013-03-30 09:21:28
Just did a similar track today coming from Perrys Lookdown to Acacia Flats and on up to Victoria Falls. Not sure if there was further damage from recent storms, but the trail between Burra Korain and Acacia flats was in terrible condition. Between the fallen trees, erosion, washed out trail, and amount debris and overgrown bush, it's a wonder no one gets lost or terribly injured down there. It seems there should be some type of warning posted. We did see quite a few people out on the track however.
Georgina - Easter walk
IP:121.44.35.xxx | 2013-04-01 08:24:38
I just completed this walk over Easter. The scenery is amazing and it's an easy walk to get to from the train stations.
After completing loads of hikes in Australia and NZ I wold have to say that this walk was the most challenging I have ever done. The track is in really bad condition and very difficult to find during day 2. We actually got lost and ended up walking down the river which was easier than tackling the riverbank. Leave plenty of extra time... Because of the track condition our walking pace was a lot slower than normal.
Bee - In Reverse
IP:124.189.46.xxx | 2013-05-05 05:53:24
We just did this walk in reverse; it was a little hard at times following this guide because certain signs described in the guide here don't really help when you're coming the other way, but it was certainly do-able. We went backwards because we needed to finish up early on Sunday; we did Friday all day, slept at Acacia and then woke up in Burra Korain early Sunday to be out by 9:30am (that was by basically running up the stairs to Victoria Lookout - holy cardio workout!!)
Agree with other posters about the track between Burra Korain and Acacia flats (day 2, in either direction). It is so challenging just getting hit in the face with prickly scrub and tripping on vines and broken branches etc. I tripped once and with a full pack I hit the dirt hard! Also, it can be hard to find the way at times with so much erosion and fallen tree debris in the way, sometimes you just have to get higher up and peer over the blockage and you see the trail snaking away ahead, then you just scramble over - or under! - as required. There were helpful little red arrows at just those points where you're scratching your head wondering were the trail went (look up: they can be hard to see if you're short like me and wearing a cap). We stopped at the intersection of Pierces Pass for lunch, was nice to take a rest from the slog there on the rocks by the water. Allow plenty of time, I reckon, as sometimes the challenging areas call for a little more stopping, assessing etc. so you don't always move as quickly as you would on a less tricksy track.
Overall: a fun, challenging, walk and a great 2 night trip if you really want to get stuck into it. There are so many amazing scenic moments and the sound of water rushing over rocks is with you pretty much the whole way, which is lovely. Happy walking!
Alice - A wet adventure
IP:118.210.91.xxx | 2014-06-12 23:36:28
I completed this track two days ago, I camped the two nights where stated in the notes. I am a 24 year old female visiting from Adelaide. My pack was quite heavy to begin with as I brought 1.5L of water for each day- but the plus side is each day it got lighter as I drank the water :)
Day one was good and was only about 2.5 hours of walking. At some points it can be quite steep and I had to get down on my bum a few times to slide down the hill, rather than risk falling over. Camp site was lovely and relaxing.
Day two was defiantly the hardest. For me it was raining all day so that didn't help, but even if it wasn't, like stated in above comments, the track just doesn't exist for about 3km and you just have to follow the creek, through dense vegetation. It is pretty hard core bush bashing, and with a heavy pack and short legs it was very straining. The hardest part is when you have to cross creeks (and for me they were following quite rapidly) but sometimes you are not sure which one is the right one to follow. You just have to be alert and try to see where the fallen trees are worn from other hikers climbing over them, and where plants haven't been growing because people walk through the area often. There are so so so many fallen trees to climb over and vegetation to navigate!
What the track notes says takes 1.5 hours took me 3.5hours. From then on there is a path to follow the rest of the way to the second camp ground. It does get quite hairy walking along the very edge of cliffs and hills where the path has been worn away and there is nothing much to walk on or hold on to.
Day three was easier in the sense that there is a path to follow- but I had a lot more creek crossings than stated in the notes. And because of the rain the creeks were so full and fast flowing, in the end I just jumped in as i felt it was safer than crawling across slippery rock with my pack. Then it is all up hill, lots of stairs but because I was on the way out it was fine.
Overall, if I had known how hard day two would have been to start with Iam not sure that I would have set out on the track, especially by myself. But now having done it I can say that I did enjoy it and learnt a lot about staying focused, keeping a cool head and being alert in the bush.
Also, when I reached Blue Gum forest there was caution tape across the track and a sign stating that the track (that I had just walked on from Victoria Falls) was closed because there was a fire in November 2013 and the trees had high potential to fall over (i think thats what it said). I was surprised as there was no such note at the beginning of the track.
Happy Walking!
Owain - need notes
IP:121.217.106.xxx | 2014-08-07 07:33:49
hi is there a way to get these notes but in the opposite direction
Jonno
IP:121.217.170.xxx | 2014-08-10 10:41:58
I did this as a day walk today (training for the oxfam so wanted a long steep walk) the track from Burra Korain to Acacia Flats was very clear. In fact I noticed in several spots what looked like evidence of recent whipper snippering. From reading the notes above it likely it has been cleaned up quite recently. Actually I am glad I didn't read those notes before setting out today as it might have put me off ;-)
Hiking near Sydney 
Route: Hard
5 km
There is free parking available.
Check out the facilities at 
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
not too much longer now :)