This long day-walk follows a remote track down from Victoria Falls lookout, passing the waterfall, and into the Grose Valley, to the famous Blue Gum Forest, a scenic and historic highlight of this area. From the Blue Gum Forest, the walk climbs steeply to finish at Perry's Lookdown. You will need to organise a car shuttle, or a taxi for this walk.
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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 Lookout to Blue Gum Forest
Cross sectional view of the Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Victoria Falls Lookout 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
8 hrs
.
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
Around 12km of this walk is very steep, whilst the remaining 1.7km has short steep hills.
Quality of track
9km of this walk follows a rough unclear track and another 4.5km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (490m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
5km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 5km is clearly signposted. The remaining (3.4km) has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 7km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 14km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
13km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 390m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (100m) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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(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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Int. Victoria Creek Cascades and Victoria Falls Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.27 km
Time = 39 mins
Climb = 24 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.
(1.38 km)
Int. Victoria Creek Cascades and Victoria Falls Tracks
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Victoria Creek Cascades Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 94 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = 0 m
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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
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.
(1.38 km)
Int. Victoria Creek Cascades and Victoria Falls Tracks
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Int. Top of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 15 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -2 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Burra Korain Flat', heading down the stairs for a short distance to another signposted intersection.
(1.39 km)
Int. Top of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks
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Top of Falls Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 22 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
(1.39 km)
Int. Top of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks
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Int. Bottom of Falls and Victoria Creek Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 95 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -19 m
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.
(1.49 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.
(1.49 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.
(2.84 km)
Burra Korain Flat Camping Area
to
Blue Gum Forest intersection Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 8.79 km
Time = 3 hrs 24 mins
Climb = 422 m
Descent = -599 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. 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
(11.63 km)
Blue Gum Forest intersection
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Int. Perry's and Dockers Lookout Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 2.02 km
Time = 1 hr 31 mins
Climb = 603 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.
(13.64 km)
Int. Perry's and Dockers Lookout Tracks
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Dockers Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 19 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -13 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk leads for a short distance down the railed path to the visible lookout area, Docker's Lookout. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)
Dockers Lookout
Alt = 878 m
Dockers Lookout, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley and Blue Gum Forest below. Mt Banks can be seen standing proudly to the north above the valley.
(13.64 km)
Int. Perry's and Dockers Lookout Tracks
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Perry's Lookdown Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 41 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = 0 m
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.
Perry's Lookdown
Alt = 907 m
Perry's Lookdown, Blue Mountains NP, has views over the Grose Valley, with Blue Gum Forest nearly directly below and Lockleys Pylon to the south. The lookout is presumably named after Captain William Perry, the Deputy Surveyor General who worked under the leadership of Sir Thomas Mitchell.
(13.68 km)
Perry's Lookdown
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Perry's Lookdown car park and camping area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 77 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the lookout, the walk leads up the stairs (leaving the valley behind) to the dirt road and car park.
Perrys Lookdown campground
Alt = 926 m
Perrys Lookdown offers a simple campsite, close to some spectacular lookouts and well located as starting point for longer walks exploring the Grose Valley. There are 5 tent sites and a non-flush toilet, but no water available. This area allows fuel stoves only (no camp fires). The camping area is a short walk from the car park. Limit to one night stay (sites cannot be reserved).
Drive from Perry's Lookdown car park and camping area
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
We completed this beautiful walk over the Easter break and according to our GPS data, the stretch between Victoria Falls and the Blue Gum Forest was 14.6km, not 11.63km as suggested in the track notes. We only took two minor side trips, to the Cascades (
admin - re: Inaccurate Track Length
Super Administrator | 2012-04-13 03:02:18
Heidi wrote:
We completed this beautiful walk over the Easter break and according to our GPS data, the stretch between Victoria Falls and the Blue Gum Forest was 14.6km, not 11.63km as suggested in the track notes. We only took two minor side trips, to the Cascades (
Hi Heidi
Thanks for the feedback. Hope you enjoyed the walk. Sorry for the issue.
Can you please send me you GPS log file, and I will compare it to mine to see where the differences may have occurred.
matt@wildwalks.com
Thanks
Matt :)
Heidi - re: re: Inaccurate Track Lengt
IP:206.16.17.xxx | 2012-04-17 06:59:30
Thanks for getting back to me, Matt.
Please check your inbox :)
Tony Bennett - Great Training for the Himalay
IP:58.111.76.xxx | 2013-06-22 02:14:11
It has been about 15 years since I did this walk, but it is still clear in my mind as the day I did. It was one of my final training days before going to the Himalayas.
I did the return walk from Victoria Falls Lookout to Blue Gum Forest in just over 9 hours.
Hiking near Sydney 
Route: Hard
5 km
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)