Blackheath Station to Junction Rock Loop (via Grand Canyon and Popes Glen)

Getting started
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.
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.
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.
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.
From the intersection, this walk heads down the management track, to the signposted intersection after a parking area on the left.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 30 m (from the Great Western Highway) turn right, to head along Great Western Highway (a highway\|trunk).
	After another 25 m (from the Great Western Highway) continue straight, to head along Great Western Highway. After another 225 m pass the "Blackheath General Store" (20 m on your left). Fr-Tu 07:30-16:00 After another 20 m pass the "Blackheath Kebab House" (20 m on your left).
	At the intersection of Great Western Highway & Bundarra Street turn left, to head along Govetts Leap Road (a highway\|tertiary). After another 65 m pass the "Wattle Cafe" (15 m on your left).
	After another 15 m (from the Govetts Leap Road) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Road. After another 140 m pass the "Blackheath Fish & Chips" (105 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Govetts Leap Road & Wentworth Street continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Road. After another 95 m pass the "Hownslow" (25 m on your right). After another 20 m pass a seat (20 m on your left). After another 20 m pass the water tap (10 m on your left).
	After another 4 m (at the intersection of Clanwilliam Street & Govetts Leap Road) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Road. After another 115 m (at the intersection of Govetts Leap Road & Gardiner Crescent) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Road.
	After another 195 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Govetts Leap Road) turn right, to head along Prince Edward Street (a residential road).
	After another 125 m (at the intersection of Prince Edward Street & Leichhardt Street) turn left, to head along Leichhardt Street.
	After another 190 m (at the intersection of Leichhardt Street & Pope Lane) continue straight, to head along Leichhardt Street.
	After another 115 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Leichhardt Street) turn right, to head along Boreas Street.
	After another 30 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Brentwood Avenue) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street.
	After another 185 m (at the intersection of Boreas Street & Prince George Street) continue straight, to head along Boreas Street.
	After another 170 m (at the intersection of Braeside Street & Arcadia Road) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street. After another 100 m (at the intersection of Braeside Street & Bell Street) continue straight, to head along Braeside Street.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Street) turn right, to head along Braeside Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 600 m (from the Braeside Road) continue straight, to head along Braeside Road.
	After another 480 m (at the intersection of Braeside Road & Braeside Walk) veer right, to head along Braeside Road.
	After another 530 m (from the Braeside Road) veer right, to head along Braeside Road.
	After another 820 m (at the intersection of Evans Lookout Road & Braeside Road) turn left, to head along Evans Lookout Road (a highway\|tertiary).
	After another 280 m (at the intersection of Victoria Road & Evans Lookout Road) continue straight, to head along Evans Lookout Road.
	After another 135 m (at the intersection of Evans Lookout Road & Somerset Avenue) continue straight, to head along Evans Lookout Road. After another 235 m find the "Bush Rock Cafe" (6 m on your left). Bush Rock Cafe The Bush Rock Cafe(now closed) is approximately 150m towards the highway from the Neates Glen car park. The cafe is open 9am-4pm Wednesday to Sunday, with home-made cakes, ice cream and other delicacies to complement the coffee and tea. The cafe boasts a couch and log fire, to help warm up after a walk. The Bush Rock Cafe is located at 198 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath, or you can call them on (02) 4787 7111.
	At the intersection of Grand Canyon Track & Evans Lookout Road turn right, to head along Grand Canyon Track (a walking track). After another 580 m find the "Neates Glen" (5 m on your right). Neates Glen Neates Glen, Blue Mountains NP, is a deep little valley with a creek running through it. Neates Glen is part of the Grand Canyon Track and offers a nice sample of rainforest before entering the Grand Canyon itself. After another 800 m find the "Rotunda" (15 m on your left). Rotunda The Rotunda, Blue Mountains NP, is an area on Greaves Creek where the cliff has been carved out to form an overhang, over a sand beach within the Grand Canyon. The Rotunda is a great area for a rest and a snack, especially on a hot day. After another 105 m come to the waterfall. After another 1.2 km come to the viewpoint.
	After another 180 m (at the intersection of Grand Canyon Track & Old Point Pilcher Track) continue straight, to head along Grand Canyon Track.
	After another 360 m (at the intersection of Rodriguez Pass Walking Track & Grand Canyon Track) turn right, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track. After another 165 m cross the ford. After another 345 m find the "Beauchamp Falls" (15 m on your left). Beauchamp Falls Beauchamp Falls, Blue Mountains NP, is a beautiful set of falls, split by the rock in the centre of the creek. The falls are created by Greaves Creek, which comes out of the Grand Canyon, above. The falls are approximately 10m tall, with rocks at the base. After another 620 m cross the ford. After another 840 m cross the ford.
	After another 345 m (from the Rodriguez Pass Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track. After another 170 m come to the camp site (15 m on your right). After another 300 m cross the ford.
	At the intersection of Rodriguez Pass Walking Track & Horse Track continue straight, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
	After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Rodriguez Pass Walking Track & Blue Gum Forest Track) turn left, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track.
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Rodriguez Pass Walking Track) veer left, to head along Rodriguez Pass Walking Track. After another 50 m find the "Junction Rock" (on your left). Junction Rock 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. After another 560 m come to the camp site (5 m on your left). After another 1.2 km cross the ford. After another 165 m cross the ford. After another 380 m cross the ford.
	After another 95 m (at the intersection of Jungle Circuit & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) continue straight, to head along Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track). After another 530 m come to the "Williams Lookout". After another 30 m come to the "Breakfast Rock Lookout".
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Loop Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) turn sharp left, to head along Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional Side trip to Govets Leap Lookout (picnic area with road access, toilets shelter) To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 100 m (at the intersection of Pulpit Rock Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track)) veer right, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 40 m cross the bridge (about 4 m long)
	After another 120 m (Laws Lookout) turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 8 m come to the "Laws Lookout".
	After another 15 m (from the Pulpit Rock Track) continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
	After another 155 m (from the Pulpit Rock Track) continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track. After another 8 m find the "Horseshoe Falls Lookout" (25 m on your right). Horseshoe Falls Lookout Horseshoe Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small fenced lookout. There are views down to Horseshoe Falls and across the Grose Valley. After another 60 m come to the "Rodriguez Lookout".
	After another 90 m (at the intersection of Popes Glen Track & Pulpit Rock Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
	After another 305 m (from the Popes Glen Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Boyd Beach. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 15 m (from the Popes Glen Track) turn sharp left, to head along Popes Glen Track. After another 170 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long) After another 380 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
	After another 660 m (from the Popes Glen Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track. After another 75 m (from the Popes Glen Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track. After another 170 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
	After another 265 m (from the Popes Glen Track) continue straight, to head along Popes Glen Track.
	After another 410 m (at the intersection of Dell Street & Popes Glen Track) veer left, to head along Dell Street (a residential road).
	After another 280 m (at the intersection of Gipps Lane & Wills Street) turn right, to head along Gipps Lane.
	After another 450 m (at the intersection of Wills Street & Inconstant Street) continue straight, to head along Wills Street.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Wills Street) turn right, to head along Gardiner Crescent.
	After another 55 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Wentworth Street) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent. After another 30 m (from the Gardiner Crescent) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent. After another 30 m (at the intersection of Gardiner Crescent & Hydora Lane) continue straight, to head along Gardiner Crescent.
	After another 70 m (at the intersection of Great Western Highway & Gardiner Crescent) turn left, to head along Great Western Highway (a highway\|trunk).
	After another 20 m (from the Great Western Highway) continue straight, to head along Great Western Highway.
	After another 45 m (from the Great Western Highway) turn right (a footpath). After another 30 m continue straight.
	After another 10 m come to the end. About 35 m past the end is a car park.

An optional side trip to Boyd Beach.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Popes Glen Track Start (a walking track). After 55 m find the "Boyd Beach" (on your left). Boyd Beach 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.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 55 m to the main route.

An optional Side trip to Govets Leap Lookout (picnic area with road access, toilets shelter)

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Loop Track & Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track) Start heading along Loop Track (a walking track).
	After another 8 m (from the Loop Track) veer right, to head along Loop Track. Find the viewpoint at the start.
	From the Loop Track veer left (a footpath). After another 6 m pass the sign (on your right).
	After another 9 m come to the end. A water tap. About 65 m past the end is "Picnic Shelter". Picnic Shelter Picnic shelters at the end of Govetts Leap Road. Seats are ~45cm high and benches 75cm high. Most shelters have an entrance ~1.2m wide with, and similar gap between table and wall. The largest shelter has an entrance wider than 4m, bench seating but no tables. About 15 m past the end is a sign. About 20 m past the end is "Govetts Leap Lookout". Govetts Leap Lookout Govetts Leap Lookout is named after the first European man to have enjoyed this view, William Govett, as an assistant surveyor in June 1831. 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. The lookout is easily accessed from the car park, there are also toilets and picnic shelters nearby. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	19.1 km
Time	8 h 3 min to 8 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Class 4/6
Hard track

Length

19.1 km

Time

8 h 3 min to 8 h 30 min

Quality of track

Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)

Gradient

Very steep (4/6)

Signage

Minimal directional signs (4/6)

Infrastructure

Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Experience Required

Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)

Weather

Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	450 m	[seat]
Camp site	10.4 km	[camp site]
Camp site	12.4 km	[camp site]

Item

From Start

Name & link to notes

Seat

450 m

[seat]

Camp site

10.4 km

[camp site]

Camp site

12.4 km

[camp site]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  Cloudy.
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, becoming less likely later this evening. The chance of a thunderstorm early this evening. Winds southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  5°C → 11°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower on and east of the ranges, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 12 and 19.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:50am to 2:10pm, UV Index predicted to reach 5 [Moderate]
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  6°C → 15°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers about the Blue Mountains, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 15 and 20.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  6°C → 15°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog on and east of the ranges. Slight chance of a shower about the Blue Mountains, near zero chance elsewhere. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 21.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower about the Blue Mountains, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending east to northeasterly during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching between 17 and 22.
  
  Monday 5 May
  
  9°C → 18°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Tuesday 6 May
  
  9°C → 20°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Wednesday 7 May
  
  8°C → 20°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Blue Mountains National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park are closed due to infrastructure upgrades or damage caused by wet weather including subsidence, rockfalls, landslides and fallen trees.
  The following tracks are closed:
  Katoomba and Leura
  
  Giant Stairway is closed from Monday 28 April for maintenance. There is no access in or out of the valley via Giant Stairway. Alternate access is via Furber Steps or Amphitheatre track.
  
  Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
  
  Prince Henry Cliff walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Gordon Falls picnic area and Elysian Rock lookout, due to a landslide. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. Detours will also be in place via Olympian Parade.
  
  Gordon Falls picnic area is closed due to upgrades. Detours for walking tracks are in place. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk and Amphitheatre track is closed due to landslides. Access to Leura Forest and Jamison Valley is via Amphitheatre track.
  
  Golden Stairs walking track is closed due to landslides and rock fall. There is no access from Glenraphael Drive to Ruined Castle, Federal Pass or Scenic World. Ruined Castle and Mt Solitary can be accessed from Federal Pass (via Furber Steps) or Kedumba Pass.
  
  Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  
  Part of Lindeman Pass is closed due to a major landslide below Gladstone lookout. Roberts Pass is closed due to rockfall and landslide hazards.
  
  Six Foot track is affected by closures at Jenolan Caves.
  
  Wentworth Falls and Woodford
  
  Charles Darwin walk (part of Grand Cliff Top walk) is closed between Fletcher Street and Weeping Rock. Detours are in place to provide directions to Wentworth Falls picnic area. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information.
  
  Part of National Pass (west of Wentworth Falls middle crossing) is closed due to a major landslide and ongoing risks.
  
  Wentworth Pass and Slack Stairs are closed due to multiple landslides. No access to Roberts Pass and Vera Falls. Valley of the Waters track is closed below Sylvia Falls.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Bells Line of Road
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. For more information visit the Blue Mountains City Council website. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  
  Govetts descent and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides. The Grose Valley can be accessed from Blackheath via Perrys Lookdown or the Horse track.
  
  Pierces Pass road and picnic area will be closed for road maintenance from May 5th to 9th, 2025. Parking will be available at Walls Lookout carpark and all walking tracks remain open using a short access track from the Walls Lookout carpark.
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes may be closed where the access or exit road/track is mentioned above.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
  
  Closed areas: Giant Stairway - Katoomba
  Giant Stairway is closed from Monday 28 April for maintenance. There is no access in or out of the valley via Giant Stairway. Alternate access is via Furber Steps or Amphitheatre track.
  
  Closed areas: Burralow Creek Campground closed
  Burralow Creek campground and picnic area will be closed from 28 April to 15 May 2025 for upgrade works to Bulcamatta Falls walking track.
  The following connecting fire trails will also be closed:
  
  Paterson Range fire trail
  
  Tabaraga Ridge fire trail
  
  Burralow fire trail
  
  There will be no public access during this time including walkers, bike riders, horse riders and vehicles. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office 02 4720 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Red Hands Cave & Walking Tracks temporarily closed
  The following areas and walking tracks are closed from 1 April 2025 until further notice:
  
  Red Hands Cave
  
  Red Hands Cave walking track
  
  Campfire Creek walking track
  
  the Link walking track
  
  This is to allow for works on the elevated platform at Red Hands Cave. For your safety, please follow all signs and instructions of NPWS staff.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office (02) 4720 6200.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Thursday 2 May 2024 to Monday 5 May 2025 in the following areas:
  
  Abercrombie River National Park
  
  Abercrombie River State Conservation Area
  
  Kanangra-Boyd National Park
  
  Blue Mountains National Park (southern section)
  
  Wollemi National Park (Wolga)
  
  Gardens of Stone National Park
  
  Jenolan Karst Conservation Area
  
  Turon National Park
  
  Marrangaroo National Park
  
  The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Kanangra area office at Oberon on 02 6336 6200.
  
  Closed areas: Fern Bower walking track closed
  Fern Bower walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to multiple landslides. There's no access to Leura Forest and Leura Cascades via Fern Bower. Alternative access is via Amphitheatre track.
  For more information, call the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Euroka walking track closed for repairs
  Euroka walking track in Blue Mountains National Park is closed for track repairs from Monday 1 February to Monday 30 June 2025.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Safety alerts: Remote walking track conditions
  Remote routes within the Kanangra Wilderness Area including Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail have been impacted by heavy fire regrowth and flood damage.
  In some places, tracks are no longer visible and are not easy to navigate, taking longer to traverse than expected. Limited to zero water sources are currently available along routes.
  If you plan to walk in the area, please ensure you have an appropriate level of experience, navigation skills and equipment including Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
  Mobile reception is limited so alternative communication methods are strongly recommended.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on 02 4787 8877.
  
  Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens picnic area closed
  Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed until further notice. This includes Gorge walking track. No access to the area is permitted.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Hawkesbury-Nattai area office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Weather Forecast

Alerts