This walk takes you from Govetts Leap lookout, around the cliff tops, to Pulpit Rock lookout. The walk passes many lookouts, each giving their own unique perspective of the Grose Valley's dramatic cliff line and waterfalls. The walk down to the lower platform of Pulpit Rock is via a set of steep stairs, the view varies at each of the three levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharug & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Bridal Veil Falls from Govetts Leap Lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Stairs down from Govetts Leap Lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Stairs down from Govetts Leap car park. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2009.Signpost at intersection near Govetts Leap. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Railing bridge below Govetts Leap. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Pulpit Rock marker. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Grose Valley. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Track to Horseshoe Falls lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2009.Cliff Top Track stairs. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Pulpit Rock in the distance. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Horseshoe Falls. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Cliffs from the track. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Popes Glen. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Sign post on Pope's Glen Creek. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Stairs north of Pope's Glen. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.View of Horsehoe Falls. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Rosella. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Boyds Lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Horsehoe Falls. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Banksia. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Track along the cliff tops. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Track beneath cave. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Pulpit Rock. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Banksia. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Bugs on leaf. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Cave along Cliff Top Track. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Sign to Pulpit Rock car park. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Track to top lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.View from Pulpit Rock lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Pulpit Rock Lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Track down to middle lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Side lookout to cave. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.View from cave lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Seat on lower lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Track down to Lower Pulpit Rock Lookout. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.Grose Valley Cliffs. | Photo by Matt McClelland (wildwalks), 2008.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Getting started 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. 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. 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.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Govetts Leap Road & Loop Track Start heading along Loop Track (a walking track).
Find the car park at the start.
After 30 m find the "Govetts Leap Lookout" (15 m on your right).
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.
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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.
After another 10 m pass the sign (15 m on your right).
After another 20 m pass the water tap (5 m on your right).
Turn right, to head along Loop Track.
After another 20 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Loop Track.
After another 15 m veer left, to head along Loop Track.
After another 30 m pass the sign (on your left).
At the intersection of Govetts Leap Track (Williams Track) & Loop Track turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 40 m cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 300 m (Laws Lookout) turn left, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 8 m come to the "Laws Lookout".
After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 155 m 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
Horseshoe Falls Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, is a small fenced lookout. There are views down to Horseshoe Falls and across the Grose Valley.
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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) turn sharp right, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 20 m cross the ford.
After another 30 m come to the "Bradleys Lookout".
After another 6 m find the "Horseshoe Falls" (20 m on your right).
Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls
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.
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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.
After another 310 m come to the "Cripps Lookout" (9 m on your right).
After another 1 km find the "Boyd Lookout" (15 m on your right).
Boyd Lookout
Boyd Lookout
Boyd Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks over the Grose Valley with a spectacular view over Pulpit Rock to the east. It is an unfenced, informal lookout.
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Boyd Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks over the Grose Valley with a spectacular view over Pulpit Rock to the east. It is an unfenced, informal lookout.
After another 1.6 km turn right.
After another 70 m turn left.
After another 15 m come to the "Pulpit Rock Upper Lookout" (15 m on your right).
After another 20 m continue straight.
After another 35 m find a seat.
After another 10 m find the "Pulpit Rock Lookout" (8 m on your left).
Pulpit Rock Lookout
Pulpit Rock Lookout
Pulpit Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks over the Grose Valley and back towards Blackheath, with Bridal Veil Falls and the Govetts Leap cliff edge in view. The lookout has many levels with the uppermost lookout having the easiest access.
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Pulpit Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park, looks over the Grose Valley and back towards Blackheath, with Bridal Veil Falls and the Govetts Leap cliff edge in view. The lookout has many levels with the uppermost lookout having the easiest access.
After another 15 m pass a seat (20 m on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 35 m turn right.
After another 70 m continue straight, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 255 m pass the shelter (7 m on your left).
Veer right, to head along Pulpit Rock Track.
After another 20 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
After another 35 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Pulpit Rock Track
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
4.3 km
Time
3 h to 3 h 45 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
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Some facilities on route
Shelter: There is one 4.3 km from the start.
Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.4 km apart with the largest gap of 4.2 km.
Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.4 km apart with the largest gap of 3.9 km.
