Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest

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Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

Safer Bushwalks
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 There

Start	At the intersection of Pierces Pass Road & Pearce's Pass-Grose Valley Trail (-33.5702187,150.3382049)
Mode	Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Turn on to Harley Avenue then drive for 350 m Turn right onto Station Street and drive for another 9.9 km Turn right onto Bells Line of Road, B59 and drive for another 10 km Turn right onto Pierces Pass Road and drive for another 95 m Turn left onto Pierces Pass Road and drive for another 800 m

Track Notes

Getting started
From the car park, this walk heads down the hill tending right, to follow the creek. The track then follows the line of the creek, which drops away quickly before the track winds under a rocky outcrop. The track then winds to pass a tree which ends with a large step at the roots of the upturned tree, marking the intersection.
From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, with the creek below on the right. The track becomes lighter as the rainforest vegetation gives way, and the track leads away from the cliff lines of Pierces Pass. The track then descends across the hillside for approximately 400m to tend right onto a narrowing spur line. The track is quite steep in places as it makes its way down to the creek flats. From where the track meets the creek flats, the walk then leads through the low vegetation to the creek. The track crosses the creek to head downstream for approximately 20m, then climbs off the creek flats and coming to an intersection with signposts pointing to 'Burra Korain, Victoria Falls' and 'Acacia Flats'.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Pierces Pass Road & Pearce's Pass-Grose Valley Trail Start heading along Pearce's Pass-Grose Valley Trail (a walking track). Pierces Pass (about 55 m back from the start). Pierces Pass Pierces Pass Pierces Pass in Blue Mountains National Park is a passage through the cliffs from the Bells Line of Road. The pass is popular with rock climbers, who use it as an access track to the cliffs. + - Pierces Pass in Blue Mountains National Park is a passage through the cliffs from the Bells Line of Road. The pass is popular with rock climbers, who use it as an access track to the cliffs. There is a toilet (about 15 m back from the start). After 15 m to find the car park.
	After another 2.4 km veer left. After another 1.2 km cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 1.7 km cross the bridge (about 8 m long) After another 880 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 600 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
	After another 580 m continue straight.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Acacia Flats Camping Ground. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. The starting point of an alternate route. Alternate exit via Perrys Lookdown To take the alternate route turn right here. Details below. Continue another 110 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 7.6 km to get back to the start. About 70 m past the end is "Blue Gum Forest". Blue Gum Forest Blue Gum Forest 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. + - 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. About 15 m past the end is a sign.

An optional side trip to Acacia Flats Camping Ground.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Shortridge Pass Start heading along Blue Gum Forest Track (a walking track). After 90 m pass the sign (9 m on your right).
	After another 400 m come to the end. About 45 m past the end is "Acacia Flats Camping Ground". Acacia Flats Camping Ground Acacia Flats Camping Ground 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). + - 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). About 85 m past the end is "Acacia Flat". Acacia Flat Acacia Flat 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 up stream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is named appropriately 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 drop toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable and plenty of room for large groups. (No camping in the Blue Gum Forest) + - 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 up stream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is named appropriately 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 drop toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable and plenty of room for large groups. (No camping in the Blue Gum Forest) About 105 m past the end is a toilet. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 500 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

At the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Shortridge Pass Start heading along Blue Gum Forest Track (a walking track).

After 90 m pass the sign (9 m on your right).

After another 400 m come to the end.

About 45 m past the end is "Acacia Flats Camping Ground".

Acacia Flats Camping Ground

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).

+

-

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).

About 85 m past the end is "Acacia Flat".

Acacia Flat

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 up stream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is named appropriately 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 drop toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable and plenty of room for large groups. (No camping in the Blue Gum Forest)

+

-

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 up stream from Blue Gum Forest. Acacia Flats Camping Ground is named appropriately 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 drop toilet and sitting logs to make camping more comfortable and plenty of room for large groups. (No camping in the Blue Gum Forest)

About 105 m past the end is a toilet.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 500 m to the main route.

Alternate exit via Perrys Lookdown

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Blue Gum Forest Track & Shortridge Pass Start heading along Perrys Track (a walking track). After another 830 m head up the steps (about 1.3 km long) Then head up the steps (about 540 m long)
	After another 380 m turn left, to head along Perrys Track. After another 20 m find the "Dockers Lookout" (25 m on your right). Dockers Lookout Dockers Lookout 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. + - 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. After another 35 m come to the "Perry's Lookdown". Perry's Lookdown Perry's Lookdown 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. + - 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.
	After another 55 m come to the end. About 10 m past the end is a sign. About 20 m past the end is "Perrys Lookdown campground". Perrys Lookdown campground Perrys Lookdown campground 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). + - 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). At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

Terrain

Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest

Grading

	Class 5/6 Very challenging
Length	15.3 km
Time	5 h 30 min, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
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

Campsite: There are 3 on route, on average they are 5.7 km apart with the largest gap of 10.3 km.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 5.4 km apart with the largest gap of 8.2 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	7 m	[toilet]
Campsite	7.6 km + 530 m	Acacia Flats Camping Ground
Campsite	7.6 km + 530 m	Acacia Flat
Toilet	7.6 km + 530 m	[toilet]
Campsite	7.6 km + 2.7 km	Perrys Lookdown campground

Articles

Pierces Pass
Pierces Pass in Blue Mountains National Park is a passage through the cliffs from the Bells Line of Road. The pass is popular with rock climbers, who use it as an access track to the cliffs.

Blue Gum Forest
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.

Acacia Flats Camping Ground
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).

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