Leura Park to Gordon Falls Lookout

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
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 Transport options and directions

Start (-33.7192466,150.3222781)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From cave-like shelters in Leura Cascades Picnic Area, this walk heads along the footpath, passing under the arch. Passing the toilet block, the path comes to the information board, from where the walk follows the 'Leura Cascades Track' sign down the steps. The path soon leads to a small stone wall with a view of some cascades and Chelmsford Bridge. From the view of Chelmsford Bridge, this walk follows track downhill, keeping the handrail and creek to the left, soon coming to an intersection with 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk' just before a footbridge.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Leura Cascades' sign across the footbridge to a 'Y' intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Prince Henry Cliff Walk To Gordon Falls' sign up the timber steps. The walk continues along the bush track that steadily climbs to the top of the gentle hill, where it comes to an intersection with the Cliff Drive bush track.....

An optional side trip to Tarpeian Rock.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 10 m to find the car park. Then pass the playground (25 m on your left). Then pass the water tap (20 m on your left). After another 25 m pass the sign (6 m on your right). After another 65 m pass the "Leura Park" (90 m on your left). Then pass the toilet (15 m on your right). After another 15 m find the "Leura Cascades Picnic Area" (40 m on your right). Leura Cascades Picnic Area Leura Cascades Picnic area is a open picnic area beside Cliff Drive, with Leura Cascades Creek running through the middle. There are a number of small cascades in the park, along with toilets and picnic tables. There are a few information signs and maps of the area. The park is well remembered for the artificial caves and arches that have been built to provide shelter and a sense of place. A small road runs through the park, providing access and parking, and garbage facilities are provided. There is also plenty of shade from some large pine trees. After another 90 m pass the "Upper Leura Cascades" (30 m on your left).
	Continue straight.
	After another 20 m veer left. After another 460 m pass the "Leura Park" (135 m on your left).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Bridal Veil View lookout. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 45 m turn left.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Tarpeian Rock. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 110 m turn left. After another 620 m pass the park (95 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 8 m find the "Olympian Lookout" (9 m on your right). Olympian Lookout Olympian Lookout is a fenced lookout, just off the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, near Olympian Pde in Leura. The lookout is on a sloped, natural sandstone surface and has some steps cut to help improve access. The lookout is right at the edge of the cliff and provides a great view across the Jamison Valley, out to Mount Solitary. The 'back' of the Three Sisters, and also Narrow Neck, are both visible on the right, and Sublime Point on the left.
	After another 180 m continue straight. After another 10 m come to the viewpoint (8 m on your right). Then cross the Battenshaw Bridge (about 20 m long)
	After another 10 m continue straight. After another 15 m find the "Elysian Rock" (on your right). Elysian Rock Elysian Rock is a fenced, small, narrow lookout on a rock buttress. The floor is mostly uneven, natural sandstone and there is a bench seat with no shade. The lookout is right at the edge of the cliff and gives a great view straight across the Jamison Valley and out to Mount Solitary. Narrow Neck and the 'back' of the Three Sisters are visible on the right-hand side, and Sublime Point on the left. The lookout is along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, just west of a concrete bridge spanning a chasm and near the end of Elysian Place, Leura. After another 360 m pass the park (165 m on your left).
	Turn right. After another 80 m pass a seat (6 m on your right). Then head up the metal steps (about 7 m long) After another 30 m come to "Gordon Falls Lookout". Gordon Falls Lookout Gordon Falls Lookout is a fenced lookout near the end of Lone Pine Rd, Leura. As the name suggests, there is a good view of Gordon Falls to the left. There is also a wonderful view along the escarpment to Sublime Point. The lookout is right at the edge of the cliff and also has a great view across the Jamison Valley, out to Mount Solitary. Narrow Neck and the 'back' of the Three Sisters are visible on the right-hand side.
	Start.
	After another 30 m veer left. After another 15 m come to a viewpoint.
	Continue another 0 m to find Tarpeian Rock at the end. "Tarpeian Rock". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 45 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Bridal Veil View lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	Continue another 195 m to find Bridal View Lookout at the end. "Bridal View Lookout". About 175 m past the end is "Leura Falls". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 195 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Leura Park to Gordon Falls Lookout

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	3.8 km
Time	2 h 15 min to 3 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one 40 m from the start.

Seat: There is one 1.9 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	40 m	[toilet]
Seat	1.9 km	[seat]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Leura Cascades Picnic Area
Leura Cascades Picnic area is a open picnic area beside Cliff Drive, with Leura Cascades Creek running through the middle. There are a number of small cascades in the park, along with toilets and picnic tables. There are a few information signs and maps of the area. The park is well remembered for the artificial caves and arches that have been built to provide shelter and a sense of place. A small road runs through the park, providing access and parking, and garbage facilities are provided. There is also plenty of shade from some large pine trees.

The Rock
The Rock is a small, partially-fenced lookout, about 10 metres from the Prince Henry Cliff Walk near Bridal Veil Falls. The old timber fence only partially covers the cliff line and the walk to the lookout can be slippery. The view from the lookout includes close-up views of the crowns of several trees. There is no view of Bridal Veil Falls, but the view does extend across to the cliffs at Bridal View Lookout.

Bridal Veil View Lookout
The Bridal Veil View is a small, fenced lookout at the base of a flight of stairs in the south-west corner of Leura. The lookout has a natural sandstone floor and provides superb, unobstructed view of the Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are about 150m away, and looking down from the top, the Bridal Veil likeness is apparent. The falls run most of the time, but are most spectacular after rain.

Tarpeian Rock
Tarpeian Rock is a great lookout, suspended high on a sandstone buttress, with circular patterns under foot. The view from the lookout extends from Kings Tableland on the left, to the 'back' of the Three Sisters and into Jamison Valley on the right. There are also great views across to Mount Solitary, Narrow Neck Plateau and the Ruined Castle. The name is derived from the Roman 'Tarpeian Rock', a steep cliff rocky point overlooking the Roman forum that was used as a place to execute people. Thankfully, this Tarpeian Rock has a much more peaceful feel about it.

Olympian Lookout
Olympian Lookout is a fenced lookout, just off the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, near Olympian Pde in Leura. The lookout is on a sloped, natural sandstone surface and has some steps cut to help improve access. The lookout is right at the edge of the cliff and provides a great view across the Jamison Valley, out to Mount Solitary. The 'back' of the Three Sisters, and also Narrow Neck, are both visible on the right, and Sublime Point on the left.

Elysian Rock
Elysian Rock is a fenced, small, narrow lookout on a rock buttress. The floor is mostly uneven, natural sandstone and there is a bench seat with no shade. The lookout is right at the edge of the cliff and gives a great view straight across the Jamison Valley and out to Mount Solitary. Narrow Neck and the 'back' of the Three Sisters are visible on the right-hand side, and Sublime Point on the left. The lookout is along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, just west of a concrete bridge spanning a chasm and near the end of Elysian Place, Leura.

Gordon Falls Lookout
Gordon Falls Lookout is a fenced lookout near the end of Lone Pine Rd, Leura. As the name suggests, there is a good view of Gordon Falls to the left. There is also a wonderful view along the escarpment to Sublime Point. The lookout is right at the edge of the cliff and also has a great view across the Jamison Valley, out to Mount Solitary. Narrow Neck and the 'back' of the Three Sisters are visible on the right-hand side.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Katoomba Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
  
  Sunday 8 September
  
  Clear.
  
  Clear. Winds westerly 15 to 25 km/h.
  
  Monday 9 September
  
  7°C → 17°C
  Partly cloudy.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the south, near zero chance elsewhere. Winds westerly 20 to 30 km/h becoming light in the late evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 9 with daytime temperatures reaching between 14 and 21.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:20am to 2:40pm, UV Index predicted to reach 6 [High]
  
  Tuesday 10 September
  
  4°C → 18°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. The chance of fog in the south in the early morning. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 3 and 7 with daytime temperatures reaching between 18 and 23.
  
  Wednesday 11 September
  
  6°C → 21°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower in the south in the evening. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 4 and 8 with daytime temperatures reaching between 18 and 24.
  
  Thursday 12 September
  
  7°C → 13°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 5 and 10 with daytime temperatures reaching between 14 and 21.
  
  Friday 13 September
  
  5°C → 12°C
  Cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy.
  
  Saturday 14 September
  
  3°C → 14°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Sunday 15 September
  
  4°C → 8°C
  Shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Blue Mountains National Park alerts
  Hazard reduction burns: Wood Creek HR
  There is a planned Hazard Reduction burn in this park from 03/09/2024. The fire is called Wood Creek HR. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Hazard reduction burns: BOOKER RD, HAWKESBURY HEIGHTS
  There is a planned Hazard Reduction burn in this park from 03/09/2024. The fire is called BOOKER RD, HAWKESBURY HEIGHTS. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Closed areas: Parts of Blue Mountains National Park closed
  Many roads, fire trails and walking tracks within 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 areas are closed:
  Katoomba and Leura
  
  Giant Stairway is closed between Lady Game lookout and Dardanelles Pass from Thursday 29 August to the end of September 2024. Access out of the valley is via Furber Steps or Amphitheatre track.
  
  Honeymoon Bridge is closed due to rockfall risk.
  
  Fern Bower track between Prince Henry Cliff walk (Grand Cliff Top walk) and the Amphitheatre track is closed due to multiple landslides. The Amphitheatre Track is Open.
  
  Ruined Castle, Golden Stairs, Solitary loop and Federal Pass, west of Scenic World are closed due to multiple landslides.
  
  Lone Lyrebird track is closed between Gordon Road and the War Memorial, due to subsidence. Detour is in place.
  
  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.
  
  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
  
  Valley of the Waters track is closed below Nature track junction due to trackwork. There is no access to Empress Canyon, Empress Falls, Sylvia Falls, Roberts Pass, Vera Falls, Hippocrene Falls or Wentworth Falls from Valley of the Waters.
  
  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.
  
  Bedford Creek and Andersons fire trail will be closed Monday to Friday until Friday 27 September 2024 to allow for roadworks. There'll be no access to vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists from Anderson fire trail or Murphys Road to Ingar campground. There is also no exit to Woodford from Andersons fire trail. Trails and campgrounds will be open on Saturday and Sunday. Ingar campground is open on Saturday night only.
  
  Blackheath, Mount Victoria and Bells Line of Road
  
  Mt Banks Road, picnic area and walking tracks are closed on weekdays until Monday 23 September 2024 for roadworks. The road will be open on weekends.
  
  Point Pilcher is closed to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th September for helicopter operations. Juggler canyon is still accessible.
  
  Horse Track is closed Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th September for helicopter operations. Alternative access to Acacia flat is available via Perrys Lookdown or Lockley Pylon.
  
  Williams track (Govetts descent) and Rodriguez Pass are closed due to rockfalls and landslides.
  
  Pulpit Rock Reserve, lookouts and walking track are closed. Visit the Blue Mountains City Council website for information. Pulpit Rock walking track from Popes Glen is open as far as the NPWS boundary (as shown on Google maps).
  
  Adventure recreation, canyons, abseiling and rock climbing
  Some adventure recreation areas and routes are specifically 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 on 47878877.
  
  Hazard reduction burns: Blue Pool Hazard Reduction
  There is a fire in this park called Blue Pool Hazard Reduction. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Closed areas: Giant Stairway
  Giant Stairway is closed between Lady Game lookout and Dardanelles Pass from Thursday 29 August 2024 to the end of September 2024.
  Access out of the valley is via Furber Steps or Amphitheatre track.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the local office.
  
  Closed areas: Valley of the Waters and Empress Canyon
  Valley of the Waters is closed below Nature track junction until the end of September 2024 for track repairs. There is no access to Empress Canyon and Sylvia Falls.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 aerial baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial baiting program in Blue Mountains National Park from Monday 26 August 2024 to Sunday 8 September 2024.
  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 the 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.
  Please contact the local NPWS area office for more information:
  Blackheath 02 4787 8877
  Oberon 02 6336 6200
  Glenbrook 02 4720 6200
  
  Closed areas: Six Foot track - Bowtells Bridge closure
  Bowtells swing bridge on Six Foot track is closed to protect public safety. An upgrade is being planned and the bridge is expected to reopen in mid August 2024. Signs and barriers are in place to prevent access onto the bridge.
  Crown Lands, which manages the bridge, is advising track users not to attempt to cross Coxs River. Any attempts to cross the river are at your own risk and are discouraged due to the potential for slips or falls, rainfall and risk of flash flooding.
  For further information visit the Six Foot track website.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting ongoing ground baiting program from Thursday 2 May 2024 to Friday 1 November 2024 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: Woodford-Oaks trail closure
  Woodford-Oaks trail is closed on weekdays to all cyclists and pedestrians due to heavy machinery in operation.
  The Oaks and Single tracks will be open to cyclists on weekends, and will fully reopen as soon as works are complete.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on 02 4720 6200.
  
  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: Glenbrook precinct closure
  The Glenbrook precinct will be closed on weekdays for major roadworks, from Monday 29 April to Tuesday 15 October 2024.
  Heavy machinery and vehicles will be in operation from Mondays to Fridays during this period. Access beyond the entry gate will be closed to all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
  The closed areas (Mondays to Fridays) include:
  
  Woodford - The Oaks trail
  
  The Single track
  
  Euroka campground
  
  Red Hands Cave
  
  Red Hands Cave walking track
  
  Jack Evans track
  
  Nepean lookout
  
  Nepean River walking track
  
  Pisgah Rock
  
  Mount Portal lookout
  
  Tunnel View lookout
  
  Jellybean Pool
  
  Blue Pool
  
  Glenbrook Gorge walking track
  
  The precinct will open on weekends, with most areas accessible.
  The following areas will be open on weekends:
  
  Euroka picnic area
  
  Woodford - The Oaks trail
  
  The Single track
  
  Mt Portal and Tunnel View lookouts
  
  Jellybean Pool
  
  Blue Pool
  
  Glenbrook Gorge walking track
  
  Other sections, including Red Hands Cave and Euroka campground, will remain closed over the weekend. The precinct will fully reopen as soon as works are complete.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office 02 4720 6200.
  
  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

Other Journeys Discover nearby and similar journeys

Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.

Start	(-33.7192466,150.3222781)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train

Weather Forecast

Alerts