Govetts Leap descent
Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park
Overview
A challenging walk from Govetts Leap lookout, Govetts Leap descent will delight hikers who enjoy a harder walking track, with scenic waterfall views across Grose Valley in Blue Mountains National Park.
- Distance
- 1.8km return
- Time suggested
- 1 - 2hrs
- Grade
- Grade 4
- Trip Intention Form
-
It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- Personal Locator Beacon
-
Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath.
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water, compass, gps, topographic map
- Please note
- There are no creeks or rivers within Blue Mountains National Park where clean drinking water can be guaranteed.
- Please be aware the track continues on beyond the waterfalls, and there are other walks you can choose. All tracks in this area are steep and a map is essential.
From its outset at Govetts Leap lookout, this hard track is bound to impress and delight adventurous walkers. Rest assured that ‘leap’ is not a suggestion but a Scottish word for waterfall; and that’s what you’ll see, from every angle on Govetts Leap descent into the wilderness of Grose Valley in Blue Mountains National Park.
You’ll be refreshed on the steep walk down by nature’s own spritzer. Crystal clear droplets will fall from the moist moss clinging to the cliff walls above. These cliffs are covered by spectacular hanging swamps, and the ecologically endangered isopogon fletchers, known as drumsticks, are what make this walk so unique.
Stop to rest those knees as you gaze across the spectacular valley views, taking in the clear mountain air. And remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
When you make it to the bottom, enjoy leisurely picnic at the base of the falls. Once you're well rested, take the heart pumping track back up towards Blue Mountains Heritage Centre for a browse of the souvenirs, maps, and guidebooks available.
Take a virtual tour of Govetts Leap descent captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Google Street View Trekker
Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.
Conservation program:
Bush Trackers
Bush Trackers was created to encourage children to engage with the environment in and around the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. This program highlights the natural and cultural splendour of the greater Blue Mountains through education initiatives and bushwalks.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
- 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 4787 8877
- bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 270 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
Park info
- in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Blackheath area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
Things to do (103)
- 4WD touring (1)
- Aboriginal culture (5)
- Adventure sports (12)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (10)
- Cafes and kiosks (2)
- Cycling (6)
- Environmental appreciation/study (4)
- Historic heritage (9)
- Other experiences (8)
- Photography (3)
- Picnics and barbecues (9)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (3)
- Sightseeing (52)
- Swimming (2)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (54)
- Waterfalls (32)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (7)