The Cliff Top Walking Track near Blackheath is a beautiful 3 km long walking trail that follows the edge of the escarpment between Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap Lookout.
The Grose Valley views along the way are some of the most spectacular you can find in that part of the Blue Mountains.
In this article, we’ll share the highlights and other important ins and outs of this family-friendly hike.
| Cliff Top Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (steep sections) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
The Cliff Top Walk runs between Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout. Both locations have parking facilities, so it doesn’t matter where you start the walk.
To start from the Evans Lookout, drive to Evans Lookout Road in Blackheath, which leads to two parking areas. The first is the Grand Canyon car park, and the second is the Evans Lookout car park. It’s best to try parking there as it’s where the Cliff Top Walk starts (see map location).
If you prefer to start at the other end, drive to Govetts Leap Road, which leads to the car park at the Govetts Leap Lookout (see map location).
Public transport is also an option. You can catch the train to Blackheath on the Blue Mountains train line. From the Blackheath train station, you can walk or catch a bus to Evans Lookout Rd or Govetts Leap Rd.
Below is a map of the walk between the two lookouts.
Track Notes
The Cliff Top Walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with a well-maintained path and decent signage. We do recommend wearing reliable hiking shoes and bringing a bottle of water.
The hardest part of the walk is the stretch between Barrow Lookout and Govetts Leap, where the track becomes quite steep.
1. Evans Lookout
If you’ve never seen the Evans Lookout before, we recommend checking that out before starting the Cliff Top Walk to Govetts Leap.
The breathtaking views from the lookout of the Grose Valley are best at sunset and sunrise on a clear day when the large sandstone cliff walls have a beautiful orange glow.
You can read more about this lookout point in our guide to the Evans Lookout, including tips for exciting walking tracks to do nearby.
At the Evans Lookout car park, you can find the start of the Cliff Top Walking Track at the signpost, where you will also find toilet facilities.
From there, simply head into the bush to start this fantastic walk. The first section is an easy path that soon arrives at the Hayward Gully.
2. Hayward Gully
Hayward Gully was named after William Hayward, the first white man to ever reach the floor of the Govetts Gorge in 1847, according to the information signpost at the water crossing.
A small footbridge and a set of sandstone steps will get you to the other side of this gully.
3. Barrow Lookout
From Hayward Gully, continue on the main track, which now follows the cliff edge and includes sections through bushland scenery before arriving at the Barrow Lookout.
This beautiful viewing point was named after Isaac Le Pipre Barrow, a government surveyor who produced detailed tourist maps of the mountains in the late 1870s.
From the Barrow Lookout, continue on the main track that crosses Govetts Leap Brook. This is where the waterfall drops almost 200 metres into Grose Valley, which makes it one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Blue Mountains.
Before crossing that creek, you will see an intersection with the Braeside walking trail, a track along Govetts Leap Brook leading back into Blackheath.
The last section of the walk to the Govetts Leap Lookout is the most challenging part, as it is quite a steep climb.
4. Govetts Leap Lookout
The Govetts Leap Lookout was named after William Govett, the first European settler to have visited this area. He discovered this beautiful spot almost two centuries ago, in June 1831.
The lookout is one of the most scenic lookout points in the Blue Mountains. The panoramic views of the Grose Valley, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and various waterfalls, are very impressive.
The valley is home to several rivers and creeks, such as the Grose River and Govetts Creek, which you can see from the lookout.
You can read more about this beautiful spot in our guide to the Govetts Leap Lookout, including tips for exciting walking tracks to do nearby.
Feeling energetic?
One of the most popular walking tracks in the Blue Mountains, the 6 km long Grand Canyon walking track, starts and finishes at the Evans Lookout.
This is a highly enjoyable bushwalking trail through beautiful scenery that has existed for more than a century. We strongly recommend doing this hike, but make sure you’re well-prepared with water and snacks.
