The Cliff Top Walking Track near Blackheath is a scenic 3 km walking trail that follows the edge of the escarpment between Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap Lookout.
Along the way, it offers some of the most spectacular views of the Grose Valley in this part of the Blue Mountains.
| 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 lookouts have parking facilities, so it doesn’t matter where you begin the walk.
To start from Evans Lookout, drive along Evans Lookout Road in Blackheath, which leads to two parking areas: the Grand Canyon car park and the Evans Lookout car park. The latter is the better option, as it’s where the Cliff Top Walk begins.
If you’d rather start at the other end, take Govetts Leap Road to the car park at Govetts Leap Lookout.
Public transport is also an option. You can catch the train to Blackheath on the Blue Mountains Line, then either walk or take a bus to Evans Lookout Road or Govetts Leap Road.
Track Notes
The Cliff Top Walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, with a well-maintained path and clear signage. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes and bringing a bottle of water.
The most challenging part of the walk is the stretch between Barrow Lookout and Govetts Leap, where the track becomes quite steep.
1. Evans Lookout
If you haven’t seen Evans Lookout before, it’s worth checking out before starting the walking track to Govetts Leap.
The views over the Grose Valley are especially striking at sunrise or sunset on a clear day, when the sandstone cliffs take on a warm orange glow.
You can read more about this lookout in our guide to Evans Lookout, which also includes tips on nearby walking tracks.
At the Evans Lookout car park, you’ll find the start of the Cliff Top Walking Track signposted, close to the toilet facilities.
From there, head into the bush to begin the walk. The first section is a gentle path that soon leads to Hayward Gully.
2. Hayward Gully
According to the information signpost at the water crossing, Hayward Gully was named after William Hayward, the first white man to reach the floor of Govetts Gorge in 1847.
A small footbridge and a set of sandstone steps take you across the gully.
From Hayward Gully, continue along the main track, which follows the edge of the cliff and winds through stretches of bushland before reaching Barrow Lookout.
3. Barrow Lookout
Barrow Lookout was named after Isaac Le Pipre Barrow, a government surveyor who created detailed tourist maps of the mountains in the late 1870s.
The views from this lookout are beautiful, with the surrounding cliff walls appearing very close.
From Barrow Lookout, the track crosses Govetts Leap Brook, where the waterfall plunges nearly 200 metres into the Grose Valley, making it one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Blue Mountains.
Before crossing the brook, you’ll pass an intersection with the Braeside Walking Trail, which follows Govetts Leap Brook back into Blackheath.
The final stretch to Govetts Leap Lookout is the most challenging part of the walk, with a fairly steep climb to finish.
4. Govetts Leap Lookout
Govetts Leap Lookout was named after William Govett, the first European settler known to have visited the area. He discovered this spot in June 1831, nearly two centuries ago.
The lookout is one of the best vantage points in the Blue Mountains, offering panoramic views of the Grose Valley framed by sandstone cliffs and various waterfalls.
From the lookout, you can see rivers and creeks running through the valley, including the Grose River and Govetts Creek.
You can read more about this spot in our guide to Govetts Leap Lookout, which also includes tips on nearby walking tracks.
More Bushwalking
One of the most popular hikes in the Blue Mountains, the Grand Canyon Walk, starts and finishes at the Evans Lookout.
This is a highly enjoyable bushwalk 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.
Read our guide to the best walks in the Blue Mountains for more great hiking ideas in this beautiful part of New South Wales.
