Govetts Leap Lookout, near Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, offers spectacular views of the Grose Valley and its surrounding cliff walls.
Several hiking trails, both short and long, start near the lookout, including one leading to Barrow Lookout, which provides a close-up view of Govetts Leap Falls.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about this incredible lookout, along with the best nearby walks to explore.
| Govetts Leap Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Location: | End of Govetts Leap Road (see map) |
| Walking distance: | 50m from car park |
| Facilities: | Parking, fenced viewing platforms, toilets, picnic shelters, walking trails |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
Govetts Leap Lookout is located at the end of Govetts Leap Road in Blackheath.
To get there, turn off the Great Western Highway onto Govetts Leap Road and follow it to the end, where you’ll find a spacious parking area.
Alternatively, you can take the Blue Mountains train to Blackheath and catch a bus to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, which is just a short walk from the lookout.
About Govetts Leap Lookout
The popular Govetts Leap Lookout is one of the most impressive vantage points in the Blue Mountains.
Its panoramic views of the Grose Valley and the surrounding cliff walls are truly remarkable. The valley is home to several rivers and creeks, including the Grose River and Govetts Creek.
The lookout was named after William Govett, a painter and surveyor who was the first European settler to visit the area.
According to a sign at the lookout, he discovered this scenic spot in June 1831, nearly two centuries ago.
The area surrounding the lookout features picnic grounds with plenty of open space and covered picnic tables.
It’s one of the better picnic spots in the Blue Mountains, so it’s worth taking advantage of—even if just for a quick snack and a drink.
With stunning views from the lookout, scenic walks nearby, and a peaceful picnic spot to enjoy lunch, it’s a day well spent.
Waterfall
Govetts Leap Falls (also known simply as Govetts Leap) can be seen from the lookout when facing southeast.
The waterfall was originally named “Govett’s Leap”, as the word ‘leap’ means waterfall in old Scottish dialect.
Interestingly, there is some confusion around the name of this waterfall.
Signs at the lookout refer to it as Bridal Veil Falls, but other sources call it Govetts Leap, as ‘leap’ is an old Scottish dialect word for waterfall. To add to the confusion, there is also a Bridal Veil Falls in Leura!
We don’t know the history behind this mix-up of names, but we prefer to call this waterfall Govetts Leap Falls, or simply Govetts Leap.
George Phillips Lookout
When visiting this incredible lookout, be sure to check out George Phillips Lookout, just a short walk from the picnic area.
From that beautiful vantage point, the trail continues towards the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre via the 1.8 km Fairfax Heritage Walk.
If you have some time to spare, the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre is worth a visit. It offers expert advice on local walking tracks, Aboriginal heritage, native plants and wildlife, and other activities in the area.
Nearby Walks
Several bushwalking trails start from or pass by Govetts Leap Lookout. While some are quite challenging, there are also shorter and easier walks to enjoy.
If you’re serious about hiking, consider parking at the lookout in the morning and exploring the area on foot. With its many lookouts and trails, it’s a fantastic way to experience the Blue Mountains.
Before heading to this area for a hike, it’s always a good idea to check the National Parks website for any closures or alerts.
1. Govetts Leap and the Barrow Lookout
Govetts Leap may not be a particularly wide waterfall, but its impressive 180-metre drop and the surrounding scenery make it a stunning sight.
A short walk leads to the top of the waterfall, crossing Govetts Leap Brook, and continues to Barrow Lookout, where you can take in a close-up view of the falls.
Although this is a short walk, it is quite steep, and the return trip to the car park from Barrow Lookout can be challenging.
2. Cliff Top Walk to Evans Lookout
From Barrow Lookout, the trail extends to Evans Lookout, offering breathtaking views of the imposing cliffs of the Grose Valley.
This scenic route is known as the Cliff Top Walk. It’s not among the most challenging walks in the Blue Mountains, and with its spectacular views along the way, it’s an enjoyable, family-friendly hike.
Hello, would you think that Govetts Leap Lookout would be accessible for the elderly?
Hello Prue,
Assuming that you have access to a vehicle to get you there, then yes, the lookout is most certainly accessible for the elderly. The lookout is right next to the car park and is very easy to navigate.
It’s absolutely beautiful out there, enjoy!
Hello, please let me know if there are any tours organised in the Blue Mountains this weekend?
Regards,
Jola
Hi Jola,
We don’t organise tours ourselves but have a look at our recommendations for good Blue Mountains tours and see if there is anything you like.
Good luck, Govetts Leap is beautiful.
We visited Govetts Leap today, and walked to Bridal Veil Falls. Now, about that sign that says “15 minutes”… That’s one way down steps. It’s a lovely walk, with a fine view of the falls, after crossing the creek and walking another 90m up steps. The return walk, to the car park, took us way longer than the walk down. I would suggest that a moderate level of fitness is required.
Hi John, thanks for the feedback, and yes you’re right, going back up is quite the effort. We’ve included a note in the article. Hope you had a fantastic day out in the Blue Mountains!