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Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest walking track

Blue Mountains National Park

Overview

The scenic views are worth the effort on this challenging walk along the Grose River into the rugged wilderness of the Blue Gum Forest.

Where
Blue Mountains National Park
Distance
16km return
Time suggested
6 - 8hrs
Grade
Grade 4
Price
Free
What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Please note
  • Make sure to boil any water from the Grose River for at least 3 minutes.
  • It's a good idea to fill in the free trip intention form and hire a PLB before you set out. Bring a topographic map and compass or GPS.

The Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest walking track is a real heart starter with expansive views across the northern end of the iconic Grose Valley. Take a moment to breathe in that famous Blue Mountains air before you descend the valley towards the magnificent Grose River.

The track follows a spur down into the valley, passing the lush vegetation of the Fairy Grotto. From here you’ll enter the dense rainforest and see towering coachwood and sassafras, while epiphytes and orchids cling to the trunks. Skirting the cliffs, the track takes you through open forest where you might see vibrant crimson rosellas or perhaps a wedge-tailed eagle circling above.

Crossing the Grose River, notice how the canopy thickens as you approach Blue Gum Forest. Picnic under the towering blue gums before heading back or, if you’re keen on overnight camping, take the short walk to the Acacia Flat campground for a night in the rugged wilderness.

Take a virtual tour of Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Promotional:

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.

Google Trekker, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: John Spencer

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.

Charles Darwin walk, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Steve Alton

Park info

  • in Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and Country NSW regions

  • Blue Mountains National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. Some parts of the park close overnight; details are provided for specific attractions.

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day applies only at attractions in the Glenbrook area.

    Buy an annual pass.
  • More
    • Blue Mountains (Glenbrook)
      (02) 4720 6200 (Infoline)
      Contact hours: Entry station is open weekends, public holidays and school holidays only.
    • Blue Mountains National Park, Bruce Road, Glenbrook NSW
    • Fax: (02) 4739 6665
    More
    • Richmond
      (02) 4588 2400
      Contact hours: 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday
    • Bowmans Cottage, 370 Windsor Street, Richmond NSW
    • Fax: (02) 4588 5335
    More
    • Oberon
      (02) 6336 1972
      Contact hours: 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday
    • 38 Ross Street, Oberon NSW
    More
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (33)

Events (2)

Tours (7)

Camping and accommodation (2)

Volunteering (4)

School excursions (12)

Grose River Crossing, Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Steve Alton/NSW Government