Where

Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW

Distance

16km return

Time suggested

6 - 8hrs

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.

What to
bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, topographic map, personal locator beacon, gps, compass, sturdy shoes, snacks

Please note

Make sure to boil any water from the Grose River for at least 3 minutes.

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