Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest walking track
Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park
Overview
Fire affected area
Some areas of this park were affected by fire in 2019/2020. You’ll notice some changes to the landscape, as well as signs of recovery. Some areas may remain closed for longer to allow habitat to recover or because we’re repairing park infrastructure. Stay safe with these after-fire tips for visitors.
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
- Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park
- 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.
- Price
- Free
- 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.
Also see
-
Rigby Hill walking track
Rigby Hill walking track is an easy 1hr return walk from Pierces Pass, in Blue Mountains National Park. It offers dramatic views of the Grose Valley, near Blackheath and Mount Wilson.
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.
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.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre and Blackheath office
- 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 4787 8877
- bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 270 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
Park info
- in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Blackheath area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
Things to do (43)
- 4WD touring (2)
- Adventure sports (4)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (4)
- Cycling (4)
- Environmental appreciation/study (1)
- Historic heritage (3)
- Other experiences (4)
- Photography (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (6)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (3)
- Sightseeing (20)
- Visitor centres (3)
- Walking (24)
- Waterfalls (8)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (7)
