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.
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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.

Operated by
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
- 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 4787 8877
- bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
- End of Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
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.-
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
02 4787 8877
Contact hours: 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - End of Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785
- Email: bluemountains.heritagecentre@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Blue Mountains Heritage Centre
-
- Glenbrook office
02 4720 6200 Infoline
Contact hours: Entry station is only open on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. - Blue Mountains National Park, Bruce Road, Glenbrook NSW 2773
- Email: npws.hawkesburynattai@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Glenbrook office
-
- Richmond office
02 4588 2400
Contact hours: Monday to Friday , 9.30am to 4pm. - Bowmans Cottage, 370 Windsor Street, Richmond NSW 2753
- Email: npws.hawkesburynattai@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Richmond office
-
- Oberon office
02 6336 1972
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. - 38 Ross Street, Oberon NSW 2787
- Email: npws.kanangra@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Oberon office
What's nearby:
Things to do (21)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (3)
- Cycling (4)
- Historic heritage (3)
- Other experiences (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (5)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (3)
- Sightseeing (17)
- Visitor centres (1)
- Walking (13)
- Waterfalls (6)
- Wildflowers (seasonal) (5)