The Cliff Top Walking Track, connecting Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap Lookout, is a scenic bushwalk along the cliff edge overlooking the Grose Valley.
With its beautiful valley and waterfall views from several lookout points, this trail is one of the more enjoyable walks in the Blackheath area.
| Cliff Top Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (one way) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate (steep sections) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
| Maps: |  PDF map |
 Interactive map |
|
Getting There
You can begin this walk from either Evans Lookout or Govetts Leap Lookout.
The starting point doesn’t make much difference, but it’s worth planning ahead if you’re combining this walk with others. For instance, if you’re doing both the Grand Canyon Track and the Cliff Top Walk, you will need to park at Evans Lookout.
To start from Evans Lookout, drive to the end of Evans Lookout Road in Blackheath, where you’ll find a car park. If it’s full, you’ll need to park at the Grand Canyon car park, a few hundred metres back.
If you’re starting at the Govetts Leap Lookout, drive to the end of Govetts Leap Road, where you’ll find a well-sized parking area.
Map
Below is a map of the walk with the following highlights:
- Evans Lookout
- Hayward Gully
- Barrow Lookout
- Waterfall
- Govetts Leap Lookout
Track Notes
The Cliff Top Walking Track is a well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail linking two of the most iconic lookouts in the Blue Mountains.
This walk is moderately challenging, with some steep sections along the way. In particular, the stretch between Barrow Lookout and Govetts Leap Lookout is quite steep and involves many steps.
Evans Lookout
Before starting the hike to Govetts Leap Lookout, it’s worth taking some time to explore Evans Lookout and enjoy its impressive valley views.
These views are often at their best during sunrise or sunset when the sandstone cliffs take on a warm orange glow.
The official start of the Cliff Top Track is marked by a signpost at the car park, near the toilet facilities.
From there, the trail leads straight into the bushland along a clear and easy-to-follow path, heading toward Hayward Gully.
Hayward Gully
This green section is named after William Hayward, who is believed to have been the first white man to reach the base of Govetts Valley in 1847.
Hayward Gully is a lush area teeming with thriving flora and fauna.
It’s a pleasant part of the walk, featuring a creek crossing and a series of steps before leading you back to the cliff edge.
Barrow Lookout
After leaving the serene gully behind, the path follows the escarpment, eventually arriving at Barrow Lookout.
This impressive and secluded lookout is named after Isaac Le Pipre Barrow, a government surveyor in the late 1870s who created tourist maps of the area.
The views from Barrow Lookout are remarkable, with the surrounding cliff walls of the Grose Valley appearing strikingly close.
From this vantage point, you can spot two waterfalls: Govetts Leap, also known as Bridal Veil Falls, located right beside the lookout, and Horseshoe Falls, visible a little further away.
Waterfall
The walking track continues beyond Barrow Lookout, soon crossing Govetts Leap Brook, which cascades nearly 200 metres into the Grose Valley as Govetts Leap.
After crossing the brook, the trail becomes quite steep, with numerous steps leading up to the popular Govetts Leap Lookout.
Govetts Leap Lookout
This spacious and well-maintained lookout in the Blackheath area of the Blue Mountains is named after William Govett, the first white settler to discover this spot in 1831.
The views of the Grose Valley here are as spectacular as those at Evans Lookout. With several walking tracks nearby, a visit to Govetts Leap Lookout makes for an excellent day out in the mountains.
While there, it’s worth taking a short stroll to nearby George Phillips Lookout, which offers equally superb views from a slightly different perspective.
If you’re up for more hiking before returning to Evans Lookout, consider exploring a section of the Pulpit Rock Track leading to the top of Horseshoe Falls. It’s a short trail with some wonderful views along the way.
More walks nearby:
