The short walk from Gordon Falls Reserve to Tarpeian Rock in Leura follows the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Jamison Valley, passing several scenic lookouts along the way.
This track forms a small section of both the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and the Grand Cliff Top Walk, offering a great opportunity to experience the Blue Mountains without the large crowds.
| Gordon Falls Lookout to Tarpeian Rock | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.2 km (return) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy (some steps) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Maps: |  PDF map |
 Interactive map |
|
Getting There
The best place to park and start this walk is at Gordon Falls Reserve, located at the corner of Olympian Parade and Lone Pine Avenue in Leura.
If you’re travelling by public transport, the nearest bus stops are on Balmoral Road, just a short walk from Gordon Falls Reserve.
You can also start the walk from the other end, but parking along Cliff Drive, where the access track to Tarpeian Rock is located, is a bit more limited.
Track Notes
This is a relatively short and easy walk along a well-maintained path, although there are some steps along the way.
On the map below, we’ve marked the four lookouts along the trail:
- Gordon Falls Lookout
- Elysian Rock Lookout
- Olympian Rock
- Tarpeian Rock
1. Gordon Falls Lookout
Once you’re ready to start walking, look for the Prince Henry Cliff Walk sign south of the parking area, and follow the trail into the bush.
It’s only a short walk to Gordon Falls Lookout from there, but it does include a steep metal staircase.
Gordon Falls Lookout is a spacious, fenced viewing platform with scenic views over the Jamison Valley and the Sublime Point headland. If you look to the left, you may also spot Gordon Falls, depending on recent rainfall.
From the lookout, retrace your steps. Instead of returning to the car park, turn left to continue on the Prince Henry Cliff Walk towards the next lookout.
2. Elysian Rock Lookout
Within ten minutes, you’ll reach Elysian Rock Lookout, a scenic vantage point made up of two viewing platforms connected by the Buttenshaw Bridge.
Both platforms are fenced and offer sweeping views of the valley, with Mount Solitary straight ahead, the Three Sisters and Narrow Neck to the right, and Sublime Point to the left.
The Buttenshaw Bridge is a small footbridge linking the two platforms. The original was built in 1936 and replaced in 2015 with a modern 14-metre-long steel bridge.
The western platform offers similar views to the first but is slightly more spacious. It’s a great spot to pause and enjoy the scenery, especially at sunrise.
3. Olympian Rock
From Elysian Rock, it’s a short 200-metre stroll to Olympian Rock, the third vantage point along the walk, with panoramic views over the Jamison Valley.
One thing you’ll notice at these lookouts is the presence of shortcut paths leading back to the road. If you’d like to revisit one of the lookouts without too much walking, you can do so from Olympian Drive.
From Olympian Rock, it’s about a 20-minute walk through a stretch of beautiful bushland to reach the next lookout.
4. Tarpeian Rock
Like Elysian Rock, Tarpeian Rock features two viewing platforms, both offering scenic views of the Jamison Valley and Mount Solitary. The first platform provides a good view of the second, framed by the valley in the background.
Apart from the views, what makes Tarpeian Rock particularly unique are the fascinating circular patterns on the rock surface.
Once you’ve finished soaking in the views, it’s time to head back to your starting point. You can either walk back the same way (recommended) or return via the streets.
If you prefer the street route, which is slightly shorter, follow the path to Cliff Drive from Tarpeian Rock, then continue along Olympian Drive back to Gordon Falls Reserve.
If you’re up for another walk, the track to Pool of Siloam also starts from Gordon Falls Reserve. This short walk leads to a small waterfall with a natural pool at its base in a beautiful forest setting.
Beginners Guide to the Blue Mountains
Grab our ebook and discover seven of the finest walks and seven of the most scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains, perfect for first-time visitors.
