Blackheath

Our walk took us from Popes Glen to Govetts Leap and return via Braeside Walk.

We passed these Rhododendrons in Blackheath Memorial Park after starting our walk at the railway station. The flowering season for Rhododendrons is September, October and November but the peak period is the end of October and early November.

View from Govetts Leap Lookout, Blackheath

                   'Rhododendron Gardens' post

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Grand Canyon track - Blackheath

Described as one of the most spectacular walking tracks in NSW the Canyon walk is around 6km in length and ~400m from the lowest point to the top. We caught a bus from Katoomba to the stop on Evans Lookout Road nearest the Neates Glen carpark, which is the start (or end) of the walk.

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After the steep climb out, we had lunch at Evans lookout. It was a further 2km back to the bus stop.

 

Walls Ledge - Blackheath

This walk, at Blackheath in the Upper Blue Mountains, although reasonably short, had a variety of scenery, as you can see from the photos.

Centennial Glen Creek, Blackheath

Flannel flowers

View into Kanimbla Valley

Walls Ledge is a popular spot with rock climbers.

Our walk was around 4Kms return to the station.
The only section I didn't enjoy was the return walk along Shipley Road, which we shared with a surprising number of cars considering it was midweek.


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Evans Lookout to Goverts Leap

I completed this walk at Blackheath in the Upper Blue Mountains with an NPA bush-walking group.
We started at Evans Lookout and walked the cliff-top track to Govetts Leap.

Crossing Govetts Leap Brook

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The track afforded great views of the Grose Valley along the way

Bridal Veil Falls Blackheath

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A route 698 bus ran from outside the Carrington Hotel at Katoomba to Evans Lookout Rd and St Andrews Ave. at Blackheath. It's about 2.8Km from here to the lookout at the end of the road.

The 698 bus also goes to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Govetts Leap Rd.  The centre provides information on the Blue Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, an interactive educational display, video screenings and a gallery. There is also a very easy walking track which starting at this location, which is considered suitable for wheelchairs - see The Fairfax Track

see Blue Mountains Bus for current time table information

Many thanks to our walk leader John.

Blackheath Rhododendron Gardens

The eight hectare 'Campbell Rhododendron Gardens' at Blackheath in the upper Blue Mountains was established by the Blue Mountains Rhododendron Society and is maintained by volunteers. The site is much larger than this and has walking trails around the garden and bushland.

One of the things that struck me when visiting was the good effect of the exotic plants set within the Australian bushland.

Waratahs

April - May and September to November are likely to be the best times of the year to visit, but it is open all year.

The garden features a large pond and tranquil areas suitable for a picnic. Admission was just a 'gold coin donation'.

Location map