Blackheath is a town located near the top of the Blue Mountains, and beyond Katoomba swhen approached from Sydney.

Location: Blackheath is 120 km west north-west of Sydney, 11 km north-west of Katoomba and 30 km south-east of Lithgow. Elevation 1,065 metres.

The area around Blackheath contains some of the most spectacular views in the Blue Mountains, including those over the Grose Valley from Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap in the east, and the lesser-known vista of the Megalong Valley from Hargraves Lookout in the west, past the tiny hamlet of Shipley.

Blackheath has many cafes and restaurants, a large antique centre and other shops of interest to tourists. It is a popular destination for people from Sydney for a weekend excursion or a Sunday drive.

The area is also known for its colourful blooms in Spring and golden Autumn foliage as the weather begins to cool. In September, daffodils bloom and on the first weekend of November, Blackheath hosts an annual Rhododendron Festival.

The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens at the northern end of the town in Bachante St have 45 acres (18.5 hectares) of Rhododendrons and Azaleas planted underneath a native Australian Bush canopy. They are tended by the volunteers of The Blue Mountains Rhododendron Society of NSW, many of whom live in the town. The Gardens are a spectacular sight in the spring months of September through to November.

The Megalong Valley, about 18 km away, can be accessed from Blackheath.

Attractions

Lookouts: Blackheath has a number of lookouts close to the town off Hat Hill Rd - Pulpit Rock, Perrys Lookdown and Anvil Rock, overlooking the Megalong Valley. There are several walking tracks starting from the lookouts, including short walks to enjoy different views, longer half and whole day walks, and walks involving camping overnight or several days walk. Mount Boyce lookout is located just out of town towards Lithgow.

Govett's Leap: a short drive from Blackheath takes visitors to Govett's Leap, a lookout with spectacular views of the Grose Valley and nearby waterfalls. According to folklore, a bushranger named Govett rode off the cliff rather than be captured. This story is not verified by historical sources - the name draws on the definition of leap: "The sudden fall of a river to a lower level" (OED) and is named after William Romaine Govett, an assistant to the Surveyor General of NSW at the Duration, who first came upon that spot in June 1831. Evans Lookout provides an alternate vantage point for views into the same canyon system.

Canyoning: canyoners and rockclimbers also base themselves at Blackheath for activities in the surrounding National Park. The Blue Gum Forest may be accessed from Perrys Lookdown.

Hanging Rock

Hanging Rock: one of the Blue Mountains' most spectacular lookouts, Hanging Rock is somewhat off the beaten track. Though just 7km from Blackheath, it requires a little dirt road driving, walking and hiking, but the effort is well worth the view both of the rock, or from it if you are game enough to climb out. Hanging Rock is located close to Baltzer Lookout, which must be reached first.

So, is it really hanging? The answer is yes. The rock is separated from the cliff by a 80cm gap that narrows to a crack way down below. The rock itself is quite narrow with a tip hanging over the valley a hundred meters below. The gap between the cliff and the rock is not wide, there are no guard rails, so if you choose to cross over onto the rock itself, think not only of the dangers of literally stepping out into the air hundreds of metres above the valley below, but also, what if your weight is enough to make this rock fall?

Walks

Track notes, maps etc. of the walks featured are on the Wildwalks app.

Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock to Evans Lookout Cliff Top Track: Duration: 4 hrs 15 mins. 4.5 km ENE of Blackheath. Length: 6.6 km. Blue Mountains National Park. Climb: 619 m. The Cliff Top Track is one of the longer walks near Blackheath, and has constant views. The track follows the rim of the Grose Valley, with a side trip to Boyds Beach, and passes numerous lookouts with views of the Grose Valley and it's waterfalls. This walk is an excellent one way trip from Pulpit Rock to Evan's Lookout car park.

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Braeside Walks: Duration: 4 hrs 30 mins. 3.3 km ESE of Blackheath. Length: 9.3 km. Blue Mountains National Park. Climb: 603 m. The Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Braeside tracks are an excellent way to see the great diversity of the Blue Mountains National Park in the Blackheath area, from the Neates Glen rain forest, through the void of the Grand Canyon, to the separation of plateau and valley by the Cliff Top walk. The walk then finishes with a creek-side stroll along the Braeside Track. It truly is a wonderful walk.


Grand Canyon Track: Duration: 2-4 hour circuit. Distance: 5.4km. Climb: 425m. Grade: Hard. The track will take you down carved steps, past waterfalls (even under one), over bubbling creeks and through a variety of stunning natural terrain, including a small but dark open-ended cave. This magnificent walk is suitable for walkers with good fitness levels, and due to the steep descent and ascent, it is not recommended if you experience knee problems. The entire route is well signed and can be enjoyed without specialist equipment. You will not require a map or compass but be sure to wear appropriate clothing and good walking shoes, and take plenty of water. The track begins at the Grand Canyon Loop car park at the very end of Evans Lookout Road, Blackheath.

Grand Canyon walk

Grand Canyon, Cliff Top and Pope's Glen Track: Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins. 0.2 km NNW of Blackheath. Length: 15.6 km. Blue Mountains National Park Climb: 913 m. This walk is a fantastic way to see many of the highlights of this part of the Blue Mountains National Park. The only major descent and climb on the walk is on the section through the Grand Canyon, which is an experience in itself, especially if you've never been in a canyon before. The track then continues along the cliff tops with excellent views over the Grose Valley and surrounding cliffs. The vegetation change along these sections is interesting, with areas of drier and wetter foliage dispersed along the track.

Blackheath to Blue Gum loop: Duration: 2 Days. 0.2 km NNW of Blackheath. Length: 24.1 km. Blue Mountains National Park. Climb: 1335 m. This walk is great for fit people getting into overnight walking, with its fantastic scenery and nostalgia as a classic overnighter. The change from being on the plateau, to in the valley is a dramatic one as the track passes through the bush, canyon and rainforest. Staying the night near Blue Gum Forest in Acacia Flats also adds to the experience. With the public transport options, access to this walk is made easier.

Perrys Lookdown

Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest: Duration: 4 hrs. 7 km NE of Blackheath. Length: 4.3 km. Blue Mountains National Park. Climb: 656 m. The wonderful walk from Perrys Lookdown into the Blue Gum Forest follows a clear an steep track into one of the region's bushwalking and conservation icons. Allow plenty of Duration to explore the majestic Blue Gum Forest, looking up the tall trees and enjoying the birds flying through the area. The track is steep and the valley tempts visitors to stay and enjoy for a long Duration. If you want to stay overnight, Acacia Flats campsite is only 500m from the forest. To return to the car park, retrace your steps up the hill.

Govetts Leap

Govetts Leap Loop: Duration: 4 hrs 30 mins. 0.2 km NNW of Blackheath. Length: 8.7 km. Blue Mountains National Park. Climb: 380 m. This walk, from Blackheath Train Station, is a fantastic way to see some of the iconic areas of the Blue Mountains in the Blackheath area. The walk heads through Pope's Glen to Govetts Leap via a wonderful stroll along the creek, before breaking out to the views of the Grose Valley. The stunning views over the valley, waterfalls and bush make this a great walk with public transport access.