Fort Rock is a striking sandstone formation perched above the Centennial Glen valley in the Blue Mountains National Park. Its shape is distinct—reminiscent of a rook from a chessboard—and it rises from the scrub as a solitary landmark. While relatively modest in height compared to the cliffs that surround it, the rock offers a memorable reward for the short but engaging walk. From the summit, you’ll find expansive views across the Megalong and Kanimbla valleys, with the escarpment stretching away in both directions and the changing light painting subtle colours on the landscape. It’s a quiet place to pause, take in the scale of the valley below, and get a feel for the terrain that characterises this part of the mountains.
The walk to Fort Rock covers 1.6 kilometres return and is graded as moderate (grade 3). It usually takes around 45 minutes to complete at a steady pace, though you may want extra time to soak in the views. Beginning at the corner of Bundarra Street and Eveleigh Avenue in Blackheath, the track descends gently with houses on one side and native bushland on the other. Soon you’ll pass a telegraph pole and intersecting track below Gordon Avenue—continue straight from here, following the path downhill with the valley to your left.
A well-formed boardwalk section makes the descent easier, eventually leading into low heath vegetation that thickens as you approach Centennial Glen Creek. After crossing the creek near a small rock cliff and a cluster of worn seats, the path veers to the right and begins to skirt the base of the cliffs. Painted arrows on a rocky surface mark the way forward, pointing to both ‘Porters Pass’ and ‘Fortress Rock’.
At this point, follow the arrow to the right, heading towards Fort Rock. The track becomes narrower as it weaves through dense heath and climbs gently via a few carved steps. After about 50 metres, the vegetation opens up, revealing the solid form of Fort Rock ahead. The summit is easy to access, and once you're up there, you'll find yourself rewarded with sweeping views across the valleys. For those keen to explore a little further, a short detour west of the rock towards the cliff edge reveals even broader perspectives, including the cliffs above Porters Pass.
This walk is perfect for anyone seeking a shorter outing with a great payoff, or as a taster before tackling longer tracks in the area. It’s also a chance to experience the dramatic scenery and sandstone formations that make this region so special, all within easy reach of Blackheath.
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Total distance: 1477 m
Max elevation: 1037 m
Min elevation: 1000 m
Total climbing: 82 m
Total descent: -82 m
Getting to the trailhead: Blue Mountains National Park.
The walk starts from either the end of Bundarra Street in Blackheath or the nearby Centennial Glen car park.
Closest towns to this walk: Blackheath, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lawson, Leura, Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Woodford
Blackheath, perched on the edge of the Grose Valley in Blue Mountains National Park, offers a stunning mix of lookouts, walking trails, and quiet bushland escapes. It’s a favourite for walkers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with sweeping valley views, towering cliffs, and a strong sense of wilderness just minutes from town. Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout are two of the most popular vantage points, each offering expansive views across the sandstone cliffs and deep gorges of the Grose. From Govetts Leap, Bridal Veil Falls drops 180 metres in a single, elegant plunge—an impressive sight in full flow.
For those keen to stretch their legs, the Cliff Top walking track links the two lookouts, winding through eucalypt forest and heath with near-constant views. A little further afield, Pulpit Rock offers one of the area’s most dramatic viewpoints, perched high above the valley. Walkers looking for more of a challenge can follow the steep descent from Govetts Leap into the valley below, passing waterfalls and hanging swamps on the way to the Blue Gum Forest, where ancient eucalypts tower overhead in a place deeply rooted in conservation history.
The area is well equipped for longer visits too. Perrys Lookdown campground is a great base for exploring deeper into the Grose Wilderness, especially for those heading to the remote Acacia Flat campground. For a gentler option, the Fairfax Heritage Track near the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre offers an accessible walk with vibrant wildflowers in spring. Mountain bikers can hit the Burramoko Ridge Trail, and the Grand Canyon Walk offers a lush, fern-filled experience through a deep sandstone gorge—no technical gear required.
Whether you’re here for a picnic with a view, a full-day hike, or an overnight wilderness adventure, Blackheath delivers a memorable experience shaped by rugged beauty and a real sense of scale.
Looking for more walks in or near Blue Mountains National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
/Porters-Pass-Hike%20(34).jpg "Fort Rock Walk (1.6km)")
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/Porters-Pass-Hike%20(37).jpg "Fort Rock Walk (1.6km)")
/Porters-Pass-Hike%20(35).jpg "Fort Rock Walk (1.6km)")
